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Akaiso Iwa Lighthouse

Fl Red 3s🇯🇵Rikuzen-Takata, JPOperational

Akaiso Iwa is located on a reef 300 meters from the shore of Hirota harbor, within Hirota Bay. The structure is a 10-meter red concrete post that stands on a square, one-story equipment room. It shows a red light that flashes once every three seconds (Fl R 3s). The light source is 11 meters above sea level, and the light is visible for 10.7 nautical miles. The location is accessible to the public, though access to the tower is restricted. Kesennuma is the nearest port, 5.5 kilometers distant.

Why it matters: Akaiso Iwa serves as a navigation aid, warning vessels of a submerged reef and marking the entrance to Hirota harbor.

Characteristic Signature
Fl Red 3s
Flash Type
Flashing
Light Color
Red
Interval
3s
Raw Code
Fl R 3s
Focal Height
11m
Geographic Range
10.7NM
City
Rikuzen-Takata
Country
🇯🇵Japan
Region
Iwate Prefecture
Sea Region
on a reef about 300 meters off Hirota harbor in Hirota Bay.
Latitude
38.9516°
Longitude
141.6847°
Nearest Port
Kesennuma(5.5 km)
Admiralty No.
M6578
NGA No.
4224
Tower Height
10m
Tower Shape
cylindrical
Tower Color
red
Material
concrete

Structure: A 10-meter red concrete post rising from a square 1-story equipment room.

Open to public
Site open, tower closed
Flag
Type
Name
Dist.
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How do mariners identify Akaiso Iwa Lighthouse at night?+
Akaiso Iwa displays the characteristic Fl Red 3s. Each lighthouse has a unique flash pattern published in the List of Lights, allowing mariners to positively identify it and distinguish it from other navigation aids in the area. The red color may indicate a specific sector or warning zone.
Which ports and harbors does Akaiso Iwa Lighthouse guide vessels into?+
Akaiso Iwa Lighthouse assists vessels approaching 5 nearby ports. The closest is Hirota, Iwate at 2.1 NM to the NW. Other ports served include Kesennuma (5.5 NM SW), Nojiri (6.3 NM NNE), En (6.5 NM SW), Nakayama (6.5 NM SW). Mariners should consult the relevant chart for full approach and pilotage information.
Is Akaiso Iwa Lighthouse still active and maintained?+
Yes, Akaiso Iwa Lighthouse is currently operational. It is actively maintained and continues to emit its characteristic light signal for marine navigation. Most modern lighthouses are automated and monitored remotely by the national maritime authority.
What shipping routes pass near Akaiso Iwa Lighthouse?+
Akaiso Iwa Lighthouse is located within the Japan / Korea shipping lane — a busy shipping corridor linking the major ports of Japan and South Korea. This makes it an important navigation reference for commercial shipping traffic in the region.
How can I track vessels near Akaiso Iwa Lighthouse?+
You can track vessels near Akaiso Iwa Lighthouse in real time using MarineRadar. The platform shows live AIS positions of ships in the area, including vessel name, type, flag, speed, and course. Use the "Track Vessels Nearby" button on this page to open the live map centered on this lighthouse.