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Matsumae Kō Outer Breakwater Lighthouse

Oc Green 6s🇯🇵Matsumae, JPOperational

Location & Light Range

About Matsumae Kō Outer Breakwater Lighthouse

A white, cylindrical concrete tower standing 14 meters tall, the Matsumae Kō Outer Breakwater lighthouse is situated at the eastern end of a breakwater that extends from the island housing the main Matsumae lighthouse. With a focal height of 17 meters, its green light emits an occulting flash every 6 seconds. This structure, which includes a lantern and gallery, guides vessels with a geographic range of 12.4 nautical miles. It has consistently operated as an active aid to navigation since it was established, ensuring safe passage into the harbor. The tower and its site are not open to the public.

Why it matters: This lighthouse marks the seaward end of the outer breakwater, defining the safe channel for vessels entering and exiting Matsumae Port. It prevents collisions with the breakwater, a significant hazard in these coastal waters.

Light & Optic

Characteristic Signature
Oc Green 6s
Flash Type
Occulting
Light Color
Green
Interval
6s
Raw Code
Oc G 6s
Focal Height
17m
Geographic Range
12.4NM

Location

City
Matsumae
Country
🇯🇵Japan
Region
Hokkaido Prefecture
Sea Region
Located at the end of the breakwater, which extends eastward from the island on which the Matsumae lighthouse is built.
Latitude
41.4209°
Longitude
140.0943°

Nearby Vessels

Flag
Type
Name
Dist.

Tower & Structure

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

Structure: round cylindrical concrete tower with lantern and gallery, painted white

References & Identifiers

Nearest Port
Shizuura(5.6 km)
Admiralty No.
M6691
NGA No.
0968
ARLHS No.
JPN-904
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Frequently Asked Questions

How do mariners identify Matsumae Kō Outer Breakwater Lighthouse at night?+
Matsumae Kō Outer Breakwater displays the characteristic Oc Green 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 green color may indicate a specific sector or warning zone.
Which ports and harbors does Matsumae Kō Outer Breakwater Lighthouse guide vessels into?+
Matsumae Kō Outer Breakwater Lighthouse assists vessels approaching 5 nearby ports. The closest is Matsumae at 0.1 NM to the WSW. Other ports served include Shizuura (5.6 NM NW), Fukushima (hokkaido) (8.1 NM ENE), Fukushima, Hokkaido (8.3 NM ENE), Minmaya (16 NM SE). Mariners should consult the relevant chart for full approach and pilotage information.
Is Matsumae Kō Outer Breakwater Lighthouse still active and maintained?+
Yes, Matsumae Kō Outer 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 Matsumae Kō Outer Breakwater Lighthouse?+
Matsumae Kō Outer 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 Matsumae Kō Outer Breakwater Lighthouse?+
You can track vessels near Matsumae Kō Outer 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.