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Minami Kō (South Harbor) South Breakwater Lighthouse

F white 6s🇯🇵Kagoshima, JPOperational

Established in 1965, the Minami Kō South Breakwater lighthouse is an octagonal metal tower painted white. Standing 22 meters tall, it emits a white light with a characteristic of a single flash every 6 seconds. This navigational aid extends 16 nautical miles. The lighthouse is situated on the south breakwater of Minami Kō, also known as South Harbor, in Kagoshima, Japan. Its function is to guide vessels into the port, marking the southern boundary of the breakwater that shelters the harbor from the sea.

Why it matters: This light is essential for maritime traffic entering Minami Kō, clearly marking the south breakwater and aiding safe passage into the busy port.

Characteristic Signature
F white 6s
Flash Type
Fixed
Light Color
white
Interval
6s
Raw Code
F.W. 69
Focal Height
22m
Geographic Range
16NM
Year Built
1965
Nearest Port
Kagoshima(3.1 km)
Admiralty No.
M4827
NGA No.
10952
ARLHS No.
JPN-2063
Tower Shape
octagonal
Tower Color
white
Material
metal

Structure: Minami Kō (South Harbor) South Breakwater lighthouse, established in 1965, guides vessels into a bustling Japanese port. It marks the southern edge of the protective breakwater, shielding the inner waters from the open sea. The surrounding area is characterized by the dynamic activity of a working harbor, with cargo ships, fishing boats, and ferries moving in and out, framed by industrial facilities or urban development along the waterfront. While its exact design details are not provided, its function as a modern navigational aid suggests a practical, functional structure. Over the decades since its construction, it has silently performed its duty, a constant presence for mariners navigating the busy shipping lanes. As a working aid to navigation, it is likely maintained by the Japanese Coast Guard or a similar authority, ensuring its continued operation. Access for the general public to the breakwater itself, and especially to the lighthouse, is typically restricted due to safety and operational considerations, making it a landmark primarily viewed from the water or distant shore.

City
Kagoshima
Country
🇯🇵Japan
Region
Kagoshima Prefecture
Sea Region
Located on the south breakwater of Minami Kō (South Harbor) in Japan.
Latitude
31.5440°
Longitude
130.5505°
Flag
Type
Name
Dist.
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How do mariners identify Minami Kō (South Harbor) South Breakwater Lighthouse at night?+
Minami Kō (South Harbor) South Breakwater displays the characteristic F white 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 white color may indicate a specific sector or warning zone.
Which ports and harbors does Minami Kō (South Harbor) South Breakwater Lighthouse guide vessels into?+
Minami Kō (South Harbor) South Breakwater Lighthouse assists vessels approaching 5 nearby ports. The closest is Kagoshima at 0.6 NM to the SE. Other ports served include Yunomochiki (4.1 NM E), Furusato, Kagoshima (5.7 NM E), Kaigata (7.8 NM E), Tarumizu (8 NM ESE). Mariners should consult the relevant chart for full approach and pilotage information.
Is Minami Kō (South Harbor) South Breakwater Lighthouse still active and maintained?+
Yes, Minami Kō (South Harbor) South 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 Minami Kō (South Harbor) South Breakwater Lighthouse?+
Minami Kō (South Harbor) South 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 Minami Kō (South Harbor) South Breakwater Lighthouse?+
You can track vessels near Minami Kō (South Harbor) South 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.