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Sōya Misaki Lighthouse

Fl W 30s🇯🇵Northern Hokkaidō, JPOperational

Location & Light Range

About Sōya Misaki Lighthouse

Also known as: Cape Soya Lighthouse

Sōya Misaki Lighthouse stands as the northernmost lighthouse managed by the Japanese government. This quadrilateral latticed tower, painted white and red with a rectangular daymark, reaches a height of 17 meters. Its focal plane is situated 40 meters above sea level, providing a geographic range of 17 nautical miles. The light emits four white flashes every 30 seconds, marking its presence. Located in Northern Hokkaidō, this structure guards the Sōya Strait, an international waterway.

Why it matters: Designated as one of the 50 Lighthouses of Japan, this lighthouse is responsible for guarding the Sōya Strait.

Light & Optic

Characteristic Signature
Fl W 30s
Flash Type
Flashing
Light Color
White
Flash Count
1 flash
Interval
30s
Raw Code
Fl.(4)W. period 30s
Focal Height
40m
Light Range
17NM (31.5 km)
Geographic Range
17NM

Location

City
Northern Hokkaidō
Country
🇯🇵JP
Latitude
45.5213°
Longitude
141.9359°

Nearby Vessels

Flag
Type
Name
Dist.

Tower & Structure

Tower Height
17m
Tower Shape
quadrilateral
Tower Color
white and red

Structure: Quadrilateral latticed tower, red and white rectangular daymark; 14

References & Identifiers

Admiralty No.
M6896
NGA No.
1524
Wikipedia
Read on Wikipedia →
Wikidata
Q10948251 →
OpenStreetMap
View on OSM →
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Frequently Asked Questions

How far offshore can Sōya Misaki Lighthouse be seen?+
With a focal height of 40 meters and a nominal range of 17 nautical miles (approximately 31.5 km), Sōya Misaki is visible from well offshore under standard atmospheric conditions. Actual visibility depends on observer height, weather, and sea state. Lights of this range are typically used as landfall lights by vessels approaching from the open sea.
How do mariners identify Sōya Misaki Lighthouse at night?+
Sōya Misaki displays the characteristic Fl W 30s — 1 white flash every 30 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.
Which ports and harbors does Sōya Misaki Lighthouse guide vessels into?+
Sōya Misaki Lighthouse assists vessels approaching 5 nearby ports. The closest is Nishibe at 14.5 NM to the SE. Other ports served include Onishi (14.5 NM SE), Hamasarufutsu (19.7 NM SE), Oshidomari (34.1 NM WSW), Shido (34.2 NM WSW). Mariners should consult the relevant chart for full approach and pilotage information.
Is Sōya Misaki Lighthouse still active and maintained?+
Yes, Sōya Misaki 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.
How can I track vessels near Sōya Misaki Lighthouse?+
You can track vessels near Sōya Misaki 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.