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Jōtōmyō-dai Lighthouse

F White🇯🇵Chiyoda, JPOperational

Location & Light Range

About Jōtōmyō-dai Lighthouse

Also known as: Jōtōmyō-dai (Chiyoda, Kudanshita)

This stone lighthouse, built in 1871, stands 12 meters tall and features a two-stage design with a square tapered lower half and an octagonal cylindrical upper half. It is topped with a lantern and a double gallery. The construction material consists of rubblestone, with each stone reportedly inscribed with the name of the feudal clan that supplied it. In 1930, the structure was relocated a short distance across Yasukuni Street. Although no longer an active navigational aid, it now displays a decorative white light.

Why it matters: As one of the first lighthouses built by Japanese hands after the Meiji Restoration, Jōtōmyō-dai symbolizes Japan's modernization and embrace of maritime infrastructure. Its construction, reflecting a collective effort through inscribed stones, offers a unique historical connection to the nation's past.

Light & Optic

Characteristic Signature
F White
Flash Type
Fixed
Light Color
White
Raw Code
F W

Construction & History

Year Built
1871

Significant events: relocated a short distance across Yasukuni Street in 1930

Visiting

Open to public
Site open, tower closed

Nearby Vessels

Flag
Type
Name
Dist.

Tower & Structure

Tower Height
12m
Tower Shape
square tapered lower half, octagonal cylindrical upper half
Material
stone

Structure: 2-stage rubblestone tower with lantern and double gallery

Location

City
Chiyoda
Country
🇯🇵Japan
Sea Region
just north of Kitanomaru Park in the Kudanshita district within the Chiyoda ward of central Tōkyō, which also includes the Imperial Palace and the other principal buildings of the Japanese government
Latitude
35.6948°
Longitude
139.7488°

References & Identifiers

Nearest Port
Urayasu(9.1 km)
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Frequently Asked Questions

How do mariners identify Jōtōmyō-dai Lighthouse at night?+
Jōtōmyō-dai displays the characteristic F White. 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 Jōtōmyō-dai Lighthouse guide vessels into?+
Jōtōmyō-dai Lighthouse assists vessels approaching 5 nearby ports. The closest is Shibaura at 1.7 NM to the S. Other ports served include Ariake, Tokyo (4.1 NM SSE), Aomi (5 NM SSE), Shinagawa, Tokyo (5.9 NM SSW), Tokyo (6.3 NM SE). Mariners should consult the relevant chart for full approach and pilotage information.
Is Jōtōmyō-dai Lighthouse still active and maintained?+
Yes, Jōtōmyō-dai 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 Jōtōmyō-dai Lighthouse?+
Jōtōmyō-dai 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 Jōtōmyō-dai Lighthouse?+
You can track vessels near Jōtōmyō-dai 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.