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Sango Shima North Lighthouse

Fl White 4s🇯🇵Ofunato, JPOperational

Also known as: Sangojima

The Sango Shima North Lighthouse is positioned near Sango Shima island in Iwate Prefecture, Japan. At a focal height of 33 meters, the structure emits a white flash every 4 seconds. Its light reaches 15.9 nautical miles, assisting ships in the waters off Ofunato. The lighthouse is active. Visitors can access the grounds, but the tower is not open for climbing. This navigation marker is 1.7 kilometers from the Ohfunato port.

Why it matters: This lighthouse marks the northern side of Sango Shima island, providing navigation reference for craft in the area.

Characteristic Signature
Fl White 4s
Flash Type
Flashing
Light Color
White
Interval
4s
Raw Code
Fl W 4s
Focal Height
33m
Geographic Range
15.9NM
City
Ofunato
Country
🇯🇵Japan
Region
Iwate Prefecture
Sea Region
Located on or near Sango Shima island in Japan, marking its northern approaches.
Latitude
39.0314°
Longitude
141.7142°
Nearest Port
Ohfunato(1.7 km)
Admiralty No.
M6583.7
ARLHS No.
JPN-1128

Structure: Sango Shima North Lighthouse guides mariners through the waters surrounding Sango Shima, an island off the coast of Japan. Perched at a focal plane of 33 meters, its consistent white flash every four seconds cuts through the coastal darkness, offering a reliable navigational aid. This active light plays a quiet but crucial role for local fishing boats and other vessels traversing these Japanese waters. While the exact history of its construction remains less documented, its continued operation underscores its enduring importance to maritime safety in the region. Visitors are welcome to explore the site, taking in the serene coastal views and the rhythmic pulse of the light, though the tower itself remains closed to public ascent. It stands as a testament to the ongoing need for navigational assistance in even the most tranquil-seeming seas.

Open to public
Site open, tower closed
Flag
Type
Name
Dist.
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How do mariners identify Sango Shima North Lighthouse at night?+
Sango Shima North displays the characteristic Fl White 4s. 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 Sango Shima North Lighthouse guide vessels into?+
Sango Shima North Lighthouse assists vessels approaching 5 nearby ports. The closest is Nojiri at 1.4 NM to the NE. Other ports served include Hirota, Iwate (4.1 NM SW), Sakihama (8 NM ENE), Kesennuma (9.9 NM SW), En (11.2 NM SSW). Mariners should consult the relevant chart for full approach and pilotage information.
Is Sango Shima North Lighthouse still active and maintained?+
Yes, Sango Shima North 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 Sango Shima North Lighthouse?+
Sango Shima North 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 Sango Shima North Lighthouse?+
You can track vessels near Sango Shima North 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.