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Iwawada Kō Lighthouse

F (2) Red 8s🇯🇵Onjuku, JPOperational

Location & Light Range

About Iwawada Kō Lighthouse

Also known as: #Iwawada Kō

Established in 1963, the Iwawada Kō lighthouse stood on the main east breakwater of Iwawada harbor in Onjuku. The structure was a 9-meter cylindrical concrete post, painted red, with a square, single-story concrete equipment room at its base. It emitted two red flashes every 8 seconds, with a geographic range of 10.4 nautical miles. In 2009, the original lighthouse was demolished. It was replaced by a light situated on a steel post, continuing to serve the harbor's entrance. The site of the former lighthouse remains open to the public.

Why it matters: This light provided navigational guidance for vessels entering and exiting Iwawada harbor.

Light & Optic

Characteristic Signature
F (2) Red 8s
Flash Type
Fixed
Light Color
Red
Flash Count
2 flashes
Interval
8s
Raw Code
F.Fl(2) R 8s
Focal Height
10m
Geographic Range
10.4NM

Construction & History

Year Built
1963

Significant events: Demolished in 2009 and replaced by a light on a steel post

Visiting

Open to public
Site open, tower closed

Nearby Vessels

Flag
Type
Name
Dist.

Tower & Structure

Tower Height
9m
Tower Shape
cylindrical
Tower Color
red
Material
concrete

Structure: A 9m cylindrical concrete post with a square 1-story concrete equipment room at its base, painted red.

Location

City
Onjuku
Country
🇯🇵Japan
Region
Chiba Prefecture
Sea Region
Located on the main (east) breakwater of Iwawada harbor in Onjuku, about 8 km northeast of Katsuura.
Latitude
35.1784°
Longitude
140.3658°

References & Identifiers

Nearest Port
Katsuura, Chiba(3.4 km)
ARLHS No.
JPN-1316
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Frequently Asked Questions

How do mariners identify Iwawada Kō Lighthouse at night?+
Iwawada Kō displays the characteristic F (2) Red 8s — 2 red 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 red color may indicate a specific sector or warning zone.
Which ports and harbors does Iwawada Kō Lighthouse guide vessels into?+
Iwawada Kō Lighthouse assists vessels approaching 5 nearby ports. The closest is Wakura at 2.6 NM to the SW. Other ports served include Okitsu, Chiba (6.3 NM WSW), Abuto (14.3 NM WSW), Wada (19.3 NM WSW), Togane (23.3 NM N). Mariners should consult the relevant chart for full approach and pilotage information.
Is Iwawada Kō Lighthouse still active and maintained?+
Yes, Iwawada 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 Iwawada Kō Lighthouse?+
Iwawada 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 Iwawada Kō Lighthouse?+
You can track vessels near Iwawada 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.