Get the MarineRadar appSatellite AISSatellite live trackingTrack any shipLive alerts112,000+ ships trackedDownload free

Gunchu Kō Lighthouse

Fl Red 7s🇯🇵Iyo, JPOperational

Location & Light Range

About Gunchu Kō Lighthouse

Also known as: Guntyu

The Gunchu Kō lighthouse is a square tapered stone tower measuring 7.5 meters high, topped with a traditional box lantern. Its focal height is 13 meters above sea level. Constructed from unpainted stone, the structure is designed to be durable against coastal conditions. It emits a single red flash every 7 seconds, visible for 11.3 nautical miles. The lighthouse is located 1.2 kilometers from the nearest port of Iyo, within the Gunchu Kō sea region. The site is open to the public, but the tower itself is closed.

Why it matters: This lighthouse was essential for the safe navigation of vessels entering and leaving the port of Gunchu Kō, preventing groundings in the approaches. Its unique architectural features, combining a stone tower with a traditional box lantern, create a distinctive visual landmark.

Light & Optic

Characteristic Signature
Fl Red 7s
Flash Type
Flashing
Light Color
Red
Interval
7s
Raw Code
Fl R 7s
Focal Height
13m
Geographic Range
11.3NM

Location

City
Iyo
Country
🇯🇵Japan
Region
Ehime Prefecture
Sea Region
Gunchu (Guntyu) Kō, Japan, guiding vessels into the port.
Latitude
33.7566°
Longitude
132.6960°

References & Identifiers

Nearest Port
Iyo(1.2 km)
Admiralty No.
M5431
NGA No.
9264

Tower & Structure

Tower Height
7.5m
Tower Shape
square
Tower Color
stone tower with a traditional box lantern
Material
stone

Structure: square tapered unpainted stone tower with a traditional box lantern

Visiting

Open to public
Site open, tower closed

Nearby Vessels

Flag
Type
Name
Dist.
Live tracking · 50,000+ mariners

Find Gunchu Kō Lighthouse on the live nautical map

Plan voyages near Japan, see nearby vessels in real time, and explore 14,900+ navigation aids in the app.

Nautical mapNearby vesselsVoyage planning
Get the App

Frequently Asked Questions

How do mariners identify Gunchu Kō Lighthouse at night?+
Gunchu Kō displays the characteristic Fl Red 7s. 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 red color may indicate a specific sector or warning zone.
Which ports and harbors does Gunchu Kō Lighthouse guide vessels into?+
Gunchu Kō Lighthouse assists vessels approaching 5 nearby ports. The closest is Masaki at 5.6 NM to the N. Other ports served include Mitsuhama (5.6 NM N), Matsuyama (7.3 NM N), Hojo (14 NM NNE), Ihota (17.3 NM NW). Mariners should consult the relevant chart for full approach and pilotage information.
Is Gunchu Kō Lighthouse still active and maintained?+
Yes, Gunchu 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 Gunchu Kō Lighthouse?+
Gunchu 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 Gunchu Kō Lighthouse?+
You can track vessels near Gunchu 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.