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Shimonoseki Range Front Lighthouse

F Yellow 4s🇯🇵Shimonoseki, JPOperational

Location & Light Range

About Shimonoseki Range Front Lighthouse

Constructed in 1901, this range front lighthouse is a white, cylindrical stone and cast iron tower standing 12 meters tall. It features a gallery and is topped by a light with a focal height of 13 meters. An arrow-shaped daymark surrounds the light, which emits a yellow flash. The structure guides westbound ships passing Shimonoseki, situated beside the San'yōdō expressway just west of the Kanmonkyō Bridge. The geographic range of the light is 11.3 nautical miles.

Why it matters: This lighthouse aids westbound vessels in navigating the Shimonoseki Strait, a significant maritime route. Its distinctive daymark provides a clear visual reference for the range.

Light & Optic

Characteristic Signature
F Yellow 4s
Flash Type
Fixed
Light Color
Yellow
Interval
4s
Raw Code
F Y
Focal Height
13m
Geographic Range
11.3NM

Construction & History

Year Built
1901

References & Identifiers

Nearest Port
Shimonoseki(2.5 km)
Admiralty No.
M5356
NGA No.
9778
USCG No.
JCG-5423

Tower & Structure

Tower Height
12m
Tower Shape
cylindrical
Tower Color
white
Material
stone, cast iron

Structure: cast iron skeletal tower with gallery mounted on a round stone tower; an arrow-shaped daymark surrounds the light

Location

City
Shimonoseki
Country
🇯🇵Japan
Region
Yamaguchi Prefecture
Sea Region
Guides westbound ships passing Shimonoseki, located beside the San'yōdō expressway on the waterfront just west of the Kanmonkyō Bridge.
Latitude
33.9618°
Longitude
130.9539°

Nearby Vessels

Flag
Type
Name
Dist.
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Frequently Asked Questions

How do mariners identify Shimonoseki Range Front Lighthouse at night?+
Shimonoseki Range Front displays the characteristic F Yellow 4s. 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 yellow color may indicate a specific sector or warning zone.
Which ports and harbors does Shimonoseki Range Front Lighthouse guide vessels into?+
Shimonoseki Range Front Lighthouse assists vessels approaching 5 nearby ports. The closest is Tanoura/Kitakyushu at 1 NM to the SE. Other ports served include Shimonoseki (2 NM SSW), Moji/Kitakyushu (2.7 NM E), Kanmon (4.1 NM SSW), Mutsure (4.4 NM W). Mariners should consult the relevant chart for full approach and pilotage information.
Is Shimonoseki Range Front Lighthouse still active and maintained?+
Yes, Shimonoseki Range Front 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 Shimonoseki Range Front Lighthouse?+
Shimonoseki Range Front 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 Shimonoseki Range Front Lighthouse?+
You can track vessels near Shimonoseki Range Front 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.