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Hishakuda Kō Lighthouse

Fl Red 8s🇯🇵Kitakyushu, JPOperational

Also known as: Hisyakuda

Established in 1966, the Hishakuda Kō lighthouse marks the entrance to Hishakuda Port in Kitakyushu, Fukuoka Prefecture. This active light emits a red flash every 8 seconds, with a geographic range of 11 nautical miles. Standing 12 meters tall, the lighthouse guides local fishing boats and commercial vessels through the coastal waters. Its presence has been a constant for over five decades, overseeing daily maritime activities. Visitors can access the site, though the tower itself remains closed to the public.

Why it matters: The Hishakuda Kō lighthouse warns mariners of the port's entry point, helping to prevent groundings and collisions. Its reliable signal ensures efficient and secure navigation for the fishing fleet and commercial ships operating in the area.

Characteristic Signature
Fl Red 8s
Flash Type
Flashing
Light Color
Red
Interval
8s
Raw Code
Fl R 8s
Focal Height
12m
Geographic Range
11NM
Year Built
1966
Open to public
Site open, tower closed
Flag
Type
Name
Dist.

Structure: Hishakuda Kō lighthouse, established in 1966, marks the entrance to Hishakuda Port in Japan. This active light guides local fishing boats and commercial vessels through the coastal waters, ensuring safe passage as they approach the harbor. The lighthouse, a modern addition to Japan's maritime infrastructure, began its service over five decades ago, providing essential navigation aid. While the specific details of its construction are not widely publicized, its presence has been a constant, silently overseeing the daily maritime activities of the region. The surrounding landscape likely features the bustling activity of a working port, with the sounds of gulls and distant ship horns carried on the sea breeze, and perhaps the scent of salt and diesel mingling in the air. Visitors to the area can explore the grounds surrounding the lighthouse, enjoying views of the port and the open sea, though access to the tower itself remains restricted. It continues its vital role, a quiet guardian for those navigating the busy port waters, a familiar sight for mariners returning home after long voyages.

City
Kitakyushu
Country
🇯🇵Japan
Region
Fukuoka Prefecture
Sea Region
Hishakuda Port, Japan
Latitude
33.9016°
Longitude
130.9986°
Nearest Port
Shinmonji(1.9 km)
Admiralty No.
M4986
NGA No.
9758
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How do mariners identify Hishakuda Kō Lighthouse at night?+
Hishakuda 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 Hishakuda Kō Lighthouse guide vessels into?+
Hishakuda Kō Lighthouse assists vessels approaching 5 nearby ports. The closest is Shinmoji at 1.7 NM to the S. Other ports served include Tanoura/Kitakyushu (3.3 NM NNW), Moji/Kitakyushu (3.7 NM N), Shimonoseki (3.8 NM WNW), Kanmon (4.1 NM W). Mariners should consult the relevant chart for full approach and pilotage information.
Is Hishakuda Kō Lighthouse still active and maintained?+
Yes, Hishakuda 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 Hishakuda Kō Lighthouse?+
Hishakuda 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 Hishakuda Kō Lighthouse?+
You can track vessels near Hishakuda 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.