Name and Location

The Lighthouse at Hamamachi, Ishikari (unnamed) is located in Hamamachi, Ishikari City, Hokkaido Prefecture, Japan. Its address is 29 Hamamachi, Ishikari, Hokkaido 061-3371, Japan. The lighthouse stands at the mouth of the Ishikari Fishing Port on the Sea of Japan coast.

Construction and History

The construction date of the lighthouse is not documented in major sources. Many Japanese fishing-port breakwater lights date from the 1950s–1970s. The heritage status of the lighthouse is unknown, as no national or local designation has been recorded.

Architecture and Materials

The tower type is likely a small, cylindrical or tapered steel/concrete tower on a concrete caisson or pier foundation, typical of post-war breakwater lights in Hokkaido. The color scheme is presumably white or light grey with a contrasting lantern room. The height and focal plane are not published, but it is speculated to be around 5-8 meters tall with a focal height around 10 meters above sea level.

Light and Navigation

The light color and characteristic are unreported. Breakwater lights often show a fixed or occulting white light, visible for 4-7 nautical miles. The range is not officially published, but it is likely under 10 nautical miles. No information is available on AIS or racon installation.

Accessibility and Visiting

The breakwater footpath is open 24 hours, but the lantern and keeper's quarters (if any) are closed to visitors. There are no visitor facilities on-site, but nearest restrooms and parking can be found at the adjacent Ishikari Fishing Port fish market. Visitors can reach the lighthouse by car via Route 231 or local buses serving Hamamachi and the port area.

Notable Views and Landscape

To the east lies the mouth of the Ishikari River, low sandy flats, and tidal outflows. To the north and south are views of fishing boats, distant shingle beaches, and flat coastal plain with views on clear days of low wooded hills rising toward central Hokkaido.

Technical and Operational Details

The lighthouse is presumed fully automated with unmanned operation, typical of Japan Coast Guard lights since the mid-20th century. The owner/operator is the Japan Coast Guard, 8th Regional Corps (Hokkaido), which conducts regular inspections and maintenance under its Lighthouse and Buoy Office.

Further Information

The lighthouse appears on JCG chart "石狩港" (Ishikari Ko) as the east breakwater light. Mariners should consult chart number 212 (Japan Sea North Coast). The lighthouse is not listed in the Admiralty List of Lights at major-light status.