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Sata Misaki Lighthouse

Fl (2) White 16s🇯🇵Minamiosumi, JPOperational

Location & Light Range

About Sata Misaki Lighthouse

Also known as: Sata Misaki (Cape Sata)

Completed in 1950, the Sata Misaki lighthouse is an octagonal pyramidal concrete tower painted white. It stands 13 meters tall on a monolith near Cape Sata, marking the southernmost point of Kyūshū island. The lighthouse emits a white light with one flash every 16 seconds, visible for over 21 nautical miles. The current structure is a replica, as the original lighthouse, built in 1871, was destroyed by a U.S. air raid on March 18, 1945. The original lighthouse was designed by British engineer Richard Henry Brunton.

Why it matters: This lighthouse is indispensable for safe passage through the Ōsumi Strait, a critical shipping lane for vessels traversing Japan's southern waters. Its position at the southernmost point of Kyūshū makes it a key navigational aid, marking a significant geographic landmark.

Light & Optic

Characteristic Signature
Fl (2) White 16s
Flash Type
Flashing
Light Color
White
Flash Count
2 flashes
Interval
16s
Raw Code
Fl W 16s
Focal Height
68m
Geographic Range
21.2NM

Construction & History

Year Built
1950

Significant events: Destroyed by U.S. air raid on 18 March 1945

References & Identifiers

Nearest Port
Yamagawa(13.1 km)
Admiralty No.
M4836
NGA No.
10912
ARLHS No.
JPN-539

Tower & Structure

Tower Height
13m
Tower Shape
octagonal
Tower Color
white
Material
concrete

Structure: octagonal pyramidal concrete tower with lantern and gallery formerly attached to a 1-story concrete service building

Location

City
Minamiosumi
Country
🇯🇵Japan
Region
Kagoshima Prefecture
Sea Region
Southernmost point of Kyūshū and the main Japanese islands, guiding vessels through the Ōsumi Strait, perched atop a monolith just off the tip of Cape Sata.
Latitude
30.9921°
Longitude
130.6594°

Nearby Vessels

Flag
Type
Name
Dist.
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Frequently Asked Questions

How do mariners identify Sata Misaki Lighthouse at night?+
Sata Misaki displays the characteristic Fl (2) White 16s — 2 white flashes every 16 seconds. 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 Sata Misaki Lighthouse guide vessels into?+
Sata Misaki Lighthouse assists vessels approaching 5 nearby ports. The closest is Amaji at 6.3 NM to the NE. Other ports served include Hamajiri (6.3 NM NE), Yamagawa (13.1 NM N), Nejime (14.5 NM NNE), Ibusuki (15 NM N). Mariners should consult the relevant chart for full approach and pilotage information.
Is Sata Misaki Lighthouse still active and maintained?+
Yes, Sata Misaki 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 Sata Misaki Lighthouse?+
Sata Misaki 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 Sata Misaki Lighthouse?+
You can track vessels near Sata Misaki 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.