Matsumae Ko Lighthouse

With a focal height of 17 meters and a nominal range of 5 nautical miles (approximately 9.3 km), Matsumae Ko is visible from well offshore under standard atmospheric conditions. Actual visibility depends on observer height, weather, and sea state. As a shorter-range light, it primarily serves nearshore and coastal traffic.

Matsumae Ko displays the characteristic Iso G 6s — 1 green flash every 6 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 green color may indicate a specific sector or warning zone.

Matsumae Ko 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.

Yes, Matsumae Ko 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.

Matsumae Ko 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.

You can track vessels near Matsumae Ko 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.