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Saba Shima Lighthouse

Fl White 3s🇯🇵Hofu, JPOperational

Location & Light Range

About Saba Shima Lighthouse

This square concrete tower stands 13 meters tall and is painted white. Its focal height reaches 47 meters above the water. Operating on a small island 7 kilometers southwest of Nakano Saki, it emits a white flash every three seconds. The lighthouse is situated near Hofu in Yamaguchi Prefecture, Japan. Its operational status confirms its active role in maritime navigation.

Why it matters: This lighthouse marks the small island of Saba Shima, offering a navigational reference for local shipping and fishing vessels operating southwest of Nakano Saki.

Light & Optic

Characteristic Signature
Fl White 3s
Flash Type
Flashing
Light Color
White
Interval
3s
Raw Code
Fl W 3s
Focal Height
47m
Geographic Range
18.2NM

Location

City
Hofu
Country
🇯🇵Japan
Region
Yamaguchi Prefecture
Sea Region
A small island about 7 km southwest of Nakano Saki.
Latitude
33.9668°
Longitude
131.5103°

Nearby Vessels

Flag
Type
Name
Dist.

Tower & Structure

Tower Height
13m
Tower Shape
square
Tower Color
white
Material
concrete

Structure: square white concrete tower

References & Identifiers

Nearest Port
Nakanoseki(3.2 km)
Admiralty No.
M5390.6
NGA No.
9604
ARLHS No.
JPN-1651
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Frequently Asked Questions

How do mariners identify Saba Shima Lighthouse at night?+
Saba Shima displays the characteristic Fl White 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 white color may indicate a specific sector or warning zone.
Which ports and harbors does Saba Shima Lighthouse guide vessels into?+
Saba Shima Lighthouse assists vessels approaching 5 nearby ports. The closest is Nakanoseki at 3 NM to the NE. Other ports served include Hofu (3.4 NM NNW), Aio (5.1 NM WNW), Mitajiri (5.8 NM NE), Tajiri (6 NM NE). Mariners should consult the relevant chart for full approach and pilotage information.
Is Saba Shima Lighthouse still active and maintained?+
Yes, Saba 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 Saba Shima Lighthouse?+
Saba 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 Saba Shima Lighthouse?+
You can track vessels near Saba 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.