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To Shima Lighthouse

Fl White 3s🇯🇵Amakusa, JPOperational

Location & Light Range

About To Shima Lighthouse

To Shima Lighthouse, a white cylindrical stone tower erected in 1897, measures 6.5 meters in height. It is positioned on the southern tip of To Shima island, defining the midpoint of Nagashima Strait and the access to Yatsushiro Bay. The light, showing a white flash every 3 seconds (Fl W 3s), originates from an elevation of 47.5 meters and has a visibility range of 18.3 nautical miles. The construction consists of a round stone cylinder topped with a lantern and gallery, connected to a small, single-level stone dwelling. Human caretakers managed this facility until 1959. The closest harbor, Ushibuka, lies 2.4 kilometers distant.

Why it matters: This lighthouse provides navigation information for vessels transiting Nagashima Strait, indicating the entry to Yatsushiro Bay. The lighthouse was erected as a marker for safe passage in a significant maritime channel.

Light & Optic

Characteristic Signature
Fl White 3s
Flash Type
Flashing
Light Color
White
Interval
3s
Raw Code
Fl W 3s
Focal Height
47.5m
Geographic Range
18.3NM

Construction & History

Year Built
1897

Significant events: Keepers staffed this light until 1959

References & Identifiers

Nearest Port
Ushibuka(2.4 km)
ARLHS No.
JPN-829

Tower & Structure

Tower Height
6.5m
Tower Shape
cylindrical
Tower Color
white
Material
stone

Structure: round cylindrical stone tower with lantern and gallery, attached to a tiny 1-story stone building

Location

City
Amakusa
Country
🇯🇵Japan
Region
Kumamoto Prefecture
Sea Region
Located on the southern point of To Shima, an island in the middle of Nagashima Strait, the entrance to Yatsushiro Bay.
Latitude
32.1981°
Longitude
130.0810°

Nearby Vessels

Flag
Type
Name
Dist.
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Frequently Asked Questions

How do mariners identify To Shima Lighthouse at night?+
To Shima displays the characteristic Fl White 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 white color may indicate a specific sector or warning zone.
Which ports and harbors does To Shima Lighthouse guide vessels into?+
To Shima Lighthouse assists vessels approaching 5 nearby ports. The closest is Sasue at 2.9 NM to the SSE. Other ports served include Ushibuka (3.2 NM W), Fukami (3.4 NM NNE), Oniki (4.4 NM WNW), Kamihira (5.9 NM NNE). Mariners should consult the relevant chart for full approach and pilotage information.
Is To Shima Lighthouse still active and maintained?+
Yes, To 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 To Shima Lighthouse?+
To 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 To Shima Lighthouse?+
You can track vessels near To 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.