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Madara Shima Lighthouse

Oc (2) White 7s🇯🇵Karatsu, JPOperational

Location & Light Range

About Madara Shima Lighthouse

Also known as: Madara Shima (Hizen Madara Shima)

Madara Shima Lighthouse was established in 1962, marking the southwestern tip of Madara Shima. The structure consists of a white concrete post rising from a single-story concrete equipment building. With a tower height of 10 meters and a focal height of 30 meters, it emits a white light characterized by two occultations every 7 seconds. The lighthouse is situated on a promontory on the island, approximately 12 kilometers north of Miya Saki and 6.5 kilometers from the nearest port, Yobuko. Its geographic range extends to 15.3 nautical miles.

Why it matters: This light guides vessels around the promontory at the southwestern tip of Madara Shima island, aiding navigation in the waters north of Miya Saki.

Light & Optic

Characteristic Signature
Oc (2) White 7s
Flash Type
Occulting
Light Color
White
Flash Count
2 flashes
Interval
7s
Raw Code
Oc(2) W 7s
Focal Height
30m
Geographic Range
15.3NM

Construction & History

Year Built
1962

References & Identifiers

Nearest Port
Yobuko(6.5 km)
ARLHS No.
JPN-132

Tower & Structure

Tower Height
10m
Tower Color
white
Material
concrete

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

Location

City
Karatsu
Country
🇯🇵Japan
Region
Saga Prefecture
Sea Region
An island about 12 km north of Miya Saki, on a promontory at the southwestern tip of Madara Shima island.
Latitude
33.5640°
Longitude
129.7627°

Nearby Vessels

Flag
Type
Name
Dist.
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Frequently Asked Questions

How do mariners identify Madara Shima Lighthouse at night?+
Madara Shima displays the characteristic Oc (2) White 7s — 2 white flashes every 7 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 Madara Shima Lighthouse guide vessels into?+
Madara Shima Lighthouse assists vessels approaching 5 nearby ports. The closest is Yobuko at 6.7 NM to the E. Other ports served include Tobo (9.8 NM ESE), Karatsu (11.3 NM ESE), Fukushima, Nagasaki (13 NM S), Ashibe (14.7 NM N). Mariners should consult the relevant chart for full approach and pilotage information.
Is Madara Shima Lighthouse still active and maintained?+
Yes, Madara 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 Madara Shima Lighthouse?+
Madara 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 Madara Shima Lighthouse?+
You can track vessels near Madara 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.