The Jōgashima Lighthouse was completed on September 8, 1870 after the Meiji Restoration, and was originally built of brick. The original structure was destroyed during the Great Kantō earthquake on September 1, 1923 and was replaced with the current reinforced-concrete round structure on August 1, 1925. In 1928, its light source was changed from acetylene to electric, greatly increasing its visibility. The lighthouse has been unmanned since 1991. It is currently maintained by the Japan Coast Guard.