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Higo Kabuto Shima Lighthouse

Fl White 3s🇯🇵Kamiamakusa, JPOperational

Location & Light Range

About Higo Kabuto Shima Lighthouse

A cylindrical concrete tower stands 8.5 meters tall on a rocky reef situated in the passage between Ōyano Shima and Iwajima. This structure is centered on a one-story concrete equipment building. The lighthouse emits a white flash every 3 seconds, visible for 11 nautical miles. Its focal plane is 12 meters above sea level. The site is open to visitors, but the tower itself is closed to the public. The nearest port, Yanagi, is 1.7 kilometers away.

Why it matters: This lighthouse is essential for safe navigation through the narrow passage between Ōyano Shima and Iwajima, warning vessels away from the reef it marks.

Light & Optic

Characteristic Signature
Fl White 3s
Flash Type
Flashing
Light Color
White
Interval
3s
Raw Code
Fl W 3s
Focal Height
12m
Geographic Range
11NM

Location

City
Kamiamakusa
Country
🇯🇵Japan
Region
Kumamoto Prefecture
Sea Region
A rocky reef in the narrow passage between Ōyano Shima and Iwajima.
Latitude
32.5749°
Longitude
130.4585°

References & Identifiers

Nearest Port
Yanagi(1.7 km)
Admiralty No.
M5165
NGA No.
11560

Tower & Structure

Tower Height
8.5m
Tower Shape
cylindrical
Tower Color
white
Material
concrete

Structure: round concrete tower centered on a square 1-story concrete equipment building

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 Higo Kabuto Shima Lighthouse at night?+
Higo Kabuto Shima displays the characteristic Fl White 3s. 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 Higo Kabuto Shima Lighthouse guide vessels into?+
Higo Kabuto Shima Lighthouse assists vessels approaching 5 nearby ports. The closest is Aizu, Kumamoto at 1.6 NM to the NNE. Other ports served include Akasaki, Kumamoto (1.6 NM NNE), Fukuura, Kumamoto (1.6 NM NNE), Kawachi, Kumamoto (1.6 NM NNE), Kodomari, Kumamoto (1.6 NM NNE). Mariners should consult the relevant chart for full approach and pilotage information.
Is Higo Kabuto Shima Lighthouse still active and maintained?+
Yes, Higo Kabuto 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 Higo Kabuto Shima Lighthouse?+
Higo Kabuto 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 Higo Kabuto Shima Lighthouse?+
You can track vessels near Higo Kabuto 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.