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Taka Shima Lighthouse

F white 4s🇯🇵Karatsu, JPOperational

Location & Light Range

About Taka Shima Lighthouse

Also known as: #Taka Shima (West Breakwater)

A concrete post, 9.5 meters in height, was attached to a square, one-story concrete equipment building on Taka Shima island. This structure served as a lighthouse marking the west breakwater, located approximately 0.3 kilometers from the port of Karatsu. The light emitted a white flash characteristic, known as F.W. 26, with a focal height of 11 meters and a geographic range of 7 nautical miles. The lighthouse guided vessels approaching the waterfront of downtown Karatsu. Its operational period concluded in March 2015, and the structure was removed in the same year.

Why it matters: The lighthouse guided local shipping around Taka Shima island and was significant for vessels approaching the port of Karatsu. Its removal in 2015 reflects the modernization of maritime navigation aids.

Light & Optic

Characteristic Signature
F white 4s
Flash Type
Fixed
Light Color
white
Interval
4s
Raw Code
F.W. 26
Focal Height
11m
Geographic Range
7NM

Construction & History

Significant events: Light discontinued March 2015, removed 2015

Visiting

Open to public
Site open, tower closed

Nearby Vessels

Flag
Type
Name
Dist.

Tower & Structure

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

Structure: concrete post attached to a square 1-story concrete equipment building

Location

City
Karatsu
Country
🇯🇵Japan
Region
Saga Prefecture
Sea Region
Taka Shima island, off the waterfront of downtown Karatsu
Latitude
33.4702°
Longitude
129.9732°

References & Identifiers

Nearest Port
Karatsu(0.3 km)
Admiralty No.
M5269.6
NGA No.
12272
ARLHS No.
JPN-611
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Frequently Asked Questions

How do mariners identify Taka Shima Lighthouse at night?+
Taka Shima displays the characteristic F white 4s. 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 Taka Shima Lighthouse guide vessels into?+
Taka Shima Lighthouse assists vessels approaching 5 nearby ports. The closest is Karatsu at 0.9 NM to the NNW. Other ports served include Tobo (2.1 NM WNW), Yobuko (5.9 NM NW), Kafuri (10.5 NM ENE), Fukushima, Nagasaki (11.3 NM SW). Mariners should consult the relevant chart for full approach and pilotage information.
Is Taka Shima Lighthouse still active and maintained?+
Yes, Taka Shima 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 Taka Shima Lighthouse?+
Taka Shima 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 Taka Shima Lighthouse?+
You can track vessels near Taka Shima 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.