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Sotohama West Breakwater Lighthouse

Fl Green 4s🇯🇵Shimonoseki, JPOperational

Location & Light Range

About Sotohama West Breakwater Lighthouse

Also known as: Kannonzaki

This cylindrical, black concrete tower was constructed in 1997 on the western breakwater at Sotohama, Japan. Standing 6 meters tall with its lantern, the lighthouse reaches a focal height of 8 meters above the sea. It emits a single green flash every four seconds, visible for 9.7 nautical miles. The structure includes a lantern and gallery, and the site is open to the public while the tower remains closed. It is located near Shimonoseki.

Why it matters: This light is critical for guiding vessels safely past the western breakwater and into the protected waters of Sotohama, warning of the breakwater's end.

Light & Optic

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

Construction & History

Year Built
1997

Visiting

Open to public
Site open, tower closed

Nearby Vessels

Flag
Type
Name
Dist.

Tower & Structure

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

Structure: round concrete tower with lantern and gallery

Location

City
Shimonoseki
Country
🇯🇵Japan
Region
Yamaguchi Prefecture
Sea Region
Located on the west breakwater of Sotohama (Kannonzaki), Japan, marking the entrance to a harbor or bay.
Latitude
33.9551°
Longitude
130.9443°

References & Identifiers

Nearest Port
Shimonoseki(2.2 km)
Admiralty No.
M5352
NGA No.
9788
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Frequently Asked Questions

How do mariners identify Sotohama West Breakwater Lighthouse at night?+
Sotohama West Breakwater displays the characteristic Fl Green 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 green color may indicate a specific sector or warning zone.
Which ports and harbors does Sotohama West Breakwater Lighthouse guide vessels into?+
Sotohama West Breakwater Lighthouse assists vessels approaching 5 nearby ports. The closest is Tanoura/Kitakyushu at 1.2 NM to the ESE. Other ports served include Shimonoseki (1.4 NM SSW), Moji/Kitakyushu (3.3 NM E), Kanmon (3.6 NM SSW), Mutsure (3.9 NM W). Mariners should consult the relevant chart for full approach and pilotage information.
Is Sotohama West Breakwater Lighthouse still active and maintained?+
Yes, Sotohama West Breakwater 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 West Breakwater Lighthouse?+
Sotohama West Breakwater 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 West Breakwater Lighthouse?+
You can track vessels near Sotohama West Breakwater 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.