Get the MarineRadar appSatellite AISSatellite live trackingTrack any shipLive alerts112,000+ ships trackedDownload free

Usu Shima Lighthouse

Fl White 3s🇯🇵Karatsu, JPOperational

Location & Light Range

About Usu Shima Lighthouse

Also known as: #Usu Shima

Usu Shima Lighthouse stands on a small island situated about 2.5 kilometers north of Yobuko and 1.5 kilometers east of Kabe Shima. The current structure, a concrete post on a round base, replaced the original in 2015. The earlier lighthouse, also a concrete post attached to a 1-story equipment building, measured 9.5 meters high. The light emits a white flash every three seconds from a focal height of 11 meters, with a geographic range of 10.7 nautical miles. The site is open to visitors, though the tower itself remains closed to the public.

Why it matters: This lighthouse provides a critical visual reference for vessels navigating the coastal waters between Yobuko and Kabe Shima.

Light & Optic

Characteristic Signature
Fl White 3s
Flash Type
Flashing
Light Color
White
Interval
3s
Raw Code
Fl W 3s
Focal Height
11m
Geographic Range
10.7NM

Construction & History

Significant events: Replaced in 2015

Visiting

Open to public
Site open, tower closed

Nearby Vessels

Flag
Type
Name
Dist.

Tower & Structure

Tower Height
9.5m
Tower Color
white
Material
concrete

Structure: concrete post attached to a 1-story concrete equipment building

Location

City
Karatsu
Country
🇯🇵Japan
Region
Saga Prefecture
Sea Region
A small island about 2.5 km north of Yobuko and 1.5 km east of Kabe Shima.
Latitude
33.5644°
Longitude
129.8964°

References & Identifiers

Nearest Port
Yobuko(1.3 km)
Admiralty No.
M5266.2
ARLHS No.
JPN-836
Live tracking · 50,000+ mariners

Find Usu Shima Lighthouse on the live nautical map

Plan voyages near Japan, see nearby vessels in real time, and explore 14,900+ navigation aids in the app.

Nautical mapNearby vesselsVoyage planning
Get the App

Frequently Asked Questions

How do mariners identify Usu Shima Lighthouse at night?+
Usu Shima 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 Usu Shima Lighthouse guide vessels into?+
Usu Shima Lighthouse assists vessels approaching 5 nearby ports. The closest is Yobuko at 1.3 NM to the S. Other ports served include Tobo (5.2 NM SSE), Karatsu (6 NM SE), Kafuri (13.1 NM E), Fukushima, Nagasaki (13.7 NM SSW). Mariners should consult the relevant chart for full approach and pilotage information.
Is Usu Shima Lighthouse still active and maintained?+
Yes, Usu 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 Usu Shima Lighthouse?+
Usu 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 Usu Shima Lighthouse?+
You can track vessels near Usu 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.