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Kaga Kō Lighthouse

Fl Red 3s🇯🇵Matsue, JPOperational

Location & Light Range

About Kaga Kō Lighthouse

This 10-meter red cylindrical concrete tower marks the end of the north breakwater at Kaga port. Attached to a single-story concrete equipment room, the lighthouse stands 13 meters above sea level. Its red light emits a single flash every 3 seconds, visible for 11.3 nautical miles. The site is accessible to the public, though the tower itself is closed. The lighthouse is located in Matsue, within Japan's Shimane Prefecture.

Why it matters: This lighthouse is essential for the safe entry and exit of all vessels utilizing Kaga port, particularly those navigating the approach channel marked by the north breakwater. Its distinctive red flash provides a critical visual aid, preventing groundings or collisions with the breakwater structure.

Light & Optic

Characteristic Signature
Fl Red 3s
Flash Type
Flashing
Light Color
Red
Interval
3s
Raw Code
Fl R 3s
Focal Height
13m
Geographic Range
11.3NM

Location

City
Matsue
Country
🇯🇵Japan
Region
Shimane Prefecture
Sea Region
Kaga port, marking the end of its north breakwater.
Latitude
35.5688°
Longitude
133.0547°

References & Identifiers

Nearest Port
Kasaura(3.8 km)
Admiralty No.
M7324.5
NGA No.
1996
ARLHS No.
JPN-1556

Tower & Structure

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

Structure: A 10m red cylindrical concrete post attached to a 1-story concrete equipment room.

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 Kaga Kō Lighthouse at night?+
Kaga Kō displays the characteristic Fl 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 Kaga Kō Lighthouse guide vessels into?+
Kaga Kō Lighthouse assists vessels approaching 5 nearby ports. The closest is Kasaura at 3.8 NM to the E. Other ports served include Etomo (4.7 NM WSW), Kitaura, Ehime (4.9 NM E), Aikakita (6.6 NM WSW), Matsue (7.4 NM SSE). Mariners should consult the relevant chart for full approach and pilotage information.
Is Kaga Kō Lighthouse still active and maintained?+
Yes, Kaga 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 Kaga Kō Lighthouse?+
Kaga 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 Kaga Kō Lighthouse?+
You can track vessels near Kaga 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.