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Gannoshiri Lighthouse

Fl White 4s🇯🇵Amakusa, JPOperational

Location & Light Range

About Gannoshiri Lighthouse

Also known as: Gannoshiri (Ganno Shiri, Gannosiri, Nosaba Saki)

Gannoshiri Lighthouse, a cylindrical concrete tower built in 1968, stands 11 meters tall. Its focal height reaches 46 meters above sea level. The tower is painted with red and white horizontal bands using tiles, a distinct color scheme for the region. It is situated on Nosaba Saki, the southwestern tip of Goshoura Shima, marking a sharp turn in Yatsushiro Bay's main ship channel. The light emits a white flash every 4 seconds, visible for 18.1 nautical miles. This lighthouse has been operational since its construction, serving as a navigational aid.

Why it matters: The lighthouse's location is critical for guiding vessels through a sharp turn in the main shipping channel of Yatsushiro Bay. Its unique tiled pattern provides a readily identifiable landmark for navigators.

Light & Optic

Characteristic Signature
Fl White 4s
Flash Type
Flashing
Light Color
White
Interval
4s
Raw Code
Fl W 4s
Focal Height
46m
Light Range
7NM (13.0 km)
Geographic Range
18.1NM

Construction & History

Year Built
1968

References & Identifiers

Nearest Port
Karakizaki(2.1 km)
Admiralty No.
M5137.5
NGA No.
11244
ARLHS No.
JPN-067

Tower & Structure

Tower Height
11m
Tower Shape
cylindrical
Tower Color
red and white horizontal bands
Material
concrete

Structure: round concrete tower, covered with tiles colored in red and white horizontal bands

Location

City
Amakusa
Country
🇯🇵Japan
Region
Kumamoto Prefecture
Sea Region
Yatsushiro Bay, marking a sharp turn in the main ship channel, located on Nosaba Saki, the southwestern tip of Goshoura Shima.
Latitude
32.3046°
Longitude
130.3009°

Nearby Vessels

Flag
Type
Name
Dist.
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Frequently Asked Questions

How far offshore can Gannoshiri Lighthouse be seen?+
With a focal height of 46 meters and a nominal range of 7 nautical miles (approximately 13.0 km), Gannoshiri 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 Gannoshiri Lighthouse at night?+
Gannoshiri displays the characteristic Fl White 4s. 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 Gannoshiri Lighthouse guide vessels into?+
Gannoshiri Lighthouse assists vessels approaching 5 nearby ports. The closest is Katasoba at 4.6 NM to the WSW. Other ports served include Amatsuke (6.1 NM NW), Tanasoko (6.4 NM NNE), Kuzu (6.5 NM WSW), Komenotsu (7.5 NM SSE). Mariners should consult the relevant chart for full approach and pilotage information.
Is Gannoshiri Lighthouse still active and maintained?+
Yes, Gannoshiri 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 Gannoshiri Lighthouse?+
Gannoshiri 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 Gannoshiri Lighthouse?+
You can track vessels near Gannoshiri 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.