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Kan Se Lighthouse

Fl White 3s🇯🇵Kagoshima, JPOperational

Location & Light Range

About Kan Se Lighthouse

The Kan Se lighthouse was built in 1912 and is situated on a reef at the southeastern entrance to the strait separating Kagoshima from Sakurajima. Its cylindrical concrete tower stands 17 meters tall and tapers strongly. The focal height of the light is 18 meters, and it emits a single white flash every 3 seconds, visible for 12.7 nautical miles. This structure serves as a navigational aid for vessels passing through these waters. The nearest port, Yunomochiki, is 2.1 kilometers away.

Why it matters: This lighthouse precisely marks a reef at a critical strait entrance, safeguarding vessels navigating between Kagoshima and Sakurajima, particularly the many ferries that serve the southern Kyushu islands.

Light & Optic

Characteristic Signature
Fl White 3s
Flash Type
Flashing
Light Color
White
Interval
3s
Raw Code
Fl W 3s
Focal Height
18m
Geographic Range
12.7NM

Construction & History

Year Built
1912

References & Identifiers

Nearest Port
Yunomochiki(2.1 km)
Admiralty No.
M4825
NGA No.
10960
ARLHS No.
JPN-2046

Tower & Structure

Tower Height
17m
Tower Shape
cylindrical
Tower Color
white
Material
concrete

Structure: round, strongly tapered white concrete tower

Location

City
Kagoshima
Country
🇯🇵Japan
Region
Kagoshima Prefecture
Sea Region
Located on a reef in the southeastern entrance to the strait separating Kagoshima from Sakurajima.
Latitude
31.5668°
Longitude
130.5901°

Nearby Vessels

Flag
Type
Name
Dist.
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Frequently Asked Questions

How do mariners identify Kan Se Lighthouse at night?+
Kan Se displays the characteristic Fl White 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 white color may indicate a specific sector or warning zone.
Which ports and harbors does Kan Se Lighthouse guide vessels into?+
Kan Se Lighthouse assists vessels approaching 5 nearby ports. The closest is Yunomochiki at 2.2 NM to the ESE. Other ports served include Kagoshima (2.5 NM SW), Furusato, Kagoshima (3.7 NM ESE), Kaigata (6.1 NM ESE), Uranomae (6.6 NM ENE). Mariners should consult the relevant chart for full approach and pilotage information.
Is Kan Se Lighthouse still active and maintained?+
Yes, Kan Se 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 Kan Se Lighthouse?+
Kan Se 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 Kan Se Lighthouse?+
You can track vessels near Kan Se 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.