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Shiretoko Misaki Lighthouse

Fl (2) White 20s🇯🇵Rausu, JPOperational

Location & Light Range

About Shiretoko Misaki Lighthouse

Also known as: Shiretoko Misaki (Cape Shiretoko)

Shiretoko Misaki Lighthouse is a 12-meter concrete tower with black and white horizontal bands, first lit in 1963. Its U-shaped cylindrical structure includes a lantern and gallery attached to a single-story keeper's house. The lighthouse stands at a focal height of 102 meters and emits a white light with two flashes every 20 seconds, visible for approximately 25 nautical miles. It is situated on the remote Shiretoko Peninsula, marking its northernmost point. Access to the site, located near Rausu, is difficult, often requiring arrival by boat due to the challenging terrain and rough seas.

Why it matters: This lighthouse is essential for guiding vessels around the Shiretoko Peninsula's tip and through the northwestern entrance to the Nemuro Strait, a waterway separating Hokkaido from the Kuril Islands.

Light & Optic

Characteristic Signature
Fl (2) White 20s
Flash Type
Flashing
Light Color
White
Flash Count
2 flashes
Interval
20s
Raw Code
Fl W 20s
Focal Height
102m
Geographic Range
25.1NM

Construction & History

Year Built
1963

References & Identifiers

Nearest Port
Abashiri(49.0 km)
ARLHS No.
JPN-579

Tower & Structure

Tower Height
12m
Tower Shape
cylindrical
Tower Color
with black and white horizontal bands
Material
concrete

Structure: U-shaped cylindrical concrete tower with lantern and gallery, attached at one end of a 1-story keeper's house

Location

City
Rausu
Country
🇯🇵Japan
Region
Hokkaido Prefecture
Sea Region
Marks the tip of the Shiretoko Peninsula and the northwestern entrance to the Nemuro Strait, which separates Hokkaidō from Kunashiri, one of the Kuril Islands occupied by Russia but claimed by Japan.
Latitude
44.3401°
Longitude
145.3367°

Nearby Vessels

Flag
Type
Name
Dist.
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Frequently Asked Questions

How do mariners identify Shiretoko Misaki Lighthouse at night?+
Shiretoko Misaki displays the characteristic Fl (2) White 20s — 2 white flashes every 20 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 white color may indicate a specific sector or warning zone.
Which ports and harbors does Shiretoko Misaki Lighthouse guide vessels into?+
Shiretoko Misaki Lighthouse assists vessels approaching 3 nearby ports. The closest is Yuzhno-Kuril'sk at 29.3 NM to the SE. Other ports served include Shibetsu (41.7 NM SSW), Abashiri (49.2 NM WSW). Mariners should consult the relevant chart for full approach and pilotage information.
Is Shiretoko Misaki Lighthouse still active and maintained?+
Yes, Shiretoko Misaki 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.
How can I track vessels near Shiretoko Misaki Lighthouse?+
You can track vessels near Shiretoko Misaki 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.