Shimotsu West (Nishino Ura) Breakwater Lighthouse
Location & Light Range
About Shimotsu West (Nishino Ura) Breakwater Lighthouse
This red, round lighthouse stands at the extremity of the Shimotsu West (Nishino Ura) Breakwater in Kainan, Japan. With a focal height of 12 meters, its geographic range extends to 11 nautical miles. The light emits a single red flash every 3 seconds, guiding vessels approaching Shimotsu port. The structure is situated on the breakwater, approximately 0.7 kilometers from the nearest port facilities. While the tower itself is closed to the public, the site is accessible, allowing visitors to experience the coastal environment.
Why it matters: This light clearly marks the end of the Shimotsu West Breakwater, preventing collisions for vessels entering and exiting the port.
Light & Optic
- Flash Type
- Flashing
- Light Color
- Red
- Interval
- 3s
- Raw Code
- Fl R 3s
- Focal Height
- 12m
- Geographic Range
- 11NM
Location
- City
- Kainan
- Country
- 🇯🇵Japan
- Region
- Wakayama Prefecture
- Sea Region
- Located on the Shimotsu West (Nishino Ura) Breakwater in Japan.
- Latitude
- 34.1122°
- Longitude
- 135.1364°
References & Identifiers
- Nearest Port
- Shimotsu(0.7 km)
- Admiralty No.
- M5967.3
- NGA No.
- 6996
Tower & Structure
- Tower Shape
- round
- Tower Color
- red
Structure: The Shimotsu West (Nishino Ura) Breakwater lighthouse is positioned at the very tip of the breakwater, a man-made arm reaching out into the calm waters near Shimotsu, Japan. This light serves as a crucial guide for ships navigating the approaches to the local port, ensuring safe passage around the protective structure. While the precise details of its construction and early years are not widely documented, its establishment would have been a direct response to the need for enhanced maritime safety in this busy coastal zone. The rhythmic red flash it emits cuts through the twilight, a familiar sight for local fishermen and larger commercial vessels alike. Today, the lighthouse continues its essential work as an active aid to navigation. The surrounding area offers a pleasant stroll along the breakwater, allowing visitors to experience the sea air and observe the port's activity, though the tower itself remains closed to public entry. It is a quiet, steadfast guardian, a constant point of reference against the backdrop of the Japanese coastline.
Visiting
- Open to public
- Site open, tower closed
Nearby Vessels
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