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Mera Kō Lighthouse

Fl (2) Red 6s🇯🇵Minamiizu, JPOperational

Location & Light Range

About Mera Kō Lighthouse

Located on a detached breakwater at the Mera harbor entrance, south of Irō Saki, this operational lighthouse is a cylindrical, red concrete tower reaching 11 meters in height, with the light source at 17 meters. A 1-story concrete equipment shelter joins the tower, which is topped with a flared section. The light covers a distance of 12.4 nautical miles and displays a single red flash every 6 seconds (Fl R 6s). Access to the grounds is permitted, but entry into the tower is not.

Why it matters: This marker identifies the harbor entrance, aiding navigation for vessels approaching Teishi port.

Light & Optic

Characteristic Signature
Fl (2) Red 6s
Flash Type
Flashing
Light Color
Red
Flash Count
2 flashes
Interval
6s
Raw Code
Fl R 6s
Focal Height
17m
Geographic Range
12.4NM

Location

City
Minamiizu
Country
🇯🇵Japan
Region
Shizuoka Prefecture
Sea Region
Located on a detached breakwater at the entrance to Mera harbor, in the lee of Irō Saki.
Latitude
34.6627°
Longitude
138.7817°

References & Identifiers

Nearest Port
Teishi(5.6 km)
ARLHS No.
JPN-1434

Tower & Structure

Tower Height
11m
Tower Shape
cylindrical
Tower Color
red
Material
concrete

Structure: round concrete tower with flared top, attached to a 1-story concrete equipment shelter

Visiting

Open to public
Site open, tower closed

Nearby Vessels

Flag
Type
Name
Dist.
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Frequently Asked Questions

How do mariners identify Mera Kō Lighthouse at night?+
Mera Kō displays the characteristic Fl (2) Red 6s — 2 red flashes 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 red color may indicate a specific sector or warning zone.
Which ports and harbors does Mera Kō Lighthouse guide vessels into?+
Mera Kō Lighthouse assists vessels approaching 5 nearby ports. The closest is Matsuzaki at 5.9 NM to the N. Other ports served include Shimoda, Shizuoka (8.6 NM E), Tago (8.7 NM N), Arari (9.9 NM N), Ugusu (11.3 NM N). Mariners should consult the relevant chart for full approach and pilotage information.
Is Mera Kō Lighthouse still active and maintained?+
Yes, Mera Kō 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 Mera Kō Lighthouse?+
Mera Kō 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 Mera Kō Lighthouse?+
You can track vessels near Mera Kō 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.