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Kunbetsu Lighthouse

Oc White 8s🇯🇵Shibetsu, JPOperational

Location & Light Range

About Kunbetsu Lighthouse

Also known as: Kunbetsu (Kunbetu)

Kunbetsu Lighthouse, built in 1978, is a 15-meter tall concrete tower situated on a steep bluff above the town of Kunbetsu. It features red and white horizontal bands and an attached equipment shelter. The lighthouse emits a white light with an 8-second cycle. Its focal height reaches 54 meters, providing a geographic range of 19.3 nautical miles. The site is accessible to the public, but the tower itself remains closed.

Why it matters: This lighthouse guides vessels navigating the western approach to the Nemuro Strait and marks the base of the Shiretoko Peninsula, which is essential for local fishing fleets and other maritime traffic using these waters.

Light & Optic

Characteristic Signature
Oc White 8s
Flash Type
Occulting
Light Color
White
Interval
8s
Raw Code
Oc W 8s
Focal Height
54m
Geographic Range
19.3NM

Construction & History

Year Built
1978

Visiting

Open to public
Site open, tower closed

Nearby Vessels

Flag
Type
Name
Dist.

Tower & Structure

Tower Height
15m
Tower Shape
cylindrical
Tower Color
with red and white horizontal bands
Material
concrete

Structure: round cylindrical concrete tower with lantern and gallery, attached at one end of a small equipment shelter

Location

City
Shibetsu
Country
🇯🇵Japan
Region
Hokkaido Prefecture
Sea Region
At the base of the Shiretoko Peninsula, in the westernmost curve of the Nemuro Strait, on a steep bluff above the town of Kunbetsu.
Latitude
43.7964°
Longitude
145.0608°

References & Identifiers

Nearest Port
Nemuro(35.4 km)
ARLHS No.
JPN-302
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Frequently Asked Questions

How do mariners identify Kunbetsu Lighthouse at night?+
Kunbetsu displays the characteristic Oc White 8s. 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 Kunbetsu Lighthouse guide vessels into?+
Kunbetsu Lighthouse assists vessels approaching 5 nearby ports. The closest is Shibetsu at 8.7 NM to the SSE. Other ports served include Abashiri (35.9 NM WNW), Nemuro (35.9 NM SE), Yuzhno-Kuril'sk (36.9 NM ENE), Hanasaki (38.2 NM SE). Mariners should consult the relevant chart for full approach and pilotage information.
Is Kunbetsu Lighthouse still active and maintained?+
Yes, Kunbetsu 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.
How can I track vessels near Kunbetsu Lighthouse?+
You can track vessels near Kunbetsu 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.