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Nakatsu Kō Lighthouse

Fl Red 8s🇯🇵Nakatsu, JPOperational

Location & Light Range

About Nakatsu Kō Lighthouse

A red, cylindrical concrete tower measuring 9.5 meters in height stands on a concrete pier. Located on a shoal at the western edge of Nakatsu, near the Yamakuni River estuary, its focal plane is 12 meters above sea level. The light displays a single red flash every 8 seconds and has a geographic range of 11 nautical miles. The construction consists of a round concrete tower with a gallery, affixed to a concrete pier. Access to the site is permitted, but the tower is not open for climbing. It is situated 0.2 kilometers from Nakatsu, the nearest port.

Why it matters: This navigation aid marks a shoal at the Yamakuni River mouth, a waterway important for local fishing and trade, warning vessels away from shallow, shifting waters.

Light & Optic

Characteristic Signature
Fl Red 8s
Flash Type
Flashing
Light Color
Red
Interval
8s
Raw Code
Fl R 8s
Focal Height
12m
Geographic Range
11NM

Location

City
Nakatsu
Country
🇯🇵Japan
Region
Oita Prefecture
Sea Region
A shoal off the mouth of the Yamakuni River at the western end of Nokatsu.
Latitude
33.6172°
Longitude
131.2495°

References & Identifiers

Nearest Port
Nakatsu(0.2 km)
Admiralty No.
M4977
NGA No.
9726
ARLHS No.
JPN-2322

Tower & Structure

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

Structure: round concrete tower with gallery, mounted on a concrete pier

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 Nakatsu Kō Lighthouse at night?+
Nakatsu Kō displays the characteristic Fl Red 8s. 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 Nakatsu Kō Lighthouse guide vessels into?+
Nakatsu Kō Lighthouse assists vessels approaching 5 nearby ports. The closest is Nakatsu at 0.5 NM to the S. Other ports served include Unoshima (6.2 NM W), Kanda, Fukuoka (15.3 NM NW), Imi (18 NM ENE), Ube (19.3 NM N). Mariners should consult the relevant chart for full approach and pilotage information.
Is Nakatsu Kō Lighthouse still active and maintained?+
Yes, Nakatsu 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 Nakatsu Kō Lighthouse?+
Nakatsu 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 Nakatsu Kō Lighthouse?+
You can track vessels near Nakatsu 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.