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Hino Shima Kō Lighthouse

Fl (2) Green 6s🇯🇵Kamiamakusa, JPOperational

Location & Light Range

About Hino Shima Kō Lighthouse

Built in 1981, this lighthouse marks the end of Hino Shima's main northern breakwater on the island's west side. The structure consists of a white, 8.5-meter concrete post atop a 1-story concrete equipment shelter. Its focal height is 12 meters above sea level. The light emits a single green flash every 6 seconds, visible for 11 nautical miles. The site is open to the public, though the tower itself is closed.

Why it matters: This lighthouse is essential for guiding vessels, particularly local fishing fleets and small commercial traffic, into the protected harbor by clearly marking the breakwater's terminus.

Light & Optic

Characteristic Signature
Fl (2) Green 6s
Flash Type
Flashing
Light Color
Green
Flash Count
2 flashes
Interval
6s
Raw Code
Fl G 6s
Focal Height
12m
Geographic Range
11NM

Construction & History

Year Built
1981

Visiting

Open to public
Site open, tower closed

Nearby Vessels

Flag
Type
Name
Dist.

Tower & Structure

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

Structure: A 8.5m concrete post attached to a square 1-story concrete equipment shelter, painted white.

Location

City
Kamiamakusa
Country
🇯🇵Japan
Region
Kumamoto Prefecture
Sea Region
Located at the end of the north (main) breakwater of Hino Shima, on the west end of the island.
Latitude
32.3967°
Longitude
130.4078°

References & Identifiers

Nearest Port
Futamado(1.6 km)
Admiralty No.
M5139.5
NGA No.
11276.5
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Frequently Asked Questions

How do mariners identify Hino Shima Kō Lighthouse at night?+
Hino Shima Kō displays the characteristic Fl (2) Green 6s — 2 green flashes every 6 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 green color may indicate a specific sector or warning zone.
Which ports and harbors does Hino Shima Kō Lighthouse guide vessels into?+
Hino Shima Kō Lighthouse assists vessels approaching 5 nearby ports. The closest is Himedo at 2.4 NM to the N. Other ports served include Nagame (3.2 NM NNE), Tanasoko (3.4 NM W), TAURA (5.4 NM ESE), Amura (8 NM NNE). Mariners should consult the relevant chart for full approach and pilotage information.
Is Hino Shima Kō Lighthouse still active and maintained?+
Yes, Hino Shima 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 Hino Shima Kō Lighthouse?+
Hino Shima 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 Hino Shima Kō Lighthouse?+
You can track vessels near Hino Shima 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.