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Nakahama Kō Lighthouse

Fl (2) Red 6s🇯🇵Kyōtango, JPOperational

Location & Light Range

About Nakahama Kō Lighthouse

A 9.5-meter red concrete post forms the primary structure of Nakahama Kō lighthouse, attached to a single-story concrete equipment shelter. This cylindrical tower stands at the eastern end of the main breakwater for Nakahama, a fishing port located about 15 kilometers west-southwest of Kyōga Misaki. The light emits a red signal, with a single red flash every six seconds. It offers a geographic range of 11.9 nautical miles. The site is accessible to the public, though the tower itself is closed. The nearest port is Taiza, situated 4.5 kilometers away.

Why it matters: This lighthouse is indispensable for the fishing fleet operating out of Nakahama port, providing critical guidance around the detached main breakwater. Its specific red flash characteristic helps mariners distinguish it from other lights along the coast, preventing groundings and collisions in the busy approach to the harbor.

Light & Optic

Characteristic Signature
Fl (2) Red 6s
Flash Type
Flashing
Light Color
Red
Flash Count
2 flashes
Interval
6s
Raw Code
Fl R 6s
Focal Height
15m
Geographic Range
11.9NM

Location

City
Kyōtango
Country
🇯🇵Japan
Region
Kyoto Prefecture
Sea Region
Located at the east end of the detached main breakwater at Nakahama, a fishing port about 15 km west southwest of Kyōga Misaki.
Latitude
35.7620°
Longitude
135.1802°

References & Identifiers

Nearest Port
Taiza(4.5 km)
Admiralty No.
M7271.4
NGA No.
2476
ARLHS No.
JPN-1247

Tower & Structure

Tower Height
9.5m
Tower Shape
cylindrical
Tower Color
red
Material
concrete

Structure: A 9.5m red concrete post attached to a 1-story concrete equipment shelter.

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 Nakahama Kō Lighthouse at night?+
Nakahama Kō displays the characteristic Fl (2) Red 6s — 2 red flashes every 6 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 red color may indicate a specific sector or warning zone.
Which ports and harbors does Nakahama Kō Lighthouse guide vessels into?+
Nakahama Kō Lighthouse assists vessels approaching 5 nearby ports. The closest is Taiza at 4.5 NM to the WSW. Other ports served include Ine (7.6 NM SE), Miyazu (12.7 NM S), Kumihama (16.4 NM WSW), Tsui (18.1 NM WSW). Mariners should consult the relevant chart for full approach and pilotage information.
Is Nakahama Kō Lighthouse still active and maintained?+
Yes, Nakahama 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 Nakahama Kō Lighthouse?+
Nakahama 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 Nakahama Kō Lighthouse?+
You can track vessels near Nakahama 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.