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Saroma Kō Guchi Lighthouse

F Red 5s🇯🇵Kitami, JPOperational

Location & Light Range

About Saroma Kō Guchi Lighthouse

Saroma Kō Guchi Lighthouse stands on the western side of the inlet connecting the Saroma Kō lagoon to the Sea of Okhotsk. This cylindrical concrete tower, built in 1966, is 13 meters tall and painted white with a single red horizontal band. It emits a flashing red light, with one bright flash every 5 seconds, visible for 11.6 nautical miles. The lighthouse is situated on the Hokkaidō coastline, in an area known for its unique coastal lagoons enclosed by barrier beaches. This structure guides vessels navigating the inlet, which is also referred to as the 'guchi' or mouth.

Why it matters: This lighthouse is important for guiding vessels through the narrow inlet of Saroma Kō, a rare coastal lagoon system. It aids local fishing fleets in navigating the area's shifting sands and currents, ensuring safe access to fishing grounds.

Light & Optic

Characteristic Signature
F Red 5s
Flash Type
Fixed
Light Color
Red
Interval
5s
Raw Code
F.Fl R 5s
Focal Height
14m
Geographic Range
11.6NM

Construction & History

Year Built
1966

References & Identifiers

Nearest Port
Monbetsu/Abashiri(19.9 km)
Admiralty No.
M6884.4
NGA No.
0268
ARLHS No.
JPN-961

Tower & Structure

Tower Height
13m
Tower Shape
cylindrical
Tower Color
white with one red horizontal band

Structure: round tower with lantern and gallery, painted white with one red horizontal band

Location

City
Kitami
Country
🇯🇵Japan
Region
Hokkaido Prefecture
Sea Region
Saroma Kō, a lagoon enclosed by barrier beaches and connected to the Sea of Okhotsk by an inlet (guchi). Located on the west side of the inlet, 13 km (8 mi) east of Yūbetsu, on the Hokkaidō coastline where coastal lagoons uniquely occur.
Latitude
44.1801°
Longitude
143.7830°

Nearby Vessels

Flag
Type
Name
Dist.
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Frequently Asked Questions

How do mariners identify Saroma Kō Guchi Lighthouse at night?+
Saroma Kō Guchi displays the characteristic F Red 5s. 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 Saroma Kō Guchi Lighthouse guide vessels into?+
Saroma Kō Guchi Lighthouse assists vessels approaching 2 nearby ports. The closest is Tokoro at 14.1 NM to the ESE. Other ports served include Abashiri (24 NM ESE). Mariners should consult the relevant chart for full approach and pilotage information.
Is Saroma Kō Guchi Lighthouse still active and maintained?+
Yes, Saroma Kō Guchi 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.
How can I track vessels near Saroma Kō Guchi Lighthouse?+
You can track vessels near Saroma Kō Guchi 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.