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Shira Su Lighthouse

Fl White 4s🇯🇵Kitakyushu, JPOperational

Location & Light Range

About Shira Su Lighthouse

Also known as: Shira Su (Sira Su, Sirasu, Hakushū)

Shira Su Lighthouse stands on a small islet approximately 5 km northwest of the mainland, marking the western entrance to a strait. Construction of the current two-stage cylindrical stone and cast iron tower began in 1873 and was completed in 1900. The tower displays black and white horizontal bands and has a focal height of 16 meters. Its light emits a white flash every 4 seconds, visible for 12.2 nautical miles. The site is open to the public, but the tower is closed.

Why it matters: Recognized as one of Japan's Famous Fifty lighthouses, Shira Su is essential for safe passage through the strait, a route that historically saw many wrecks due to a nearby reef.

Light & Optic

Characteristic Signature
Fl White 4s
Flash Type
Flashing
Light Color
White
Interval
4s
Raw Code
Fl W 4s
Focal Height
16m
Geographic Range
12.2NM

Construction & History

Year Built
1900
First Lit
1873
Heritage Status
one of Japan's Famous Fifty lighthouses

Significant events: numerous wrecks on the reef, local headman Iwamatsu Sukezaemon ordered construction in 1862, new government took over project in 1871, 1873 lighthouse built by Richard Henry Brunton, two-stage tower replaced 1873 structure in 1900

Visiting

Open to public
Site open, tower closed

Nearby Vessels

Flag
Type
Name
Dist.

Tower & Structure

Tower Height
17m
Tower Shape
cylindrical
Tower Color
with black and white horizontal bands
Material
stone, cast iron

Structure: round 2-stage stone tower with lantern and gallery; the lower half of the tower is stone and the upper half is cast iron

Location

City
Kitakyushu
Country
🇯🇵Japan
Region
Fukuoka Prefecture
Sea Region
on an islet about 5 km northwest of the mainland, marking the western entrance to the strait
Latitude
33.9836°
Longitude
130.7918°

References & Identifiers

Nearest Port
Kitakyushu(1.8 km)
ARLHS No.
JPN-795
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Frequently Asked Questions

How do mariners identify Shira Su Lighthouse at night?+
Shira Su 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 Shira Su Lighthouse guide vessels into?+
Shira Su Lighthouse assists vessels approaching 5 nearby ports. The closest is Hibikishinko at 2.1 NM to the W. Other ports served include Ikina (3.7 NM SE), Ina (3.7 NM SE), Mutsure (3.9 NM ESE), Tobata/Kitakyushu (4.8 NM SSE). Mariners should consult the relevant chart for full approach and pilotage information.
Is Shira Su Lighthouse still active and maintained?+
Yes, Shira Su 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 Shira Su Lighthouse?+
Shira Su 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 Shira Su Lighthouse?+
You can track vessels near Shira Su 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.