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Funatsu Kō Lighthouse

Fl White 3s🇯🇵Amakusa, JPOperational

Location & Light Range

About Funatsu Kō Lighthouse

Also known as: Funatsu Kō (Miyana Kawachi)

This red, cylindrical concrete lighthouse was built in 1980 and first lit in the same year. Standing 9.5 meters tall with a focal height of 11 meters, it is situated at the end of the north breakwater of Funatsu harbor. The structure features a round concrete tower with a gallery. Its white light flashes once every 3 seconds, providing a geographic range of 10.7 nautical miles. The site is open to the public, but the tower itself is closed.

Why it matters: The lighthouse is essential for guiding local fishing and commercial vessels into Funatsu harbor, marking the breakwater and ensuring safe passage, particularly during night-time operations.

Light & Optic

Characteristic Signature
Fl White 3s
Flash Type
Flashing
Light Color
White
Interval
3s
Raw Code
Fl W 3s
Focal Height
11m
Geographic Range
10.7NM

Construction & History

Year Built
1980

Visiting

Open to public
Site open, tower closed

Nearby Vessels

Flag
Type
Name
Dist.

Tower & Structure

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

Structure: round white concrete tower with gallery

Location

City
Amakusa
Country
🇯🇵Japan
Region
Kumamoto Prefecture
Sea Region
Located at the end of the north breakwater of Funatsu harbor, in the town of Kawaura in eastern Shimo Shima, Japan.
Latitude
32.3050°
Longitude
130.1401°

References & Identifiers

Nearest Port
Shirose(4.0 km)
Admiralty No.
M5129.25
NGA No.
11380
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Frequently Asked Questions

How do mariners identify Funatsu Kō Lighthouse at night?+
Funatsu Kō displays the characteristic Fl White 3s. 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 Funatsu Kō Lighthouse guide vessels into?+
Funatsu Kō Lighthouse assists vessels approaching 5 nearby ports. The closest is Kamihira at 1.2 NM to the SSW. Other ports served include Kuzu (3.7 NM SE), Fukami (3.8 NM SW), Katasoba (4.2 NM ESE), Sakitsu (5.8 NM W). Mariners should consult the relevant chart for full approach and pilotage information.
Is Funatsu Kō Lighthouse still active and maintained?+
Yes, Funatsu 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 Funatsu Kō Lighthouse?+
Funatsu 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 Funatsu Kō Lighthouse?+
You can track vessels near Funatsu 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.