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Maru Iwa Lighthouse

Fl Red 8s🇯🇵Tabuse, JPOperational

Location & Light Range

About Maru Iwa Lighthouse

This red, cylindrical concrete lighthouse stands 11 meters tall on a reef at the entrance to Hirao harbor, near Tabuse in Japan's Yamaguchi Prefecture. The structure includes a single-story concrete equipment shelter. Its focal height is also 11 meters, and it emits a red light with a single flash every 8 seconds. The lighthouse is situated on a reef, approximately 1.1 kilometers from the nearest port, Hirao. The site is open to the public, though the tower itself remains closed.

Why it matters: The Maru Iwa lighthouse is essential for safe navigation into and out of Hirao harbor, specifically warning vessels about the submerged reef directly in the entrance, thereby helping to prevent groundings and collisions.

Light & Optic

Characteristic Signature
Fl Red 8s
Flash Type
Flashing
Light Color
Red
Interval
8s
Raw Code
Fl R 8s
Focal Height
11m
Geographic Range
10.7NM

Location

City
Tabuse
Country
🇯🇵Japan
Region
Yamaguchi Prefecture
Sea Region
entrance to Hirao harbor, on a reef
Latitude
33.9011°
Longitude
132.0347°

References & Identifiers

Nearest Port
Hirao(1.1 km)
Admiralty No.
M5406.5
NGA No.
9472

Tower & Structure

Tower Height
11m
Tower Shape
cylindrical
Tower Color
red
Material
concrete

Structure: A 11m cylindrical concrete post with a 1-story concrete equipment shelter, painted red.

Visiting

Open to public
Site open, tower closed

Nearby Vessels

Flag
Type
Name
Dist.
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Frequently Asked Questions

How do mariners identify Maru Iwa Lighthouse at night?+
Maru Iwa displays the characteristic Fl Red 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 red color may indicate a specific sector or warning zone.
Which ports and harbors does Maru Iwa Lighthouse guide vessels into?+
Maru Iwa Lighthouse assists vessels approaching 5 nearby ports. The closest is Yanai at 5.5 NM to the ENE. Other ports served include Hirao (5.7 NM ENE), Hikari (6.3 NM NW), Kudamatsu (11.1 NM WNW), Kuka (11.7 NM ENE). Mariners should consult the relevant chart for full approach and pilotage information.
Is Maru Iwa Lighthouse still active and maintained?+
Yes, Maru Iwa 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 Maru Iwa Lighthouse?+
Maru Iwa 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 Maru Iwa Lighthouse?+
You can track vessels near Maru Iwa 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.