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Hikoshima Range Front Lighthouse

F Yellow🇯🇵Shimonoseki, JPOperational

Location & Light Range

About Hikoshima Range Front Lighthouse

This cylindrical concrete tower, built in 2002, stands 26 meters tall with a focal height of 27 meters. It features a white finish and a triangular topmark with a gallery. The lighthouse guides westbound vessels through the strait southwest of the Kanmonkyō Bridge, navigating the waters near the Shimonoseki waterfront. It emits a continuous yellow light, replacing the former Ganryu Shima lighthouse. The geographic range of its light is 14.7 nautical miles.

Why it matters: This range front light works with its counterpart to provide precise alignment for ships passing under the Kanmonkyō Bridge and along the Shimonoseki waterfront, a critical function in this busy strait.

Light & Optic

Characteristic Signature
F Yellow
Flash Type
Fixed
Light Color
Yellow
Raw Code
F Y
Focal Height
27m
Geographic Range
14.7NM

Construction & History

Year Built
2002

Significant events: Replaced the Ganryu Shima lighthouse

References & Identifiers

Nearest Port
Hikoshima(1.7 km)
Admiralty No.
M5349
NGA No.
9799
USCG No.
JCG-5431.1

Tower & Structure

Tower Height
26m
Tower Shape
cylindrical
Tower Color
white
Material
concrete

Structure: round concrete tower with triangular topmark and gallery

Location

City
Shimonoseki
Country
🇯🇵Japan
Region
Yamaguchi Prefecture
Sea Region
Located on the shore of the strait about 4 km southwest of the Kanmonkyō Bridge, guiding westbound vessels in the reach under the Kanmonkyō Bridge and past the Shimonoseki waterfront.
Latitude
33.9315°
Longitude
130.9257°

Nearby Vessels

Flag
Type
Name
Dist.
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Frequently Asked Questions

How do mariners identify Hikoshima Range Front Lighthouse at night?+
Hikoshima Range Front displays the characteristic F Yellow. 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 yellow color may indicate a specific sector or warning zone.
Which ports and harbors does Hikoshima Range Front Lighthouse guide vessels into?+
Hikoshima Range Front Lighthouse assists vessels approaching 5 nearby ports. The closest is Shimonoseki at 0.4 NM to the ENE. Other ports served include Kanmon (1.9 NM SSW), Tanoura/Kitakyushu (2.3 NM ENE), Mutsure (3.6 NM NW), Oku (3.6 NM SW). Mariners should consult the relevant chart for full approach and pilotage information.
Is Hikoshima Range Front Lighthouse still active and maintained?+
Yes, Hikoshima Range Front 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 Hikoshima Range Front Lighthouse?+
Hikoshima Range Front 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 Hikoshima Range Front Lighthouse?+
You can track vessels near Hikoshima Range Front 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.