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Ushigakubi Lighthouse

Oc (2) White 13s🇯🇵Sasebo, JPOperational

Location & Light Range

About Ushigakubi Lighthouse

This white, cylindrical tower stands 12 meters tall and has a focal height of 12 meters. It is situated on the southwestern tip of Hashira Iwa, an island located approximately 12 kilometers west of Sasebo in Nagasaki Prefecture. The structure features a round tapered tower with a small equipment shelter at its base. Its light emits two white flashes every 13 seconds, providing a geographic range of 11 nautical miles. The site is accessible by boat, but the tower itself is closed to the public.

Why it matters: Ushigakubi lighthouse warns mariners of the southwestern tip of Hashira Iwa, a key navigational hazard for vessels west of Sasebo.

Light & Optic

Characteristic Signature
Oc (2) White 13s
Flash Type
Occulting
Light Color
White
Flash Count
2 flashes
Interval
13s
Raw Code
Oc(2) W 13s
Focal Height
12m
Geographic Range
11NM

Location

City
Sasebo
Country
🇯🇵Japan
Region
Nagasaki Prefecture
Sea Region
Southwestern tip of Hashira Iwa, an S-shaped island about 12 km west of Sasebo.
Latitude
33.1608°
Longitude
129.5815°

References & Identifiers

Nearest Port
Amiya(3.3 km)
ARLHS No.
JPN-2291

Tower & Structure

Tower Height
12m
Tower Shape
cylindrical
Tower Color
White

Structure: round tapered tower with a small equipment shelter in the base

Visiting

Open to public
Site open, tower closed

Nearby Vessels

Flag
Type
Name
Dist.
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Frequently Asked Questions

How do mariners identify Ushigakubi Lighthouse at night?+
Ushigakubi displays the characteristic Oc (2) White 13s — 2 white flashes every 13 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 white color may indicate a specific sector or warning zone.
Which ports and harbors does Ushigakubi Lighthouse guide vessels into?+
Ushigakubi Lighthouse assists vessels approaching 5 nearby ports. The closest is Ainoura/Sasebo at 4.1 NM to the ENE. Other ports served include Sasebo (6.7 NM E), Shikamachi (6.7 NM N), Haiki (6.8 NM E), Omodaka (6.8 NM SE). Mariners should consult the relevant chart for full approach and pilotage information.
Is Ushigakubi Lighthouse still active and maintained?+
Yes, Ushigakubi 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 Ushigakubi Lighthouse?+
Ushigakubi 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 Ushigakubi Lighthouse?+
You can track vessels near Ushigakubi 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.