Get the MarineRadar appSatellite AISSatellite live trackingTrack any shipLive alerts112,000+ ships trackedDownload free

Kō Lighthouse

F Red 4s🇯🇵Shiranuka, JPOperational

Location & Light Range

About Kō Lighthouse

Standing 11 meters tall, the Kō lighthouse is a cylindrical concrete tower situated on the east breakwater of Shiranuka harbor. Its distinctive round hourglass shape is painted red, and it features a lantern and gallery. The light, visible for 11.3 nautical miles, emits a single red flash every four seconds. The lighthouse's focal plane is 13 meters above sea level. While the site is accessible to the public, the tower itself is closed to visitors.

Why it matters: This lighthouse is essential for vessels entering and departing Shiranuka harbor, clearly marking the east breakwater.

Light & Optic

Characteristic Signature
F Red 4s
Flash Type
Fixed
Light Color
Red
Interval
4s
Raw Code
F.Fl R 4s
Focal Height
13m
Geographic Range
11.3NM

Location

City
Shiranuka
Country
🇯🇵Japan
Region
Hokkaido Prefecture
Sea Region
Located on the east breakwater of Shiranuka, a harbor about 15 km west of Kushiro.
Latitude
42.9512°
Longitude
144.0847°

References & Identifiers

Nearest Port
Kushiro(11.1 km)
Admiralty No.
M6812.4
NGA No.
0548
ARLHS No.
JPN-969

Tower & Structure

Tower Height
11m
Tower Shape
cylindrical
Tower Color
red
Material
concrete

Structure: round hourglass-shaped concrete tower with lantern and gallery

Visiting

Open to public
Site open, tower closed

Nearby Vessels

Flag
Type
Name
Dist.
Live tracking · 50,000+ mariners

Find Kō Lighthouse on the live nautical map

Plan voyages near Japan, see nearby vessels in real time, and explore 14,900+ navigation aids in the app.

Nautical mapNearby vesselsVoyage planning
Get the App

Frequently Asked Questions

How do mariners identify Kō Lighthouse at night?+
Kō displays the characteristic F Red 4s. 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 Kō Lighthouse guide vessels into?+
Kō Lighthouse assists vessels approaching 4 nearby ports. The closest is Kushiro at 12.3 NM to the E. Other ports served include Shiro (12.5 NM E), Akkeshi (34 NM E), Kiritappu (46.4 NM E). Mariners should consult the relevant chart for full approach and pilotage information.
Is Kō Lighthouse still active and maintained?+
Yes, 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.
How can I track vessels near Kō Lighthouse?+
You can track vessels near 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.