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Issō Kō Lighthouse

F Red 6s🇯🇵Yakushima, JPOperational

Location & Light Range

About Issō Kō Lighthouse

This lighthouse stands at the termination of Issō's north breakwater in Kagoshima Prefecture, Japan. The structure is a 10-meter-tall red concrete post featuring a square, single-story concrete equipment room at its base. It emits a red light with a single flash every six seconds. This functional aid is situated on Yakushima, the northernmost island of the Osumi Islands. While the site is accessible to visitors, the tower itself is closed to the public.

Why it matters: The lighthouse guides vessels into the harbor of Issō, marking the end of the main breakwater.

Light & Optic

Characteristic Signature
F Red 6s
Flash Type
Fixed
Light Color
Red
Interval
6s
Raw Code
F.Fl R 6s
Focal Height
14m
Geographic Range
11.6NM

Location

City
Yakushima
Country
🇯🇵Japan
Region
Kagoshima Prefecture
Sea Region
Located at the end of the north (main) breakwater of Issō, at the northern tip of Yakushima.
Latitude
30.4557°
Longitude
130.4900°

References & Identifiers

Nearest Port
Isso(0.1 km)
Admiralty No.
M4790.4
NGA No.
13068

Tower & Structure

Tower Height
10m
Tower Shape
cylindrical
Tower Color
red
Material
concrete

Structure: A 10m red concrete post with a square 1-story concrete equipment room at its base.

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 Issō Kō Lighthouse at night?+
Issō Kō displays the characteristic F Red 6s. 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 red color may indicate a specific sector or warning zone.
Which ports and harbors does Issō Kō Lighthouse guide vessels into?+
Issō Kō Lighthouse assists vessels approaching 5 nearby ports. The closest is Yakushima at 4.9 NM to the ESE. Other ports served include Kusukawa (6.1 NM ESE), Usuka (6.1 NM ESE), Tabu (7.5 NM ESE), Kurio (12 NM SSW). Mariners should consult the relevant chart for full approach and pilotage information.
Is Issō Kō Lighthouse still active and maintained?+
Yes, Issō 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 Issō Kō Lighthouse?+
Issō 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 Issō Kō Lighthouse?+
You can track vessels near Issō 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.