Name and Location

The Wakasu 15-gōji Signal Station, officially recorded as "15号地信号所" (the 15th-Site Signal Station), stands on reclaimed land in Wakasu, Koto City, Tokyo. Its coordinates are latitude 35.6182319, longitude 139.8310111.

Construction and History

The exact year of construction is not officially recorded, but it is likely that the signal station was erected in the late 20th century as part of Tokyo Port's ongoing expansion of navigational aids. The structure has been fully automated from the outset, with no on-site keeper's quarters.

Architecture and Materials

The Wakasu 15-gōji Signal Station takes the form of a slender metal tower mounted on a square concrete plinth. The materials used are painted steel for the tower and reinforced concrete for the foundation.

Light and Navigation

The light characteristic and range of the signal station are not published, but it is likely that its function is limited to marking the eastern flank of the Wakasu approach channel into Tokyo Bay, with a range of around 2-5 nautical miles. The power source is mains electricity with battery backup.

Accessibility and Visiting

The site itself lies within restricted port property, but visitors can view the structure from the public walkway along Wakasu Dōro and from adjacent Wakasu Seaside Park. Accessible by car or bicycle via Wakasu Dōro, or on foot from Heiwa-no-Mori Station.

Notable Views and Landscape

Perched on low-lying reclaimed land at the mouth of the Arakawa river mouth, the station overlooks the wide expanse of Tokyo Bay. Visitors enjoy views of passing cargo vessels, the Rainbow Bridge in the distance, and the Tokyo skyline from nearby public park.

Anecdotes and Folklore

Although small and often overlooked, the 15号地信号所 plays a critical role in marking the shallow eastern shoal off Wakasu. No folklore or major incidents are recorded specifically at this beacon, but Tokyo Bay has long been the scene of ship-pilot transfers and occasional groundings on older, unmarked shoals before full reclamation.

Technical and Operational Details

The managing authority is the Tokyo Port Authority, with chart reference available for Tokyo Bay navigation aids. The signal station does not have AIS/Radar facilities.

Further Information

OpenStreetMap entry: https://www.openstreetmap.org/way/149837628; Tokyo Port Authority website (Japanese): https://www.kouwan.metro.tokyo.lg.jp/