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Niwatori Ko Shima Lighthouse

Fl White 4s🇯🇵Imabari, JPOperational

Location & Light Range

About Niwatori Ko Shima Lighthouse

Built in 1945, the Niwatori Ko Shima lighthouse stands on a reef off the southern tip of Hakata Shima. This cylindrical concrete tower, painted white, measures 6 meters in height, with its light positioned 15 meters above the water. It emits a single white flash every 4 seconds, visible for nearly 12 nautical miles. The lighthouse is located 1.1 kilometers from Hakatashima, the nearest port, and is accessible only by boat. The site is open, but the tower itself is closed to visitors.

Why it matters: This lighthouse serves to warn vessels away from the reef on which it is built, ensuring safe passage around the southern end of Hakata Shima.

Light & Optic

Characteristic Signature
Fl White 4s
Flash Type
Flashing
Light Color
White
Interval
4s
Raw Code
Fl W 4s
Focal Height
15m
Geographic Range
11.9NM

Construction & History

Year Built
1945

Visiting

Open to public
Site open, tower closed

Nearby Vessels

Flag
Type
Name
Dist.

Tower & Structure

Tower Height
6m
Tower Shape
cylindrical
Tower Color
white
Material
concrete

Structure: round white concrete tower

Location

City
Imabari
Country
🇯🇵Japan
Region
Ehime Prefecture
Sea Region
on a reef off the southern tip of Hakata Shima
Latitude
34.1921°
Longitude
133.0810°

References & Identifiers

Nearest Port
Hakatashima(1.1 km)
Admiralty No.
M5479
NGA No.
8576
ARLHS No.
JPN-252
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Frequently Asked Questions

How do mariners identify Niwatori Ko Shima Lighthouse at night?+
Niwatori Ko Shima displays the characteristic Fl White 4s. 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 white color may indicate a specific sector or warning zone.
Which ports and harbors does Niwatori Ko Shima Lighthouse guide vessels into?+
Niwatori Ko Shima Lighthouse assists vessels approaching 5 nearby ports. The closest is Hakatashima at 1.7 NM to the ENE. Other ports served include Yoshiumi (3 NM SW), Inokuchi, Ehime (4.9 NM NNW), Hashihama (7.3 NM SW), Yuge (7.3 NM ENE). Mariners should consult the relevant chart for full approach and pilotage information.
Is Niwatori Ko Shima Lighthouse still active and maintained?+
Yes, Niwatori Ko 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 Niwatori Ko Shima Lighthouse?+
Niwatori Ko 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 Niwatori Ko Shima Lighthouse?+
You can track vessels near Niwatori Ko 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.