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Gokasho O Shima Lighthouse

Fl (3) White 12s🇯🇵Minamiise, JPOperational

Location & Light Range

About Gokasho O Shima Lighthouse

This white, cylindrical concrete tower stands 10 meters tall and is located on a rocky island marking the west side of lower Gokasho Bay in Minamiise, Japan. The lighthouse's focal height is 15 meters, and it emits a white light with a single flash every 12 seconds. Its geographic range extends to 11.9 nautical miles. The structure is described as a round, hourglass-shaped concrete tower. While the site is open to visitors, the tower itself is closed to the public. The nearest port is Gokasho, situated 2.7 kilometers away.

Why it matters: The lighthouse warns mariners about the rocky island it marks, aiding navigation within lower Gokasho Bay and helping to prevent groundings.

Light & Optic

Characteristic Signature
Fl (3) White 12s
Flash Type
Flashing
Light Color
White
Flash Count
3 flashes
Interval
12s
Raw Code
Fl W 12s
Focal Height
15m
Geographic Range
11.9NM

Location

City
Minamiise
Country
🇯🇵Japan
Region
Mie Prefecture
Sea Region
lower Gokasho Bay, marking a rocky island on its west side.
Latitude
34.3060°
Longitude
136.6723°

References & Identifiers

Nearest Port
Gokasho(2.7 km)
ARLHS No.
JPN-1805

Tower & Structure

Tower Height
10m
Tower Shape
cylindrical
Tower Color
white
Material
concrete

Structure: round hourglass-shaped concrete tower

Visiting

Open to public
Site open, tower closed

Nearby Vessels

Flag
Type
Name
Dist.
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Frequently Asked Questions

How do mariners identify Gokasho O Shima Lighthouse at night?+
Gokasho O Shima displays the characteristic Fl (3) White 12s — 3 white flashes every 12 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 white color may indicate a specific sector or warning zone.
Which ports and harbors does Gokasho O Shima Lighthouse guide vessels into?+
Gokasho O Shima Lighthouse assists vessels approaching 5 nearby ports. The closest is Gokasho at 2.7 NM to the NNE. Other ports served include Hamajima (4.2 NM E), Yoshizu (8.4 NM WSW), Matoya (11.6 NM ENE), Toba (13.7 NM NE). Mariners should consult the relevant chart for full approach and pilotage information.
Is Gokasho O Shima Lighthouse still active and maintained?+
Yes, Gokasho O 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 Gokasho O Shima Lighthouse?+
Gokasho O 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 Gokasho O Shima Lighthouse?+
You can track vessels near Gokasho O 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.