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Hisanohama Kō North Breakwater Lighthouse

Oc Red 8s🇯🇵Iwaki, JPOperational

Location & Light Range

About Hisanohama Kō North Breakwater Lighthouse

This 10-meter concrete post, attached to a square, single-story equipment shelter, guides vessels to Hisanohama harbor. The entire structure is painted red. First lit in 1974, it emits an occulting red light on an 8-second cycle, visible for 11.9 nautical miles. The light was temporarily extinguished after an earthquake but was later restored. The site is open to the public, though the tower itself cannot be entered.

Why it matters: The light marks the north breakwater of Hisanohama port, essential for safe navigation into the harbor, and its restoration after an earthquake highlighted its critical role in maintaining maritime safety.

Light & Optic

Characteristic Signature
Oc Red 8s
Flash Type
Occulting
Light Color
Red
Interval
8s
Raw Code
Oc R 8s
Focal Height
15m
Geographic Range
11.9NM

Construction & History

Year Built
1974

Significant events: Temporarily extinguished after earthquake, later restored

Visiting

Open to public
Site open, tower closed

Nearby Vessels

Flag
Type
Name
Dist.

Tower & Structure

Tower Height
10m
Tower Color
red
Material
concrete

Structure: A 10m concrete post attached to a square 1-story concrete equipment shelter. The entire structure is painted red.

Location

City
Iwaki
Country
🇯🇵Japan
Region
Fukushima Prefecture
Sea Region
North breakwater of Hisanohama
Latitude
37.1474°
Longitude
141.0050°

References & Identifiers

Nearest Port
Hisanohama(0.2 km)
ARLHS No.
JPN-1348
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Frequently Asked Questions

How do mariners identify Hisanohama Kō North Breakwater Lighthouse at night?+
Hisanohama Kō North Breakwater displays the characteristic Oc 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 Hisanohama Kō North Breakwater Lighthouse guide vessels into?+
Hisanohama Kō North Breakwater Lighthouse assists vessels approaching 5 nearby ports. The closest is Hisanohama at 0.1 NM to the WNW. Other ports served include Yotsukura (2.5 NM S), Ena (11 NM S), Nakanosaku (11.6 NM SSW), Ishiwaki (13.8 NM SSW). Mariners should consult the relevant chart for full approach and pilotage information.
Is Hisanohama Kō North Breakwater Lighthouse still active and maintained?+
Yes, Hisanohama Kō North Breakwater 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 Hisanohama Kō North Breakwater Lighthouse?+
Hisanohama Kō North Breakwater 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 Hisanohama Kō North Breakwater Lighthouse?+
You can track vessels near Hisanohama Kō North Breakwater 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.