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Azuchi Ō Shima Kō Lighthouse

Fl Red 3s🇯🇵Hirado, JPOperational

Location & Light Range

About Azuchi Ō Shima Kō Lighthouse

Also known as: #Azuchi Ō Shima Kō

This 8.5-meter cylindrical concrete tower, painted red, was attached to a square, single-story equipment shelter. It marked the end of Azuchi Ō Shima's outer breakwater, guiding ships into the harbor. In 2020, the breakwater was extended, and the original structure was replaced by a new light on a simple post. This newer light continues to signal the harbor entrance with its red flash. The geographic range of the former light was 11.3 nautical miles.

Why it matters: The light marks the extended outer breakwater, ensuring safe passage into and out of the harbor for local fishing vessels and commercial traffic.

Light & Optic

Characteristic Signature
Fl Red 3s
Flash Type
Flashing
Light Color
Red
Interval
3s
Raw Code
Fl R 3s
Focal Height
13m
Geographic Range
11.3NM

Construction & History

Significant events: Replaced in 2020, breakwater extended

References & Identifiers

Nearest Port
Hirado(6.3 km)
Admiralty No.
M5252
NGA No.
12072
ARLHS No.
JPN-2252

Tower & Structure

Tower Height
8.5m
Tower Shape
cylindrical
Tower Color
red
Material
concrete

Structure: An 8.5m cylindrical concrete post attached to a square 1-story concrete equipment shelter, painted red.

Location

City
Hirado
Country
🇯🇵Japan
Region
Nagasaki Prefecture
Sea Region
Harbor of Azuchi Ō Shima, Japan, marking the end of its outer breakwater.
Latitude
33.4740°
Longitude
129.5571°

Nearby Vessels

Flag
Type
Name
Dist.
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Frequently Asked Questions

How do mariners identify Azuchi Ō Shima Kō Lighthouse at night?+
Azuchi Ō Shima Kō 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 Azuchi Ō Shima Kō Lighthouse guide vessels into?+
Azuchi Ō Shima Kō Lighthouse assists vessels approaching 5 nearby ports. The closest is Hirado at 6.2 NM to the S. Other ports served include Tabira (6.8 NM S), Ikitsuki (8.3 NM SW), Kawachi, Nagasaki (9 NM SSW), Emukae (10 NM SSE). Mariners should consult the relevant chart for full approach and pilotage information.
Is Azuchi Ō Shima Kō Lighthouse still active and maintained?+
Yes, Azuchi Ō Shima Kō 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 Azuchi Ō Shima Kō Lighthouse?+
Azuchi Ō Shima Kō 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 Azuchi Ō Shima Kō Lighthouse?+
You can track vessels near Azuchi Ō Shima Kō 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.