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Oto Shima Breakwater Lighthouse

Fl (3) Red 12s🇯🇵Kadogawa, JPOperational

Location & Light Range

About Oto Shima Breakwater Lighthouse

This red, cylindrical concrete tower stands 10 meters tall and is located at the west end of a breakwater extending from Oto Shima island. The structure, which flares at the top, is attached to a small equipment shelter and emits a red light that flashes every 12 seconds. It has a focal height of 12 meters and a geographic range of 11 nautical miles. The lighthouse marks the westernmost point of a breakwater that shelters Kadogawa harbor. While the site is open to visitors, the tower itself is closed.

Why it matters: This lighthouse is essential for safe navigation into and out of Kadogawa harbor, clearly marking the end of the breakwater and guiding vessels into protected waters.

Light & Optic

Characteristic Signature
Fl (3) Red 12s
Flash Type
Flashing
Light Color
Red
Flash Count
3 flashes
Interval
12s
Raw Code
Fl R 12s
Focal Height
12m
Geographic Range
11NM

Location

City
Kadogawa
Country
🇯🇵Japan
Region
Miyazaki Prefecture
Sea Region
Located at the west end of a breakwater extending from Oto Shima, an island sheltering Kadogawa harbor.
Latitude
32.4677°
Longitude
131.6620°

References & Identifiers

Nearest Port
Kadokawa(0.4 km)
Admiralty No.
M4898.8.

Tower & Structure

Tower Height
10m
Tower Shape
cylindrical
Tower Color
red
Material
concrete

Structure: round concrete tower, flared at the top, attached to a small equipment shelter

Visiting

Open to public
Site open, tower closed

Nearby Vessels

Flag
Type
Name
Dist.
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Frequently Asked Questions

How do mariners identify Oto Shima Breakwater Lighthouse at night?+
Oto Shima Breakwater displays the characteristic Fl (3) Red 12s — 3 red flashes every 12 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 Oto Shima Breakwater Lighthouse guide vessels into?+
Oto Shima Breakwater Lighthouse assists vessels approaching 5 nearby ports. The closest is Hososhima at 1.9 NM to the S. Other ports served include Hirai (2.1 NM S), Hiraiwa (2.1 NM S), Totoro (2.1 NM S), Nobeokashinko (3.2 NM NNE). Mariners should consult the relevant chart for full approach and pilotage information.
Is Oto Shima Breakwater Lighthouse still active and maintained?+
Yes, Oto Shima 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 Oto Shima Breakwater Lighthouse?+
Oto Shima 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 Oto Shima Breakwater Lighthouse?+
You can track vessels near Oto Shima 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.