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Yamada Kō Lighthouse

F Green 4s🇯🇵Yamada, JPOperational

Location & Light Range

About Yamada Kō Lighthouse

Also known as: #Yamada Kō

A latticed white post light stands at the extremity of Yamada's main breakwater, guiding vessels toward the port. This aid to navigation has a focal plane of 12 meters and a geographic range of 11 nautical miles. It emits a single green flash every 4 seconds. Reports indicated the original light was destroyed in 2011, likely due to the Great East Japan Earthquake and tsunami. However, the structure survived the event and was replaced in 2018 with the current post light, which remains operational.

Why it matters: This lighthouse marks the end of the main breakwater, ensuring safe passage into Yamada harbor for fishing fleets and commercial vessels.

Light & Optic

Characteristic Signature
F Green 4s
Flash Type
Fixed
Light Color
Green
Interval
4s
Raw Code
F.Fl G 4s
Focal Height
12m
Geographic Range
11NM

Construction & History

Significant events: Reported destroyed in 2011, survived 2011 event, replaced in 2018

References & Identifiers

Nearest Port
Yamada(0.3 km)
Admiralty No.
M6597.35
NGA No.
4044
USCG No.
JCG-1652
ARLHS No.
JPN-1143

Tower & Structure

Tower Shape
latticed
Tower Color
white

Structure: A post light with a focal plane of 12 meters.

Location

City
Yamada
Country
🇯🇵Japan
Region
Iwate Prefecture
Sea Region
End of the main breakwater of Yamada
Latitude
39.4643°
Longitude
141.9579°

Nearby Vessels

Flag
Type
Name
Dist.
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Frequently Asked Questions

How do mariners identify Yamada Kō Lighthouse at night?+
Yamada Kō displays the characteristic F Green 4s. 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 green color may indicate a specific sector or warning zone.
Which ports and harbors does Yamada Kō Lighthouse guide vessels into?+
Yamada Kō Lighthouse assists vessels approaching 5 nearby ports. The closest is Yamada, Iwate at 1 NM to the E. Other ports served include Iya (10.2 NM N), Miyako, Iwate (10.4 NM N), Kamaishi (12.2 NM SSW), Otsuchi (12.2 NM SSW). Mariners should consult the relevant chart for full approach and pilotage information.
Is Yamada Kō Lighthouse still active and maintained?+
Yes, Yamada 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 Yamada Kō Lighthouse?+
Yamada 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 Yamada Kō Lighthouse?+
You can track vessels near Yamada 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.