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Bōno Misaki Lighthouse

Fl (3) White 30s🇯🇵Minamisatsuma, JPOperational

Location & Light Range

About Bōno Misaki Lighthouse

Bōno Misaki Lighthouse was established in 1922, marking the southwesternmost point of Japan's Satsuma Peninsula. This operational lighthouse features a white, cylindrical concrete tower, 12 meters high, with a focal height of 84 meters. Its light emits a single white flash every 30 seconds, visible for over 23 nautical miles. The structure includes an octagonal cylindrical tower with a lantern and gallery, attached to a single-story keeper's cottage. The site is open to the public, though the tower itself is closed.

Why it matters: The lighthouse marks the extreme southwestern tip of the Satsuma Peninsula, separating Kagoshima Bay from the East China Sea, a significant geographical feature for coastal shipping.

Light & Optic

Characteristic Signature
Fl (3) White 30s
Flash Type
Flashing
Light Color
White
Flash Count
3 flashes
Interval
30s
Raw Code
Fl W 30s
Focal Height
84m
Geographic Range
23.1NM

Construction & History

Year Built
1922

Visiting

Open to public
Site open, tower closed

Nearby Vessels

Flag
Type
Name
Dist.

Tower & Structure

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

Structure: octagonal cylindrical concrete tower with lantern and gallery, attached to a 1-story concrete keeper's cottage

Location

City
Minamisatsuma
Country
🇯🇵Japan
Region
Kagoshima Prefecture
Sea Region
Marks the extreme southwestern tip of the Satsuma Peninsula, separating Kagoshima Bay on the east from the East China Sea on the west. Located about 7 km west of Makurazaki, at the end of a rugged promontory.
Latitude
31.2502°
Longitude
130.2168°

References & Identifiers

Nearest Port
Makurazaki(3.6 km)
ARLHS No.
JPN-047
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Frequently Asked Questions

How do mariners identify Bōno Misaki Lighthouse at night?+
Bōno Misaki displays the characteristic Fl (3) White 30s — 3 white flashes every 30 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 Bōno Misaki Lighthouse guide vessels into?+
Bōno Misaki Lighthouse assists vessels approaching 5 nearby ports. The closest is Makurazaki at 4 NM to the ENE. Other ports served include Taniyama (5.5 NM ENE), Hirasaki (5.7 NM N), Nishishioya (7.8 NM E), Higashishioya (8.6 NM E). Mariners should consult the relevant chart for full approach and pilotage information.
Is Bōno Misaki Lighthouse still active and maintained?+
Yes, Bōno Misaki 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 Bōno Misaki Lighthouse?+
Bōno Misaki 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 Bōno Misaki Lighthouse?+
You can track vessels near Bōno Misaki 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.