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Izashiki Kō Lighthouse

F Red 3s🇯🇵Minamiosumi, JPOperational

Location & Light Range

About Izashiki Kō Lighthouse

This 9-meter red concrete cylindrical post lighthouse was built and first lit in 1970. It stands attached to a 1-story concrete equipment room, with its light positioned 17 meters above sea level. The light emits a single red flash every three seconds and has a geographic range of 12.4 nautical miles. Located at the end of the breakwater for Izashiki, a port within Kagoshima Prefecture, it marks the entrance to this harbor on the edge of Kagoshima Bay. The site is open to the public, though the tower itself is closed.

Why it matters: This light guides local vessels entering Izashiki port and Kagoshima Bay, providing clear demarcation for safe passage. Its functional design ensures reliable guidance for maritime traffic along this coastal area.

Light & Optic

Characteristic Signature
F Red 3s
Flash Type
Fixed
Light Color
Red
Interval
3s
Raw Code
F.Fl R 3s
Focal Height
17m
Geographic Range
12.4NM

Construction & History

Year Built
1970

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 red concrete cylindrical post, attached to a 1-story concrete equipment room.

Location

City
Minamiosumi
Country
🇯🇵Japan
Region
Kagoshima Prefecture
Sea Region
Located at the end of the breakwater of Izashiki, a small port on the entrance to Kagoshima Bay about 16 km (10 mi) north of Cape Sata.
Latitude
31.0973°
Longitude
130.6917°

References & Identifiers

Nearest Port
Yamagawa(7.2 km)
Admiralty No.
M4834
NGA No.
10920
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Frequently Asked Questions

How do mariners identify Izashiki Kō Lighthouse at night?+
Izashiki Kō displays the characteristic F Red 3s. 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 Izashiki Kō Lighthouse guide vessels into?+
Izashiki Kō Lighthouse assists vessels approaching 5 nearby ports. The closest is Amaji at 3.9 NM to the SE. Other ports served include Hamajiri (3.9 NM SE), Yamagawa (7.3 NM NNW), Nejime (8 NM NNE), Ibusuki (9 NM NNW). Mariners should consult the relevant chart for full approach and pilotage information.
Is Izashiki Kō Lighthouse still active and maintained?+
Yes, Izashiki 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 Izashiki Kō Lighthouse?+
Izashiki 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 Izashiki Kō Lighthouse?+
You can track vessels near Izashiki 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.