Name and Location

The Setoshirube (Red Lighthouse), also known as Takamatsu-kō Tamamo Bohatei Tōdai in Japanese, is a minor harbor light located at the outer end of the Tamamo Breakwater, Sunport Takamatsu, overlooking the Inland Sea. The lighthouse's official address is 9362+HP Takamatsu, Kagawa 760-0019, Japan.

Construction and History

The exact commissioning date of the Setoshirube is not publicly documented, but it likely occurred in the late 20th century following Sunport redevelopment. The lighthouse has been fully automated since its inception and serves as a minor harbor light marking the eastern entrance to Takamatsu Port.

Architecture and Materials

The structure of the lighthouse consists of a cylindrical concrete tower atop a square concrete or stone pier, standing at a height of 17 meters above sea level. The entire tower is painted bright red, earning it its nickname "Red Lighthouse". The architectural style is typical of Japanese breakwater lights, with an emphasis on functional modern maritime engineering.

Light and Navigation

The Setoshirube emits an Iso (Isophase) red light at a period of 6 seconds (3 s on, 3 s off). Its nominal range is approximately 13 nautical miles. The lighthouse does not have any radar or AIS transponders; instead, it acts solely as a visual beacon.

Accessibility and Visiting

Visitors can walk out onto the breakwater from Sunport Takamatsu promenade, but entry to the tower interior is closed to the public. External viewing only is possible. The lighthouse is accessible by train (8-minute walk from JR Takamatsu Station) or car (parking nearby with pedestrian access).

Notable Views and Landscape

The Setoshirube overlooks the Kagawa Prefecture waterfront and offers views of Megijima and Ogijima islands. The surrounding landscape features a shopping and dining area, Sunport Takamatsu, as well as the historic Takamatsu Castle (Tamamo Park) and Marine Plaza.

Anecdotes and Folklore

The local nickname "Setoshirube" literally means "Inland Sea Beacon". The lighthouse is often photographed at sunset, framed by the red steel Gantry Crane visible in Sunport Port. There are no recorded shipwrecks in the immediate vicinity; instead, it serves chiefly as a harbor entrance light.

Technical and Operational Details

The Setoshirube has been fully automated since its inception and does not have any radar or AIS transponders. Its technical specifications include an Iso (Isophase) red light at a period of 6 seconds (3 s on, 3 s off), with a nominal range of approximately 13 nautical miles.

Further Information

For more information about the Setoshirube and other lighthouses in Japan, please visit the following links: Official Port Guide (Japanese): https://www.my-kagawa.jp/point/point.php?id=354, Wikidata Entry: https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q11670448, OpenStreetMap: https://www.openstreetmap.org/way/59806555.