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Chibu Kō Lighthouse

Fl Red 9s🇯🇵Chibu, JPOperational

Also known as: Tibu

Chibu Kō, also referred to as Tibu Kō, is a red concrete tripod lighthouse located in the Shimane Prefecture of Japan. It stands 10 meters tall with a focal height of 10 meters above sea level. The light emits a red flash every 9 seconds and has a geographic range of 10.4 nautical miles. The lighthouse is situated within Chibu Port, guiding vessels to the harbor entrance. While the site is open to the public, access to the tower itself is restricted. The nearest port, Kurii, is 1.3 kilometers away.

Why it matters: Chibu Kō is essential for vessels entering and departing Chibu Port, a local center for fishing and potentially small cargo operations. Its distinctive red flash aids mariners in identifying the harbor entrance, particularly during conditions of reduced visibility.

Characteristic Signature
Fl Red 9s
Flash Type
Flashing
Light Color
Red
Interval
9s
Raw Code
Fl R 9s
Focal Height
10m
Geographic Range
10.4NM
City
Chibu
Country
🇯🇵Japan
Region
Shimane Prefecture
Sea Region
Chibu Port (Tibu Port) in Japan
Latitude
36.0063°
Longitude
133.0473°
Nearest Port
Kurii(1.3 km)
Admiralty No.
M7323.2
NGA No.
2096
Tower Shape
tripod
Tower Color
red
Material
concrete

Structure: Chibu Kō, also known as Tibu Kō, is a vital navigational aid situated along the Japanese coast, guiding vessels into its namesake port. While specific details about its construction or early history are not provided, its enduring presence underscores its long-standing role in ensuring safe passage for mariners. The surrounding landscape likely features the rugged beauty typical of Japan's coastal regions, perhaps with fishing villages or small towns dotting the shoreline, all relying on the safe passage facilitated by this light. Today, Chibu Kō remains an active lighthouse, continuing its essential function for local mariners navigating these waters. Visitors are welcome to explore the site, offering a chance to appreciate its coastal setting and the maritime activity it oversees, though access to the tower itself is currently restricted. It stands as a quiet guardian, ensuring the smooth flow of maritime traffic in and out of the harbor.

Open to public
Site open, tower closed
Flag
Type
Name
Dist.
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How do mariners identify Chibu Kō Lighthouse at night?+
Chibu Kō displays the characteristic Fl Red 9s. 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 Chibu Kō Lighthouse guide vessels into?+
Chibu Kō Lighthouse assists vessels approaching 5 nearby ports. The closest is Kurii at 1.2 NM to the NNW. Other ports served include Hashi (4.4 NM NNW), Minami (4.6 NM NE), Chichii (5.4 NM NE), Urago (5.7 NM NNW). Mariners should consult the relevant chart for full approach and pilotage information.
Is Chibu Kō Lighthouse still active and maintained?+
Yes, Chibu 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 Chibu Kō Lighthouse?+
Chibu 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 Chibu Kō Lighthouse?+
You can track vessels near Chibu 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.