Tanegashima Lighthouse

With a focal height of 106 meters and a nominal range of 21 nautical miles (approximately 38.9 km), Tanegashima is visible from well offshore under standard atmospheric conditions. Actual visibility depends on observer height, weather, and sea state. Lights of this range are typically used as landfall lights by vessels approaching from the open sea.

Tanegashima displays the characteristic Fl (2) W 20s — 2 white flashes every 20 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.

Tanegashima Lighthouse assists vessels approaching 5 nearby ports. The closest is Kadokura at 5 NM to the WSW. Other ports served include Shimama (7.1 NM NW), Hamatsuwaki (13.1 NM N), Suwa (13.1 NM N), Tachiyama (14.4 NM NNE). Mariners should consult the relevant chart for full approach and pilotage information.

Yes, Tanegashima 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.

Tanegashima 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.

You can track vessels near Tanegashima 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.