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Tatehama Kō Lighthouse

LFl Green 6s🇯🇵Matsumae, JPOperational

Location & Light Range

About Tatehama Kō Lighthouse

This cylindrical concrete tower stands 11 meters tall at the end of Tatehama harbor's main breakwater, approximately 6 kilometers northwest of Matsumae. Its lantern and gallery are situated 14 meters above sea level. The lighthouse emits a continuous green light with a brighter flash every 6 seconds, visible for 11.6 nautical miles. The site is open to the public, allowing visitors to approach the structure, though the tower itself is closed to entry. It guides vessels into Tatehama harbor and is located near the port of Shizuura.

Why it matters: The lighthouse is essential for local fishing vessels and other maritime traffic, marking the navigable channel for safe entry and departure from Tatehama harbor.

Light & Optic

Characteristic Signature
LFl Green 6s
Flash Type
Long Flash
Light Color
Green
Interval
6s
Raw Code
LFl G 6s
Focal Height
14m
Geographic Range
11.6NM

Location

City
Matsumae
Country
🇯🇵Japan
Region
Hokkaido Prefecture
Sea Region
Tatehama harbor, at the end of the west (main) breakwater, about 6 km northwest of Matsumae.
Latitude
41.4445°
Longitude
140.0422°

References & Identifiers

Nearest Port
Shizuura(3.1 km)
Admiralty No.
M7042
NGA No.
0972
ARLHS No.
JPN-986

Tower & Structure

Tower Height
11m
Tower Shape
cylindrical
Tower Color
white
Material
concrete

Structure: round cylindrical concrete tower with lantern and gallery

Visiting

Open to public
Site open, tower closed

Nearby Vessels

Flag
Type
Name
Dist.
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Frequently Asked Questions

How do mariners identify Tatehama Kō Lighthouse at night?+
Tatehama Kō displays the characteristic LFl Green 6s. 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 green color may indicate a specific sector or warning zone.
Which ports and harbors does Tatehama Kō Lighthouse guide vessels into?+
Tatehama Kō Lighthouse assists vessels approaching 5 nearby ports. The closest is Matsumae at 2.7 NM to the ESE. Other ports served include Shizuura (3.1 NM NNW), Fukushima (hokkaido) (9.9 NM ENE), Fukushima, Hokkaido (10.1 NM ENE), Minmaya (18.7 NM SE). Mariners should consult the relevant chart for full approach and pilotage information.
Is Tatehama Kō Lighthouse still active and maintained?+
Yes, Tatehama 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 Tatehama Kō Lighthouse?+
Tatehama 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 Tatehama Kō Lighthouse?+
You can track vessels near Tatehama 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.