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Ōarai Kō South Breakwater Lighthouse

Fl Red 4s🇯🇵Oarai, JPOperational

Location & Light Range

About Ōarai Kō South Breakwater Lighthouse

Also known as: Ōarai Kō South Breakwater (?)

This red, cylindrical concrete tower, 11 meters in height, has its light at 13 meters above sea level. Established in 1984, the structure is round with a flared top, connected to a single-story concrete equipment facility. Located at the extremity of Ōarai harbor's outer breakwater, it displays a red flash each 4 seconds, with a visibility range of 11.3 nautical miles. This lighthouse marks the harbor's entry point, warning vessels away from the breakwater's underwater portions.

Why it matters: This lighthouse provides navigation aid for vessels entering and departing Ōarai harbor, indicating the end of the detached outer breakwater. Its red flashing light offers a distinct signal, helping ships avoid the breakwater's submerged section and ensuring safe passage into the harbor.

Light & Optic

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

Construction & History

First Lit
1984

Significant events: station established 1984

References & Identifiers

Nearest Port
Oarai(0.7 km)
Admiralty No.
M6494.2
NGA No.
4732

Tower & Structure

Tower Height
11m
Tower Shape
cylindrical
Tower Color
red
Material
concrete

Structure: round concrete tower, flared at the top, attached to a square 1-story concrete equipment room

Location

City
Oarai
Country
🇯🇵Japan
Region
Ibaraki Prefecture
Sea Region
Ōarai harbor, Japan, at the end of its detached outer breakwater
Latitude
36.2945°
Longitude
140.5852°

Nearby Vessels

Flag
Type
Name
Dist.
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Frequently Asked Questions

How do mariners identify Ōarai Kō South Breakwater Lighthouse at night?+
Ōarai Kō South Breakwater displays the characteristic Fl Red 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 red color may indicate a specific sector or warning zone.
Which ports and harbors does Ōarai Kō South Breakwater Lighthouse guide vessels into?+
Ōarai Kō South Breakwater Lighthouse assists vessels approaching 5 nearby ports. The closest is Oarai at 0.9 NM to the NNW. Other ports served include Nakaminato (2.7 NM NNE), Hitachinaka (7.9 NM NNE), Hitachi (11.9 NM N), Kawarago (12.6 NM N). Mariners should consult the relevant chart for full approach and pilotage information.
Is Ōarai Kō South Breakwater Lighthouse still active and maintained?+
Yes, Ōarai Kō South 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 Ōarai Kō South Breakwater Lighthouse?+
Ōarai Kō South 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 Ōarai Kō South Breakwater Lighthouse?+
You can track vessels near Ōarai Kō South 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.