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Tsunoshima Lighthouse

Fl W 5s🇯🇵Honshu-Northwest Coast, JPOperational

Location & Light Range

About Tsunoshima Lighthouse

Constructed of metal, the Tsunoshima Lighthouse stands 99 meters tall, with its light positioned 45 meters above sea level. It was built and first lit in 1876. The tower is visible across a 352 to 232 degree arc. Its light emits a single white flash every 5 seconds, with a geographic range of 18 nautical miles. This structure is located on the island of Tsunoshima, off Japan's Honshu-Northwest Coast.

Why it matters: The lighthouse contains a first-order Fresnel lens, the most powerful type, and is one of only six such lenses in Japan.

Background
Tsunoshima Lighthouse (角島灯台, tsunoshima tōdai) is a lighthouse on the island of Tsunoshima in the city of Shimonoseki, Yamaguchi Prefecture, Japan. It is notable as being one of only six lighthouses in Japan which had a first order Fresnel lens, the most powerful type of Fresnel lens.

Light & Optic

Characteristic Signature
Fl W 5s
Flash Type
Flashing
Light Color
White
Flash Count
1 flash
Interval
5s
Raw Code
Fl.W. period 5s
Focal Height
45m
Light Range
18NM (33.3 km)
Geographic Range
18NM

Construction & History

Year Built
1876

References & Identifiers

Admiralty No.
M7397
NGA No.
1568
Wikipedia
Read on Wikipedia →
Wikidata
Q7850237 →

Tower & Structure

Tower Height
99m
Material
metal

Structure: Tower; 99. Visible 352°-232°

Location

City
Honshu-Northwest Coast
Country
🇯🇵JP
Latitude
34.3525°
Longitude
130.8413°

Nearby Vessels

Flag
Type
Name
Dist.
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Frequently Asked Questions

How far offshore can Tsunoshima Lighthouse be seen?+
With a focal height of 45 meters and a nominal range of 18 nautical miles (approximately 33.3 km), Tsunoshima is visible from well offshore under standard atmospheric conditions. Actual visibility depends on observer height, weather, and sea state. Lights of this range are typically used as landfall lights by vessels approaching from the open sea.
How do mariners identify Tsunoshima Lighthouse at night?+
Tsunoshima displays the characteristic Fl W 5s — 1 white flash every 5 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.
Which ports and harbors does Tsunoshima Lighthouse guide vessels into?+
Tsunoshima Lighthouse assists vessels approaching 5 nearby ports. The closest is Tsunoshima at 1.1 NM to the E. Other ports served include Kottoi (3.4 NM SE), Awano (6.4 NM E), Kogushi, Yamaguchi (11.4 NM SSE), Murotsu, Yamaguchi (13.1 NM S). Mariners should consult the relevant chart for full approach and pilotage information.
Is Tsunoshima Lighthouse still active and maintained?+
Yes, Tsunoshima 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 Tsunoshima Lighthouse?+
Tsunoshima 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 Tsunoshima Lighthouse?+
You can track vessels near Tsunoshima 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.