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Nakanoseki Lighthouse

Iso White 4s🇯🇵Hofu, JPOperational

Location & Light Range

About Nakanoseki Lighthouse

Also known as: Nakanoseki (Nakano Saki)

This lighthouse consists of a square concrete post attached to a one-story concrete equipment building, standing 12 meters tall. Constructed and first lit in 1932, it is situated on a densely-forested promontory west of the Hōfu harbor entrance in Yamaguchi Prefecture. The light emits an isophase white signal on a 4-second cycle, visible for approximately 20.9 nautical miles. While the tower is closed to the public, the surrounding site is accessible, offering visitors a path to experience the location. The structure's focal height reaches 66 meters above sea level.

Why it matters: Nakanoseki Lighthouse is essential for vessels entering and exiting Hōfu harbor, serving as a key navigational aid at the harbor's western approach.

Light & Optic

Characteristic Signature
Iso White 4s
Flash Type
Isophase
Light Color
White
Interval
4s
Raw Code
Iso W 4s
Focal Height
66m
Geographic Range
20.9NM

Construction & History

Year Built
1932

Visiting

Open to public
Site open, tower closed

Nearby Vessels

Flag
Type
Name
Dist.

Tower & Structure

Tower Height
12m
Tower Shape
square
Material
concrete

Structure: square concrete post attached to a 1-story concrete equipment building

Location

City
Hofu
Country
🇯🇵Japan
Region
Yamaguchi Prefecture
Sea Region
Located on a densely-forested promontory on the west side of the entrance to Hōfu harbor.
Latitude
33.9995°
Longitude
131.5440°

References & Identifiers

Nearest Port
Nakanoseki(0.8 km)
Admiralty No.
M5394
NGA No.
9584
ARLHS No.
JPN-1643
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Frequently Asked Questions

How do mariners identify Nakanoseki Lighthouse at night?+
Nakanoseki displays the characteristic Iso 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 Nakanoseki Lighthouse guide vessels into?+
Nakanoseki Lighthouse assists vessels approaching 5 nearby ports. The closest is Nakanoseki at 0.5 NM to the ENE. Other ports served include Hofu (3 NM WNW), Mitajiri (3.2 NM NE), Tajiri (3.5 NM NE), Aio (6.2 NM W). Mariners should consult the relevant chart for full approach and pilotage information.
Is Nakanoseki Lighthouse still active and maintained?+
Yes, Nakanoseki 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 Nakanoseki Lighthouse?+
Nakanoseki 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 Nakanoseki Lighthouse?+
You can track vessels near Nakanoseki 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.