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Awa Shima Lighthouse

Fl (2) White 7s🇯🇵Awashimaura, JPOperational

Location & Light Range

About Awa Shima Lighthouse

Also known as: Awa Shima (Izu Awashima)

This 8.5-meter cylindrical concrete lighthouse was built and first lit in 1976. It features horizontal red and white bands and rises from a square, single-story concrete equipment shelter. A gallery is present on the structure. The light emits a single white flash every seven seconds, with a geographic range of 10.4 nautical miles. Its focal height is 10 meters above sea level. The site is open to the public, though the tower itself is closed.

Why it matters: The lighthouse marks the northern extremity of Awashima island in the northeastern corner of Suruga Bay, aiding navigation for vessels approaching this landmass.

Light & Optic

Characteristic Signature
Fl (2) White 7s
Flash Type
Flashing
Light Color
White
Flash Count
2 flashes
Interval
7s
Raw Code
Fl W 7s
Focal Height
10m
Light Range
23NM (42.6 km)
Geographic Range
10.4NM

Construction & History

Year Built
1976

Visiting

Open to public
Site open, tower closed

Nearby Vessels

Flag
Type
Name
Dist.

Tower & Structure

Tower Height
8.5m
Tower Shape
cylindrical
Tower Color
Red and white bands
Material
concrete

Structure: An 8.5m cylindrical concrete post with a gallery, rising from a square 1-story concrete equipment shelter. It is painted with horizontal red and white bands.

Location

City
Awashimaura
Country
🇯🇵Japan
Region
Niigata Prefecture
Sea Region
Northeastern corner of Suruga Bay, on the northern tip of Awashima island, on the grounds of the Awashima Hotel.
Latitude
38.4535°
Longitude
139.2388°

References & Identifiers

Nearest Port
Nezugaseki(15.7 km)
Admiralty No.
M6267.6
NGA No.
5656
ARLHS No.
JPN032
Wikidata
Q126549237 →
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Frequently Asked Questions

How far offshore can Awa Shima Lighthouse be seen?+
With a focal height of 10 meters and a nominal range of 23 nautical miles (approximately 42.6 km), Awa Shima is visible from well offshore under standard atmospheric conditions. Actual visibility depends on observer height, weather, and sea state. Lights of this range are typically used as landfall lights by vessels approaching from the open sea.
How do mariners identify Awa Shima Lighthouse at night?+
Awa Shima displays the characteristic Fl (2) White 7s — 2 white flashes every 7 seconds. 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 Awa Shima Lighthouse guide vessels into?+
Awa Shima Lighthouse assists vessels approaching 5 nearby ports. The closest is Uchiura, Ishikawa at 1.2 NM to the NE. Other ports served include Nezugaseki (16 NM ENE), Iwafune (18.3 NM SSE), Atsumi (19.5 NM ENE), Kobato (23.6 NM NE). Mariners should consult the relevant chart for full approach and pilotage information.
Is Awa Shima Lighthouse still active and maintained?+
Yes, Awa 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 Awa Shima Lighthouse?+
Awa 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 Awa Shima Lighthouse?+
You can track vessels near Awa 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.