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Shimotsu Lighthouse

Fl White 4s🇯🇵Arida, JPOperational

Location & Light Range

About Shimotsu Lighthouse

Also known as: Shimotsu (Shimotu, Okinoshima)

A 13-meter cylindrical concrete tower, painted white, stands on a small island approximately 4 kilometers west-southwest of Shimotsu. The structure rises from a single-story concrete equipment house and features a lantern and gallery. Its white light flashes every four seconds, visible for over 24 nautical miles. The lighthouse operates on solar power, enabling its function in this remote location. Access to the island is exclusively by boat.

Why it matters: This lighthouse guides vessels entering and exiting the Shimotsu port and is essential for navigating the coastal waters in the Wakayama Prefecture.

Light & Optic

Characteristic Signature
Fl White 4s
Flash Type
Flashing
Light Color
White
Interval
4s
Raw Code
Fl W 4s
Focal Height
94m
Geographic Range
24.2NM

Location

City
Arida
Country
🇯🇵Japan
Region
Wakayama Prefecture
Sea Region
Located on a small island about 4 km west southwest of the entrance to Shimotsu.
Latitude
34.1134°
Longitude
135.0769°

Nearby Vessels

Flag
Type
Name
Dist.

Tower & Structure

Tower Height
13m
Tower Shape
cylindrical
Tower Color
white
Material
concrete

Structure: square cylindrical concrete tower with lantern and gallery, rising from a 1-story concrete equipment house

References & Identifiers

Nearest Port
Shimotsu(2.5 km)
Admiralty No.
M5967.4
ARLHS No.
JPN-570
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Frequently Asked Questions

How do mariners identify Shimotsu Lighthouse at night?+
Shimotsu displays the characteristic Fl White 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 white color may indicate a specific sector or warning zone.
Which ports and harbors does Shimotsu Lighthouse guide vessels into?+
Shimotsu Lighthouse assists vessels approaching 5 nearby ports. The closest is Shimotsu at 2.8 NM to the E. Other ports served include Kainan (5.9 NM NNE), Wakayama (5.9 NM NNE), Yuasahiro (6.7 NM SE), Yura, Wakayama (9.4 NM S). Mariners should consult the relevant chart for full approach and pilotage information.
Is Shimotsu Lighthouse still active and maintained?+
Yes, Shimotsu 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 Shimotsu Lighthouse?+
Shimotsu 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 Shimotsu Lighthouse?+
You can track vessels near Shimotsu 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.