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Katsuura Lighthouse

Fl (2) White 20s🇯🇵Katsuura, JPOperational

Location & Light Range

About Katsuura Lighthouse

Also known as: Katsuura (Katuura)

Katsuura Lighthouse, an octagonal concrete tower, was first lit in 1917. Standing 21 meters tall with its light positioned 71 meters above sea level, it emits two white flashes every 20 seconds. The lighthouse is situated on a promontory that shelters the eastern side of Katsuura harbor. Its operational status has guided vessels for over a century. The site is open to visitors, though the tower itself is closed to the public.

Why it matters: The lighthouse is important for guiding vessels entering and departing Katsuura harbor, marking the promontory that shelters the port's eastern approach.

Light & Optic

Characteristic Signature
Fl (2) White 20s
Flash Type
Flashing
Light Color
White
Flash Count
2 flashes
Interval
20s
Raw Code
Fl W 20s
Focal Height
71m
Light Range
22NM (40.7 km)
Geographic Range
21.5NM

Construction & History

Year Built
1917

Visiting

Open to public
Site open, tower closed

Nearby Vessels

Flag
Type
Name
Dist.

Tower & Structure

Tower Height
21m
Tower Shape
octagonal
Tower Color
white
Material
concrete

Structure: octagonal concrete tower with lantern and gallery

Location

City
Katsuura
Country
🇯🇵Japan
Region
Chiba Prefecture
Sea Region
Located on a scenic promontory sheltering the east side of the harbor of Katsuura.
Latitude
35.1379°
Longitude
140.3189°

References & Identifiers

Nearest Port
Katsuura, Chiba(0.7 km)
Admiralty No.
M6470
ARLHS No.
JPN-245
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Frequently Asked Questions

How far offshore can Katsuura Lighthouse be seen?+
With a focal height of 71 meters and a nominal range of 22 nautical miles (approximately 40.7 km), Katsuura is visible from well offshore under standard atmospheric conditions. Actual visibility depends on observer height, weather, and sea state. Lights of this range are typically used as landfall lights by vessels approaching from the open sea.
How do mariners identify Katsuura Lighthouse at night?+
Katsuura displays the characteristic Fl (2) White 20s — 2 white flashes every 20 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 color may indicate a specific sector or warning zone.
Which ports and harbors does Katsuura Lighthouse guide vessels into?+
Katsuura Lighthouse assists vessels approaching 5 nearby ports. The closest is Wakura at 0.8 NM to the NNE. Other ports served include Okitsu, Chiba (3.3 NM W), Abuto (11.3 NM WSW), Wada (16.2 NM WSW), Kazusaminato (22.7 NM WNW). Mariners should consult the relevant chart for full approach and pilotage information.
Is Katsuura Lighthouse still active and maintained?+
Yes, Katsuura 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 Katsuura Lighthouse?+
Katsuura 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 Katsuura Lighthouse?+
You can track vessels near Katsuura 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.