Get the MarineRadar appSatellite AISSatellite live trackingTrack any shipLive alerts112,000+ ships trackedDownload free

Tarai Shima Lighthouse

Fl (2) White 5s🇯🇵Yamada, JPOperational

Location & Light Range

About Tarai Shima Lighthouse

Located in Japan's Iwate Prefecture, the Tarai Shima lighthouse marks a reef in the southeastern part of Yamada Bay. This cylindrical concrete tower stands 7.5 meters tall, with its light positioned 9 meters above the water. It displays a white light with a single flash every 5 seconds, visible for 10 nautical miles. The tower is painted black and features a single red horizontal band. The lighthouse survived a tsunami, demonstrating its structural integrity. The site is accessible by boat and open to visitors, though the tower itself is closed.

Why it matters: This lighthouse is essential for guiding vessels through Yamada Bay and warning them of the submerged reef in the bay's southeastern sector.

Light & Optic

Characteristic Signature
Fl (2) White 5s
Flash Type
Flashing
Light Color
White
Flash Count
2 flashes
Interval
5s
Raw Code
Fl W 5s
Focal Height
9m
Geographic Range
10NM

Construction & History

Significant events: Survived tsunami

Visiting

Open to public
Site open, tower closed

Nearby Vessels

Flag
Type
Name
Dist.

Tower & Structure

Tower Height
7.5m
Tower Shape
cylindrical
Tower Color
black with one red horizontal band
Material
concrete

Structure: round concrete tower, painted black with one red horizontal band

Location

City
Yamada
Country
🇯🇵Japan
Region
Iwate Prefecture
Sea Region
Yamada Bay, marking a reef in its southeastern part
Latitude
39.4560°
Longitude
141.9956°

References & Identifiers

Nearest Port
Yamada(1.8 km)
Admiralty No.
M6597
NGA No.
4048
USCG No.
1654
Live tracking · 50,000+ mariners

Find Tarai Shima Lighthouse on the live nautical map

Plan voyages near Japan, see nearby vessels in real time, and explore 14,900+ navigation aids in the app.

Nautical mapNearby vesselsVoyage planning
Get the App

Frequently Asked Questions

How do mariners identify Tarai Shima Lighthouse at night?+
Tarai Shima displays the characteristic Fl (2) White 5s — 2 white flashes every 5 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 white color may indicate a specific sector or warning zone.
Which ports and harbors does Tarai Shima Lighthouse guide vessels into?+
Tarai Shima Lighthouse assists vessels approaching 5 nearby ports. The closest is Yamada, Iwate at 0.8 NM to the WNW. Other ports served include Iya (10.7 NM N), Miyako, Iwate (11 NM N), Kamaishi (12.2 NM SSW), Otsuchi (12.2 NM SSW). Mariners should consult the relevant chart for full approach and pilotage information.
Is Tarai Shima Lighthouse still active and maintained?+
Yes, Tarai 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 Tarai Shima Lighthouse?+
Tarai 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 Tarai Shima Lighthouse?+
You can track vessels near Tarai 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.