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Ie Shima Lighthouse

Fl White 4s🇯🇵Ie, JPOperational

Location & Light Range

About Ie Shima Lighthouse

A square pyramidal concrete tower, standing 11 meters tall, was built in 1954 by U.S. occupation authorities on the western end of Ie Shima island. The lighthouse, with a focal height of 31 meters, emits a white flash every four seconds. Its operational status continues the function of an earlier light station established in 1897, which was destroyed during fighting in April 1945. The current structure is situated within a U.S. military reservation, with the nearest port being Motobu, 8.6 kilometers away. It has a geographic range of 15.5 nautical miles.

Why it matters: This lighthouse marks the western end of Ie Shima island. Its reconstruction by U.S. occupation authorities after destruction in World War II reflects post-war reconstruction efforts.

Light & Optic

Characteristic Signature
Fl White 4s
Flash Type
Flashing
Light Color
White
Interval
4s
Raw Code
Fl W 4s
Focal Height
31m
Geographic Range
15.5NM

Construction & History

Year Built
1954

Significant events: original lighthouse destroyed during fighting in April 1945, present lighthouse built by U.S. occupation authorities

References & Identifiers

Nearest Port
Motobu(8.6 km)
ARLHS No.
JPN-2600

Tower & Structure

Tower Height
11m
Tower Shape
square
Tower Color
white
Material
concrete

Structure: square pyramidal concrete tower

Location

City
Ie
Country
🇯🇵Japan
Region
Okinawa Prefecture
Sea Region
western end of Ie Shima island, on a U.S. military reservation
Latitude
26.7259°
Longitude
127.7507°

Nearby Vessels

Flag
Type
Name
Dist.
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Frequently Asked Questions

How do mariners identify Ie Shima Lighthouse at night?+
Ie 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 Ie Shima Lighthouse guide vessels into?+
Ie Shima Lighthouse assists vessels approaching 5 nearby ports. The closest is Motobu at 8.7 NM to the SE. Other ports served include Sesoko (9 NM SE), Unten (14 NM ESE), Nago (14.4 NM SE), Kouri (14.5 NM E). Mariners should consult the relevant chart for full approach and pilotage information.
Is Ie Shima Lighthouse still active and maintained?+
Yes, Ie 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.
How can I track vessels near Ie Shima Lighthouse?+
You can track vessels near Ie 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.