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Shiroo Lighthouse

Fl (2) White 7s🇯🇵Kahoku, JPOperational

Location & Light Range

About Shiroo Lighthouse

This concrete lighthouse, standing 10 meters tall, was first lit in 1914. It features a square, one-story equipment building with a concrete post. The tower is painted white with light blue trim. Its light produced two white flashes every 7 seconds, visible for 14.3 nautical miles. The station was established in Ishikawa Prefecture, Kahoku, about 300 meters north of the Noto Expressway and highway 56 interchange. Although inactive since 2018, the site is accessible to the public, though the tower is closed.

Why it matters: Preserved by the town, Shiroo Lighthouse is notable for its unusual inland location and distinctive architecture.

Light & Optic

Characteristic Signature
Fl (2) White 7s
Flash Type
Flashing
Light Color
White
Flash Count
2 flashes
Interval
7s
Raw Code
Fl(2) W 7s
Focal Height
25m
Geographic Range
14.3NM

Construction & History

First Lit
1914
Heritage Status
preserved by the town

Significant events: station established 1914, inactive since 2018, sold to town for preservation

Visiting

Open to public
Site open, tower closed

Nearby Vessels

Flag
Type
Name
Dist.

Tower & Structure

Tower Height
10m
Tower Shape
square
Tower Color
white with light blue trim
Material
concrete

Structure: concrete post attached to a square 1-story concrete equipment building

Location

City
Kahoku
Country
🇯🇵Japan
Region
Ishikawa Prefecture
Sea Region
on a bluff about 300 m north of the Noto Expressway's interchange with highway 56 in Kahoku
Latitude
36.7208°
Longitude
136.6848°

References & Identifiers

Nearest Port
Kanazawa(6.4 km)
ARLHS No.
JPN-584
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Frequently Asked Questions

How do mariners identify Shiroo Lighthouse at night?+
Shiroo displays the characteristic Fl (2) White 7s — 2 white flashes every 7 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 Shiroo Lighthouse guide vessels into?+
Shiroo Lighthouse assists vessels approaching 5 nearby ports. The closest is Kanazawa at 7.8 NM to the SSW. Other ports served include Nakanoto (18.8 NM NNE), Fushikitoyama (20 NM ENE), Toyamashinko (21 NM E), Fushiki (21.8 NM E). Mariners should consult the relevant chart for full approach and pilotage information.
Is Shiroo Lighthouse still active and maintained?+
Yes, Shiroo 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 Shiroo Lighthouse?+
Shiroo 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 Shiroo Lighthouse?+
You can track vessels near Shiroo 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.