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Nishinoomote Lighthouse

Fl (2) Red 6s🇯🇵Nishinoomote, JPOperational

Location & Light Range

About Nishinoomote Lighthouse

Also known as: Nishinoomote (Nisinoomote)

This red, cylindrical tower with a lantern was built in 1998 and stands 15 meters tall, with its light reaching 18 meters above sea level. It is located at the north end of Nishinoomote's detached outer breakwater, marking the harbor entrance. The lighthouse emits a single red flash every 6 seconds, visible for 12.7 nautical miles. Its design is notable for resembling a Japanese H-2 rocket, featuring two flanking booster tubes. Access to the tower is not permitted.

Why it matters: This lighthouse serves as a key navigational aid for vessels entering Nishinoomote harbor, guiding them with its distinct red flashes.

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
18m
Geographic Range
12.7NM

Construction & History

Year Built
1998

References & Identifiers

Nearest Port
Nishinoomote(0.1 km)
Admiralty No.
M4798.8
ARLHS No.
JPN-2578

Tower & Structure

Tower Height
15m
Tower Shape
cylindrical
Tower Color
red

Structure: round cylindrical tower with lantern

Location

City
Nishinoomote
Country
🇯🇵Japan
Region
Kagoshima Prefecture
Sea Region
Located at the north end of the detached outer breakwater of Nishinoomote, marking the entrance to the harbor.
Latitude
30.7436°
Longitude
130.9824°

Nearby Vessels

Flag
Type
Name
Dist.
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Frequently Asked Questions

How do mariners identify Nishinoomote Lighthouse at night?+
Nishinoomote 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 Nishinoomote Lighthouse guide vessels into?+
Nishinoomote Lighthouse assists vessels approaching 5 nearby ports. The closest is Nishinoomote at 0.6 NM to the S. Other ports served include Kaminofuruta (4 NM NNE), Iseki (5.1 NM ENE), Tanowaki (5.5 NM SE), Ageshima (6.8 NM W). Mariners should consult the relevant chart for full approach and pilotage information.
Is Nishinoomote Lighthouse still active and maintained?+
Yes, Nishinoomote 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 Nishinoomote Lighthouse?+
Nishinoomote 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 Nishinoomote Lighthouse?+
You can track vessels near Nishinoomote 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.