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Tarō Kō Lighthouse

Fl Red 3s🇯🇵Miyako, JPOperational

Location & Light Range

About Tarō Kō Lighthouse

Tarō Kō (2) Lighthouse, established in 2013, marks the entrance to Tarō Kō in Miyako, Iwate Prefecture. This active aid emits a red flash every three seconds from a focal height of 13 meters. Its geographic range extends to 11.3 nautical miles, assisting vessels navigating this section of the Japanese coast. The site is accessible to the public, offering a view of the operational lighthouse, though the tower itself is not open for entry. The structure reflects contemporary standards for maritime safety and traffic support.

Why it matters: The lighthouse is essential for the safe transit of ships entering and departing Tarō Kō.

Light & Optic

Characteristic Signature
Fl Red 3s
Flash Type
Flashing
Light Color
Red
Interval
3s
Raw Code
Fl R 3s
Focal Height
13m
Geographic Range
11.3NM

Construction & History

Year Built
2013

Visiting

Open to public
Site open, tower closed

Nearby Vessels

Flag
Type
Name
Dist.

Tower & Structure

Structure: Tarō Kō (2) Lighthouse, situated in Japan, was built in 2013. This active navigational aid provides essential guidance for vessels approaching and departing Tarō Kō. Its light, characterized by a red flash every three seconds, helps mariners identify the harbor entrance, ensuring safe passage along this stretch of the Japanese coast. As a relatively recent addition to the maritime landscape, its story is still unfolding, reflecting modern approaches to coastal safety. The site around the lighthouse is open for public access, allowing visitors to observe its function firsthand, though the tower itself remains closed. It represents a contemporary commitment to supporting maritime traffic in the region.

Location

City
Miyako
Country
🇯🇵Japan
Region
Iwate Prefecture
Sea Region
Tarō Kō, Japan, marking the harbor entrance.
Latitude
39.7297°
Longitude
141.9781°

References & Identifiers

Nearest Port
Miyako(6.4 km)
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Frequently Asked Questions

How do mariners identify Tarō Kō Lighthouse at night?+
Tarō 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 Tarō Kō Lighthouse guide vessels into?+
Tarō Kō Lighthouse assists vessels approaching 5 nearby ports. The closest is Miyako, Iwate at 5.5 NM to the S. Other ports served include Iya (5.8 NM S), Omoto (7.2 NM N), Yamada, Iwate (16.1 NM S), NODA (24 NM NNW). Mariners should consult the relevant chart for full approach and pilotage information.
Is Tarō Kō Lighthouse still active and maintained?+
Yes, Tarō 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 Tarō Kō Lighthouse?+
Tarō 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 Tarō Kō Lighthouse?+
You can track vessels near Tarō 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.