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Hanabuchi Lighthouse

Al (2) Red/Green 20s🇯🇵Shichigahama, JPOperational

Location & Light Range

About Hanabuchi Lighthouse

Also known as: Hanabuchi (Ho Saki)

Hanabuchi Lighthouse, a cylindrical concrete tower built in 1964, stands on a promontory about 8 kilometers east of Shiogama. Its white and black exterior is 23 meters high, with the light positioned 63 meters above sea level. The lighthouse emits alternating red and green flashes every 20 seconds, with a geographic range of 20.5 nautical miles. The structure consists of a round concrete tower with a lantern and gallery atop a single-story equipment building. It sustained damage during the March 2011 earthquake but was restored and returned to service by late 2011.

Why it matters: The lighthouse is important for vessels navigating the approaches to Shiogama port, with its distinctive light characteristic helping mariners identify its position among other aids.

Light & Optic

Characteristic Signature
Al (2) Red/Green 20s
Flash Type
Alternating
Light Color
Red/Green
Flash Count
2 flashes
Interval
20s
Raw Code
Al.Fl(2) R G 20s
Focal Height
63m
Geographic Range
20.5NM

Construction & History

Year Built
1964

Significant events: damaged by the earthquake of March 2011, back in service by late 2011

References & Identifiers

Nearest Port
Shiogama(2.2 km)
Admiralty No.
M6521
NGA No.
4452
ARLHS No.
JPN-084
Wikidata
Q11615516 →
OpenStreetMap
View on OSM →

Tower & Structure

Tower Height
23m
Tower Shape
cylindrical
Tower Color
white and black
Material
concrete

Structure: round concrete tower with lantern and gallery, rising from a 1-story concrete equipment building

Location

City
Shichigahama
Country
🇯🇵Japan
Region
Miyagi Prefecture
Sea Region
on a promontory about 8 km east of Shiogama
Latitude
38.2942°
Longitude
141.0846°

Nearby Vessels

Flag
Type
Name
Dist.
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Frequently Asked Questions

How do mariners identify Hanabuchi Lighthouse at night?+
Hanabuchi displays the characteristic Al (2) Red/Green 20s — 2 red/green flashes every 20 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 red/green color may indicate a specific sector or warning zone.
Which ports and harbors does Hanabuchi Lighthouse guide vessels into?+
Hanabuchi Lighthouse assists vessels approaching 5 nearby ports. The closest is Sendai, Miyagi at 2.4 NM to the NW. Other ports served include Satoura (2.8 NM WNW), Sendaishiogama (3.2 NM WSW), Isozaki (4.8 NM N), Takami (7 NM NE). Mariners should consult the relevant chart for full approach and pilotage information.
Is Hanabuchi Lighthouse still active and maintained?+
Yes, Hanabuchi 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 Hanabuchi Lighthouse?+
Hanabuchi 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 Hanabuchi Lighthouse?+
You can track vessels near Hanabuchi 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.