Miike Port (三池港) in Omuta City, Fukuoka Prefecture, was registered as a World Heritage site in 2015. Twice a year, a view appears here that can be seen only in January and November. For about one week, when the sun sets at 247 degrees clockwise from north (0 degrees), the setting sun sends a straight line of light from the tip of the long channel, which resembles a hummingbird's beak, through the center of the lock gate (閘門, kōmon). This sight is called Hikari no Koro (光の航路). Together with the factories in the surrounding area, the spot is popular as a photo spot.
The First Quay (第一岸壁) is open to the public during the following periods.
Event Overview
- First Quay opening period:
- Monday, November 16 to Sunday, November 22, 2026
- Wednesday, January 20 to Tuesday, January 26, 2027
- First Quay opening hours:
- November: 4:15 PM to 5:30 PM
- January: 4:45 PM to 6:00 PM
- Sunset time during the periods:
- November: around 5:15 PM
- January: around 5:45 PM
- Location: Miike Port Observation Deck (三池港展望所) and the First Quay (第一岸壁), 新港町, Omuta City, Fukuoka
- Parking: Miike Port Observation Deck parking area (available until 30 minutes after the First Quay opening hours end)
- Admission: Free
Notes
- Visitors coming by car must use the parking area.
- Parking on the surrounding roads is strictly prohibited.
- The event is canceled in rainy weather. Cancellation notices are posted on the Omuta City tourism site, Omuta Oneplate (おおむたOneplate).
