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Sendai North Breakwater Lighthouse

Fl (2) Red 6s🇯🇵Sendai, JPOperational

Location & Light Range

About Sendai North Breakwater Lighthouse

A 14-meter tall, cylindrical concrete tower, painted red, was first illuminated in 1972. Located on the north breakwater extending 3 km from Sendai, its light is positioned 16 meters above sea level. The structure displays a red light with a characteristic of one flash every 6 seconds, offering a range of 12.2 nautical miles. This tower, which includes a lantern and gallery, suffered damage from a tsunami in March 2011 and was non-operational for some years while repairs were completed. Access is restricted to watercraft, and the tower is not open for public visits.

Why it matters: This navigation aid marks the entry to Sendai harbor, offering a reference point for vessels approaching the breakwater. The regular red flash assists in safe navigation for ships entering and leaving the port.

Light & Optic

Characteristic Signature
Fl (2) Red 6s
Flash Type
Flashing
Light Color
Red
Flash Count
2 flashes
Interval
6s
Raw Code
Fl R 6s
Focal Height
16m
Geographic Range
12.2NM

Construction & History

Year Built
1972

Significant events: Damaged by tsunami in March 2011, out of service for several years

References & Identifiers

Nearest Port
Sendai(3.0 km)
Admiralty No.
M6521.2
ARLHS No.
JPN-2638

Tower & Structure

Tower Height
14m
Tower Shape
cylindrical
Tower Color
red
Material
concrete

Structure: round cylindrical concrete tower with lantern and gallery, painted red

Location

City
Sendai
Country
🇯🇵Japan
Region
Miyagi Prefecture
Sea Region
Located at the end of the north outer breakwater, marking the entrance to the harbor of Sendai.
Latitude
38.2668°
Longitude
141.0434°

Nearby Vessels

Flag
Type
Name
Dist.
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Frequently Asked Questions

How do mariners identify Sendai North Breakwater Lighthouse at night?+
Sendai North Breakwater displays the characteristic Fl (2) Red 6s — 2 red flashes every 6 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 red color may indicate a specific sector or warning zone.
Which ports and harbors does Sendai North Breakwater Lighthouse guide vessels into?+
Sendai North Breakwater Lighthouse assists vessels approaching 5 nearby ports. The closest is Sendaishiogama at 1.2 NM to the WNW. Other ports served include Satoura (3 NM N), Sendai, Miyagi (3.1 NM N), Isozaki (6.5 NM NNE), Takami (9.5 NM NE). Mariners should consult the relevant chart for full approach and pilotage information.
Is Sendai North Breakwater Lighthouse still active and maintained?+
Yes, Sendai North Breakwater 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 Sendai North Breakwater Lighthouse?+
Sendai North Breakwater 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 Sendai North Breakwater Lighthouse?+
You can track vessels near Sendai North Breakwater 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.