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Shirakamimisaki Lighthouse

Fl WR 30s🇯🇵Hokkaido-South Coast, JPOperational

Location & Light Range

About Shirakamimisaki Lighthouse

Also known as: SHIRAKAMI cape lighthouse

Shirakamimisaki Lighthouse stands on Cape Shirakami in Hokkaido Prefecture. This lighthouse marks the southernmost point of Hokkaido. It is part of the Hokkaido-South Coast region. The structure is operational and its focal height reaches 37 meters above sea level. It emits a white and red light.

Why it matters: This lighthouse bears the maritime traffic route number 0001, making it the first registered lighthouse in the system.

Light & Optic

Characteristic Signature
Fl WR 30s
Flash Type
Flashing
Light Color
WR
Flash Count
1 flash
Interval
30s
Focal Height
37m
Light Range
17NM (31.5 km)

References & Identifiers

Wikipedia
Read on Wikipedia →
Wikidata
Q55538185 →
OpenStreetMap
View on OSM →

Location

City
Hokkaido-South Coast
Country
🇯🇵JP
Latitude
41.3980°
Longitude
140.1971°

Nearby Vessels

Flag
Type
Name
Dist.
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Frequently Asked Questions

How far offshore can Shirakamimisaki Lighthouse be seen?+
With a focal height of 37 meters and a nominal range of 17 nautical miles (approximately 31.5 km), Shirakamimisaki is visible from well offshore under standard atmospheric conditions. Actual visibility depends on observer height, weather, and sea state. Lights of this range are typically used as landfall lights by vessels approaching from the open sea.
How do mariners identify Shirakamimisaki Lighthouse at night?+
Shirakamimisaki displays the characteristic Fl WR 30s — 1 wr flash every 30 seconds. 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 wr color may indicate a specific sector or warning zone.
Which ports and harbors does Shirakamimisaki Lighthouse guide vessels into?+
Shirakamimisaki Lighthouse assists vessels approaching 5 nearby ports. The closest is Matsumae at 4.9 NM to the WNW. Other ports served include Fukushima (hokkaido) (5.5 NM NNE), Fukushima, Hokkaido (5.6 NM NNE), Shizuura (10 NM NW), Minmaya (11.7 NM SE). Mariners should consult the relevant chart for full approach and pilotage information.
Is Shirakamimisaki Lighthouse still active and maintained?+
Yes, Shirakamimisaki 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 Shirakamimisaki Lighthouse?+
Shirakamimisaki 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 Shirakamimisaki Lighthouse?+
You can track vessels near Shirakamimisaki 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.