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Kashiwa Shima Lighthouse

Oc White 4s🇯🇵Karatsu, JPOperational

Location & Light Range

About Kashiwa Shima Lighthouse

Also known as: Kashiwa Shima (Komiya Saki)

A cylindrical concrete tower, 12 meters in height, is centered on a round, 1-story concrete foundation. Adjacent to the tower is a 1-story concrete building housing equipment. The light source is positioned 13 meters above sea level, producing a white occulting flash with a 4-second period. This light has a visibility range of 11.3 nautical miles. The structure is located at the extremity of a narrow landform that serves as a breakwater for the port of Kashikojima, positioned 0.2 kilometers away. The grounds are accessible, but entry into the tower is not permitted.

Why it matters: This navigation aid marks the harbor entrance for Kashikojima, assisting local fishing vessels and other craft.

Light & Optic

Characteristic Signature
Oc White 4s
Flash Type
Occulting
Light Color
White
Interval
4s
Raw Code
Oc W 4s
Focal Height
13m
Geographic Range
11.3NM

Location

City
Karatsu
Country
🇯🇵Japan
Region
Saga Prefecture
Sea Region
Located at the tip of a narrow peninsula that provides a natural breakwater for the harbor of Kashiwa Shima, an island about 1 km off Mese Hana.
Latitude
33.5380°
Longitude
129.9648°

References & Identifiers

Nearest Port
Kashikojima(0.2 km)
Admiralty No.
M5269.02
NGA No.
12232
ARLHS No.
JPN-2351

Tower & Structure

Tower Height
12m
Tower Shape
cylindrical
Tower Color
white
Material
concrete

Structure: concrete post centered on a round 1-story concrete base; adjoining 1-story concrete equipment building

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 Kashiwa Shima Lighthouse at night?+
Kashiwa Shima displays the characteristic Oc White 4s. 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 Kashiwa Shima Lighthouse guide vessels into?+
Kashiwa Shima Lighthouse assists vessels approaching 5 nearby ports. The closest is Karatsu at 3.3 NM to the S. Other ports served include Tobo (3.6 NM SSW), Yobuko (3.6 NM W), Kafuri (9.7 NM E), Fukushima, Nagasaki (14 NM SW). Mariners should consult the relevant chart for full approach and pilotage information.
Is Kashiwa Shima Lighthouse still active and maintained?+
Yes, Kashiwa 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 Kashiwa Shima Lighthouse?+
Kashiwa 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 Kashiwa Shima Lighthouse?+
You can track vessels near Kashiwa 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.