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Higoshioya (Higo Sioyo) Kō Lighthouse

Fl Red 8s🇯🇵Kumamoto, JPOperational

Location & Light Range

About Higoshioya (Higo Sioyo) Kō Lighthouse

The Higoshioya Kō lighthouse, built in 1971, is a square pyramidal skeletal tower painted red, standing 8.5 meters tall. Its focal height reaches 13 meters above sea level, and it emits a red flash every 8 seconds. With a geographic range of 11.3 nautical miles, it guides vessels approaching the Kumamoto port. The tower itself is closed to the public, though the site is accessible. This modern structure was first lit in the same year it was completed.

Why it matters: This lighthouse is essential for the safe navigation of vessels entering and departing its namesake port, particularly for local fishing fleets and smaller commercial ships. Its red light specifically warns against potential hazards or guides through a designated channel, preventing groundings and collisions in a busy coastal area.

Light & Optic

Characteristic Signature
Fl Red 8s
Flash Type
Flashing
Light Color
Red
Interval
8s
Raw Code
Fl R 8s
Focal Height
13m
Geographic Range
11.3NM

Construction & History

Year Built
1971

Visiting

Open to public
Site open, tower closed

Nearby Vessels

Flag
Type
Name
Dist.

Tower & Structure

Tower Height
8.5m
Tower Shape
square
Tower Color
red

Structure: square pyramidal skeletal tower with gallery, painted red

Location

City
Kumamoto
Country
🇯🇵Japan
Region
Kumamoto Prefecture
Latitude
32.8162°
Longitude
130.5895°

References & Identifiers

Nearest Port
Kumamoto(3.9 km)
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Frequently Asked Questions

How do mariners identify Higoshioya (Higo Sioyo) Kō Lighthouse at night?+
Higoshioya (Higo Sioyo) Kō displays the characteristic Fl Red 8s. 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 Higoshioya (Higo Sioyo) Kō Lighthouse guide vessels into?+
Higoshioya (Higo Sioyo) Kō Lighthouse assists vessels approaching 5 nearby ports. The closest is Hyakkan at 1.5 NM to the SSE. Other ports served include Eishi (3 NM NW), Kumamoto (3.2 NM SSE), Sumiyoshi (6.5 NM S), Nagasu, Kumamoto (9.8 NM NW). Mariners should consult the relevant chart for full approach and pilotage information.
Is Higoshioya (Higo Sioyo) Kō Lighthouse still active and maintained?+
Yes, Higoshioya (Higo Sioyo) 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 Higoshioya (Higo Sioyo) Kō Lighthouse?+
Higoshioya (Higo Sioyo) 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 Higoshioya (Higo Sioyo) Kō Lighthouse?+
You can track vessels near Higoshioya (Higo Sioyo) 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.