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

Ōdomari Kō Lighthouse

FFl Red 5s🇯🇵Minamiosumi, JPOperational

Also known as: Ōtomari

Established in 1963, the Ōdomari (Ōtomari) Kō lighthouse is a square metal tower painted white and red, standing 16 meters tall. It emits a single red flash every 5 seconds, visible for 12.2 nautical miles. The lighthouse marks the entrance to Ōdomari Port in Kagoshima Prefecture, Japan. Its site is open to the public, though the tower itself is closed to visitors. The nearest port, Yamagawa, is 11.4 kilometers away.

Why it matters: The lighthouse guides vessels safely into Ōdomari Port, a significant location for local fishing fleets and commercial traffic.

Characteristic Signature
FFl Red 5s
Flash Type
Fixed and Flashing
Light Color
Red
Interval
5s
Raw Code
FFl R 5s
Focal Height
16m
Light Range
7NM (13.0 km)
Geographic Range
12.2NM
Year Built
1963
Open to public
Site open, tower closed
Flag
Type
Name
Dist.
Tower Shape
square
Tower Color
white and red
Material
metal

Structure: The Ōdomari (Ōtomari) Kō lighthouse, established in 1963, marks the entrance to Ōdomari Port in Japan. This active navigational aid guides vessels safely through the often-busy waters of the harbor, a crucial function for the local maritime community. Situated amidst the active environment of the port, its light cuts through the night, providing a reliable reference point for incoming and outgoing ships. Since its inception, the lighthouse has consistently served its purpose, adapting to the evolving needs of modern shipping while maintaining its essential role. While specific details of its original design or the challenges faced during its construction in the early 1960s are not widely documented, its enduring presence speaks to its practical importance. Today, the site around the lighthouse is open to the public, offering a chance to observe the bustling port life and appreciate the lighthouse's quiet dedication. Although the tower itself is not accessible for climbing, its steadfast light continues to illuminate the path for all who navigate these coastal waters.

City
Minamiosumi
Country
🇯🇵Japan
Region
Kagoshima Prefecture
Sea Region
Ōdomari (Ōtomari) Port, Japan
Latitude
31.0236°
Longitude
130.6871°
Nearest Port
Yamagawa(11.4 km)
Admiralty No.
M4837
NGA No.
10908
Live tracking · 50,000+ mariners

Find Ōdomari 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
How far offshore can Ōdomari Kō Lighthouse be seen?+
With a focal height of 16 meters and a nominal range of 7 nautical miles (approximately 13.0 km), Ōdomari Kō is visible from well offshore under standard atmospheric conditions. Actual visibility depends on observer height, weather, and sea state. As a shorter-range light, it primarily serves nearshore and coastal traffic.
How do mariners identify Ōdomari Kō Lighthouse at night?+
Ōdomari Kō displays the characteristic FFl Red 5s. 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 Ōdomari Kō Lighthouse guide vessels into?+
Ōdomari Kō Lighthouse assists vessels approaching 5 nearby ports. The closest is Amaji at 4.1 NM to the ENE. Other ports served include Hamajiri (4.1 NM ENE), Yamagawa (11.4 NM NNW), Nejime (12.2 NM NNE), Ibusuki (13.3 NM N). Mariners should consult the relevant chart for full approach and pilotage information.
Is Ōdomari Kō Lighthouse still active and maintained?+
Yes, Ōdomari 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 Ōdomari Kō Lighthouse?+
Ōdomari 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 Ōdomari Kō Lighthouse?+
You can track vessels near Ōdomari 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.