Ie Ko Lighthouse

With a focal height of 16 meters and a nominal range of 4 nautical miles (approximately 7.4 km), Ie Ko is visible from well offshore under standard atmospheric conditions. Actual visibility depends on observer height, weather, and sea state. As a shorter-range light, it primarily serves nearshore and coastal traffic.

Ie Ko displays the characteristic Fl G 3s — 1 green flash every 3 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.

Ie Ko Lighthouse assists vessels approaching 5 nearby ports. The closest is Motobu at 5.6 NM to the SE. Other ports served include Sesoko (6 NM SE), Unten (11 NM E), Nago (11.3 NM SE), Kouri (11.5 NM E). Mariners should consult the relevant chart for full approach and pilotage information.

Yes, Ie Ko 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.

You can track vessels near Ie Ko 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.

It is a fixed navigational aid on the coast at Nansei Shoto, JP. Mariners identify it by its light characteristic — the pattern, colour and timing of its flashes — which is unique among the lights in its area, so a bearing on it fixes a vessel’s position without instruments.