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Shimabara Breakwater Lighthouse

Fl (2) Red 6s🇯🇵Shimabara, JPOperational

Location & Light Range

About Shimabara Breakwater Lighthouse

This red concrete post light was established in 1963, standing 8.5 meters tall with a focal height of 12 meters. It is situated at the end of the main breakwater for Shimabara's ferry harbor, guiding vessels into the port. The light emits a single red flash every 6 seconds and has a geographic range of 11 nautical miles. Its structure includes a 1-story concrete equipment room. This navigational aid is located in Shimabara, Nagasaki Prefecture, Japan.

Why it matters: The light is indispensable for the frequent ferry services operating between Shimabara and Kumamoto, providing a critical navigational aid for vessels entering and exiting the harbor. It warns mariners of the main breakwater's terminus, ensuring the safe flow of traffic within Ariake Bay.

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
12m
Geographic Range
11NM

Construction & History

Year Built
1963

References & Identifiers

Nearest Port
Shimabara(3.0 km)
Admiralty No.
M5181
NGA No.
11580
USCG No.
JCG-6380

Tower & Structure

Tower Height
8.5m
Tower Shape
post
Tower Color
red
Material
concrete

Structure: A 8.5m red concrete post attached to a 1-story concrete equipment room.

Location

City
Shimabara
Country
🇯🇵Japan
Region
Nagasaki Prefecture
Sea Region
Located at the end of the main breakwater of the ferry harbor in Shimabara; ferries sail from here to Kumamoto on the other side of Ariake Bay.
Latitude
32.7647°
Longitude
130.3744°

Nearby Vessels

Flag
Type
Name
Dist.
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Frequently Asked Questions

How do mariners identify Shimabara Breakwater Lighthouse at night?+
Shimabara 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 Shimabara Breakwater Lighthouse guide vessels into?+
Shimabara Breakwater Lighthouse assists vessels approaching 5 nearby ports. The closest is Shimabara at 2.8 NM to the NNW. Other ports served include Taira (7.3 NM NNW), Eishi (10 NM ENE), Nagasu, Kumamoto (10.1 NM NNE), Aizu, Kumamoto (10.9 NM SSE). Mariners should consult the relevant chart for full approach and pilotage information.
Is Shimabara Breakwater Lighthouse still active and maintained?+
Yes, Shimabara 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 Shimabara Breakwater Lighthouse?+
Shimabara 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 Shimabara Breakwater Lighthouse?+
You can track vessels near Shimabara 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.