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Tagarasu Lighthouse

Fl White 6s🇯🇵Obama, JPOperational

Location & Light Range

About Tagarasu Lighthouse

Also known as: Tagarasu (Takarasu) Kō (Myozin Hana, Myojin Hana)

This cylindrical concrete lighthouse, built in 1965, stands 8.5 meters tall with its light positioned 24 meters above sea level. It emits a single white flash every 6 seconds, visible for 14.1 nautical miles. The structure is described as a round hourglass-shaped concrete tower. The site is open to the public, though the tower itself is closed to visitors. Its nearest port is Obama, located 4.8 kilometers away.

Why it matters: The lighthouse's distinctive round hourglass-shaped concrete tower presents a notable example of mid-century functional design in Japanese coastal architecture. Its continuous operation since 1965 underscores its sustained importance in a region heavily reliant on sea-based commerce and industry.

Light & Optic

Characteristic Signature
Fl White 6s
Flash Type
Flashing
Light Color
White
Interval
6s
Raw Code
Fl W 6s
Focal Height
24m
Geographic Range
14.1NM

Construction & History

Year Built
1965

Visiting

Open to public
Site open, tower closed

Nearby Vessels

Flag
Type
Name
Dist.

Tower & Structure

Tower Height
8.5m
Tower Shape
cylindrical
Material
concrete

Structure: round hourglass-shaped concrete tower

Location

City
Obama
Country
🇯🇵Japan
Region
Fukui Prefecture
Latitude
35.5421°
Longitude
135.8270°

References & Identifiers

Nearest Port
Obama(4.8 km)
ARLHS No.
JPN-608
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Frequently Asked Questions

How do mariners identify Tagarasu Lighthouse at night?+
Tagarasu displays the characteristic Fl 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 Tagarasu Lighthouse guide vessels into?+
Tagarasu Lighthouse assists vessels approaching 5 nearby ports. The closest is Obama, Fukui at 6.3 NM to the WSW. Other ports served include Tsuruga (13.7 NM NE), Shiraki (13.8 NM NNE), Tsuchiura (16.1 NM W), Uchiura, Fukui (16.6 NM W). Mariners should consult the relevant chart for full approach and pilotage information.
Is Tagarasu Lighthouse still active and maintained?+
Yes, Tagarasu 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 Tagarasu Lighthouse?+
Tagarasu 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 Tagarasu Lighthouse?+
You can track vessels near Tagarasu 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.