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Shirasu Lighthouse

Fl W 4s🇯🇵Seto Naikai Western, JPOperational

Location & Light Range

About Shirasu Lighthouse

This stone lighthouse was completed and first lit in 1873. The tower, constructed of stone with a round metal upper section, stands 56 meters high. It is painted white with black bands and has a focal height of 16 meters. The light emits a single white flash every 4 seconds. Its geographic range is 7 nautical miles.

Light & Optic

Characteristic Signature
Fl W 4s
Flash Type
Flashing
Light Color
White
Flash Count
1 flash
Interval
4s
Raw Code
Fl.W. period 4s
Focal Height
16m
Light Range
7NM (13.0 km)
Geographic Range
7NM

Construction & History

Year Built
1873

References & Identifiers

Admiralty No.
M5328
NGA No.
9960
Wikipedia
Read on Wikipedia →
Wikidata
Q7498301 →

Tower & Structure

Tower Height
56m
Tower Shape
round
Tower Color
white and black
Material
stone

Structure: White round metal tower, black banded, stone base; 56

Location

City
Seto Naikai Western
Country
🇯🇵JP
Latitude
33.9836°
Longitude
130.7918°

Nearby Vessels

Flag
Type
Name
Dist.
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Frequently Asked Questions

How far offshore can Shirasu Lighthouse be seen?+
With a focal height of 16 meters and a nominal range of 7 nautical miles (approximately 13.0 km), Shirasu is visible from well offshore under standard atmospheric conditions. Actual visibility depends on observer height, weather, and sea state. As a shorter-range light, it primarily serves nearshore and coastal traffic.
How do mariners identify Shirasu Lighthouse at night?+
Shirasu displays the characteristic Fl W 4s — 1 white flash every 4 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.
Which ports and harbors does Shirasu Lighthouse guide vessels into?+
Shirasu 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 Shirasu Lighthouse still active and maintained?+
Yes, Shirasu 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 Shirasu Lighthouse?+
Shirasu 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 Shirasu Lighthouse?+
You can track vessels near Shirasu 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.