Usuka Wan Kō Lighthouse
Location & Light Range
About Usuka Wan Kō Lighthouse
Also known as: Usukawan
Established in 1976, the Usuka Wan Kō lighthouse is a masonry structure painted white and red, standing 11 meters tall. It is located in Hirado, within Japan's Nagasaki Prefecture, marking the entrance to Usuka Bay. The lighthouse emits a geographic range of 10.7 nautical miles. Its functional design prioritizes reliable illumination for mariners. The tower is closed to the public, but the surrounding site is accessible, offering views of the bay. It has been actively guiding vessels for nearly five decades.
Why it matters: This lighthouse is essential for the safe navigation of vessels entering and departing Usuka Bay, guiding ships through the bay's entrance and supporting local maritime commerce.
Light & Optic
- Interval
- 6s
- Raw Code
- from front
- Focal Height
- 11m
- Geographic Range
- 10.7NM
Construction & History
- Year Built
- 1976
Visiting
- Open to public
- Site open, tower closed
Nearby Vessels
Tower & Structure
- Tower Color
- white and red
- Material
- masonry
Structure: Usuka Wan Kō lighthouse, established in 1976, marks the entrance to Usuka Bay in Japan, a vital waterway for local maritime traffic. This modern navigational aid was conceived to guide vessels safely into the port, ensuring smooth passage for fishing boats and other commercial craft that frequent these coastal waters. Its construction in the mid-1970s reflects a period of practical, efficient design, prioritizing reliable light for mariners over elaborate historical architecture. The lighthouse has diligently performed its duty for nearly five decades, a constant presence for those navigating the bay. Today, while the tower itself remains closed to the public, visitors are welcome to explore the surrounding site, offering a chance to appreciate the functional beauty of the structure and the serene views of the bay it oversees. It continues its active role, a quiet guardian ensuring safe passage for all who ply these waters.
Location
- City
- Hirado
- Country
- 🇯🇵Japan
- Region
- Nagasaki Prefecture
- Sea Region
- Usuka Wan (Usukawan) Kō, Japan
- Latitude
- 33.3767°
- Longitude
- 129.5385°
References & Identifiers
- Nearest Port
- Hirado(1.2 km)
- Admiralty No.
- M5250.6
- NGA No.
- 12040
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