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Tobi Shima Kō South Breakwater Lighthouse

Fl Green 3s🇯🇵Sakata, JPOperational

Location & Light Range

About Tobi Shima Kō South Breakwater Lighthouse

This concrete lighthouse, built in 1968, stands 8.5 meters tall with its light positioned 12 meters above sea level. It is located at the end of the south breakwater for Tobi Shima's harbor in Sakata, Yamagata Prefecture. The cylindrical tower, painted white, features a flared top and is connected to a small, single-story concrete equipment shelter. Its green light emits a single flash every 3 seconds, visible for 11 nautical miles. The site is accessible to the public, though the tower itself remains closed.

Why it matters: This light guides vessels past the south breakwater into Tobi Shima's harbor, supporting the local fishing industry and ensuring safe passage.

Light & Optic

Characteristic Signature
Fl Green 3s
Flash Type
Flashing
Light Color
Green
Interval
3s
Raw Code
Fl G 3s
Focal Height
12m
Geographic Range
11NM

Construction & History

Year Built
1968

Visiting

Open to public
Site open, tower closed

Nearby Vessels

Flag
Type
Name
Dist.

Tower & Structure

Tower Height
8.5m
Tower Shape
cylindrical
Tower Color
white
Material
concrete

Structure: round concrete tower with a flared top, attached to a small 1-story concrete equipment shelter

Location

City
Sakata
Country
🇯🇵Japan
Region
Yamagata Prefecture
Sea Region
Located at the original end of the south breakwater of Tobi Shima's harbor.
Latitude
39.1842°
Longitude
139.5516°

References & Identifiers

Nearest Port
Kisakata(15.8 km)
Admiralty No.
M7076.2
NGA No.
3512
ARLHS No.
JPN-1045
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Frequently Asked Questions

How do mariners identify Tobi Shima Kō South Breakwater Lighthouse at night?+
Tobi Shima Kō South Breakwater displays the characteristic Fl Green 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 green color may indicate a specific sector or warning zone.
Which ports and harbors does Tobi Shima Kō South Breakwater Lighthouse guide vessels into?+
Tobi Shima Kō South Breakwater Lighthouse assists vessels approaching 5 nearby ports. The closest is TOBISHIMA at 0.7 NM to the NNE. Other ports served include Kisakata (16.1 NM E), Konoura (17.2 NM ENE), Sakata (19.4 NM SE), Hirasawa (20.1 NM ENE). Mariners should consult the relevant chart for full approach and pilotage information.
Is Tobi Shima Kō South Breakwater Lighthouse still active and maintained?+
Yes, Tobi Shima Kō South 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 South Breakwater Lighthouse?+
Tobi Shima Kō South 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 South Breakwater Lighthouse?+
You can track vessels near Tobi Shima Kō South 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.