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Taira Kō Lighthouse

Fl Red 3s🇯🇵Sasebo, JPOperational

Location & Light Range

About Taira Kō Lighthouse

This red, cylindrical concrete tower stands 10 meters tall and emits a red light. Its focal plane reaches 12 meters above sea level, providing a geographic range of 11 nautical miles. The light flashes red every 3 seconds, serving as a navigational aid at the end of Taira harbor's east breakwater. The lighthouse is located on the east side of Uku Shima, within Japan's Nagasaki Prefecture. It is situated near the city of Sasebo and the port of Ojika, which is 5.8 kilometers away.

Why it matters: Taira Kō lighthouse is indispensable for safe navigation into Taira harbor, specifically guiding ferries arriving from Sasebo through the harbor entrance. Its distinct red flash helps mariners identify the eastern breakwater, preventing potential hazards in this active shipping lane.

Light & Optic

Characteristic Signature
Fl Red 3s
Flash Type
Flashing
Light Color
Red
Interval
3s
Raw Code
Fl R 3s
Focal Height
12m
Geographic Range
11NM

Location

City
Sasebo
Country
🇯🇵Japan
Region
Nagasaki Prefecture
Sea Region
Located at the end of the east breakwater of Taira harbor, on the east side of Uku Shima.
Latitude
33.2598°
Longitude
129.1305°

Nearby Vessels

Flag
Type
Name
Dist.

Tower & Structure

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

Structure: round cylindrical concrete tower

References & Identifiers

Nearest Port
Ojika(5.8 km)
Admiralty No.
M5017.4
NGA No.
12748
ARLHS No.
JPN-2273
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Frequently Asked Questions

How do mariners identify Taira Kō Lighthouse at night?+
Taira Kō displays the characteristic Fl Red 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 red color may indicate a specific sector or warning zone.
Which ports and harbors does Taira Kō Lighthouse guide vessels into?+
Taira Kō Lighthouse assists vessels approaching 5 nearby ports. The closest is Tsuyoshi at 16.5 NM to the E. Other ports served include Aokata (16.9 NM S), Arikawa (16.9 NM S), Enokizu (16.9 NM S), Kata (16.9 NM S). Mariners should consult the relevant chart for full approach and pilotage information.
Is Taira Kō Lighthouse still active and maintained?+
Yes, Taira Kō 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 Taira Kō Lighthouse?+
Taira Kō 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 Taira Kō Lighthouse?+
You can track vessels near Taira Kō 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.