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Matsu Shima Breakwater Lighthouse

F Red 4s🇯🇵Saikai, JPOperational

Location & Light Range

About Matsu Shima Breakwater Lighthouse

This lighthouse stands at the end of an 800-meter concrete breakwater that extends from the northwestern tip of Matsu Shima. The roughly circular island, approximately 3 kilometers in diameter, shelters the harbors of Saikai. The structure is a round concrete tower, 8 meters tall, which flares at the top and attaches to a small equipment shelter. It emits a continuous red light with a single red flash every 4 seconds. The focal height of the light is 13 meters, and it has a geographic range of 11.3 nautical miles. The lighthouse is operational and its red tower is a distinctive sight against the sea.

Why it matters: This lighthouse marks the terminus of the breakwater protecting Saikai's harbors, guiding vessels safely around the northwestern approach of Matsu Shima island and preventing collisions with the structure.

Light & Optic

Characteristic Signature
F Red 4s
Flash Type
Fixed
Light Color
Red
Interval
4s
Raw Code
F.Fl R 4s
Focal Height
13m
Geographic Range
11.3NM

Location

City
Saikai
Country
🇯🇵Japan
Region
Nagasaki Prefecture
Sea Region
Located at the end of an 800 m long breakwater extending from the northwestern tip of Matsu Shima, a roughly circular island about 3 km in diameter that shelters the harbors of Saikai.
Latitude
32.9503°
Longitude
129.6027°

Nearby Vessels

Flag
Type
Name
Dist.

Tower & Structure

Tower Height
8m
Tower Shape
cylindrical
Tower Color
red
Material
concrete

Structure: round concrete tower, flared at the top, attached to a small equipment shelter

References & Identifiers

Nearest Port
Matsushima(0.2 km)
Admiralty No.
M5209.5
NGA No.
11860
ARLHS No.
JPN-2223
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Frequently Asked Questions

How do mariners identify Matsu Shima Breakwater Lighthouse at night?+
Matsu Shima Breakwater displays the characteristic F Red 4s. 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 Matsu Shima Breakwater Lighthouse guide vessels into?+
Matsu Shima Breakwater Lighthouse assists vessels approaching 5 nearby ports. The closest is Matsushima, Nagasaki at 0.4 NM to the S. Other ports served include Matsuura, Nagasaki (1 NM S), Nanatsugama (1 NM S), Sakito (1 NM S), Seto (1.8 NM ESE). Mariners should consult the relevant chart for full approach and pilotage information.
Is Matsu Shima Breakwater Lighthouse still active and maintained?+
Yes, Matsu Shima Breakwater 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 Matsu Shima Breakwater Lighthouse?+
Matsu Shima Breakwater 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 Matsu Shima Breakwater Lighthouse?+
You can track vessels near Matsu Shima Breakwater 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.