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Otake Saki Lighthouse

Fl (2) White 20s🇯🇵Minamitane, JPOperational

Location & Light Range

About Otake Saki Lighthouse

Also known as: Otake Saki (Tanegashima)

Otake Saki lighthouse, built of concrete in 1951, is a white cylindrical tower standing 18 meters tall. It is situated on a steep bluff in Minamitane on Tanegashima's southeastern coast. The structure includes a lantern and gallery atop the tower, with a semicircular keeper's cottage at its base. This active light emits a single white flash every 20 seconds. The tower's focal height reaches 106 meters above sea level, providing a geographic range of 25.5 nautical miles.

Why it matters: As the oldest and most powerful lighthouse on Tanegashima, Otake Saki is indispensable for maritime traffic along the island's southeastern coast.

Light & Optic

Characteristic Signature
Fl (2) White 20s
Flash Type
Flashing
Light Color
White
Flash Count
2 flashes
Interval
20s
Raw Code
Fl W 20s
Focal Height
106m
Light Range
25.91NM (48.0 km)
Geographic Range
25.5NM

Construction & History

Year Built
1951

References & Identifiers

Nearest Port
Masuda, Kagoshima(10.1 km)
Admiralty No.
M4792
ARLHS No.
JPN-625

Tower & Structure

Tower Height
18m
Tower Shape
cylindrical
Tower Color
white
Material
concrete

Structure: round concrete tower with lantern and gallery, rising from a semicircular 1-story concrete keeper's cottage

Location

City
Minamitane
Country
🇯🇵Japan
Region
Kagoshima Prefecture
Sea Region
Located on a steep bluff in Minamitane on the southeastern coast of Tanegashima.
Latitude
30.3850°
Longitude
130.9623°

Nearby Vessels

Flag
Type
Name
Dist.
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Frequently Asked Questions

How far offshore can Otake Saki Lighthouse be seen?+
With a focal height of 106 meters and a nominal range of 25.91 nautical miles (approximately 48.0 km), Otake Saki is visible from well offshore under standard atmospheric conditions. Actual visibility depends on observer height, weather, and sea state. Lights of this range are typically used as landfall lights by vessels approaching from the open sea.
How do mariners identify Otake Saki Lighthouse at night?+
Otake Saki displays the characteristic Fl (2) White 20s — 2 white flashes every 20 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 white color may indicate a specific sector or warning zone.
Which ports and harbors does Otake Saki Lighthouse guide vessels into?+
Otake Saki Lighthouse assists vessels approaching 5 nearby ports. The closest is Kadokura at 5 NM to the WSW. Other ports served include Shimama (7.1 NM NW), Hamatsuwaki (13.1 NM N), Suwa (13.1 NM N), Tachiyama (14.4 NM NNE). Mariners should consult the relevant chart for full approach and pilotage information.
Is Otake Saki Lighthouse still active and maintained?+
Yes, Otake Saki 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 Otake Saki Lighthouse?+
Otake Saki 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 Otake Saki Lighthouse?+
You can track vessels near Otake Saki 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.