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Shiraishi Lighthouse

Fl White 3s🇯🇵Kasaoka, JPOperational

Location & Light Range

About Shiraishi Lighthouse

Also known as: Shiraishi (Okinosiraisi)

The Shiraishi lighthouse, built in 1938, is a 15-meter cylindrical white post rising from a single-story equipment shelter. It is situated on a skerry that obstructs a narrow channel between Taka Shima and Shiraishi Shima islands, about 8 kilometers south of Kasaoka. The light displays a white flash every 3 seconds, with a geographic range of 11.9 nautical miles. In 2017, a post was added to raise the light's focal height. This active aid to navigation is located in Japan's Okayama Prefecture.

Why it matters: This lighthouse warns mariners of a skerry obstructing the narrow channel between Taka Shima and Shiraishi Shima, a critical hazard for local shipping and the Seto Inland Sea route.

Light & Optic

Characteristic Signature
Fl White 3s
Flash Type
Flashing
Light Color
White
Interval
3s
Raw Code
Fl W 3s
Focal Height
15m
Geographic Range
11.9NM

Construction & History

Year Built
1938

Significant events: Post added in 2017 to raise the height of the light

References & Identifiers

Nearest Port
Fukuyama, Hiroshima(3.5 km)
Admiralty No.
M5732
NGA No.
8300
ARLHS No.
JPN-1896

Tower & Structure

Tower Height
15m
Tower Shape
cylindrical
Tower Color
white

Structure: A 15m cylindrical post, painted white, rising from a 1-story equipment shelter.

Location

City
Kasaoka
Country
🇯🇵Japan
Region
Okayama Prefecture
Sea Region
a particularly difficult and narrow passage between the islands of Taka Shima and Shiraishi Shima, on a skerry obstructing the narrow channel, about 8 km south of Kasaoka
Latitude
34.4164°
Longitude
133.5141°

Nearby Vessels

Flag
Type
Name
Dist.
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Frequently Asked Questions

How do mariners identify Shiraishi Lighthouse at night?+
Shiraishi displays the characteristic Fl White 3s. 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 Shiraishi Lighthouse guide vessels into?+
Shiraishi Lighthouse assists vessels approaching 5 nearby ports. The closest is Fukuyama, Kagoshima at 4.1 NM to the WNW. Other ports served include Kuyama (4.1 NM WNW), Fukuyama, Hiroshima (4.6 NM WNW), Kasaoka (4.9 NM N), Asakuchi (6.9 NM NNE). Mariners should consult the relevant chart for full approach and pilotage information.
Is Shiraishi Lighthouse still active and maintained?+
Yes, Shiraishi 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 Shiraishi Lighthouse?+
Shiraishi 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 Shiraishi Lighthouse?+
You can track vessels near Shiraishi 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.