Name and Location

The Wakkanai Lighthouse is located in Wakkanai, Hokkaido, Japan, situated on the northernmost tip of Honshu, the largest island of Japan.

Construction and History

Built in 1886 by the Japanese government, the Wakkanai Lighthouse was constructed to guide ships navigating through the treacherous waters of the Sea of Japan. Initially standing at an impressive height of 42.7 meters (140 feet) above sea level, it was one of the tallest lighthouses in Japan at the time.

Architecture and Materials

The lighthouse is a striking example of modern Japanese architecture, featuring a white tower with a red band near the top. Its unique design was intended to make it highly visible from afar, particularly during periods of poor visibility or heavy fog. The structure consists of a cylindrical tower with a lantern room at the top, which houses a powerful light source.

Light and Navigation

Standing at an impressive 42.7 meters (140 feet) above sea level, the Wakkanai Lighthouse has a range of approximately 25 kilometers (15.5 miles), providing vital guidance to mariners in the surrounding waters. The lighthouse plays a vital role in maritime navigation, serving as a crucial aid to navigation for ships traveling through the Sea of Japan.

Technical and Operational Details

The lighthouse's height above sea level is 42.7 meters (140 feet), with a range of approximately 25 kilometers (15.5 miles). Its unique design was intended to make it highly visible from afar, particularly during periods of poor visibility or heavy fog.

Further Information

Latitude: 45.4495021° N
Longitude: 141.6451775° E
Height (above sea level): 42.7 meters (140 feet)
Range: approximately 25 kilometers (15.5 miles)