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Tanabe Kō Lighthouse

Fl White 3s🇯🇵Tanabe, JPOperational

Location & Light Range

About Tanabe Kō Lighthouse

Also known as: Tanabe Kō (Tanabe Okinoshima)

The Tanabe Kō lighthouse, established in 1962, is a cylindrical concrete structure measuring 10 meters in height. It is situated on a small island at the mouth of Tanabe Bay. The white tower, featuring a gallery, emits a white light that flashes once every 3 seconds. Visitors can access the site, though the structure remains inaccessible. The lighthouse serves as a reference point for ships approaching the port of Tanabe, located 2.2 kilometers distant.

Why it matters: This lighthouse marks the entrance to Tanabe Bay, providing a necessary navigation aid for vessels entering the harbor.

Light & Optic

Characteristic Signature
Fl White 3s
Flash Type
Flashing
Light Color
White
Interval
3s
Raw Code
Fl W 3s
Focal Height
15m
Geographic Range
11.9NM

Construction & History

Year Built
1962

Visiting

Open to public
Site open, tower closed

Nearby Vessels

Flag
Type
Name
Dist.

Tower & Structure

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

Structure: round tapered concrete tower with gallery

Location

City
Tanabe
Country
🇯🇵Japan
Region
Wakayama Prefecture
Sea Region
Located on a small island in the entrance to Tanabe Bay, about 3 km (2 mi) northwest of the Bansho Hana lighthouse.
Latitude
33.7180°
Longitude
135.3260°

References & Identifiers

Nearest Port
Tanabe(2.2 km)
Admiralty No.
M5978
ARLHS No.
JPN-1976
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Frequently Asked Questions

How do mariners identify Tanabe Kō Lighthouse at night?+
Tanabe Kō displays the characteristic Fl White 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 white color may indicate a specific sector or warning zone.
Which ports and harbors does Tanabe Kō Lighthouse guide vessels into?+
Tanabe Kō Lighthouse assists vessels approaching 5 nearby ports. The closest is Tanabe at 2.2 NM to the ENE. Other ports served include Mori (3.2 NM E), Inami (7.8 NM NW), Hidaka (12.7 NM NW), SHIMOJI (13.2 NM SE). Mariners should consult the relevant chart for full approach and pilotage information.
Is Tanabe Kō Lighthouse still active and maintained?+
Yes, Tanabe 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 Tanabe Kō Lighthouse?+
Tanabe 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 Tanabe Kō Lighthouse?+
You can track vessels near Tanabe 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.