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Saitsu Kō Lighthouse

Q white 3s🇯🇵Amakusa, JPOperational

Also known as: Saitu

This concrete, round lighthouse was built and first lit in 1967. Its red tower stands 12 meters tall, with a focal height of 12 meters. It emits a quick white flash every 20 seconds and has a geographic range of 11 nautical miles. Located in Amakusa, Kumamoto Prefecture, Japan, it marks the entrance to Saitsu Port. The lighthouse is situated on the coast, near the port of Hondo, 2.3 kilometers away.

Why it matters: The Saitsu Kō Lighthouse aids maritime traffic entering Saitsu Port, benefiting the local fishing industry and commercial shipping.

Characteristic Signature
Q white 3s
Flash Type
Quick
Light Color
white
Interval
3s
Raw Code
Q.W. 20
Focal Height
12m
Geographic Range
11NM
Year Built
1967
Nearest Port
Hondo(2.3 km)
Admiralty No.
M5150.6
NGA No.
11480
ARLHS No.
JPN-2108
Tower Shape
round
Tower Color
red
Material
concrete

Structure: Saitsu Kō Lighthouse, situated along the dynamic coastline of Japan, plays a crucial role in guiding maritime traffic into the active Saitsu Port. Erected in 1967, this modern and continuously operating light ensures safe passage for the diverse array of vessels that frequent these waters, from local fishing trawlers returning with their catch to smaller commercial ships navigating the harbor entrance. The surrounding area likely hums with the sounds of a working port, where the lighthouse stands as a steadfast point of reference against the backdrop of coastal industry and perhaps distant hills. Its establishment in the mid-20th century underscores a period of significant growth and modernization in Japan's maritime infrastructure, highlighting the ongoing need for precise navigational aids. While specific dramatic events are not recorded in its history, the lighthouse's uninterrupted service for over five decades is a testament to its consistent reliability. Today, it remains an essential, if often overlooked, component of the port's daily operations, a silent guardian for those who depend on the sea.

City
Amakusa
Country
🇯🇵Japan
Region
Kumamoto Prefecture
Sea Region
Located in Japan, marking Saitsu (Saitu) Port.
Latitude
32.4943°
Longitude
130.1979°
Flag
Type
Name
Dist.
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How do mariners identify Saitsu Kō Lighthouse at night?+
Saitsu Kō displays the characteristic Q 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 Saitsu Kō Lighthouse guide vessels into?+
Saitsu Kō Lighthouse assists vessels approaching 5 nearby ports. The closest is Mogine at 1.2 NM to the SSE. Other ports served include Hondo (2.4 NM S), Oniike (3.2 NM N), Shimotsuura (4.5 NM E), Futae (4.7 NM NW). Mariners should consult the relevant chart for full approach and pilotage information.
Is Saitsu Kō Lighthouse still active and maintained?+
Yes, Saitsu Kō 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 Saitsu Kō Lighthouse?+
Saitsu Kō 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 Saitsu Kō Lighthouse?+
You can track vessels near Saitsu Kō 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.