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Iō Shima Lighthouse

Fl White 4s🇯🇵Mishima, JPOperational

Location & Light Range

About Iō Shima Lighthouse

Also known as: Iō Shima (Iōjima, Satsuma Ioshima)

Established in 1972, this white, cylindrical concrete lighthouse stands 13 meters tall on the heights above Iōjima village. Its light source is positioned 147 meters above sea level and emits a single white flash every 4 seconds. The tower features a gallery and is located on the western end of Iō Shima island. The site is open to visitors, though the tower itself is closed to the public. The nearest port is only 0.4 kilometers away.

Why it matters: This lighthouse marks the western extremity of Iō Shima island, guiding vessels navigating the waters. It specifically aids the ferry route connecting Iō Shima to Kagoshima city.

Light & Optic

Characteristic Signature
Fl White 4s
Flash Type
Flashing
Light Color
White
Interval
4s
Raw Code
Fl W 4s
Focal Height
147m
Geographic Range
29.4NM

Construction & History

Year Built
1972

Visiting

Open to public
Site open, tower closed

Nearby Vessels

Flag
Type
Name
Dist.

Tower & Structure

Tower Height
13m
Tower Shape
cylindrical
Tower Color
white
Material
concrete

Structure: round concrete tower with gallery

Location

City
Mishima
Country
🇯🇵Japan
Region
Kagoshima Prefecture
Sea Region
Located on heights above the village of Iōjima at the western end of Iō Shima island, served by ferry from Kagoshima city.
Latitude
30.7833°
Longitude
130.2748°

References & Identifiers

Nearest Port
Iwojima, Kagoshima(0.4 km)
Admiralty No.
M4787
NGA No.
12992
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Frequently Asked Questions

How do mariners identify Iō Shima Lighthouse at night?+
Iō Shima displays the characteristic Fl White 4s. 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 Iō Shima Lighthouse guide vessels into?+
Iō Shima Lighthouse assists vessels approaching 5 nearby ports. The closest is Takeshima at 7.8 NM to the ENE. Other ports served include Sato (16.7 NM WNW), Iwayadomari (18.8 NM SSW), Katadomari (19.1 NM W), Mugi (19.8 NM S). Mariners should consult the relevant chart for full approach and pilotage information.
Is Iō Shima Lighthouse still active and maintained?+
Yes, Iō Shima 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 Iō Shima Lighthouse?+
Iō Shima 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 Iō Shima Lighthouse?+
You can track vessels near Iō Shima 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.