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Minna Shima Lighthouse

Fl White 3s🇯🇵Motobu, JPOperational

Location & Light Range

About Minna Shima Lighthouse

The Minna Shima lighthouse, a cylindrical concrete tower, was built and first lit in 1972. Standing 12 meters tall, its light is positioned 27 meters above sea level. The structure includes a 1-story concrete equipment room attached to the tower. It emits a white flash every three seconds, visible for nearly 15 nautical miles. This lighthouse is located on the eastern end of Minna Shima, an island approximately 4 km west of Sesoku Shima within Okinawa Prefecture.

Why it matters: The lighthouse aids navigation around Minna Shima, guiding vessels approaching from the east and preventing groundings on its shores.

Light & Optic

Characteristic Signature
Fl White 3s
Flash Type
Flashing
Light Color
White
Interval
3s
Raw Code
Fl W 3s
Focal Height
27m
Geographic Range
14.7NM

Construction & History

Year Built
1972

References & Identifiers

Nearest Port
Motobu(3.1 km)
Admiralty No.
M4763.64
NGA No.
13452
ARLHS No.
JPN-356

Tower & Structure

Tower Height
12m
Tower Shape
cylindrical
Tower Color
white
Material
concrete

Structure: round cylindrical concrete tower, attached to a small 1-story concrete equipment room

Location

City
Motobu
Country
🇯🇵Japan
Region
Okinawa Prefecture
Sea Region
Located on the eastern end of Minna Shima, a small island about 4 km west of Sesoku Shima.
Latitude
26.6459°
Longitude
127.8206°

Nearby Vessels

Flag
Type
Name
Dist.
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Frequently Asked Questions

How do mariners identify Minna Shima Lighthouse at night?+
Minna Shima displays the characteristic Fl White 3s. 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 Minna Shima Lighthouse guide vessels into?+
Minna Shima Lighthouse assists vessels approaching 5 nearby ports. The closest is Motobu at 3.3 NM to the E. Other ports served include Sesoko (3.4 NM ESE), Nago (8.7 NM ESE), Unten (10.1 NM E), Kouri (11 NM ENE). Mariners should consult the relevant chart for full approach and pilotage information.
Is Minna Shima Lighthouse still active and maintained?+
Yes, Minna Shima 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.
How can I track vessels near Minna Shima Lighthouse?+
You can track vessels near Minna Shima 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.