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Satamisaki Lighthouse

Fl W 10s🇯🇵Kyushu-South Coast, JPOperational

Location & Light Range

About Satamisaki Lighthouse

The Satamisaki Lighthouse was built in 1871 and first illuminated that same year. Its tower stands 12.6 meters high, with the light positioned 68 meters above sea level. The lighthouse emits a white flash every 10 seconds. It has a geographic range of 21 nautical miles. The lighthouse is situated on Cape Sata in Kagoshima Prefecture, Japan.

Why it matters: This lighthouse was selected as one of "Japan's 50 best lighthouses" and is located within the Kirishima-Kinkowan National Park.

Background
Satamisaki Lighthouse (佐多岬灯台, Satamisaki tōdai) is a lighthouse on Cape Sata, in the town of Minamiōsumi, Kagoshima Prefecture Japan. The lighthouse is located within the borders of the Kirishima-Kinkowan National Park. It has been selected as one of "Japan's 50 best lighthouses".

Light & Optic

Characteristic Signature
Fl W 10s
Flash Type
Flashing
Light Color
White
Flash Count
1 flash
Interval
10s
Raw Code
Fl.W. period 10s
Focal Height
68m
Light Range
21NM (38.9 km)
Geographic Range
21NM

Construction & History

Year Built
1871

References & Identifiers

Admiralty No.
M4836
NGA No.
10912
Wikipedia
Read on Wikipedia →
Wikidata
Q7425874 →

Tower & Structure

Tower Height
12.6m

Location

City
Kyushu-South Coast
Country
🇯🇵JP
Latitude
30.9919°
Longitude
130.6594°

Nearby Vessels

Flag
Type
Name
Dist.
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Frequently Asked Questions

How far offshore can Satamisaki Lighthouse be seen?+
With a focal height of 68 meters and a nominal range of 21 nautical miles (approximately 38.9 km), Satamisaki is visible from well offshore under standard atmospheric conditions. Actual visibility depends on observer height, weather, and sea state. Lights of this range are typically used as landfall lights by vessels approaching from the open sea.
How do mariners identify Satamisaki Lighthouse at night?+
Satamisaki displays the characteristic Fl W 10s — 1 white flash every 10 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.
Which ports and harbors does Satamisaki Lighthouse guide vessels into?+
Satamisaki 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 (15.1 NM N). Mariners should consult the relevant chart for full approach and pilotage information.
Is Satamisaki Lighthouse still active and maintained?+
Yes, Satamisaki 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 Satamisaki Lighthouse?+
Satamisaki 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 Satamisaki Lighthouse?+
You can track vessels near Satamisaki 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.