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Gobō Katsuo Shima Lighthouse

Fl White 4s🇯🇵Gobo, JPOperational

Location & Light Range

About Gobō Katsuo Shima Lighthouse

Also known as: Gobō Katsuo Shima (Katuoshima)

Constructed from concrete in 1972, this cylindrical white lighthouse stands 15 meters tall. Its light is positioned 18 meters above sea level, offering a geographic range of 12.7 nautical miles. The Gobō Katsuo Shima lighthouse emits a single white flash every four seconds. It is situated on a small island located about 4 kilometers south of Gobō city in Wakayama Prefecture. The nearest port, Hidaka, is only 0.5 kilometers away.

Why it matters: This lighthouse is important for local shipping, particularly for vessels approaching or departing the port of Gobō, as it clearly marks the small island south of the city.

Light & Optic

Characteristic Signature
Fl White 4s
Flash Type
Flashing
Light Color
White
Interval
4s
Raw Code
Fl W 4s
Focal Height
18m
Geographic Range
12.7NM

Construction & History

Year Built
1972

References & Identifiers

Nearest Port
Hidaka(0.5 km)
Admiralty No.
M5974
NGA No.
M5974
ARLHS No.
JPN-1940

Tower & Structure

Tower Height
15m
Tower Shape
cylindrical
Tower Color
white
Material
concrete

Structure: round white concrete tower

Location

City
Gobo
Country
🇯🇵Japan
Region
Wakayama Prefecture
Sea Region
Located on a small island about 4 km (2.5 mi) south of Gobō.
Latitude
33.8561°
Longitude
135.1468°

Nearby Vessels

Flag
Type
Name
Dist.
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Frequently Asked Questions

How do mariners identify Gobō Katsuo Shima Lighthouse at night?+
Gobō Katsuo Shima 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 Gobō Katsuo Shima Lighthouse guide vessels into?+
Gobō Katsuo Shima Lighthouse assists vessels approaching 5 nearby ports. The closest is Hidaka at 1 NM to the NNE. Other ports served include Gobo Wakayama (1.6 NM N), Inami (4.4 NM SE), Ubuyu (4.6 NM NW), Yura, Yamaguchi (6.1 NM NNW). Mariners should consult the relevant chart for full approach and pilotage information.
Is Gobō Katsuo Shima Lighthouse still active and maintained?+
Yes, Gobō Katsuo Shima 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 Gobō Katsuo Shima Lighthouse?+
Gobō Katsuo Shima 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 Gobō Katsuo Shima Lighthouse?+
You can track vessels near Gobō Katsuo Shima 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.