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Misumi Lighthouse

Fl (2) White 7s🇯🇵Kamiamakusa, JPOperational

Location & Light Range

About Misumi Lighthouse

Misumi Lighthouse was established in 1890 as a white cylindrical concrete tower measuring 6.5 meters tall. It stands on a promontory at the northern tip of Ōyano Shima, west of the entrance to Misumi Strait from Ariake Bay. The structure, which includes a lantern and gallery atop a one-story equipment building, has a focal height of 40 meters. Its light emits a white flash every seven seconds, visible for over 17 nautical miles. The lighthouse underwent renovation in 1952 and its site is open to the public, though the tower is closed.

Why it matters: This lighthouse is essential for marking the entrance to Misumi Strait from Ariake Bay, aiding vessels navigating the passage and preventing groundings along the Ōyano Shima coast.

Light & Optic

Characteristic Signature
Fl (2) White 7s
Flash Type
Flashing
Light Color
White
Flash Count
2 flashes
Interval
7s
Raw Code
Fl W 7s
Focal Height
40m
Light Range
12NM (22.2 km)
Geographic Range
17.1NM

Construction & History

Year Built
1890

Significant events: renovated in 1952

Visiting

Open to public
Site open, tower closed

Nearby Vessels

Flag
Type
Name
Dist.

Tower & Structure

Tower Height
6.5m
Tower Shape
cylindrical
Tower Color
white
Material
concrete

Structure: round concrete tower with lantern and gallery rising from a 1-story concrete equipment building

Location

City
Kamiamakusa
Country
🇯🇵Japan
Region
Kumamoto Prefecture
Sea Region
promontory on the northern tip of Ōyano Shima and the west side of the entrance to Misumi Strait from Ariake Bay, about 2 km northwest of Misumi
Latitude
32.6253°
Longitude
130.4443°

References & Identifiers

Nearest Port
Misumi, Kumamoto(2.2 km)
ARLHS No.
JPN-359
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Frequently Asked Questions

How far offshore can Misumi Lighthouse be seen?+
With a focal height of 40 meters and a nominal range of 12 nautical miles (approximately 22.2 km), Misumi is visible from well offshore under standard atmospheric conditions. Actual visibility depends on observer height, weather, and sea state. This range makes it a significant coastal navigation aid for vessels transiting the area.
How do mariners identify Misumi Lighthouse at night?+
Misumi displays the characteristic Fl (2) White 7s — 2 white flashes every 7 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 Misumi Lighthouse guide vessels into?+
Misumi Lighthouse assists vessels approaching 5 nearby ports. The closest is Aizu, Kumamoto at 1.9 NM to the SE. Other ports served include Akasaki, Kumamoto (1.9 NM SE), Fukuura, Kumamoto (1.9 NM SE), Kawachi, Kumamoto (1.9 NM SE), Kodomari, Kumamoto (1.9 NM SE). Mariners should consult the relevant chart for full approach and pilotage information.
Is Misumi Lighthouse still active and maintained?+
Yes, Misumi 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 Misumi Lighthouse?+
Misumi 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 Misumi Lighthouse?+
You can track vessels near Misumi 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.