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Tobi Shima Kō Middle Breakwater Lighthouse

Fl Red 3s🇯🇵Sakata, JPOperational

Location & Light Range

About Tobi Shima Kō Middle Breakwater Lighthouse

This red concrete post stands 8.5 meters tall, with a focal height of 13 meters, marking Tobi Shima's harbor. Erected in 1962, the structure includes a square, single-story concrete equipment room at its base. The light emits a single red flash every 3 seconds, visible for 11.3 nautical miles. It is situated at the southern end of the middle breakwater, providing guidance into Sakata's port. The site is accessible to the public, though the tower itself is closed.

Why it matters: This light is essential for vessels entering and navigating Tobi Shima's harbor, particularly marking the middle breakwater to prevent collisions.

Light & Optic

Characteristic Signature
Fl Red 3s
Flash Type
Flashing
Light Color
Red
Interval
3s
Raw Code
Fl R 3s
Focal Height
13m
Geographic Range
11.3NM

Construction & History

Year Built
1962

Visiting

Open to public
Site open, tower closed

Nearby Vessels

Flag
Type
Name
Dist.

Tower & Structure

Tower Height
8.5m
Tower Shape
square
Tower Color
red
Material
concrete

Structure: A 8.5m red concrete post rising from a square 1-story concrete equipment room.

Location

City
Sakata
Country
🇯🇵Japan
Region
Yamagata Prefecture
Sea Region
Tobi Shima's harbor, at the south end of the middle breakwater.
Latitude
39.1850°
Longitude
139.5468°

References & Identifiers

Nearest Port
Kisakata(16.1 km)
Admiralty No.
M7076.3
NGA No.
3508
ARLHS No.
JPN-1044
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Frequently Asked Questions

How do mariners identify Tobi Shima Kō Middle Breakwater Lighthouse at night?+
Tobi Shima Kō Middle Breakwater displays the characteristic Fl Red 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 red color may indicate a specific sector or warning zone.
Which ports and harbors does Tobi Shima Kō Middle Breakwater Lighthouse guide vessels into?+
Tobi Shima Kō Middle Breakwater Lighthouse assists vessels approaching 5 nearby ports. The closest is TOBISHIMA at 0.8 NM to the NE. Other ports served include Kisakata (16.4 NM E), Konoura (17.4 NM ENE), Sakata (19.6 NM SE), Hirasawa (20.3 NM ENE). Mariners should consult the relevant chart for full approach and pilotage information.
Is Tobi Shima Kō Middle Breakwater Lighthouse still active and maintained?+
Yes, Tobi Shima Kō Middle Breakwater 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 Tobi Shima Kō Middle Breakwater Lighthouse?+
Tobi Shima Kō Middle Breakwater 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 Tobi Shima Kō Middle Breakwater Lighthouse?+
You can track vessels near Tobi Shima Kō Middle Breakwater 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.