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Gotsu Sho Lighthouse

Q White🇯🇵Amakusa, JPOperational

Location & Light Range

About Gotsu Sho Lighthouse

Also known as: Gotsu Sho (Goto Syo)

Gotsu Sho is a cylindrical concrete tower, standing 12 meters tall, with its light positioned 14 meters above sea level. It is painted in distinct black and yellow bands and features a double gallery. The lighthouse rests on a concrete pier and is situated on a shoal off the north coast of Shimo Shima, Japan. First illuminated in 1904, it emits a quick-flashing white light. The structure is approximately 1.9 kilometers by boat from the nearest port, Futae, and lies about 1.5 kilometers north of the Kogame Iwa Light.

Why it matters: Gotsu Sho warns vessels of the shoal it marks, a hazard off the north coast of Shimo Shima, assisting safe navigation in the area.

Light & Optic

Characteristic Signature
Q White
Flash Type
Quick
Light Color
White
Raw Code
Q W
Focal Height
14m
Geographic Range
11.6NM

Construction & History

First Lit
1904

References & Identifiers

Nearest Port
Futae(1.9 km)
Admiralty No.
M5148
NGA No.
11460
USCG No.
JCG-6363

Tower & Structure

Tower Height
12m
Tower Shape
cylindrical
Tower Color
black and yellow bands
Material
concrete

Structure: round concrete tower with double gallery, mounted on a concrete pier

Location

City
Amakusa
Country
🇯🇵Japan
Region
Kumamoto Prefecture
Sea Region
A shoal off the north coast of Shimo Shima, north of the Kogame Iwa Light.
Latitude
32.5741°
Longitude
130.1095°

Nearby Vessels

Flag
Type
Name
Dist.
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Frequently Asked Questions

How do mariners identify Gotsu Sho Lighthouse at night?+
Gotsu Sho displays the characteristic Q White. 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 Gotsu Sho Lighthouse guide vessels into?+
Gotsu Sho Lighthouse assists vessels approaching 5 nearby ports. The closest is Futae at 1.9 NM to the SSE. Other ports served include Oniike (4.3 NM ESE), Kuchinotsu (4.7 NM ENE), Tomioka, Kumamoto (4.9 NM SW), Tororo (7.3 NM SSW). Mariners should consult the relevant chart for full approach and pilotage information.
Is Gotsu Sho Lighthouse still active and maintained?+
Yes, Gotsu Sho 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 Gotsu Sho Lighthouse?+
Gotsu Sho 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 Gotsu Sho Lighthouse?+
You can track vessels near Gotsu Sho 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.