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Ao Shima Lighthouse

Fl White 4s🇯🇵Miyazaki, JPOperational

Location & Light Range

About Ao Shima Lighthouse

Located on the eastern edge of Ao Shima island, 0.5 km from the shore, this lighthouse was constructed and first lit in 1969. The structure is a 12-meter tall, cylindrical concrete tower, painted white, with its lamp situated 13 meters above the water. It displays a white light with a characteristic of a single flash every four seconds, observable over a distance of 11.3 nautical miles. The tower has a tapered form and includes a double gallery. The nearest port is Aoshima.

Why it matters: This lighthouse serves as a navigation aid for vessels in the coastal area south of Miyazaki city, indicating the eastern point of Ao Shima island.

Light & Optic

Characteristic Signature
Fl White 4s
Flash Type
Flashing
Light Color
White
Interval
4s
Raw Code
Fl W 4s
Focal Height
13m
Geographic Range
11.3NM

Construction & History

Year Built
1969

References & Identifiers

Nearest Port
Aoshima(0.5 km)
ARLHS No.
JPN-151

Tower & Structure

Tower Height
12m
Tower Shape
cylindrical
Tower Color
white
Material
concrete

Structure: round tapered concrete tower with double gallery

Location

City
Miyazaki
Country
🇯🇵Japan
Region
Miyazaki Prefecture
Sea Region
Ao Shima is an island just off the coast about 12 km (7.5 mi) south of Miyazaki city. The island is connected to the mainland by a footbridge. Located on a rock ledge just off the eastern tip of the island; easily visible from shore.
Latitude
31.8064°
Longitude
131.4794°

Nearby Vessels

Flag
Type
Name
Dist.
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Frequently Asked Questions

How do mariners identify Ao Shima Lighthouse at night?+
Ao Shima displays the characteristic Fl White 4s. 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 white color may indicate a specific sector or warning zone.
Which ports and harbors does Ao Shima Lighthouse guide vessels into?+
Ao Shima Lighthouse assists vessels approaching 5 nearby ports. The closest is Aoshima at 0.6 NM to the SSW. Other ports served include Uchiumi (3 NM S), Miyazaki, Miyazaki (6.4 NM N), Aburatsu (14.3 NM SSW), Meitsu (16.5 NM SSW). Mariners should consult the relevant chart for full approach and pilotage information.
Is Ao Shima Lighthouse still active and maintained?+
Yes, Ao Shima 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 Shima Lighthouse?+
Ao Shima 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 Shima Lighthouse?+
You can track vessels near Ao Shima 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.