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Hira Iso Lighthouse

Q (6) White 15s🇯🇵Kobe, JPOperational

Location & Light Range

About Hira Iso Lighthouse

Hira Iso Lighthouse, built in 1893, is a 15-meter cylindrical tower situated approximately 500 meters offshore from Tarumi Ward in Kobe. Its structure features a round tower with a lantern and double gallery, mounted on a solid conical base. The lighthouse marks a dangerous shoal in the eastern approach to the Akashi Strait. This strait separates Awaji Shima island from the mainland of Honshū. The lighthouse emits six quick white flashes followed by one long white flash, repeating every 15 seconds. It is located about 3 kilometers from the nearest port, Iwaya.

Why it matters: As one of Japan's earliest waveswept towers, Hira Iso Lighthouse safeguards navigation through the eastern approach of the Akashi Strait, a critical shipping artery.

Light & Optic

Characteristic Signature
Q (6) White 15s
Flash Type
Quick
Light Color
White
Flash Count
6 flashes
Interval
15s
Raw Code
Q(6) W + L Fl W 15s
Focal Height
14m
Geographic Range
11.6NM

Construction & History

Year Built
1893

References & Identifiers

Nearest Port
Iwaya(3.0 km)
ARLHS No.
JPN-782

Tower & Structure

Tower Height
15m
Tower Shape
cylindrical
Tower Color
black

Structure: round tower with lantern and double gallery, mounted on a solid conical base

Location

City
Kobe
Country
🇯🇵Japan
Region
Hyogo Prefecture
Sea Region
marks a dangerous shoal in the eastern approach to the Akashi Strait, which separates the island of Awaji Shima from the mainland of Honshū. Located about 500 m (0.3 mi) offshore from Tarumi Ward, at the western edge of Kōbe City.
Latitude
34.6240°
Longitude
135.0655°

Nearby Vessels

Flag
Type
Name
Dist.
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Frequently Asked Questions

How do mariners identify Hira Iso Lighthouse at night?+
Hira Iso displays the characteristic Q (6) White 15s — 6 white flashes every 15 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 white color may indicate a specific sector or warning zone.
Which ports and harbors does Hira Iso Lighthouse guide vessels into?+
Hira Iso Lighthouse assists vessels approaching 5 nearby ports. The closest is Iwaya at 3 NM to the SW. Other ports served include Akashi (3.9 NM WNW), Kobe (6.1 NM NE), Eigashima (8.2 NM WNW), Higashiharima (12.3 NM WNW). Mariners should consult the relevant chart for full approach and pilotage information.
Is Hira Iso Lighthouse still active and maintained?+
Yes, Hira Iso 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 Hira Iso Lighthouse?+
Hira Iso 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 Hira Iso Lighthouse?+
You can track vessels near Hira Iso 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.