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Tsuru Se Lighthouse

Fl White 3s🇯🇵Tara, JPOperational

Location & Light Range

About Tsuru Se Lighthouse

Also known as: Tsuru Se (Tsuruse)

Commissioned in 1970, Tsuru Se lighthouse is a cylindrical concrete tower standing 16 meters high. The structure supports a substantial round concrete lantern which houses the light source. Instead of a traditional lens, the white light, which flashes once every three seconds, is emitted through a window. The focal height of the light is 38 meters, providing a geographic range of 16.7 nautical miles. The site is open to the public, though the tower itself remains closed.

Why it matters: This lighthouse marks the Tsuru Se shoal or reef, serving as a critical navigational aid in the coastal waters of Saga Prefecture.

Light & Optic

Characteristic Signature
Fl White 3s
Flash Type
Flashing
Light Color
White
Interval
3s
Raw Code
Fl W 3s
Focal Height
38m
Geographic Range
16.7NM

Construction & History

Year Built
1970

Visiting

Open to public
Site open, tower closed

Nearby Vessels

Flag
Type
Name
Dist.

Tower & Structure

Tower Height
16m
Tower Shape
cylindrical
Material
concrete

Structure: round concrete tower carrying a large round concrete lantern structure; the light is shown through a window

Location

City
Tara
Country
🇯🇵Japan
Region
Saga Prefecture
Sea Region
Coastal waters of Japan, likely marking the Tsuru Se shoal or reef.
Latitude
32.9672°
Longitude
130.2227°

References & Identifiers

Nearest Port
Saigo, Nagasaki(5.7 km)
Admiralty No.
M5178.8.
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Frequently Asked Questions

How do mariners identify Tsuru Se Lighthouse at night?+
Tsuru Se displays the characteristic Fl White 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 white color may indicate a specific sector or warning zone.
Which ports and harbors does Tsuru Se Lighthouse guide vessels into?+
Tsuru Se Lighthouse assists vessels approaching 5 nearby ports. The closest is Konagai at 2.8 NM to the SSW. Other ports served include Taira (7.1 NM SE), Hamamatsu (8.8 NM NNW), Miike, Fukuoka (9.7 NM ENE), Kashima, Saga (9.7 NM NNW). Mariners should consult the relevant chart for full approach and pilotage information.
Is Tsuru Se Lighthouse still active and maintained?+
Yes, Tsuru Se 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 Tsuru Se Lighthouse?+
Tsuru Se 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 Tsuru Se Lighthouse?+
You can track vessels near Tsuru Se 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.