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Imazu Lighthouse

Fl (2) White 5s🇯🇵Nakatsu, JPOperational

Location & Light Range

About Imazu Lighthouse

This concrete lighthouse stands 13 meters tall, with its light reaching 14 meters above the water. The cylindrical tower is painted black and features a single red horizontal band. It is mounted on a concrete pier and attached to a small equipment shelter, marking a shoal off the entrance to Imazu. The light emits one white flash every five seconds. While the site is open for visitors, the tower itself is closed to the public.

Why it matters: The lighthouse marks a hazardous shoal at the entrance to Imazu, guiding vessels safely into the port. Its light is essential for the continuous flow of maritime traffic and supports the region's coastal economy.

Light & Optic

Characteristic Signature
Fl (2) White 5s
Flash Type
Flashing
Light Color
White
Flash Count
2 flashes
Interval
5s
Raw Code
Fl W 5s
Focal Height
14m
Geographic Range
11.6NM

Location

City
Nakatsu
Country
🇯🇵Japan
Region
Oita Prefecture
Sea Region
A shoal off the entrance to Imazu.
Latitude
33.5929°
Longitude
131.2672°

References & Identifiers

Nearest Port
Nakatsu(1.8 km)
Admiralty No.
M4976.2
NGA No.
9716
USCG No.
JCG-5264
ARLHS No.
JPN-2305
Wikidata
Q17193561 →

Tower & Structure

Tower Height
13m
Tower Shape
cylindrical
Tower Color
black with one red horizontal band
Material
concrete

Structure: round concrete tower attached to a small equipment shelter, mounted on a concrete pier

Visiting

Open to public
Site open, tower closed

Nearby Vessels

Flag
Type
Name
Dist.
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Frequently Asked Questions

How do mariners identify Imazu Lighthouse at night?+
Imazu displays the characteristic Fl (2) White 5s — 2 white flashes every 5 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 white color may indicate a specific sector or warning zone.
Which ports and harbors does Imazu Lighthouse guide vessels into?+
Imazu Lighthouse assists vessels approaching 5 nearby ports. The closest is Nakatsu at 1.3 NM to the NW. Other ports served include Unoshima (7.4 NM WNW), Kanda, Fukuoka (17 NM NW), Imi (17.5 NM ENE), Kumage (19.8 NM ENE). Mariners should consult the relevant chart for full approach and pilotage information.
Is Imazu Lighthouse still active and maintained?+
Yes, Imazu 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 Imazu Lighthouse?+
Imazu 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 Imazu Lighthouse?+
You can track vessels near Imazu 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.