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Shimana Kō West Breakwater Lighthouse

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

Location & Light Range

About Shimana Kō West Breakwater Lighthouse

This 10-meter concrete structure, painted red, serves as the Shimana Kō West Breakwater light. It features a square, single-story concrete equipment room with the light situated 16 meters above sea level. The light emits a red signal with two flashes every six seconds. Originally established at an unrecorded date, the lighthouse was relocated in 2020 to the northeast end of the detached west breakwater. This location marks the terminal for ferries bound for Yakushima. The site is accessible, but the tower itself is closed to the public.

Why it matters: The light is essential for the safe navigation of ferries and other vessels using Shimana as a terminal, particularly those traveling to and from Yakushima. It clearly marks the end of the detached west breakwater, guiding ships into the harbor.

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

Significant events: relocated in 2020

Visiting

Open to public
Site open, tower closed

Nearby Vessels

Flag
Type
Name
Dist.

Tower & Structure

Tower Height
10m
Tower Shape
square
Tower Color
red
Material
concrete

Structure: A 10m concrete post attached to a square 1-story concrete equipment room, painted entirely red.

Location

City
Minamitane
Country
🇯🇵Japan
Region
Kagoshima Prefecture
Sea Region
Located at the northeast end of the detached west breakwater of Shimana, a terminal for ferries to Yakushima.
Latitude
30.4677°
Longitude
130.8659°

References & Identifiers

Nearest Port
Masuda, Kagoshima(8.8 km)
ARLHS No.
JPN-2585
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Frequently Asked Questions

How do mariners identify Shimana Kō West Breakwater Lighthouse at night?+
Shimana Kō West 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 Shimana Kō West Breakwater Lighthouse guide vessels into?+
Shimana Kō West Breakwater Lighthouse assists vessels approaching 5 nearby ports. The closest is Shimama at 0.1 NM to the W. Other ports served include Kadokura (7.4 NM S), Hamatsuwaki (9.2 NM NNE), Suwa (9.2 NM NNE), Makigawa (10.6 NM NNE). Mariners should consult the relevant chart for full approach and pilotage information.
Is Shimana Kō West Breakwater Lighthouse still active and maintained?+
Yes, Shimana Kō West 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 Shimana Kō West Breakwater Lighthouse?+
Shimana Kō West 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 Shimana Kō West Breakwater Lighthouse?+
You can track vessels near Shimana Kō West 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.