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Koiji Shima Lighthouse

Fl White 3s🇯🇵Minamata, JPOperational

Location & Light Range

About Koiji Shima Lighthouse

Also known as: Koiji Shima (Minamata Kō)

Established in 1957, Koiji Shima lighthouse is a concrete cylindrical tower standing 11 meters tall, situated on the western tip of an island off Minamata harbor. Its structure consists of a concrete post rising from a one-story concrete equipment building. The focal height of the light is 32 meters above sea level, casting a white flash every 3 seconds with a geographic range of 15.7 nautical miles. The site is open to the public, though the tower itself remains closed. Koiji Shima is located in Japan's Kumamoto Prefecture.

Why it matters: This lighthouse is important for guiding vessels approaching and departing Minamata harbor, aiding navigation around the western tip of Koiji Shima and supporting local commercial shipping.

Light & Optic

Characteristic Signature
Fl White 3s
Flash Type
Flashing
Light Color
White
Interval
3s
Raw Code
Fl W 3s
Focal Height
32m
Geographic Range
15.7NM

Construction & History

Year Built
1957

Visiting

Open to public
Site open, tower closed

Nearby Vessels

Flag
Type
Name
Dist.

Tower & Structure

Tower Height
11m
Tower Shape
cylindrical
Tower Color
white
Material
concrete

Structure: concrete post rising from a 1-story concrete equipment building

Location

City
Minamata
Country
🇯🇵Japan
Region
Kumamoto Prefecture
Sea Region
western tip of Koiji Shima, an island off Minamata harbor
Latitude
32.1967°
Longitude
130.3608°

References & Identifiers

Nearest Port
Minamata(0.5 km)
ARLHS No.
JPN-2100
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Frequently Asked Questions

How do mariners identify Koiji Shima Lighthouse at night?+
Koiji Shima 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 Koiji Shima Lighthouse guide vessels into?+
Koiji Shima Lighthouse assists vessels approaching 5 nearby ports. The closest is Minamata at 0.9 NM to the ESE. Other ports served include Komenotsu (1.2 NM E), Nama (1.2 NM E), Shinkawa, Kagoshima (4.8 NM ENE), Katasoba (8.8 NM WNW). Mariners should consult the relevant chart for full approach and pilotage information.
Is Koiji Shima Lighthouse still active and maintained?+
Yes, Koiji 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 Koiji Shima Lighthouse?+
Koiji 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 Koiji Shima Lighthouse?+
You can track vessels near Koiji 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.