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Karatsu Lighthouse

Fl white 2.5s🇯🇵Karatsu, JPOperational

Location & Light Range

About Karatsu Lighthouse

Also known as: Karatsu (Karatsu Ōshima) (?)

The Karatsu Lighthouse was established in 1951 on Karatsu Ōshima, which is now connected to the mainland. This concrete structure, consisting of a square equipment building with an attached post, stood 7.5 meters tall with a focal height of 12 meters. It emitted a single white flash characteristic, visible for 8 nautical miles, guiding vessels towards Karatsu harbor. The lighthouse ceased operations in 2018. Encroaching forest growth eventually obscured its light, rendering it ineffective. Satellite views indicate the lighthouse is no longer present and has likely been demolished.

Why it matters: The lighthouse was important for guiding vessels into Karatsu harbor, a significant regional port.

Light & Optic

Characteristic Signature
Fl white 2.5s
Flash Type
Flashing
Light Color
white
Interval
2.5s
Raw Code
Fl.W
Focal Height
12m
Geographic Range
8NM

Construction & History

Year Built
1951

Significant events: Inactive since 2018, shadowed by encroaching forest, probably demolished, no trace in satellite view

Visiting

Open to public
Site open, tower closed

Nearby Vessels

Flag
Type
Name
Dist.

Tower & Structure

Tower Height
7.5m
Tower Shape
square
Tower Color
white
Material
concrete

Structure: concrete post attached to a square 1-story concrete equipment building

Location

City
Karatsu
Country
🇯🇵Japan
Region
Saga Prefecture
Sea Region
Karatsu Ōshima, a former island now joined to the mainland by fill, on the east side of Karatsu harbor, located on heights at the north end of Karatsu Ōshima.
Latitude
33.4829°
Longitude
129.9618°

References & Identifiers

Nearest Port
Tobo(0.4 km)
Admiralty No.
M5269.2
NGA No.
12256
USCG No.
JCG-5869
ARLHS No.
JPN-230
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Frequently Asked Questions

How do mariners identify Karatsu Lighthouse at night?+
Karatsu displays the characteristic Fl white 2.5s. 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 Karatsu Lighthouse guide vessels into?+
Karatsu Lighthouse assists vessels approaching 5 nearby ports. The closest is Karatsu at 0.2 NM to the E. Other ports served include Tobo (1.4 NM W), Yobuko (5 NM NW), Kafuri (10.7 NM ENE), Fukushima, Nagasaki (11.4 NM SW). Mariners should consult the relevant chart for full approach and pilotage information.
Is Karatsu Lighthouse still active and maintained?+
Yes, Karatsu 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 Karatsu Lighthouse?+
Karatsu 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 Karatsu Lighthouse?+
You can track vessels near Karatsu 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.