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Okirai Lighthouse

Fl Red 3s🇯🇵Ofunato, JPOperational

Also known as: Okirai (Okkirai) Kō East Breakwater

Okirai Lighthouse, built in 2013, aids navigation along the Iwate Prefecture coastline. Situated near the town of Ofunato, its red tower stands 12 meters above sea level. The light emits a single red flash every three seconds, visible for 11 nautical miles. This modern structure is located about 5.3 kilometers from the nearest port. The lighthouse grounds are open to the public, although visitors cannot ascend the tower.

Why it matters: This lighthouse is important for local fishing boats and smaller commercial vessels navigating the intricate coastal waters around Okirai, helping them identify safe channels and avoid hazards.

Characteristic Signature
Fl Red 3s
Flash Type
Flashing
Light Color
Red
Interval
3s
Raw Code
Fl R 3s
Focal Height
12m
Geographic Range
11NM
Year Built
2013
Open to public
Site open, tower closed
Flag
Type
Name
Dist.
Tower Color
red

Structure: Okirai Lighthouse, established in 2013, guides mariners along the rugged coastline of Japan. Perched to overlook the waters near Okirai, it provides a crucial red flash every three seconds, helping vessels navigate the local bays and approaches. The surrounding landscape likely features dramatic cliffs and small fishing villages, typical of many Japanese coastal areas, where the sea is both a livelihood and a challenge. Its modern construction suggests a contemporary need for improved maritime safety in this active fishing and shipping region, perhaps supporting local fishing fleets or smaller commercial vessels as they enter and exit the sheltered harbors. Visitors are welcome to explore the lighthouse grounds, offering serene views of the sea and the surrounding landscape, though access to the tower itself remains restricted. This relatively recent addition to Japan's network of navigational aids ensures safe passage for those who ply these waters, reflecting an ongoing commitment to maritime safety in a dynamic coastal environment and contributing to the region's maritime heritage.

City
Ofunato
Country
🇯🇵Japan
Region
Iwate Prefecture
Sea Region
Coastal waters near Okirai, Japan
Latitude
39.1126°
Longitude
141.8175°
Nearest Port
Ohfunato(5.3 km)
Admiralty No.
M6586.4
NGA No.
4160
ARLHS No.
JPN-1117
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How do mariners identify Okirai Lighthouse at night?+
Okirai 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 Okirai Lighthouse guide vessels into?+
Okirai Lighthouse assists vessels approaching 5 nearby ports. The closest is Sakihama at 2.1 NM to the ESE. Other ports served include Nojiri (5.4 NM SW), Kamaishi (10 NM NNE), Otsuchi (10 NM NNE), Tagi (10 NM NNE). Mariners should consult the relevant chart for full approach and pilotage information.
Is Okirai Lighthouse still active and maintained?+
Yes, Okirai 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 Okirai Lighthouse?+
Okirai 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 Okirai Lighthouse?+
You can track vessels near Okirai 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.