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Taira Kō South Breakwater Lighthouse

Fl (2) Red 6s🇯🇵Sasebo, JPOperational

Location & Light Range

About Taira Kō South Breakwater Lighthouse

This red, square concrete post, standing 9.5 meters tall, marks the southwest end of a detached breakwater at the entrance to Taira harbor. It is centered on a 1-story concrete equipment shelter, also painted red. The lighthouse emits a red flash every 6 seconds. Its focal height reaches 15 meters, offering a geographic range of 11.9 nautical miles. The structure is located in Sasebo, within Japan's Nagasaki Prefecture, and is 5.7 kilometers from the nearest port, Ojika. Access to this operational light is restricted to boat traffic.

Why it matters: This light is critical for the safe navigation of vessels entering and exiting Taira harbor, specifically delineating the southwest end of the detached breakwater.

Light & Optic

Characteristic Signature
Fl (2) Red 6s
Flash Type
Flashing
Light Color
Red
Flash Count
2 flashes
Interval
6s
Raw Code
Fl R 6s
Focal Height
15m
Geographic Range
11.9NM

Location

City
Sasebo
Country
🇯🇵Japan
Region
Nagasaki Prefecture
Sea Region
Taira harbor, marking the southwest end of a detached breakwater at its entrance.
Latitude
33.2555°
Longitude
129.1340°

Nearby Vessels

Flag
Type
Name
Dist.

Tower & Structure

Tower Height
9.5m
Tower Shape
square
Tower Color
red
Material
concrete

Structure: A 9.5m square concrete post with lantern, centered on a square 1-story concrete equipment shelter, painted red.

References & Identifiers

Nearest Port
Ojika(5.7 km)
Admiralty No.
M5017.5
NGA No.
12750
ARLHS No.
JPN-2274
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Frequently Asked Questions

How do mariners identify Taira Kō South Breakwater Lighthouse at night?+
Taira Kō South Breakwater displays the characteristic Fl (2) Red 6s — 2 red flashes every 6 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. The red color may indicate a specific sector or warning zone.
Which ports and harbors does Taira Kō South Breakwater Lighthouse guide vessels into?+
Taira Kō South Breakwater Lighthouse assists vessels approaching 5 nearby ports. The closest is Tsuyoshi at 16.2 NM to the E. Other ports served include Aokata (16.7 NM SSW), Arikawa (16.7 NM SSW), Enokizu (16.7 NM SSW), Kata (16.7 NM SSW). Mariners should consult the relevant chart for full approach and pilotage information.
Is Taira Kō South Breakwater Lighthouse still active and maintained?+
Yes, Taira Kō South Breakwater 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 South Breakwater Lighthouse?+
Taira Kō South Breakwater 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 South Breakwater Lighthouse?+
You can track vessels near Taira Kō South Breakwater 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.