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Kominase Shima Lighthouse

Fl White 4s🇯🇵Suo-Oshima, JPOperational

Location & Light Range

About Kominase Shima Lighthouse

The Kominase Shima lighthouse stands on a small island 8 kilometers south of Yashiro Shima. First lit in 1927, the original light was housed on a skeletal tower. The current cylindrical concrete tower, built in 1968, stands 15 meters tall and reaches a focal height of 20 meters. In 1991, the lantern was replaced and the structure was heightened with a slender concrete post, giving it a unique two-stage appearance. It emits a single white flash every 4 seconds, visible for 13.2 nautical miles.

Why it matters: The lighthouse is important for guiding vessels around the island's hazards and ensuring safe passage in the coastal waters south of Yashiro Shima.

Light & Optic

Characteristic Signature
Fl White 4s
Flash Type
Flashing
Light Color
White
Interval
4s
Raw Code
Fl W 4s
Focal Height
20m
Geographic Range
13.2NM

Construction & History

Year Built
1968
First Lit
1927

Significant events: heightened in 1991, original light on skeletal tower, lantern replaced in 1991

References & Identifiers

Nearest Port
Yoshiura(9.2 km)
Admiralty No.
M5644
ARLHS No.
JPN-1628

Tower & Structure

Tower Height
15m
Tower Shape
cylindrical
Tower Color
white
Material
concrete

Structure: 2-stage round cylindrical concrete tower with two galleries on the lower stage; the upper stage is a slender concrete post

Location

City
Suo-Oshima
Country
🇯🇵Japan
Region
Yamaguchi Prefecture
Sea Region
southeastern tip of a small island about 8 km south of the southeastern corner of Yashiro Shima
Latitude
33.7775°
Longitude
132.3930°

Nearby Vessels

Flag
Type
Name
Dist.
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Frequently Asked Questions

How do mariners identify Kominase Shima Lighthouse at night?+
Kominase Shima displays the characteristic Fl 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 Kominase Shima Lighthouse guide vessels into?+
Kominase Shima Lighthouse assists vessels approaching 5 nearby ports. The closest is Ihota at 10.4 NM to the NNE. Other ports served include Kuka (12.4 NM NNW), Masaki (15.9 NM ENE), Mitsuhama (15.9 NM ENE), Hirao (16.6 NM NW). Mariners should consult the relevant chart for full approach and pilotage information.
Is Kominase Shima Lighthouse still active and maintained?+
Yes, Kominase 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 Kominase Shima Lighthouse?+
Kominase 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 Kominase Shima Lighthouse?+
You can track vessels near Kominase 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.