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Motonoma Kaikyō Lighthouse

Fl (2) White 5s🇯🇵Saiki, JPOperational

Location & Light Range

About Motonoma Kaikyō Lighthouse

Also known as: Motonoma Kaikyō (Motonoma Strait)

This 12-meter cylindrical concrete tower is painted black with a single red horizontal band. It stands on a reef within the narrow Motonoma Strait, a passage between the Japanese mainland and Sakai Oshima. The lighthouse structure includes a round, single-story concrete equipment room attached to the tower and mounted on a concrete pier. It emits two white flashes every five seconds. While the site is open for visits, the tower itself is closed to the public. The nearest port is Hyugadomari, located 7.7 kilometers away.

Why it matters: The Motonoma Kaikyō lighthouse warns vessels of a reef in the narrow and hazardous Motonoma Strait. Its light guides ships through this constricted passage between the mainland and Sakai Oshima, mitigating risks of grounding and collision.

Light & Optic

Characteristic Signature
Fl (2) White 5s
Flash Type
Flashing
Light Color
White
Flash Count
2 flashes
Interval
5s
Raw Code
Fl W 5s
Focal Height
12m
Geographic Range
11NM

Location

City
Saiki
Country
🇯🇵Japan
Region
Oita Prefecture
Sea Region
Motonoma Strait, marking a reef in the narrow and dangerous strait between the mainland and the island of Sakai Oshima.
Latitude
32.9497°
Longitude
132.0706°

References & Identifiers

Nearest Port
Hyugadomari(7.7 km)
Admiralty No.
M4910
NGA No.
10604

Tower & Structure

Tower Height
12m
Tower Shape
cylindrical
Tower Color
black with one red horizontal band
Material
concrete

Structure: A 12m cylindrical concrete post, painted black with one red horizontal band, attached to a round 1-story concrete equipment room and mounted on a concrete pier.

Visiting

Open to public
Site open, tower closed

Nearby Vessels

Flag
Type
Name
Dist.
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Frequently Asked Questions

How do mariners identify Motonoma Kaikyō Lighthouse at night?+
Motonoma Kaikyō displays the characteristic Fl (2) White 5s — 2 white flashes every 5 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 Motonoma Kaikyō Lighthouse guide vessels into?+
Motonoma Kaikyō Lighthouse assists vessels approaching 5 nearby ports. The closest is Urashiro at 7 NM to the W. Other ports served include Saiki (8 NM WNW), Kamae (11.7 NM SW), Tsukumi (12.9 NM NW), Usuki (16.9 NM NW). Mariners should consult the relevant chart for full approach and pilotage information.
Is Motonoma Kaikyō Lighthouse still active and maintained?+
Yes, Motonoma Kaikyō 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 Motonoma Kaikyō Lighthouse?+
Motonoma Kaikyō 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 Motonoma Kaikyō Lighthouse?+
You can track vessels near Motonoma Kaikyō 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.