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Nanao Me Shima Lighthouse

Fl (2) Red 6s🇯🇵Nanao, JPOperational

Location & Light Range

About Nanao Me Shima Lighthouse

Also known as: Nanao Me Shima (Meshima)

A cylindrical concrete tower, painted red, stands 10 meters high. The light is situated on a rocky reef approximately 1.1 kilometers from Nanao. This operational lighthouse emits a red flash every six seconds. Its focal height reaches 13 meters, providing a geographic range of 11.3 nautical miles. While the tower is closed to visitors, the site is accessible, offering views of the structure marking the reef off the Nanao waterfront.

Why it matters: This lighthouse is essential for safe navigation within Nanao Bay, specifically warning vessels of the rocky reef hazard near the Nanao waterfront. Its distinctive light guides fishing and commercial traffic, helping them avoid submerged dangers in this active coastal area.

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
13m
Geographic Range
11.3NM

Location

City
Nanao
Country
🇯🇵Japan
Region
Ishikawa Prefecture
Sea Region
Nanao Bay, off the Nanao waterfront, marking a rocky reef.
Latitude
37.0733°
Longitude
136.9933°

References & Identifiers

Nearest Port
Nanao(1.1 km)
Admiralty No.
M7177
NGA No.
3004

Tower & Structure

Tower Height
10m
Tower Shape
cylindrical
Tower Color
red
Material
concrete

Structure: round cylindrical concrete tower with double gallery, painted red

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 Nanao Me Shima Lighthouse at night?+
Nanao Me Shima 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 Nanao Me Shima Lighthouse guide vessels into?+
Nanao Me Shima Lighthouse assists vessels approaching 5 nearby ports. The closest is Nanao at 1 NM to the SW. Other ports served include Nakanoto (7 NM SW), KOGA (14.7 NM WNW), Akasaki, Tottori (16.3 NM WNW), Fushikitoyama (17.9 NM SSE). Mariners should consult the relevant chart for full approach and pilotage information.
Is Nanao Me Shima Lighthouse still active and maintained?+
Yes, Nanao Me Shima 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 Nanao Me Shima Lighthouse?+
Nanao Me Shima 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 Nanao Me Shima Lighthouse?+
You can track vessels near Nanao Me Shima 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.