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Usa Kō Lighthouse

Fl (2) Red 6s🇯🇵Tosa, JPOperational

Location & Light Range

About Usa Kō Lighthouse

Also known as: Usa Kō (East Breakwater)

This red, cylindrical concrete tower stands 9.5 meters tall at the eastern end of the main breakwater at Usa, marking the mouth of the Niyodo River. Its light flashes red once every 6 seconds, visible for 11.3 nautical miles. The structure features a flared top and is attached to an equipment shelter. Constructed of concrete, it rises 13 meters above sea level. It is operational and located in Tosa city within Kochi Prefecture.

Why it matters: The Usa Kō lighthouse warns vessels of the eastern breakwater, guiding them safely into the port of Usa and the Niyodo River. Its distinct red flashing light serves as a clear landmark for local fishing boats and commercial traffic entering the harbor.

Light & Optic

Characteristic Signature
Fl (2) Red 6s
Flash Type
Flashing
Light Color
Red
Flash Count
2 flashes
Interval
6s
Raw Code
Fl R 6s
Focal Height
13m
Geographic Range
11.3NM

Location

City
Tosa
Country
🇯🇵Japan
Region
Kochi Prefecture
Sea Region
Located at the end of the east (main) breakwater of Usa, at the mouth of the Niyodo River.
Latitude
33.4432°
Longitude
133.4570°

Nearby Vessels

Flag
Type
Name
Dist.

Tower & Structure

Tower Height
9.5m
Tower Shape
cylindrical
Tower Color
red
Material
concrete

Structure: round concrete tower with a flared top, attached to a small equipment shelter

References & Identifiers

Nearest Port
Kochi(7.5 km)
ARLHS No.
JPN-2521
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Frequently Asked Questions

How do mariners identify Usa Kō Lighthouse at night?+
Usa Kō displays the characteristic Fl (2) Red 6s — 2 red flashes every 6 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. The red color may indicate a specific sector or warning zone.
Which ports and harbors does Usa Kō Lighthouse guide vessels into?+
Usa Kō Lighthouse assists vessels approaching 5 nearby ports. The closest is Usa/Tosa at 0.6 NM to the WNW. Other ports served include Kochi (7.9 NM NE), Susaki (8.7 NM WSW), Kaminokae (14.5 NM SW), Saga (28.1 NM SW). Mariners should consult the relevant chart for full approach and pilotage information.
Is Usa Kō Lighthouse still active and maintained?+
Yes, Usa 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 Usa Kō Lighthouse?+
Usa 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 Usa Kō Lighthouse?+
You can track vessels near Usa 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.