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Nishinomiya Breakwater West End Lighthouse

Fl Red 3s🇯🇵Kobe, JPOperational

Location & Light Range

About Nishinomiya Breakwater West End Lighthouse

This red, cylindrical concrete tower stands 17 meters tall, with its light situated 16 meters above sea level. It marks the eastern side of the entrance to Kōbe harbor, positioned at the west end of the Nishinomiya Breakwater. This breakwater is an extensive structure running east-west, parallel to the coast between Ōsaka and Kōbe. The lighthouse emits a red flash every 3 seconds, visible for 12.2 nautical miles. Access to the tower and its site is restricted.

Why it matters: This lighthouse is essential for ships navigating the busy waters between Ōsaka and Kōbe, specifically marking the eastern boundary for vessels entering Kōbe harbor.

Light & Optic

Characteristic Signature
Fl Red 3s
Flash Type
Flashing
Light Color
Red
Interval
3s
Raw Code
Fl R 3s
Focal Height
16m
Geographic Range
12.2NM

Location

City
Kobe
Country
🇯🇵Japan
Region
Hyogo Prefecture
Sea Region
The Nishinomiya Breakwater is a long east-west detached breakwater parallel to the coast between Ōsaka and Kōbe. Located at the west (Kōbe) end of the breakwater, marking the east side of the entrance to Kōbe.
Latitude
34.6778°
Longitude
135.3134°

Nearby Vessels

Flag
Type
Name
Dist.

Tower & Structure

Tower Height
17m
Tower Shape
cylindrical
Tower Color
red
Material
concrete

Structure: round cylindrical concrete tower with lantern and gallery

References & Identifiers

Nearest Port
Amagasaki(2.1 km)
Admiralty No.
M5899.2
NGA No.
7430
ARLHS No.
JPN-1523
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Frequently Asked Questions

How do mariners identify Nishinomiya Breakwater West End Lighthouse at night?+
Nishinomiya Breakwater West End displays the characteristic Fl Red 3s. 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 Nishinomiya Breakwater West End Lighthouse guide vessels into?+
Nishinomiya Breakwater West End Lighthouse assists vessels approaching 5 nearby ports. The closest is Amagasaki at 3.7 NM to the ENE. Other ports served include Nishinomiya (3.7 NM ENE), AmagasakiNishinomiyaAshiya (5.6 NM ENE), Osaka, Tottori (6.2 NM ESE), Kobe (7.3 NM W). Mariners should consult the relevant chart for full approach and pilotage information.
Is Nishinomiya Breakwater West End Lighthouse still active and maintained?+
Yes, Nishinomiya Breakwater West End 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 Nishinomiya Breakwater West End Lighthouse?+
Nishinomiya Breakwater West End 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 Nishinomiya Breakwater West End Lighthouse?+
You can track vessels near Nishinomiya Breakwater West End 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.