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Matsumae Lighthouse

Iso White 6s🇯🇵Matsumae, JPOperational

Location & Light Range

About Matsumae Lighthouse

Also known as: Matsumae (Fukuyama)

Established in 1889, the Matsumae Lighthouse stands on Benten Shima, an island that shelters Matsumae harbor. This facility is positioned about 10 kilometers west-northwest of Cape Shirakami. The tower, painted white, measures 7 meters in height with the light visible from 25 meters above sea level. Its light characteristic is an isophase white light shown on a 6-second cycle. The structure consists of a lantern atop a 1-story equipment building. The site is open to the public, though the tower remains closed.

Why it matters: The lighthouse is important for guiding ships safely into Matsumae harbor. Its distinctive structure also makes it a notable landmark on Benten Shima.

Light & Optic

Characteristic Signature
Iso White 6s
Flash Type
Isophase
Light Color
White
Interval
6s
Raw Code
Iso W 6s
Focal Height
25m
Light Range
12NM (22.2 km)
Geographic Range
14.3NM

Construction & History

Year Built
1889

Visiting

Open to public
Site open, tower closed

Nearby Vessels

Flag
Type
Name
Dist.

Tower & Structure

Tower Height
7m
Tower Color
white

Structure: lantern atop a 1-story equipment building, painted white

Location

City
Matsumae
Country
🇯🇵Japan
Region
Hokkaido Prefecture
Sea Region
Located on Benten Shima, an island sheltering Matsumae harbor, about 10 km (6 mi) west northwest of Cape Shirakami.
Latitude
41.4187°
Longitude
140.0884°

References & Identifiers

Nearest Port
Shizuura(5.5 km)
ARLHS No.
JPN-333
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Frequently Asked Questions

How far offshore can Matsumae Lighthouse be seen?+
With a focal height of 25 meters and a nominal range of 12 nautical miles (approximately 22.2 km), Matsumae is visible from well offshore under standard atmospheric conditions. Actual visibility depends on observer height, weather, and sea state. This range makes it a significant coastal navigation aid for vessels transiting the area.
How do mariners identify Matsumae Lighthouse at night?+
Matsumae displays the characteristic Iso White 6s. 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 Matsumae Lighthouse guide vessels into?+
Matsumae Lighthouse assists vessels approaching 5 nearby ports. The closest is Matsumae at 0.2 NM to the ENE. Other ports served include Shizuura (5.5 NM NW), Fukushima (hokkaido) (8.4 NM ENE), Fukushima, Hokkaido (8.6 NM ENE), Minmaya (16.1 NM SE). Mariners should consult the relevant chart for full approach and pilotage information.
Is Matsumae Lighthouse still active and maintained?+
Yes, Matsumae 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 Matsumae Lighthouse?+
Matsumae 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 Matsumae Lighthouse?+
You can track vessels near Matsumae 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.