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Tatsugō Wan Lighthouse

F White 12s🇯🇵Tatsugo, JPOperational

Location & Light Range

About Tatsugō Wan Lighthouse

This white, square masonry lighthouse stands 11 meters tall, with its focal plane at 16 meters above sea level. Constructed in 1974, it emits a continuous white light, serving to illuminate a reef located 300 meters to the southeast. The lighthouse is situated on the west side of Tatsugō Bay, a western branch of Kasari Bay, approximately 4 kilometers north of Tatsugō Town. Restoration efforts were noted in November 2013. The site is open to the public, though access to the tower is restricted.

Why it matters: This light is important for local maritime safety, specifically by marking a reef that lies southeast of the structure, preventing potential groundings within Tatsugō Bay.

Light & Optic

Characteristic Signature
F White 12s
Flash Type
Fixed
Light Color
White
Interval
12s
Raw Code
F W
Focal Height
16m
Geographic Range
12.2NM

Construction & History

Year Built
1974

Significant events: Reactivated in 1974, dropped by NGA in 2014, restoration in progress in November 2013

Visiting

Open to public
Site open, tower closed

Nearby Vessels

Flag
Type
Name
Dist.

Tower & Structure

Tower Height
11m
Tower Shape
square
Tower Color
white
Material
masonry

Structure: An 11m white post supporting a round lantern room.

Location

City
Tatsugo
Country
🇯🇵Japan
Region
Kagoshima Prefecture
Sea Region
Located on the west side of Tatsugō Bay, the westernmost branch of Kasari Bay, about 4 km north of Tatsugō Town, illuminating a reef 300 m southeast.
Latitude
28.4377°
Longitude
129.6061°

References & Identifiers

Nearest Port
Ashitoku(1.4 km)
Admiralty No.
M4767.4
NGA No.
13136
USCG No.
JCG-6938
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Frequently Asked Questions

How do mariners identify Tatsugō Wan Lighthouse at night?+
Tatsugō Wan displays the characteristic F White 12s. 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 Tatsugō Wan Lighthouse guide vessels into?+
Tatsugō Wan Lighthouse assists vessels approaching 5 nearby ports. The closest is Ashitoku at 1.3 NM to the SE. Other ports served include Tatsugo (1.4 NM NNE), Akakina (3.7 NM ENE), Toguchi (4.6 NM SSW), Yani (4.7 NM NE). Mariners should consult the relevant chart for full approach and pilotage information.
Is Tatsugō Wan Lighthouse still active and maintained?+
Yes, Tatsugō Wan 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.
How can I track vessels near Tatsugō Wan Lighthouse?+
You can track vessels near Tatsugō Wan 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.