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Shiranuka Lighthouse

Fl White 4s🇯🇵Rokkasho, JPOperational

Location & Light Range

About Shiranuka Lighthouse

Also known as: Shiranuka (Siranuka)

The Shiranuka Lighthouse, first illuminated in 1931, is situated on a bluff near Rokkasho, overlooking the southern side of Shiranuka harbor. It is a 14-meter tall, round cylindrical concrete tower topped with a lantern and gallery. The light's focal plane is 38 meters above sea level, producing a white flash every four seconds (Fl W 4s). The station's grounds are open for visits, though the tower remains closed. A spotlight previously marking the South Breakwater ceased operation in 2019.

Why it matters: This lighthouse marks the harbor entrance, offering a reference point for vessels navigating within a 16.7 nautical mile range.

Light & Optic

Characteristic Signature
Fl White 4s
Flash Type
Flashing
Light Color
White
Interval
4s
Raw Code
Fl W 4s
Focal Height
38m
Light Range
12NM (22.2 km)
Geographic Range
16.7NM

Construction & History

First Lit
1931

Significant events: Spotlight illuminating South Breakwater deactivated 2019

Visiting

Open to public
Site open, tower closed

Nearby Vessels

Flag
Type
Name
Dist.

Tower & Structure

Tower Height
14m
Tower Shape
cylindrical
Tower Color
white
Material
concrete

Structure: round cylindrical concrete tower with lantern and gallery

Location

City
Rokkasho
Country
🇯🇵Japan
Region
Aomori Prefecture
Sea Region
Shiranuka harbor, on a bluff on the south side
Latitude
41.1320°
Longitude
141.3952°

References & Identifiers

Nearest Port
Mutsuogawara(12.0 km)
Admiralty No.
M6628
NGA No.
3860
ARLHS No.
JPN-578
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Frequently Asked Questions

How far offshore can Shiranuka Lighthouse be seen?+
With a focal height of 38 meters and a nominal range of 12 nautical miles (approximately 22.2 km), Shiranuka is visible from well offshore under standard atmospheric conditions. Actual visibility depends on observer height, weather, and sea state. This range makes it a significant coastal navigation aid for vessels transiting the area.
How do mariners identify Shiranuka Lighthouse at night?+
Shiranuka 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 Shiranuka Lighthouse guide vessels into?+
Shiranuka Lighthouse assists vessels approaching 5 nearby ports. The closest is Mutsuogawara at 12.1 NM to the S. Other ports served include Ominato (13.2 NM NW), Shiriyazaki (16.7 NM N), Kawauchi (18.8 NM WNW), Ohata (19.4 NM NNW). Mariners should consult the relevant chart for full approach and pilotage information.
Is Shiranuka Lighthouse still active and maintained?+
Yes, Shiranuka 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 Shiranuka Lighthouse?+
Shiranuka 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 Shiranuka Lighthouse?+
You can track vessels near Shiranuka 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.