Phare d'Inubosaki

**Sunrise photography timing:** On winter solstice (late December), the sun rises around 6:40am directly over the ocean. The observation deck allows tripod setup — arrive 30 minutes early to claim the east-facing rail. The golden hour lasts 15 minutes before the sky washes out. **Tide pools at low tide:** The rocky coastline below the lighthouse reveals extensive tide pools at low tide (check local tidal charts). The pools contain sea anemones, crabs, and small fish — popular with marine biology enthusiasts. Wear water shoes; the rocks are sharp volcanic basalt. **Adjacent Inubo Shrine:** Directly beside the lighthouse, the small Inubo Shrine is dedicated to maritime safety. The shrine's ema (prayer plaques) are filled with wishes from fishermen and their families. The ginkgo tree behind the main hall is estimated at 400 years old. **Combine with:** The 6.4km line runs from Choshi to Tokawa along the coast — the train survives financially by selling 'name it after yourself' train passes and soy-sauce-flavored sembei at each station.