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Tobase Shima Lighthouse

Oc White 6s🇯🇵Uki, JPOperational

Location & Light Range

About Tobase Shima Lighthouse

This lighthouse, built in 1898 of stone, stands as a cylindrical white tower 8 meters tall. Its focal height reaches 33 meters, offering a geographic range of 15.9 nautical miles. The structure includes a lantern and gallery, attached to a 1-story stone keeper's cottage. In 2009, the original Fresnel lens was replaced with a modern LED optic. The historic lens is now displayed at the Ryujokan Museum in Uki. The site is open to the public, but the tower remains closed.

Why it matters: The lighthouse delineates the entrance from Yatsushiro Bay to the Misumi Strait, a critical northern passage. Its construction reflects regional maritime development following Japan's acquisition of Taiwan.

Light & Optic

Characteristic Signature
Oc White 6s
Flash Type
Occulting
Light Color
White
Interval
6s
Raw Code
Oc W 6s
Focal Height
33m
Geographic Range
15.9NM

Construction & History

Year Built
1898

Significant events: Modern LED optic installed (2009), original Fresnel lens moved to Ryujokan Museum in Uki (2009)

Visiting

Open to public
Site open, tower closed

Nearby Vessels

Flag
Type
Name
Dist.

Tower & Structure

Tower Height
8m
Tower Shape
cylindrical
Tower Color
white
Material
stone

Structure: round stone tower with lantern and gallery, attached to a small 1-story stone keeper's cottage

Location

City
Uki
Country
🇯🇵Japan
Region
Kumamoto Prefecture
Sea Region
Marks the entrance from Yatsushiro Bay to the narrow Misumi Strait, the northern entrance to the bay, located at the southern tip of Tobase Shima island.
Latitude
32.5764°
Longitude
130.4884°

References & Identifiers

Nearest Port
Misumi, Kumamoto(2.1 km)
ARLHS No.
JPN-655
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Frequently Asked Questions

How do mariners identify Tobase Shima Lighthouse at night?+
Tobase Shima displays the characteristic Oc White 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 white color may indicate a specific sector or warning zone.
Which ports and harbors does Tobase Shima Lighthouse guide vessels into?+
Tobase Shima Lighthouse assists vessels approaching 5 nearby ports. The closest is Aizu, Kumamoto at 1.8 NM to the NW. Other ports served include Akasaki, Kumamoto (1.8 NM NW), Fukuura, Kumamoto (1.8 NM NW), Kawachi, Kumamoto (1.8 NM NW), Kodomari, Kumamoto (1.8 NM NW). Mariners should consult the relevant chart for full approach and pilotage information.
Is Tobase Shima Lighthouse still active and maintained?+
Yes, Tobase 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 Tobase Shima Lighthouse?+
Tobase 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 Tobase Shima Lighthouse?+
You can track vessels near Tobase 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.