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Nishinoomote Sunosaki Breakwater Lighthouse

🇯🇵Nishinoomote, JPOperational

Also known as: Sonosaki

This lighthouse, built in 1964, marks the end of the breakwater for Nishinoomote port on Tanegashima Island. It provides a 11.3 nautical mile geographic range, guiding vessels into Kagoshima Prefecture's Nishinoomote city. The structure stands 13 meters tall. The site is open for visitors, though the tower itself is closed to the public. This operational light serves as a constant reference for fishing boats and ferries utilizing the harbor.

Why it matters: The light is essential for safe passage into Nishinoomote Port, guiding maritime traffic and supporting the island's economy.

Focal Height
13m
Geographic Range
11.3NM
Year Built
1964
Open to public
Site open, tower closed
Flag
Type
Name
Dist.

Structure: Nishinoomote Sunosaki Breakwater Lighthouse guides mariners into the bustling port of Nishinoomote, a key city on Tanegashima Island in Japan's Kagoshima Prefecture. Constructed in 1964, this active light marks the end of the protective breakwater, a crucial aid for vessels navigating the approach to the harbor. The surrounding area hums with the activity of fishing boats and ferries, their movements dependent on clear guidance, especially during the often-turbulent coastal weather that can sweep across the East China Sea. For over half a century, this light has faithfully served the local maritime community, ensuring safe passage for countless ships entering and departing this important regional hub. While the tower itself remains closed to the public, visitors can walk along the breakwater, feeling the sea spray and observing the light's steady presence against the backdrop of the island's green hills and the vast expanse of the Pacific. Its enduring operation underscores its value to the island's economy and daily life, a constant point of reference for those who work and travel by sea.

City
Nishinoomote
Country
🇯🇵Japan
Region
Kagoshima Prefecture
Sea Region
Nishinoomote Sunosaki (Sonosaki) Breakwater, Tanegashima Island, Kagoshima Prefecture, Japan
Latitude
30.7367°
Longitude
130.9896°
Nearest Port
Nishinoomote(0.5 km)
Admiralty No.
M4796
NGA No.
13004
ARLHS No.
JPN-2579
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Which ports and harbors does Nishinoomote Sunosaki Breakwater Lighthouse guide vessels into?+
Nishinoomote Sunosaki Breakwater Lighthouse assists vessels approaching 5 nearby ports. The closest is Nishinoomote at 0.3 NM to the SW. Other ports served include Kaminofuruta (4.2 NM NNE), Iseki (4.9 NM ENE), Tanowaki (4.9 NM SE), Makigawa (6.8 NM SSW). Mariners should consult the relevant chart for full approach and pilotage information.
Is Nishinoomote Sunosaki Breakwater Lighthouse still active and maintained?+
Yes, Nishinoomote Sunosaki Breakwater 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 Sunosaki Breakwater Lighthouse?+
Nishinoomote Sunosaki Breakwater 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 Sunosaki Breakwater Lighthouse?+
You can track vessels near Nishinoomote Sunosaki Breakwater 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.