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Nakoso Kō Lighthouse

Fl Green 5s🇯🇵Iwaki, JPOperational

Also known as: Hirakata

The Nakoso (Hirakata) Kō lighthouse is a round, concrete tower painted white. Situated in Iwaki, Fukushima Prefecture, it emits a green flashing light every 5 seconds from a focal height of 13 meters. This operational light has a geographic range of 11.3 nautical miles. The lighthouse itself is closed to the public, but its grounds are accessible. The nearest port, Onahama, is approximately 5.9 kilometers away.

Why it matters: This lighthouse is essential for the safe passage of local fishing boats and smaller commercial vessels navigating the entrance to Nakoso (Hirakata) Port, providing a clear navigational aid in a busy harbor.

Characteristic Signature
Fl Green 5s
Flash Type
Flashing
Light Color
Green
Interval
5s
Raw Code
Fl G 5s
Focal Height
13m
Geographic Range
11.3NM
City
Iwaki
Country
🇯🇵Japan
Region
Fukushima Prefecture
Sea Region
Nakoso (Hirakata) Port in Japan
Latitude
36.8621°
Longitude
140.7935°
Nearest Port
Onahama(5.9 km)
Admiralty No.
M6499
NGA No.
4652
ARLHS No.
JPN-1388
Tower Shape
round
Tower Color
white
Material
concrete

Structure: Nakoso (Hirakata) Kō lighthouse, nestled along the Japanese coastline, plays a quiet yet crucial role in guiding vessels into its namesake port. This active light, with its green flash, helps mariners navigate the local waters, particularly important for the fishing fleets and smaller commercial ships that frequent this area. While the exact date of its establishment is not recorded, it has undoubtedly witnessed decades of maritime activity, adapting to the changing needs of the port over time. The surrounding landscape likely features a mix of industrial port facilities and perhaps some natural coastal beauty, characteristic of many Japanese harbors. Today, the lighthouse continues its vigilant watch, a familiar sight to those who live and work by the sea. Although the tower itself is closed to the public, visitors can still enjoy the grounds, taking in the sea air and observing the working port environment.

Open to public
Site open, tower closed
Flag
Type
Name
Dist.
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How do mariners identify Nakoso Kō Lighthouse at night?+
Nakoso Kō displays the characteristic Fl Green 5s. 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 green color may indicate a specific sector or warning zone.
Which ports and harbors does Nakoso Kō Lighthouse guide vessels into?+
Nakoso Kō Lighthouse assists vessels approaching 5 nearby ports. The closest is Hirakata at 0.8 NM to the SSE. Other ports served include Otsu, Ibaraki (2.1 NM S), Onahama (6 NM NE), Ishiwaki (6.7 NM NE), Nakanosaku (9.5 NM NE). Mariners should consult the relevant chart for full approach and pilotage information.
Is Nakoso Kō Lighthouse still active and maintained?+
Yes, Nakoso 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 Nakoso Kō Lighthouse?+
Nakoso 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 Nakoso Kō Lighthouse?+
You can track vessels near Nakoso 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.