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Sotohama Lighthouse

Fl Red 4s🇯🇵Shimonoseki, JPOperational

Location & Light Range

About Sotohama Lighthouse

Also known as: Sotohama (Kannonzaki) East Breakwater

Sotohama Lighthouse is a 6-meter-tall cylindrical concrete tower with a gallery, standing 8 meters above sea level. Its white structure emits a single red flash every 4 seconds, visible for 9.7 nautical miles. The lighthouse is located on a headland near Shimonoseki, with its nearest port 2.2 kilometers away. This round concrete tower has served as an active aid to navigation, providing a consistent light.

Why it matters: The lighthouse is significant for the local fishing fleet, offering a clear red signal to help them navigate the bay's contours and avoid hazards near the shore.

Light & Optic

Characteristic Signature
Fl Red 4s
Flash Type
Flashing
Light Color
Red
Interval
4s
Raw Code
Fl R 4s
Focal Height
8m
Geographic Range
9.7NM

Location

City
Shimonoseki
Country
🇯🇵Japan
Region
Yamaguchi Prefecture
Latitude
33.9561°
Longitude
130.9458°

Nearby Vessels

Flag
Type
Name
Dist.

Tower & Structure

Tower Height
6m
Tower Shape
cylindrical
Tower Color
white
Material
concrete

Structure: round concrete tower with gallery

References & Identifiers

Nearest Port
Shimonoseki(2.2 km)
Admiralty No.
M5353
NGA No.
9786
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Frequently Asked Questions

How do mariners identify Sotohama Lighthouse at night?+
Sotohama displays the characteristic Fl Red 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 red color may indicate a specific sector or warning zone.
Which ports and harbors does Sotohama Lighthouse guide vessels into?+
Sotohama Lighthouse assists vessels approaching 5 nearby ports. The closest is Tanoura/Kitakyushu at 1.1 NM to the ESE. Other ports served include Shimonoseki (1.5 NM SSW), Moji/Kitakyushu (3.2 NM E), Kanmon (3.7 NM SSW), Mutsure (4 NM W). Mariners should consult the relevant chart for full approach and pilotage information.
Is Sotohama Lighthouse still active and maintained?+
Yes, Sotohama 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 Sotohama Lighthouse?+
Sotohama 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 Sotohama Lighthouse?+
You can track vessels near Sotohama 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.