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Matsushima Lighthouse

F White🇯🇵Nagato, JPOperational

Location & Light Range

About Matsushima Lighthouse

This white, cylindrical concrete tower, 10 meters in height, is situated on a point east of Nagato. With a focal height of 9.5 meters, it emits a white light with a flash characteristic of F W, discernible for 10.2 nautical miles. The light originates from a square window within the structure. Access to the site is permitted, but the tower itself is not open for entry. The lighthouse is positioned 2.4 kilometers from Senzaki, the closest port.

Why it matters: This structure serves as a navigation aid, marking the south side of Senzaki Bay and warning mariners of a nearby reef, thereby assisting in the prevention of vessel groundings in the vicinity.

Light & Optic

Characteristic Signature
F White
Flash Type
Fixed
Light Color
White
Raw Code
F W
Focal Height
9.5m
Light Range
7NM (13.0 km)
Geographic Range
10.2NM

Location

City
Nagato
Country
🇯🇵Japan
Region
Yamaguchi Prefecture
Sea Region
Senzaki Bay, marking a sharp point of land about 8 km east of Nagato.
Latitude
34.3891°
Longitude
131.2561°

References & Identifiers

Nearest Port
Senzaki(2.4 km)
Admiralty No.
M7386.5.

Tower & Structure

Tower Height
10m
Tower Shape
cylindrical
Tower Color
white
Material
concrete

Structure: square cylindrical white concrete tower; the light is shown through a square window

Visiting

Open to public
Site open, tower closed

Nearby Vessels

Flag
Type
Name
Dist.
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Frequently Asked Questions

How far offshore can Matsushima Lighthouse be seen?+
With a focal height of 9.5 meters and a nominal range of 7 nautical miles (approximately 13.0 km), Matsushima 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.
How do mariners identify Matsushima Lighthouse at night?+
Matsushima displays the characteristic F White. 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 Matsushima Lighthouse guide vessels into?+
Matsushima Lighthouse assists vessels approaching 5 nearby ports. The closest is Senzaki at 2.2 NM to the W. Other ports served include Fukawa (3.7 NM W), Hagi (8.2 NM ENE), Awano (14.3 NM W), Kottoi (18.4 NM WSW). Mariners should consult the relevant chart for full approach and pilotage information.
Is Matsushima Lighthouse still active and maintained?+
Yes, Matsushima 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 Matsushima Lighthouse?+
Matsushima 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 Matsushima Lighthouse?+
You can track vessels near Matsushima 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.