Get the MarineRadar appSatellite AISSatellite live trackingTrack any shipLive alerts112,000+ ships trackedDownload free

Biya Kō Lighthouse

Fl (2) Red 6s🇯🇵Setana, JPOperational

Location & Light Range

About Biya Kō Lighthouse

This 9.5-meter red cylindrical post, constructed of concrete, is attached to a single-story equipment shelter. It stands at the end of the south breakwater for Biya, a port located about 12 kilometers south of Cape Motta in Hokkaido Prefecture. The lighthouse emits a red flash every 6 seconds, offering a geographic range of 10.4 nautical miles. Its focal height reaches 10 meters above the water. Visitors can access the site, though the tower itself is closed to the public.

Why it matters: Biya Kō is essential for vessels entering and exiting the small port of Biya, clearly marking the end of the south breakwater and preventing collisions with the harbor infrastructure.

Light & Optic

Characteristic Signature
Fl (2) Red 6s
Flash Type
Flashing
Light Color
Red
Flash Count
2 flashes
Interval
6s
Raw Code
Fl R 6s
Focal Height
10m
Geographic Range
10.4NM

Location

City
Setana
Country
🇯🇵Japan
Region
Hokkaido Prefecture
Sea Region
Located at the end of the south breakwater at Biya, a small port about 12 km south of Cape Motta.
Latitude
42.5495°
Longitude
139.8357°

References & Identifiers

Nearest Port
Setana(6.0 km)
Admiralty No.
M7016
NGA No.
1116
USCG No.
JCG-0605

Tower & Structure

Tower Height
9.5m
Tower Shape
cylindrical
Tower Color
red
Material
concrete

Structure: A 9.5m red cylindrical post attached to a square 1-story concrete equipment shelter.

Visiting

Open to public
Site open, tower closed

Nearby Vessels

Flag
Type
Name
Dist.
Live tracking · 50,000+ mariners

Find Biya Kō Lighthouse on the live nautical map

Plan voyages near Japan, see nearby vessels in real time, and explore 14,900+ navigation aids in the app.

Nautical mapNearby vesselsVoyage planning
Get the App

Frequently Asked Questions

How do mariners identify Biya Kō Lighthouse at night?+
Biya Kō displays the characteristic Fl (2) Red 6s — 2 red flashes every 6 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 red color may indicate a specific sector or warning zone.
Which ports and harbors does Biya Kō Lighthouse guide vessels into?+
Biya Kō Lighthouse assists vessels approaching 5 nearby ports. The closest is Setana at 6.1 NM to the S. Other ports served include Suttsu (23.1 NM NE), Okushiri (26.3 NM SSW), Aonae (34 NM SSW), Motomachi (37.1 NM SSE). Mariners should consult the relevant chart for full approach and pilotage information.
Is Biya Kō Lighthouse still active and maintained?+
Yes, Biya 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.
How can I track vessels near Biya Kō Lighthouse?+
You can track vessels near Biya 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.