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Kusagaki Shima Lighthouse

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

Location & Light Range

About Kusagaki Shima Lighthouse

This lighthouse is a white, cylindrical concrete tower standing 14 meters tall, with its light 140 meters above sea level. It sits atop an isolated, uninhabited island at the northern edge of a reef, about 50 km west of Kuro Shima and 80 km southwest of Kyūshū. The structure includes a lantern and gallery, attached to a one-story concrete keeper's house. Access to the remote site is by helicopter. In a significant modernization, the lighthouse was converted to solar power, now equipped with the largest solar array of any Japanese lighthouse. The light emits a white flash every 20 seconds, visible for 28.8 nautical miles.

Why it matters: The lighthouse is important for safe passage through waters west of Kyūshū, warning vessels of the extensive reef and the isolated island. Its large solar array represents a significant commitment to environmental sustainability in maritime navigation.

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
140m
Geographic Range
28.8NM

Construction & History

Significant events: converted to solar power, largest solar array of any Japanese lighthouse

References & Identifiers

Nearest Port
Iwojima, Kagoshima(42.3 km)
Admiralty No.
M4802
NGA No.
12988
ARLHS No.
JPN-312

Tower & Structure

Tower Height
14m
Tower Shape
cylindrical
Tower Color
white
Material
concrete

Structure: round cylindrical concrete tower with lantern and gallery, attached to an L-shaped 1-story concrete keeper's house

Location

City
Minamisatsuma
Country
🇯🇵Japan
Region
Kagoshima Prefecture
Sea Region
Located atop an isolated and uninhabited island at the north end of a reef about 50 km west of Kuro Shima and 80 km southwest of Kyūshū.
Latitude
30.8616°
Longitude
129.4640°

Nearby Vessels

Flag
Type
Name
Dist.
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Frequently Asked Questions

How do mariners identify Kusagaki Shima Lighthouse at night?+
Kusagaki Shima 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 Kusagaki Shima Lighthouse guide vessels into?+
Kusagaki Shima Lighthouse assists vessels approaching 5 nearby ports. The closest is Katadomari at 23 NM to the E. Other ports served include Sato (25.5 NM E), Iwayadomari (42.9 NM ESE), Mugi (47.5 NM ESE), Yumugi (47.5 NM ESE). Mariners should consult the relevant chart for full approach and pilotage information.
Is Kusagaki Shima Lighthouse still active and maintained?+
Yes, Kusagaki 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 Kusagaki Shima Lighthouse?+
Kusagaki 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 Kusagaki Shima Lighthouse?+
You can track vessels near Kusagaki 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.