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Rausu Lighthouse

Fl White 10s🇯🇵Rausu, JPOperational

Location & Light Range

About Rausu Lighthouse

Established in 1971, the Rausu Lighthouse stands on a concrete promontory north of the port town of Rausu. The cylindrical tower, painted with red and white horizontal bands, reaches a height of 16 meters. Its lantern room is situated 87 meters above sea level, providing a geographic range of 23.4 nautical miles. The light emits a white flash every 10 seconds. The lighthouse complex includes a 1-story keeper's house attached to the tower, and the site is accessible to the public, though the tower remains closed. A coastal highway passes through a tunnel beneath the lighthouse station.

Why it matters: This lighthouse guides fishing vessels and cargo ships navigating the Nemuro Strait and the eastern coast of the Shiretoko Peninsula, assisting traffic entering and departing the port of Rausu.

Light & Optic

Characteristic Signature
Fl White 10s
Flash Type
Flashing
Light Color
White
Interval
10s
Raw Code
Fl W 10s
Focal Height
87m
Light Range
20NM (37.0 km)
Geographic Range
23.4NM

Construction & History

Year Built
1971

Visiting

Open to public
Site open, tower closed

Nearby Vessels

Flag
Type
Name
Dist.

Tower & Structure

Tower Height
16m
Tower Shape
cylindrical
Tower Color
with red and white horizontal bands
Material
concrete

Structure: round cylindrical concrete tower with lantern and gallery, attached at one end of a 1-story keeper's house

Location

City
Rausu
Country
🇯🇵Japan
Region
Hokkaido Prefecture
Sea Region
on a promontory north of Rausu, a port on the east side of the Shiretoko Peninsula, directly opposite Utoro on the west side.
Latitude
44.0371°
Longitude
145.2196°

References & Identifiers

Nearest Port
Abashiri(40.0 km)
Admiralty No.
M6858
NGA No.
424
ARLHS No.
JPN-501
Wikidata
Q17212117 →
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Frequently Asked Questions

How far offshore can Rausu Lighthouse be seen?+
With a focal height of 87 meters and a nominal range of 20 nautical miles (approximately 37.0 km), Rausu 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 Rausu Lighthouse at night?+
Rausu displays the characteristic Fl White 10s. 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 Rausu Lighthouse guide vessels into?+
Rausu Lighthouse assists vessels approaching 5 nearby ports. The closest is Shibetsu at 22.9 NM to the S. Other ports served include Yuzhno-Kuril'sk (27.4 NM E), Abashiri (40.2 NM W), Nemuro (45.1 NM SSE), Nasa (47.9 NM SSE). Mariners should consult the relevant chart for full approach and pilotage information.
Is Rausu Lighthouse still active and maintained?+
Yes, Rausu 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.
How can I track vessels near Rausu Lighthouse?+
You can track vessels near Rausu 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.