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Motoyama Lighthouse

Fl White 3s🇯🇵Shimonoseki, JPOperational

Location & Light Range

About Motoyama Lighthouse

Completed in 1982, the Motoyama Lighthouse stands as a white cylindrical concrete structure 13 meters tall. It features a square lantern room and gallery. The light has a focal height of 60 meters and a geographic range of 20.1 nautical miles. Exhibiting a white light with a single flash every 3 seconds, it is positioned near the northern point of Tsuno Shima island. The lighthouse illuminates the Sano Se reef, located to the north of Tsunoshima. Visitors can access the site, though the tower itself is not open for tours.

Why it matters: This lighthouse is important for mariners navigating the waters near Tsuno Shima, specifically warning them about the hazardous Sano Se reef. Its light provides precise guidance in this potentially dangerous area.

Light & Optic

Characteristic Signature
Fl White 3s
Flash Type
Flashing
Light Color
White
Interval
3s
Raw Code
Fl W 3s
Focal Height
60m
Geographic Range
20.1NM

Construction & History

Year Built
1982

Visiting

Open to public
Site open, tower closed

Nearby Vessels

Flag
Type
Name
Dist.

Tower & Structure

Tower Height
13m
Tower Shape
cylindrical
Tower Color
white
Material
concrete

Structure: square cylindrical concrete tower carrying a large square lantern room and gallery

Location

City
Shimonoseki
Country
🇯🇵Japan
Region
Yamaguchi Prefecture
Sea Region
Located near the northern point of the island Tsuno Shima, illuminating the Sano Se reef north of Tsunoshima.
Latitude
34.3649°
Longitude
130.8768°

References & Identifiers

Nearest Port
Tsunoshima(1.5 km)
Admiralty No.
M7396
NGA No.
1572
USCG No.
JCG-0717 and 0718
ARLHS No.
JPN-1642
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Frequently Asked Questions

How do mariners identify Motoyama Lighthouse at night?+
Motoyama 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 Motoyama Lighthouse guide vessels into?+
Motoyama Lighthouse assists vessels approaching 5 nearby ports. The closest is Tsunoshima at 1.1 NM to the SW. Other ports served include Kottoi (3 NM SSE), Awano (4.7 NM E), Kogushi, Yamaguchi (11.6 NM SSE), Murotsu, Yamaguchi (13.7 NM S). Mariners should consult the relevant chart for full approach and pilotage information.
Is Motoyama Lighthouse still active and maintained?+
Yes, Motoyama 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 Motoyama Lighthouse?+
Motoyama 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 Motoyama Lighthouse?+
You can track vessels near Motoyama 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.