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Mitsu Kō Lighthouse

🇯🇵Muroto, JPOperational

Also known as: Mitu

Established in 1964, the Mitsu Kō Lighthouse serves vessels entering Mitsu Port in Japan. It has a focal height of 13 meters and a geographic range of 11.3 nautical miles. This contemporary navigation aid is important for the safe movement of ships entering and leaving the port. The lighthouse grounds are accessible to visitors, but the tower is not open.

Why it matters: This lighthouse provides necessary guidance for commercial and fishing vessels using Mitsu Port, helping to avoid incidents in the active shipping lanes.

Focal Height
13m
Geographic Range
11.3NM
Year Built
1964
Open to public
Site open, tower closed
Flag
Type
Name
Dist.

Structure: Mitsu (Mitu) Kō Lighthouse, established in 1964, guides vessels into the bustling Mitsu (Mitu) Port in Japan. This relatively modern aid to navigation plays a quiet but essential role in the daily rhythm of maritime activity, ensuring safe passage for countless ships entering and departing the harbor. While specific historical anecdotes or dramatic events are not widely documented for this particular light, its very existence speaks to the ongoing need for reliable guidance in port approaches, a constant against the backdrop of changing tides and busy shipping lanes. The lighthouse, with its focal plane at 13 meters, ensures that ships can safely navigate the waters, especially during twilight hours or inclement weather, preventing groundings and collisions in the often-congested port area. Today, the site welcomes visitors to explore its grounds, offering a glimpse into the operational life of a working lighthouse, though access to the tower itself remains restricted to maintain its active service. It continues its steady vigil, a constant presence for those who rely on the sea for their livelihood and travel, a quiet guardian of the port's maritime commerce.

City
Muroto
Country
🇯🇵Japan
Region
Kochi Prefecture
Sea Region
Mitsu (Mitu) Port, Japan
Latitude
33.2930°
Longitude
134.1860°
Nearest Port
Murotomisaki(2.2 km)
ARLHS No.
JPN-2496
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Which ports and harbors does Mitsu Kō Lighthouse guide vessels into?+
Mitsu Kō Lighthouse assists vessels approaching 5 nearby ports. The closest is Murotsu, Kochi at 2.1 NM to the WSW. Other ports served include Nahari (11.5 NM NW), Kannoura (16.1 NM NNE), Asakawa (22.2 NM NNE), Hiwasa (31.9 NM NE). Mariners should consult the relevant chart for full approach and pilotage information.
Is Mitsu Kō Lighthouse still active and maintained?+
Yes, Mitsu 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 Mitsu Kō Lighthouse?+
Mitsu 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 Mitsu Kō Lighthouse?+
You can track vessels near Mitsu 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.