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Sanuki Chiburi Shima Lighthouse

Fl White 7s🇯🇵Tonosho, JPOperational

Also known as: Tiburi

The Sanuki Chiburi (Tiburi) Shima lighthouse, an active aid to navigation, stands on a small island in Japan's Seto Inland Sea. Its white tower emits a single white flash every seven seconds, visible for 13.6 nautical miles. The lighthouse is situated in the Kagawa Prefecture, near the port of Tonosho, marking a waterway used by numerous ferries and commercial vessels. Visitors are permitted to access the island grounds, which offer scenic views, though climbing the tower is not allowed. The 22-meter focal height provides a clear signal across these complex, island-filled waters.

Why it matters: This lighthouse is essential for mariners navigating the Seto Inland Sea, a significant maritime corridor with many islands and busy shipping lanes.

Characteristic Signature
Fl White 7s
Flash Type
Flashing
Light Color
White
Interval
7s
Raw Code
Fl W 7s
Focal Height
22m
Geographic Range
13.6NM
City
Tonosho
Country
🇯🇵Japan
Region
Kagawa Prefecture
Sea Region
an island in the Seto Inland Sea, Japan
Latitude
34.5306°
Longitude
134.1620°
Nearest Port
Tonosho(3.6 km)
Admiralty No.
M5547
NGA No.
7916
ARLHS No.
JPN-2466
Tower Color
white

Structure: Sanuki Chiburi (Tiburi) Shima lighthouse marks a small island within the intricate waterways of Japan's Seto Inland Sea, a region famed for its calm, island-dotted expanse. This active light guides mariners navigating the often-busy shipping lanes that weave between countless islands, forming a vital artery for coastal trade and ferry services connecting Shikoku with Honshu. While the specific history of its construction remains unstated, its continued operation underscores its enduring role in maritime safety, a constant presence amidst the changing tides. The island itself, likely a tranquil spot typical of the Seto Inland Sea, offers a serene backdrop to the light's steady rhythm, with gentle breezes and the sound of waves. Visitors can explore the grounds, enjoying the island's natural beauty and the panoramic views of the surrounding sea, though access to the tower itself is restricted. The light's consistent white flashes every seven seconds have been a reassuring presence for generations of sailors, helping them safely traverse these beautiful yet complex waters, ensuring safe passage through this picturesque archipelago.

Open to public
Site open, tower closed
Flag
Type
Name
Dist.
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How do mariners identify Sanuki Chiburi Shima Lighthouse at night?+
Sanuki Chiburi Shima displays the characteristic Fl White 7s. 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 Sanuki Chiburi Shima Lighthouse guide vessels into?+
Sanuki Chiburi Shima Lighthouse assists vessels approaching 5 nearby ports. The closest is Tonosho at 2.9 NM to the SSE. Other ports served include Ikeda, Kagawa (4.7 NM SE), Ushimado (4.9 NM N), Ieura (5.4 NM WSW), Yamada (7.5 NM W). Mariners should consult the relevant chart for full approach and pilotage information.
Is Sanuki Chiburi Shima Lighthouse still active and maintained?+
Yes, Sanuki Chiburi 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 Sanuki Chiburi Shima Lighthouse?+
Sanuki Chiburi 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 Sanuki Chiburi Shima Lighthouse?+
You can track vessels near Sanuki Chiburi 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.