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Usuka Wan Kō Lighthouse

6s🇯🇵Hirado, JPOperational

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.

Characteristic Signature
6s
Interval
6s
Raw Code
from front
Focal Height
11m
Geographic Range
10.7NM
Year Built
1976
Open to public
Site open, tower closed
Flag
Type
Name
Dist.
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.

City
Hirado
Country
🇯🇵Japan
Region
Nagasaki Prefecture
Sea Region
Usuka Wan (Usukawan) Kō, Japan
Latitude
33.3767°
Longitude
129.5385°
Nearest Port
Hirado(1.2 km)
Admiralty No.
M5250.6
NGA No.
12040
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Which ports and harbors does Usuka Wan Kō Lighthouse guide vessels into?+
Usuka Wan Kō Lighthouse assists vessels approaching 5 nearby ports. The closest is Hirado at 0.9 NM to the ESE. Other ports served include Tabira (2.1 NM ESE), Kawachi, Nagasaki (3.1 NM SSW), Emukae (5.2 NM SE), Ikitsuki (5.3 NM W). Mariners should consult the relevant chart for full approach and pilotage information.
Is Usuka Wan Kō Lighthouse still active and maintained?+
Yes, Usuka Wan 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 Usuka Wan Kō Lighthouse?+
Usuka Wan 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 Usuka Wan Kō Lighthouse?+
You can track vessels near Usuka Wan 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.