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Ōsumi Hira Se Lighthouse

Fl White 3s🇯🇵Toshima, JPOperational

Location & Light Range

About Ōsumi Hira Se Lighthouse

Built in 1974, the Ōsumi Hira Se lighthouse stands on a small island 25 kilometers northeast of Kuchino Shima, the northernmost of the Tokara Islands. This cylindrical concrete tower, 10 meters tall, emits a white light with a single flash every three seconds from a focal height of 33 meters. Its geographic range extends to 15.9 nautical miles. The lighthouse was established to aid navigation through the challenging waters of this volcanic archipelago, known for its many small islands and strong currents. The nearest port, Nakama, Kagoshima, is 23.3 kilometers away.

Why it matters: This lighthouse is important for maritime safety in the remote Tokara Islands, guiding vessels around the islet. Its light assists navigators in avoiding groundings in an area with numerous small islands and strong currents.

Light & Optic

Characteristic Signature
Fl White 3s
Flash Type
Flashing
Light Color
White
Interval
3s
Raw Code
Fl W 3s
Focal Height
33m
Geographic Range
15.9NM

Construction & History

Year Built
1974

References & Identifiers

Nearest Port
Nakama, Kagoshima(23.3 km)
Admiralty No.
M4785
NGA No.
13088
ARLHS No.
JPN-2583

Tower & Structure

Tower Height
10m
Tower Shape
cylindrical
Tower Color
white
Material
concrete

Structure: round cylindrical white concrete tower with gallery

Location

City
Toshima
Country
🇯🇵Japan
Region
Kagoshima Prefecture
Sea Region
atop a tiny island about 25 km northeast of Kuchino Shima, the northernmost of the main Tokara islands
Latitude
30.0421°
Longitude
130.0531°

Nearby Vessels

Flag
Type
Name
Dist.
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Frequently Asked Questions

How do mariners identify Ōsumi Hira Se Lighthouse at night?+
Ōsumi Hira Se displays the characteristic Fl White 3s. 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 Ōsumi Hira Se Lighthouse guide vessels into?+
Ōsumi Hira Se Lighthouse assists vessels approaching 5 nearby ports. The closest is Nanatsuyama at 14.4 NM to the SW. Other ports served include Kurio (23.3 NM NE), Yudomari (24.7 NM ENE), Mugi (26.8 NM NNE), Yumugi (26.8 NM NNE). Mariners should consult the relevant chart for full approach and pilotage information.
Is Ōsumi Hira Se Lighthouse still active and maintained?+
Yes, Ōsumi Hira Se 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 Ōsumi Hira Se Lighthouse?+
Ōsumi Hira Se 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 Ōsumi Hira Se Lighthouse?+
You can track vessels near Ōsumi Hira Se 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.