Get the MarineRadar appSatellite AISSatellite live trackingTrack any shipLive alerts112,000+ ships trackedDownload free

Sumiyoshi Lighthouse

Iso White 6s🇯🇵Uto, JPOperational

Location & Light Range

About Sumiyoshi Lighthouse

Also known as: Sumiyoshi (Sumiyosi)

The Sumiyoshi Lighthouse, a cylindrical concrete tower, was first lit in 1933. It rises 17 meters from a single-story concrete building, with its light positioned 40 meters above sea level. This structure is located on a promontory at the southern entrance to Sumiyoshi, the port district of Uto in Kumamoto Prefecture. The light emits an isophase white flash every 6 seconds, visible for 17.1 nautical miles. The site is open to the public, but the tower itself is closed.

Why it matters: This lighthouse is important for vessels entering Sumiyoshi port, marking the southern side of the harbor entrance.

Light & Optic

Characteristic Signature
Iso White 6s
Flash Type
Isophase
Light Color
White
Interval
6s
Raw Code
Iso W 6s
Focal Height
40m
Light Range
7NM (13.0 km)
Geographic Range
17.1NM

Construction & History

Year Built
1933

Visiting

Open to public
Site open, tower closed

Nearby Vessels

Flag
Type
Name
Dist.

Tower & Structure

Tower Height
17m
Tower Shape
cylindrical
Tower Color
white
Material
concrete

Structure: round tower rising from a 1-story concrete building

Location

City
Uto
Country
🇯🇵Japan
Region
Kumamoto Prefecture
Sea Region
Located on a promontory on the south side of the entrance to Sumiyoshi, the port district of Uto.
Latitude
32.7087°
Longitude
130.5904°

References & Identifiers

Nearest Port
Kumamoto(3.0 km)
ARLHS No.
JPN-598
Wikidata
Q17220418 →
Live tracking · 50,000+ mariners

Find Sumiyoshi Lighthouse on the live nautical map

Plan voyages near Japan, see nearby vessels in real time, and explore 14,900+ navigation aids in the app.

Nautical mapNearby vesselsVoyage planning
Get the App

Frequently Asked Questions

How far offshore can Sumiyoshi Lighthouse be seen?+
With a focal height of 40 meters and a nominal range of 7 nautical miles (approximately 13.0 km), Sumiyoshi is visible from well offshore under standard atmospheric conditions. Actual visibility depends on observer height, weather, and sea state. As a shorter-range light, it primarily serves nearshore and coastal traffic.
How do mariners identify Sumiyoshi Lighthouse at night?+
Sumiyoshi displays the characteristic Iso White 6s. 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 Sumiyoshi Lighthouse guide vessels into?+
Sumiyoshi Lighthouse assists vessels approaching 5 nearby ports. The closest is Sumiyoshi at 0.1 NM to the ESE. Other ports served include Kumamoto (3.4 NM N), Hyakkan (5.2 NM N), Kagami (7.2 NM S), Eishi (8.8 NM NNW). Mariners should consult the relevant chart for full approach and pilotage information.
Is Sumiyoshi Lighthouse still active and maintained?+
Yes, Sumiyoshi 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 Sumiyoshi Lighthouse?+
Sumiyoshi 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 Sumiyoshi Lighthouse?+
You can track vessels near Sumiyoshi 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.