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Meshima Lighthouse

Fl (3) White 40s🇯🇵Goto, JPOperational

Location & Light Range

About Meshima Lighthouse

Also known as: Meshima (Me Shima)

Meshima Lighthouse stands on Me Shima, the southernmost of the Danjo Islands in the East China Sea, located about 60 kilometers south-southeast of Fukue Shima. This uninhabited archipelago is a protected nature reserve. The lighthouse, a white cylindrical concrete tower 15 meters in height, was first lit in 1948. Its current structure, featuring an octagonal cylindrical design with a lantern and gallery attached to a keeper's house, was built in 1953. The light emits a white flash every 40 seconds, visible for nearly 27 nautical miles. Meshima was the last Japanese lighthouse to achieve full automation in 2006.

Why it matters: This lighthouse marks the southern end of the Danjo Islands and aids navigation in this remote area. It is historically significant as the final Japanese lighthouse to be automated.

Light & Optic

Characteristic Signature
Fl (3) White 40s
Flash Type
Flashing
Light Color
White
Flash Count
3 flashes
Interval
40s
Raw Code
Fl W 40s
Focal Height
119m
Light Range
21NM (38.9 km)
Geographic Range
26.8NM

Construction & History

Year Built
1953
First Lit
1948

Significant events: original lighthouse was heavily damaged in World War II, Fresnel lens and rotating equipment saved by being buried, returned to service in 1948, last Japanese lighthouse to be automated in 2006

References & Identifiers

Nearest Port
Shukunoura(64.6 km)
Admiralty No.
M4998
NGA No.
12980
ARLHS No.
JPN-336
Wikidata
Q11446415 →
OpenStreetMap
View on OSM →

Tower & Structure

Tower Height
15m
Tower Shape
cylindrical
Tower Color
white
Material
concrete

Structure: octagonal cylindrical concrete tower with lantern and gallery, attached to a 1-story concrete keeper's house

Location

City
Goto
Country
🇯🇵Japan
Region
Nagasaki Prefecture
Sea Region
Me Shima is the southernmost of the Danjo Islands, which are small, uninhabited and rugged islands in the East China Sea about 60 km south southeast of Fukue Shima. The islands are protected as a nature reserve. Located at the southern end of the island.
Latitude
31.9923°
Longitude
128.3501°

Nearby Vessels

Flag
Type
Name
Dist.
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Frequently Asked Questions

How far offshore can Meshima Lighthouse be seen?+
With a focal height of 119 meters and a nominal range of 21 nautical miles (approximately 38.9 km), Meshima is visible from well offshore under standard atmospheric conditions. Actual visibility depends on observer height, weather, and sea state. Lights of this range are typically used as landfall lights by vessels approaching from the open sea.
How do mariners identify Meshima Lighthouse at night?+
Meshima displays the characteristic Fl (3) White 40s — 3 white flashes every 40 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 white color may indicate a specific sector or warning zone.
Which ports and harbors does Meshima Lighthouse guide vessels into?+
Meshima Lighthouse assists vessels approaching 3 nearby ports. The closest is Tamanoura at 41 NM to the NNE. Other ports served include Tomie (43.3 NM NNE), Goto (48.2 NM NNE). Mariners should consult the relevant chart for full approach and pilotage information.
Is Meshima Lighthouse still active and maintained?+
Yes, Meshima 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 Meshima Lighthouse?+
Meshima 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 Meshima Lighthouse?+
You can track vessels near Meshima 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.