Name and Location

The Mago Saki Lighthouse (孫崎灯台) is a major coastal light located on the northeastern coast of Shikoku Island, overlooking the Naruto Strait. Its official name in Japanese is 孫崎灯台 (Magozaki Tōdai), while its seamark name is simply "Mago Saki". The lighthouse's address is Fukuike-65-8, Narutochō Tosadomariura, Naruto City, Tokushima Prefecture 772-0053, Japan.

2. Construction and History

The exact construction date of the Mago Saki Lighthouse is unknown, but it is believed to have been built in the post-war period by Japanese government maritime safety authorities. The lighthouse has undergone automation, which was a standard practice for Japanese coastal lights at that time. Its managing authority is presumed to be the Japan Coast Guard.

3. Architecture and Materials

The type of structure used for the Mago Saki Lighthouse is typical of mid-20th-century Japanese lighthouses, likely made of concrete or steel. The focal plane height of the light is 51 meters above sea level, with a light range of 19 nautical miles. The light characteristic is flashing white every 5 seconds (Fl W 5 s).

4. Light and Navigation

The Mago Saki Lighthouse serves vessels transiting the Naruto Strait, famous for strong tidal currents and whirlpools. It is charted on major Japanese and international nautical publications.

5. Accessibility and Visiting

Visitors can access the grounds of the lighthouse by car to Fukuike district and then walking along coastal service roads. Parking is roadside only. The tower itself is not open to the public, but nearby attractions include the Naruto Whirlpools observation decks (5 km west), the Ōtsuka Museum of Art (15 km south), and shoreline walking paths and small fishing hamlets in Tosadomariura.

6. Notable Views and Landscape

The lighthouse overlooks a rocky coastline with views northward across the Naruto Strait toward Awaji Island. At low tide, local fishermen harvest shellfish on adjacent tidal flats; at high tide, vessels navigate the strait's currents.

7. Anecdotes and Folklore

Locals refer to the light as a guiding "grandchild's beacon" (a play on "Mago," meaning "grandchild" in Japanese), though this is anecdotal. There is no designated heritage status recorded in national or prefectural registers.

8. Technical and Operational Details

There are no public records of local radar or AIS installation at the site. The lighthouse serves vessels transiting the Naruto Strait, famous for strong tidal currents and whirlpools.

9. Further Information

• For further information on navigating the Naruto Strait and surrounding area, consult US NGA Publication 112: "List of Lights, Radio Aids, and Fog Signals" (2009-11-12 edition) or the Japanese Coast Guard's online database.