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Kudako Shima Lighthouse

Iso White 6s🇯🇵Matsuyama, JPOperational

Location & Light Range

About Kudako Shima Lighthouse

This white, cylindrical stone tower stands 11 meters tall and was first lit in 1903. Its lantern and gallery are also painted white. The lighthouse is situated on a small island about 1.5 kilometers west of Heyano Hana, with its focal plane reaching 57 meters above sea level. It emits an isophase white light on a 6-second cycle, visible for nearly 20 nautical miles. The structure was built to mark the presence of Kudako Shima, an island that could pose a hazard to vessels navigating the area.

Why it matters: The lighthouse's continuous operation since 1903 ensures safe passage for maritime traffic, particularly by marking Kudako Shima island.

Light & Optic

Characteristic Signature
Iso White 6s
Flash Type
Isophase
Light Color
White
Interval
6s
Raw Code
Iso W 6s
Focal Height
57m
Geographic Range
19.7NM

Construction & History

Year Built
1903

References & Identifiers

Nearest Port
Ihota(6.3 km)
ARLHS No.
JPN-296

Tower & Structure

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

Structure: round stone tower with lantern and gallery, painted white

Location

City
Matsuyama
Country
🇯🇵Japan
Region
Ehime Prefecture
Sea Region
on a small island about 1.5 km (1 mi) west of Heyano Hana
Latitude
33.9691°
Longitude
132.5640°

Nearby Vessels

Flag
Type
Name
Dist.
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Frequently Asked Questions

How do mariners identify Kudako Shima Lighthouse at night?+
Kudako Shima displays the characteristic Iso White 6s. 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 Kudako Shima Lighthouse guide vessels into?+
Kudako Shima Lighthouse assists vessels approaching 5 nearby ports. The closest is Ihota at 6.5 NM to the WSW. Other ports served include Osako (8.6 NM N), Tainouchi (8.9 NM N), Matsuyama (9.3 NM SE), Masaki (9.9 NM SE). Mariners should consult the relevant chart for full approach and pilotage information.
Is Kudako Shima Lighthouse still active and maintained?+
Yes, Kudako 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 Kudako Shima Lighthouse?+
Kudako 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 Kudako Shima Lighthouse?+
You can track vessels near Kudako 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.