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

Kamimate Shima Lighthouse

Fl (2) White/Red 5s🇯🇵Amakusa, JPOperational

Location & Light Range

About Kamimate Shima Lighthouse

Kamimate Shima Lighthouse, built in 1897, is a cylindrical stone tower located on a small island approximately 10 kilometers northeast of Ushibuka. Standing 6.5 meters tall, its focal height reaches 20 meters above sea level. The structure features a lantern and gallery. It emits two white or red flashes every 5 seconds, visible for 13.2 nautical miles. The lighthouse is situated on the east side of Amakusa Shimo Shima, marking a narrow passage.

Why it matters: Established shortly after Japan took control of Taiwan in 1895, this lighthouse was one of five built to support increased shipping between Kyūshū and Taiwan.

Light & Optic

Characteristic Signature
Fl (2) White/Red 5s
Flash Type
Flashing
Light Color
White/Red
Flash Count
2 flashes
Interval
5s
Raw Code
Fl(2) WR 5s
Focal Height
20m
Geographic Range
13.2NM

Construction & History

Year Built
1897

Significant events: one of five lighthouses built shortly after Japan took control of Taiwan (1895), leading to a great increase in shipping from Kyūshū to Taiwan

Visiting

Open to public
Site open, tower closed

Nearby Vessels

Flag
Type
Name
Dist.

Tower & Structure

Tower Height
6.5m
Tower Shape
cylindrical
Tower Color
white
Material
stone

Structure: round cylindrical stone tower with lantern and gallery

Location

City
Amakusa
Country
🇯🇵Japan
Region
Kumamoto Prefecture
Sea Region
on a small island about 10 km northeast of Ushibuka, framing a narrow passage on the east side of Amakusa Shimo Shima, important for shipping from Kyūshū to Taiwan
Latitude
32.2637°
Longitude
130.1550°

References & Identifiers

Nearest Port
Shirose(1.4 km)
ARLHS No.
JPN-2044
Live tracking · 50,000+ mariners

Find Kamimate Shima 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 Kamimate Shima Lighthouse at night?+
Kamimate Shima displays the characteristic Fl (2) White/Red 5s — 2 white/red flashes every 5 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 white/red color may indicate a specific sector or warning zone.
Which ports and harbors does Kamimate Shima Lighthouse guide vessels into?+
Kamimate Shima Lighthouse assists vessels approaching 5 nearby ports. The closest is Kuzu at 1.6 NM to the ESE. Other ports served include Kamihira (1.7 NM NW), Fukami (3 NM WSW), Katasoba (3.2 NM ENE), Sasue (6.7 NM SSW). Mariners should consult the relevant chart for full approach and pilotage information.
Is Kamimate Shima Lighthouse still active and maintained?+
Yes, Kamimate Shima 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 Kamimate Shima Lighthouse?+
Kamimate Shima 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 Kamimate Shima Lighthouse?+
You can track vessels near Kamimate Shima 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.