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Muroran Lighthouse

Occ White 4s🇯🇵Muroran, JPOperational

Location & Light Range

About Muroran Lighthouse

Also known as: Muroran (Daikoku Shima)

First lit in 1891, this lighthouse is a cylindrical concrete tower measuring 11 meters high. It stands on Daikoku Shima, a small island at the entrance to Muroran harbor in Hokkaido Prefecture, Japan. The structure features a lantern and gallery atop a round, hourglass-shaped tower. Its operational light, which emitted one white flash every 4 seconds, reached a focal height of 13 meters and had a geographic range of 11.3 nautical miles. Though it ceased operations in 1974, the lighthouse remains a historical structure.

Why it matters: This lighthouse served as a significant navigational aid for vessels entering and exiting the busy Muroran harbor. Its unique design, with the tower integrated directly into the keeper's house, makes it a distinctive visual landmark.

Light & Optic

Characteristic Signature
Occ White 4s
Flash Type
Occ
Light Color
White
Interval
4s
Raw Code
Occ W 4s
Focal Height
13m
Light Range
19NM (35.2 km)
Geographic Range
11.3NM

Construction & History

First Lit
1891

Significant events: Inactive since 1974, endangered by lack of maintenance

References & Identifiers

Nearest Port
Muroran(1.4 km)
ARLHS No.
JPN-917

Tower & Structure

Tower Height
11m
Tower Shape
cylindrical
Tower Color
white
Material
concrete

Structure: round hourglass-shaped concrete tower with lantern and gallery

Location

City
Muroran
Country
🇯🇵Japan
Region
Hokkaido Prefecture
Sea Region
Daikoku Shima, a small island in the entrance to Muroran harbor
Latitude
42.3470°
Longitude
140.9276°

Nearby Vessels

Flag
Type
Name
Dist.
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Frequently Asked Questions

How far offshore can Muroran Lighthouse be seen?+
With a focal height of 13 meters and a nominal range of 19 nautical miles (approximately 35.2 km), Muroran is visible from well offshore under standard atmospheric conditions. Actual visibility depends on observer height, weather, and sea state. Lights of this range are typically used as landfall lights by vessels approaching from the open sea.
How do mariners identify Muroran Lighthouse at night?+
Muroran displays the characteristic Occ White 4s. 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 Muroran Lighthouse guide vessels into?+
Muroran Lighthouse assists vessels approaching 5 nearby ports. The closest is Muroran at 1.9 NM to the E. Other ports served include Noboribetsu (12.3 NM ENE), Youra (16.7 NM NW), Shiraoi (20.2 NM ENE), Moriage (20.6 NM SW). Mariners should consult the relevant chart for full approach and pilotage information.
Is Muroran Lighthouse still active and maintained?+
Yes, Muroran 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 Muroran Lighthouse?+
You can track vessels near Muroran 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.