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Mutsure Shima Lighthouse

Fl White 10s🇯🇵Shimonoseki, JPOperational

Location & Light Range

About Mutsure Shima Lighthouse

Also known as: Muture

Constructed in 1871, the Mutsure Shima Lighthouse stands as a cylindrical stone tower, 11 meters in height, on Mutsure Island in Japan's Yamaguchi Prefecture. Its lantern and gallery are attached to a semicircular keeper's cottage, all built from granite. The focal height of the light is 28 meters above sea level, and it emits a single white flash every 10 seconds. This light has a geographic range of 14.9 nautical miles. The lighthouse is located 1.9 kilometers from the nearest port, Shimonoseki.

Why it matters: The lighthouse's continuous operation since 1871 highlights its long-standing necessity for maritime traffic in the coastal waters around Mutsure Island. The distinctive architecture of the attached semicircular keeper's cottage reflects historical lighthouse design and living arrangements.

Light & Optic

Characteristic Signature
Fl White 10s
Flash Type
Flashing
Light Color
White
Interval
10s
Raw Code
Fl W 10s
Focal Height
28m
Geographic Range
14.9NM

Construction & History

Year Built
1871

References & Identifiers

Nearest Port
Shimonoseki(1.9 km)
Admiralty No.
M5334
ARLHS No.
JPN-384

Tower & Structure

Tower Height
11m
Tower Shape
cylindrical
Tower Color
granite
Material
stone

Structure: round stone tower with lantern and gallery, attached to a semicircular keeper's cottage

Location

City
Shimonoseki
Country
🇯🇵Japan
Region
Yamaguchi Prefecture
Sea Region
Mutsure Shima, an island in Japan
Latitude
33.9780°
Longitude
130.8678°

Nearby Vessels

Flag
Type
Name
Dist.
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Frequently Asked Questions

How do mariners identify Mutsure Shima Lighthouse at night?+
Mutsure Shima displays the characteristic Fl White 10s. 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 Mutsure Shima Lighthouse guide vessels into?+
Mutsure Shima Lighthouse assists vessels approaching 5 nearby ports. The closest is Mutsure at 0.7 NM to the S. Other ports served include Ikina (3.2 NM SSW), Ina (3.2 NM SSW), Shimonoseki (4.2 NM SE), Tobata/Kitakyushu (4.9 NM SSW). Mariners should consult the relevant chart for full approach and pilotage information.
Is Mutsure Shima Lighthouse still active and maintained?+
Yes, Mutsure Shima 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 Mutsure Shima Lighthouse?+
Mutsure Shima 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 Mutsure Shima Lighthouse?+
You can track vessels near Mutsure Shima 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.