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Ōtsuchi Kō Lighthouse

Iso Red 6s🇯🇵Otsuchi, JPOperational

Location & Light Range

About Ōtsuchi Kō Lighthouse

Also known as: Ōtsuchi Kō (Horai Shima)

A round, concrete tower painted red marks Ōtsuchi Kō. This cylindrical structure, standing 7.5 meters tall, emits an isophase red light on a 6-second cycle from a focal height of 11 meters. The lighthouse is situated on an islet accessible by a pier, approximately 0.6 km from the nearest port of Otsuchi. The original light was established in 1953 but was destroyed by a tsunami. A new lighthouse was built in 2012, featuring a distinctive hourglass shape.

Why it matters: The rebuilding of this lighthouse after its destruction by a tsunami highlights its significant role in ensuring safe navigation for vessels entering and departing Otsuchi Port, serving as a symbol of community recovery.

Light & Optic

Characteristic Signature
Iso Red 6s
Flash Type
Isophase
Light Color
Red
Interval
6s
Raw Code
Iso R 6s
Focal Height
11m
Geographic Range
10.7NM

Construction & History

Year Built
2012
First Lit
1953

Significant events: Original light destroyed by tsunami

Visiting

Open to public
Site open, tower closed

Nearby Vessels

Flag
Type
Name
Dist.

Tower & Structure

Tower Height
7.5m
Tower Shape
cylindrical
Tower Color
red
Material
concrete

Structure: round hourglass-shaped concrete tower

Location

City
Otsuchi
Country
🇯🇵Japan
Region
Iwate Prefecture
Sea Region
Located on an islet connected to shore by a pier in Ōtsuchi Kō
Latitude
39.3477°
Longitude
141.9310°

References & Identifiers

Nearest Port
Otsuchi(0.6 km)
Admiralty No.
M6595
NGA No.
4084
ARLHS No.
JPN-1122
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Frequently Asked Questions

How do mariners identify Ōtsuchi Kō Lighthouse at night?+
Ōtsuchi Kō displays the characteristic Iso Red 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 red color may indicate a specific sector or warning zone.
Which ports and harbors does Ōtsuchi Kō Lighthouse guide vessels into?+
Ōtsuchi Kō Lighthouse assists vessels approaching 5 nearby ports. The closest is Kamaishi at 5.1 NM to the SSW. Other ports served include Otsuchi (5.1 NM SSW), Tagi (5.1 NM SSW), Yamada, Iwate (7.2 NM NNE), Sakihama (15.1 NM SSW). Mariners should consult the relevant chart for full approach and pilotage information.
Is Ōtsuchi Kō Lighthouse still active and maintained?+
Yes, Ōtsuchi Kō 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 Ōtsuchi Kō Lighthouse?+
Ōtsuchi Kō 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 Ōtsuchi Kō Lighthouse?+
You can track vessels near Ōtsuchi Kō 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.