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Karatsu Tobo Kō No. 2 Breakwater Lighthouse

Fl white 3.3s🇯🇵Karatsu, JPOperational

Location & Light Range

About Karatsu Tobo Kō No. 2 Breakwater Lighthouse

Constructed in 1964, this concrete structure featured a square, red tower standing 8.5 meters high, affixed to a 1-story concrete equipment building. It emitted a white flashing light (Fl.W) with a focal height of 30 meters and a 14 nautical mile range. This lighthouse, situated at the end of the east breakwater for Tobo harbor in Karatsu, Saga Prefecture, was accessible to the public, though climbing the tower was not permitted. It ceased operation and was dismantled in 2019, having served for almost 55 years.

Why it matters: This navigation aid marked the entry to Tobo harbor, a fishing area.

Light & Optic

Characteristic Signature
Fl white 3.3s
Flash Type
Flashing
Light Color
white
Interval
3.3s
Raw Code
Fl.W
Focal Height
30m
Geographic Range
14NM

Construction & History

Year Built
1964

Significant events: Removed in 2019

Visiting

Open to public
Site open, tower closed

Nearby Vessels

Flag
Type
Name
Dist.

Tower & Structure

Tower Height
8.5m
Tower Shape
square
Tower Color
red
Material
concrete

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

Location

City
Karatsu
Country
🇯🇵Japan
Region
Saga Prefecture
Sea Region
end of the east breakwater of Tobo harbor, a traditional small boat harbor in eastern Karatsu
Latitude
33.4820°
Longitude
129.9376°

References & Identifiers

Nearest Port
Tobo(0.8 km)
Admiralty No.
M5269.5
NGA No.
12260
ARLHS No.
JPN-2365
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Frequently Asked Questions

How do mariners identify Karatsu Tobo Kō No. 2 Breakwater Lighthouse at night?+
Karatsu Tobo Kō No. 2 Breakwater displays the characteristic Fl white 3.3s. 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 Karatsu Tobo Kō No. 2 Breakwater Lighthouse guide vessels into?+
Karatsu Tobo Kō No. 2 Breakwater Lighthouse assists vessels approaching 5 nearby ports. The closest is Tobo at 0.2 NM to the WNW. Other ports served include Karatsu (1.5 NM E), Yobuko (4.3 NM NNW), Fukushima, Nagasaki (10.5 NM SW), Kafuri (11.8 NM ENE). Mariners should consult the relevant chart for full approach and pilotage information.
Is Karatsu Tobo Kō No. 2 Breakwater Lighthouse still active and maintained?+
Yes, Karatsu Tobo Kō No. 2 Breakwater 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 Tobo Kō No. 2 Breakwater Lighthouse?+
Karatsu Tobo Kō No. 2 Breakwater 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 Tobo Kō No. 2 Breakwater Lighthouse?+
You can track vessels near Karatsu Tobo Kō No. 2 Breakwater 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.