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Tsubura Saki Lighthouse

Fl (4) White 15s🇯🇵Satsumasendai, JPOperational

Location & Light Range

About Tsubura Saki Lighthouse

Also known as: Tsubura Saki (Tubura Saki)

The Tsubura Saki Lighthouse, built in 1965, is an 8.5-meter-tall cylindrical concrete tower. It stands on the northernmost point of Shimo-Koshikijima, a location that requires travel along a winding road followed by a short path. The structure includes a square, single-story concrete equipment room attached to the tower, which has a flared top. This lighthouse emits a white light with a characteristic of one white flash every 15 seconds. Its focal height is 91 meters above sea level, providing a geographic range of 23.9 nautical miles.

Why it matters: This lighthouse is a critical navigational reference for ships in the Koshikijima Islands, helping mariners avoid hazards along the island's coastline and ensuring safe passage through local shipping lanes.

Light & Optic

Characteristic Signature
Fl (4) White 15s
Flash Type
Flashing
Light Color
White
Flash Count
4 flashes
Interval
15s
Raw Code
Fl W 15s
Focal Height
91m
Geographic Range
23.9NM

Construction & History

Year Built
1965

References & Identifiers

Nearest Port
Eishi(4.8 km)
Admiralty No.
M4994.6
NGA No.
11088
ARLHS No.
JPN-686

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 square 1-story concrete equipment room

Location

City
Satsumasendai
Country
🇯🇵Japan
Region
Kagoshima Prefecture
Sea Region
northernmost point of Shimo-Koshikijima
Latitude
31.7904°
Longitude
129.7826°

Nearby Vessels

Flag
Type
Name
Dist.
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Frequently Asked Questions

How do mariners identify Tsubura Saki Lighthouse at night?+
Tsubura Saki displays the characteristic Fl (4) White 15s — 4 white flashes every 15 seconds. 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 Tsubura Saki Lighthouse guide vessels into?+
Tsubura Saki Lighthouse assists vessels approaching 5 nearby ports. The closest is Nakakoshiki at 4.9 NM to the NE. Other ports served include Teuchi (10.2 NM SSW), Higashisonogi-Gun Cho (16.1 NM NNE), Satsumasendai (21.4 NM E), Hashima (21.7 NM E). Mariners should consult the relevant chart for full approach and pilotage information.
Is Tsubura Saki Lighthouse still active and maintained?+
Yes, Tsubura Saki 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 Tsubura Saki Lighthouse?+
Tsubura Saki 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 Tsubura Saki Lighthouse?+
You can track vessels near Tsubura Saki 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.