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lighthouse-index

中渡島灯台

4292+5M Imabari, Ehime, Japan

Name and Location

The Nakatomi Island Lighthouse is a historic lighthouse located in Imabari City, Ehime Prefecture, Japan.

Construction and History

The lighthouse was constructed in 1908 to serve as a vital aid to navigation for mariners traversing the Inland Sea. The structure is built using traditional Japanese materials, including stone and wood, with a robust design that has endured the test of time.

Architecture and Materials

The lighthouse stands at an elevation of approximately 20 meters above sea level and has a focal height of around 15 meters. It is made of traditional Japanese materials such as stone and wood, demonstrating a strong sense of cultural heritage.

Light and Navigation

The lighthouse emits a light signal characterized by a fixed white flash every 3 seconds, providing a reliable beacon for mariners in the surrounding waters. The structure stands at an impressive height of 12 meters, making it visible to vessels up to 10 nautical miles (18.5 kilometers) away.

Accessibility and Visiting

Visitors can access the lighthouse by boat or on foot via a nearby trail. The structure is open to the public during daylight hours, with guided tours available upon request.

Notable Views and Landscape

Anecdotes and Folklore

The lighthouse has played a crucial role in maritime safety, helping to prevent shipwrecks and ensure the safe passage of vessels through the Inland Sea. Its significance in Japanese maritime heritage is undeniable.

Technical and Operational Details

Although the lighthouse is no longer manually operated, it has been automated to maintain its function as a vital aid to navigation.

Further Information

For more information on the Nakatomi Island Lighthouse, please visit the Japanese Wikipedia page at https://ja.wikipedia.org/wiki/%E5%8F%A4%E9%81%94%E5%B1%85%E7%81%A3.

Details

Name中渡島灯台
CityImabariCity
CountryJapan
Coordinates34.1178923, 133.0016803
Year of construction1908
EventspreventedshipwrecksandensuredsafepassageofvesselsthroughtheInlandSea
Historic significanceimportantpartofJapan'smaritimeheritage
Keeper stories
Stories
Construction materialstoneandwood
Focal height15meters
Tower height12meters
Landscape typepicturesqueareasurroundedbylushgreenery
View descriptionbreathtakingviewsoftheInlandSea
Facilities
Light characteristicfixedwhiteflashevery3seconds
Light range10nauticalmiles(18.5kilometers)