Nakanoshima Lighthouse

With a focal height of 64 meters and a nominal range of 12 nautical miles (approximately 22.2 km), Nakanoshima is visible from well offshore under standard atmospheric conditions. Actual visibility depends on observer height, weather, and sea state. This range makes it a significant coastal navigation aid for vessels transiting the area.

Nakanoshima displays the characteristic Fl (3) W 18s — 3 white flashes every 18 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.

Nakanoshima Lighthouse assists vessels approaching 5 nearby ports. The closest is Nanatsuyama at 1.7 NM to the NW. Other ports served include Kiriishi (16.5 NM SW), Higashinohama (21.2 NM WSW), Haenohama (21.8 NM WSW), Enohama (21.9 NM WSW). Mariners should consult the relevant chart for full approach and pilotage information.

Yes, Nakanoshima 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.

You can track vessels near Nakanoshima 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.

It is a fixed navigational aid on the coast at Nansei Shoto, JP. Mariners identify it by its light characteristic — the pattern, colour and timing of its flashes — which is unique among the lights in its area, so a bearing on it fixes a vessel’s position without instruments.