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Tsurushima (Turu Shima) Lighthouse

Al Red/White 8s🇯🇵Matsuyama, JPOperational

Location & Light Range

About Tsurushima (Turu Shima) Lighthouse

Tsurushima Lighthouse, established and first lit in 1873, is situated on a hillside at the northern edge of Tsurushima island. This light station includes a 10-meter-high, round stone tower that originates from a semicircular stone keeper's residence. The stone construction has a focal height of 58 meters. Its light, a sequence of red and white flashes every 8 seconds (Al RW 8s), offers a geographic range of 19.8 nautical miles. The station was automated in 1955. In 1995, the city of Matsuyama took ownership and refurbished the structures. The lighthouse, located 3.5 km from Matsuyama, is accessible to visitors.

Why it matters: This light marks the waters around Tsurushima island and serves as a reference point for ships entering or leaving the port of Matsuyama. Its preservation acknowledges its historical significance.

Light & Optic

Characteristic Signature
Al Red/White 8s
Flash Type
Alternating
Light Color
Red/White
Interval
8s
Raw Code
Al RW 8s
Focal Height
58m
Geographic Range
19.8NM

Construction & History

Year Built
1873

Significant events: automated in 1955, city of Matsuyama acquired and restored buildings in 1995

Visiting

Open to public
Yes

Nearby Vessels

Flag
Type
Name
Dist.

Tower & Structure

Tower Height
10m
Tower Shape
cylindrical
Tower Color
white
Material
stone

Structure: round stone tower rising from a semicircular stone keeper's house

Location

City
Matsuyama
Country
🇯🇵Japan
Region
Ehime Prefecture
Sea Region
Tsurushima is a kidney-shaped island about 7 km (4 mi) west of Matsuyama. Located on a hillside above the town, at the northern end of the island.
Latitude
33.8930°
Longitude
132.6387°

References & Identifiers

Nearest Port
Matsuyama(3.5 km)
Admiralty No.
M5436
NGA No.
9128
ARLHS No.
JPN-696
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Frequently Asked Questions

How do mariners identify Tsurushima (Turu Shima) Lighthouse at night?+
Tsurushima (Turu Shima) displays the characteristic Al Red/White 8s. 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/white color may indicate a specific sector or warning zone.
Which ports and harbors does Tsurushima (Turu Shima) Lighthouse guide vessels into?+
Tsurushima (Turu Shima) Lighthouse assists vessels approaching 5 nearby ports. The closest is Matsuyama at 3.8 NM to the ESE. Other ports served include Masaki (4 NM SE), Mitsuhama (4 NM SE), Hojo (8.5 NM NE), Ihota (10.6 NM WNW). Mariners should consult the relevant chart for full approach and pilotage information.
Is Tsurushima (Turu Shima) Lighthouse still active and maintained?+
Yes, Tsurushima (Turu Shima) 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 Tsurushima (Turu Shima) Lighthouse?+
Tsurushima (Turu Shima) 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 Tsurushima (Turu Shima) Lighthouse?+
You can track vessels near Tsurushima (Turu Shima) 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.