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Tōbutsu Lighthouse

Fl white 5s🇯🇵Hamanaka, JPOperational

Location & Light Range

About Tōbutsu Lighthouse

Also known as: Tōbutsu (Tofutsu) Misaki (Cape Kiritappu)

Completed in 1930, the Tōbutsu Lighthouse is a concrete structure standing 12 meters tall. Its design incorporates a square cylindrical tower rising from the center of a single-story keeper's house. This integrated architecture was a practical approach to lighthouse construction. The focal height of the light is 49 meters above sea level, and it emits a white flash. The lighthouse is painted white and red. Its geographic range extends to 18.5 nautical miles.

Why it matters: The Tōbutsu Lighthouse's integrated architectural design, with its tower rising from the keeper's house, is notable. Its continuous operation since 1930 highlights its ongoing role in safe navigation along the Japanese coastline.

Light & Optic

Characteristic Signature
Fl white 5s
Flash Type
Flashing
Light Color
white
Interval
5s
Raw Code
Fl.W.R
Focal Height
49m
Geographic Range
18.5NM

Construction & History

Year Built
1930

References & Identifiers

Nearest Port
Akkeshi(14.8 km)
Admiralty No.
M6830
NGA No.
0492
ARLHS No.
JPN-658
Wikidata
Q11563668 →
OpenStreetMap
View on OSM →

Tower & Structure

Tower Height
12m
Tower Shape
cylindrical
Tower Color
white and red
Material
concrete

Structure: square cylindrical concrete tower with lantern and gallery, rising from the center of a 1-story concrete keeper's house

Location

City
Hamanaka
Country
🇯🇵Japan
Region
Hokkaido Prefecture
Latitude
43.0773°
Longitude
145.1679°

Nearby Vessels

Flag
Type
Name
Dist.
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Frequently Asked Questions

How do mariners identify Tōbutsu Lighthouse at night?+
Tōbutsu displays the characteristic Fl white 5s. 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 Tōbutsu Lighthouse guide vessels into?+
Tōbutsu Lighthouse assists vessels approaching 5 nearby ports. The closest is Kiritappu at 1.9 NM to the WNW. Other ports served include Akkeshi (14.2 NM W), Hanasaki (21.7 NM NE), Nasa (22 NM NE), Nemuro (23.8 NM NE). Mariners should consult the relevant chart for full approach and pilotage information.
Is Tōbutsu Lighthouse still active and maintained?+
Yes, Tōbutsu 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 Tōbutsu Lighthouse?+
You can track vessels near Tōbutsu 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.