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Shirahama Kō Lighthouse

LFl Green 8s🇯🇵Fukui, JPOperational

Location & Light Range

About Shirahama Kō Lighthouse

Also known as: Shirahama Kō (Outer Breakwater)

This lighthouse is a white, cylindrical concrete tower standing 9 meters tall, located at the end of the north breakwater of Shirahama harbor in Fukui Prefecture, Japan. Its structure features a round concrete tower with a flared top, attached to a small equipment shelter. The light emits a single green flash every 8 seconds, visible for a geographic range of 10.7 nautical miles. The tower's focal height is 11 meters above sea level. The nearest port, Takasu, is 3.6 kilometers away.

Why it matters: This lighthouse is important for mariners navigating the entrance to Shirahama harbor, warning them of the north breakwater's physical obstruction. Its distinctive flared top is a notable architectural feature.

Light & Optic

Characteristic Signature
LFl Green 8s
Flash Type
Long Flash
Light Color
Green
Interval
8s
Raw Code
LFl G 8s
Focal Height
11m
Geographic Range
10.7NM

Location

City
Fukui
Country
🇯🇵Japan
Region
Fukui Prefecture
Sea Region
Shirahama harbor, at the end of its north breakwater.
Latitude
36.0827°
Longitude
136.0271°

Nearby Vessels

Flag
Type
Name
Dist.

Tower & Structure

Tower Height
9m
Tower Shape
cylindrical
Tower Color
white
Material
concrete

Structure: round concrete tower with a flared top, attached to a small equipment shelter

References & Identifiers

Nearest Port
Takasu(3.6 km)
Admiralty No.
M7241
NGA No.
2684
ARLHS No.
JPN-1202
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Frequently Asked Questions

How do mariners identify Shirahama Kō Lighthouse at night?+
Shirahama Kō displays the characteristic LFl Green 8s. 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 green color may indicate a specific sector or warning zone.
Which ports and harbors does Shirahama Kō Lighthouse guide vessels into?+
Shirahama Kō Lighthouse assists vessels approaching 5 nearby ports. The closest is Takasu, Fukui at 8.4 NM to the E. Other ports served include Ukui (8.4 NM E), Fukui (8.9 NM NE), Shiraki (21 NM S), Tsuruga (24.6 NM S). Mariners should consult the relevant chart for full approach and pilotage information.
Is Shirahama Kō Lighthouse still active and maintained?+
Yes, Shirahama Kō 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 Shirahama Kō Lighthouse?+
Shirahama Kō 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 Shirahama Kō Lighthouse?+
You can track vessels near Shirahama Kō 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.