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Unoshima Kō Lighthouse

Fl Red 8s🇯🇵Buzen, JPOperational

Also known as: Unosima

Located in Buzen, Fukuoka Prefecture, the Unoshima (Unosima) Kō Lighthouse is a round, concrete tower standing 13 meters high. Its red light emits a single flash every 8 seconds, with a geographic range of 11.3 nautical miles. This structure guides vessels into the Unoshima Port, which is situated 0.5 kilometers away and serves local fishing fleets and coastal trade. The lighthouse site is open to the public, though the tower itself is closed to ascent. It remains an active aid to navigation, supporting maritime activities in the region.

Why it matters: The Unoshima (Unosima) Kō light is essential for the safe entry and departure from Unoshima Port, particularly for smaller fishing and commercial vessels operating in its approaches.

Characteristic Signature
Fl Red 8s
Flash Type
Flashing
Light Color
Red
Interval
8s
Raw Code
Fl R 8s
Focal Height
13m
Geographic Range
11.3NM
City
Buzen
Country
🇯🇵Japan
Region
Fukuoka Prefecture
Sea Region
Unoshima (Unosima) Kō
Latitude
33.6336°
Longitude
131.1251°
Nearest Port
Unoshima(0.5 km)
Admiralty No.
M4979
NGA No.
9730
ARLHS No.
JPN-2029
Tower Shape
round
Tower Color
red
Material
concrete

Structure: Unoshima (Unosima) Kō Lighthouse guides mariners into the bustling Unoshima Port, a vital hub for local fishing fleets and coastal trade. Perched near the water's edge, its red light cuts through the night, a familiar sight to those navigating the local waters. While specific details of its early days are not widely known, its continuous operation underscores its enduring importance to the community and the safety of maritime traffic. The surrounding landscape likely features the typical activity of a working port, with the sounds of boats and the salty air defining the atmosphere. Today, the lighthouse remains an active aid to navigation, diligently performing its duty. Visitors are welcome to explore the site around the lighthouse, offering a chance to feel the sea breeze and observe the port's rhythm, though the tower itself is not open for public ascent.

Open to public
Site open, tower closed
Flag
Type
Name
Dist.
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How do mariners identify Unoshima Kō Lighthouse at night?+
Unoshima Kō displays the characteristic Fl Red 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 color may indicate a specific sector or warning zone.
Which ports and harbors does Unoshima Kō Lighthouse guide vessels into?+
Unoshima Kō Lighthouse assists vessels approaching 5 nearby ports. The closest is Unoshima at 0.2 NM to the SSE. Other ports served include Nakatsu (6.4 NM ESE), Kanda, Fukuoka (10.5 NM NNW), Kokura (15.7 NM NW), Shinmoji (15.9 NM NNW). Mariners should consult the relevant chart for full approach and pilotage information.
Is Unoshima Kō Lighthouse still active and maintained?+
Yes, Unoshima 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 Unoshima Kō Lighthouse?+
Unoshima 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 Unoshima Kō Lighthouse?+
You can track vessels near Unoshima 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.