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Sakata Groin Lighthouse

Iso Red 6s🇯🇵Sakata, JPOperational

Location & Light Range

About Sakata Groin Lighthouse

The Sakata Groin lighthouse, built in 1979, is a square tapered skeletal tower constructed of steel. Standing 11 meters tall with a focal height of 14 meters, it is painted red. This lighthouse is situated on a short groin at the entrance to Sakata's inner north harbor basin in Yamagata Prefecture, Japan. Its light emits a single red flash every 6 seconds, visible for 11.6 nautical miles. The site is open to the public, though the tower itself is closed.

Why it matters: This lighthouse is essential for the safe navigation of ships accessing Sakata's inner north harbor basin, clearly marking the entrance and the presence of the groin.

Light & Optic

Characteristic Signature
Iso Red 6s
Flash Type
Isophase
Light Color
Red
Interval
6s
Raw Code
Iso R 6s
Focal Height
14m
Geographic Range
11.6NM

Construction & History

Year Built
1979

Visiting

Open to public
Site open, tower closed

Nearby Vessels

Flag
Type
Name
Dist.

Tower & Structure

Tower Height
11m
Tower Shape
square
Tower Color
red
Material
steel

Structure: square tapered skeletal tower, painted red

Location

City
Sakata
Country
🇯🇵Japan
Region
Yamagata Prefecture
Sea Region
Located on a short groin at the entrance to the inner north harbor basin of Sakata, Japan.
Latitude
38.9508°
Longitude
139.8126°

References & Identifiers

Nearest Port
Sakata(0.9 km)
Admiralty No.
M7082.5
NGA No.
3476
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Frequently Asked Questions

How do mariners identify Sakata Groin Lighthouse at night?+
Sakata Groin displays the characteristic Iso Red 6s. 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 Sakata Groin Lighthouse guide vessels into?+
Sakata Groin Lighthouse assists vessels approaching 5 nearby ports. The closest is Sakata at 1 NM to the SSE. Other ports served include Kamo (11.8 NM SSW), Yura, Yamagata (14.9 NM SSW), Kisakata (15.5 NM NNE), Kobato (17.6 NM SSW). Mariners should consult the relevant chart for full approach and pilotage information.
Is Sakata Groin Lighthouse still active and maintained?+
Yes, Sakata Groin 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 Sakata Groin Lighthouse?+
Sakata Groin 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 Sakata Groin Lighthouse?+
You can track vessels near Sakata Groin 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.