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Inoura Kō Lighthouse

Fl (2) Green 8s🇯🇵Kitakyushu, JPOperational

Location & Light Range

About Inoura Kō Lighthouse

This lighthouse is a 10-meter white concrete post, attached to a square, single-story concrete equipment room. Built in 1970, it marks the north end of a long detached breakwater for Inoura harbor. The light emits a green flash every 8 seconds. Its geographic range is 11.3 nautical miles. The site is open to visitors, but the tower is closed. The nearest port is Shinmonji, 1.6 kilometers away.

Why it matters: Inoura Kō is essential for guiding vessels into Inoura harbor by marking the northern end of the detached breakwater, preventing collisions with the submerged structure.

Light & Optic

Characteristic Signature
Fl (2) Green 8s
Flash Type
Flashing
Light Color
Green
Flash Count
2 flashes
Interval
8s
Raw Code
Fl G 8s
Focal Height
13m
Geographic Range
11.3NM

Construction & History

Year Built
1970

Visiting

Open to public
Site open, tower closed

Nearby Vessels

Flag
Type
Name
Dist.

Tower & Structure

Tower Height
10m
Tower Shape
post
Tower Color
white
Material
concrete

Structure: A 10m white concrete post attached to a square 1-story concrete equipment room.

Location

City
Kitakyushu
Country
🇯🇵Japan
Region
Fukuoka Prefecture
Sea Region
Inoura harbor, marking the north end of a long detached breakwater.
Latitude
33.8462°
Longitude
130.9911°

References & Identifiers

Nearest Port
Shinmonji(1.6 km)
Admiralty No.
M4984
NGA No.
9750
ARLHS No.
JPN-2003
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Frequently Asked Questions

How do mariners identify Inoura Kō Lighthouse at night?+
Inoura Kō displays the characteristic Fl (2) Green 8s — 2 green flashes every 8 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.
Which ports and harbors does Inoura Kō Lighthouse guide vessels into?+
Inoura Kō Lighthouse assists vessels approaching 5 nearby ports. The closest is Shinmoji at 1.7 NM to the N. Other ports served include Kanda, Fukuoka (4 NM SSE), Kanmon (4.9 NM NW), Oku (5.8 NM WNW), Kokura (6 NM WSW). Mariners should consult the relevant chart for full approach and pilotage information.
Is Inoura Kō Lighthouse still active and maintained?+
Yes, Inoura 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 Inoura Kō Lighthouse?+
Inoura 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 Inoura Kō Lighthouse?+
You can track vessels near Inoura 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.