Irisaki Lighthouse, Maritime navigation structure in Kubura, Yonaguni Island, Japan.
Irisaki Lighthouse is a white cylindrical structure standing on a rocky outcrop at Cape Irizaki, the westernmost point of Yonaguni Island. It reaches a focal height of 59 meters and emits light signals visible up to 38 kilometers across the ocean.
Japanese maritime authorities built this lighthouse in 1957 to improve navigation safety around the Ryukyu Archipelago in Okinawa Prefecture. Its construction addressed the need to guide the growing volume of ship traffic passing through these waters.
The lighthouse has served as a vital reference point for local fishing communities and international vessels since its establishment. It embodies the maritime heritage of the island and represents the connection between the island's people and the sea.
The lighthouse sits on a windswept rocky location that is best visited in clear weather when sea conditions are calm. Access requires caution on wet or slippery rocks and visits should be during daylight hours for safety.
The structure holds the British Admiralty number M4728 and serves as a navigation reference for ships traveling between Taiwan and Japan. This technical designation is part of the international maritime system and is recognized by seafarers worldwide.
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