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Chikugo Lighthouse

Fl (3) Red 8s🇯🇵Omuta, JPOperational

Location & Light Range

About Chikugo Lighthouse

Also known as: Chikugo (Tikugo)

The Chikugo Lighthouse, established in 1936, is a cylindrical concrete tower painted red. It stands 14 meters tall, with the light positioned 16 meters above sea level. The structure is mounted on a square platform supported by piles, situated on a shoal approximately 4 kilometers southwest of Yanagawa harbor. The lighthouse emits a red light with a characteristic of one flash every 8 seconds. Its geographic range extends to 12.2 nautical miles, providing essential visibility for vessels in the area. The site is accessible to the public, though the tower itself is closed.

Why it matters: This lighthouse is important for marking a shoal southwest of Yanagawa harbor, aiding safe navigation into and out of the port.

Light & Optic

Characteristic Signature
Fl (3) Red 8s
Flash Type
Flashing
Light Color
Red
Flash Count
3 flashes
Interval
8s
Raw Code
Fl R 8s
Focal Height
16m
Geographic Range
12.2NM

Construction & History

First Lit
1936

Significant events: station established 1936

Visiting

Open to public
Site open, tower closed

Nearby Vessels

Flag
Type
Name
Dist.

Tower & Structure

Tower Height
14m
Tower Shape
cylindrical
Tower Color
red
Material
concrete

Structure: round concrete tower attached to a small equipment shelter and mounted on a square platform supported by piles

Location

City
Omuta
Country
🇯🇵Japan
Region
Fukuoka Prefecture
Sea Region
Located on a shoal about 4 km southwest of Yanagawa harbor.
Latitude
33.0045°
Longitude
130.3921°

References & Identifiers

Nearest Port
Miike, Fukuoka(0.1 km)
Admiralty No.
M5175.8
NGA No.
11704
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Frequently Asked Questions

How do mariners identify Chikugo Lighthouse at night?+
Chikugo displays the characteristic Fl (3) Red 8s — 3 red flashes every 8 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 Chikugo Lighthouse guide vessels into?+
Chikugo Lighthouse assists vessels approaching 5 nearby ports. The closest is Miike, Fukuoka at 0.9 NM to the ENE. Other ports served include Nagasu, Kumamoto (5.5 NM SSE), Taira (9.1 NM SSW), Konagai (11 NM WSW), Shimabara (11.8 NM S). Mariners should consult the relevant chart for full approach and pilotage information.
Is Chikugo Lighthouse still active and maintained?+
Yes, Chikugo 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 Chikugo Lighthouse?+
Chikugo 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 Chikugo Lighthouse?+
You can track vessels near Chikugo 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.