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Ao Kō North Breakwater Lighthouse

Iso Red 6s🇯🇵Hidaka, JPOperational

Location & Light Range

About Ao Kō North Breakwater Lighthouse

This 10-meter concrete post lighthouse was built in 1974 and is painted red. It stands on a 1-story concrete equipment room, also red, located on the detached outer breakwater of Ao harbor. The lighthouse marks the north side of the Hino Misaki peninsula, near Hidaka city. Its red light emits an isophase signal on a 6-second cycle, visible for 11.3 nautical miles. The site is open to visitors arriving by boat, but the tower itself remains closed to the public.

Why it matters: The lighthouse is essential for the safe navigation of vessels using Ao harbor by clearly marking the detached outer breakwater. Its light guides local fishing boats and cargo ships through the harbor entrance.

Light & Optic

Characteristic Signature
Iso Red 6s
Flash Type
Isophase
Light Color
Red
Interval
6s
Raw Code
Iso R 6s
Focal Height
13m
Geographic Range
11.3NM

Construction & History

Year Built
1974

Visiting

Open to public
Site open, tower closed

Nearby Vessels

Flag
Type
Name
Dist.

Tower & Structure

Tower Height
10m
Tower Shape
cylindrical
Tower Color
red
Material
concrete

Structure: A 10m concrete post attached to a square 1-story concrete equipment room, painted red.

Location

City
Hidaka
Country
🇯🇵Japan
Region
Wakayama Prefecture
Sea Region
Located on the detached outer breakwater of Ao harbor, on the north side of the Hino Misaki peninsula.
Latitude
33.9046°
Longitude
135.0798°

References & Identifiers

Nearest Port
Ubuyu(0.2 km)
Admiralty No.
M5969.6
NGA No.
6904
ARLHS No.
JPN-1932
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Frequently Asked Questions

How do mariners identify Ao Kō North Breakwater Lighthouse at night?+
Ao Kō North Breakwater displays the characteristic Iso Red 6s. 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 Ao Kō North Breakwater Lighthouse guide vessels into?+
Ao Kō North Breakwater Lighthouse assists vessels approaching 5 nearby ports. The closest is Ubuyu at 0.4 NM to the NNE. Other ports served include Yura, Yamaguchi (2.9 NM NNE), Yura, Wakayama (3.5 NM NNE), Gobo Wakayama (3.7 NM ESE), Hidaka (4.1 NM ESE). Mariners should consult the relevant chart for full approach and pilotage information.
Is Ao Kō North Breakwater Lighthouse still active and maintained?+
Yes, Ao Kō North Breakwater 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 Ao Kō North Breakwater Lighthouse?+
Ao Kō North Breakwater 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 Ao Kō North Breakwater Lighthouse?+
You can track vessels near Ao Kō North Breakwater 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.