Get the MarineRadar appSatellite AISSatellite live trackingTrack any shipLive alerts112,000+ ships trackedDownload free

Sasebo Benten Shima Lighthouse

Fl White 3s🇯🇵Sasebo, JPOperational

Location & Light Range

About Sasebo Benten Shima Lighthouse

A 15-meter square skeletal concrete tower stands on a large square pyramidal base, situated on a small islet in Sasebo harbor. This lighthouse emits a white light with a 3-second cycle, visible for 12.9 nautical miles. Its focal height reaches 19 meters above the water. The structure is located within a protected harbor that serves as a traditional naval base for Japan and is also used by the U.S. Navy. The nearest port, Sasebo, is just 0.6 kilometers away. The lighthouse is operational and guides vessels navigating the harbor's channels.

Why it matters: Sasebo Benten Shima is important for safe navigation within Sasebo harbor, a critical port for both the Japanese and U.S. Navies. Its distinctive square skeletal tower mounted on a massive pyramidal concrete base also serves as a landmark within this historically significant maritime environment.

Light & Optic

Characteristic Signature
Fl White 3s
Flash Type
Flashing
Light Color
White
Interval
3s
Raw Code
Fl W 3s
Focal Height
19m
Geographic Range
12.9NM

Location

City
Sasebo
Country
🇯🇵Japan
Region
Nagasaki Prefecture
Sea Region
Located on an islet in the center of Sasebo harbor, a protected harbor that serves as a traditional naval base for Japan and the U.S. Navy.
Latitude
33.1456°
Longitude
129.7155°

Nearby Vessels

Flag
Type
Name
Dist.

Tower & Structure

Tower Height
15m
Tower Shape
square
Tower Color
white
Material
concrete

Structure: square skeletal tower mounted on a huge square pyramidal concrete base

References & Identifiers

Nearest Port
Sasebo(0.6 km)
Live tracking · 50,000+ mariners

Find Sasebo Benten Shima Lighthouse on the live nautical map

Plan voyages near Japan, see nearby vessels in real time, and explore 14,900+ navigation aids in the app.

Nautical mapNearby vesselsVoyage planning
Get the App

Frequently Asked Questions

How do mariners identify Sasebo Benten Shima Lighthouse at night?+
Sasebo Benten Shima displays the characteristic Fl 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 Sasebo Benten Shima Lighthouse guide vessels into?+
Sasebo Benten Shima Lighthouse assists vessels approaching 5 nearby ports. The closest is Sasebo at 0.6 NM to the N. Other ports served include Haiki (1.3 NM N), Saza (1.3 NM N), Segawa (1.3 NM N), Usuno (1.3 NM N). Mariners should consult the relevant chart for full approach and pilotage information.
Is Sasebo Benten Shima Lighthouse still active and maintained?+
Yes, Sasebo Benten 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 Sasebo Benten Shima Lighthouse?+
Sasebo Benten 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 Sasebo Benten Shima Lighthouse?+
You can track vessels near Sasebo Benten 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.