Japanese map symbol for a high tower

An open lattice tower in elevation.

Also known as: Koto mark, Landmark tower mark

In Japanese:: 高塔
In Japanese (Latin):: kōtō

Maps & navigationStandard profile

Meanings

Denotes a conspicuous tall structure on a Japanese topographic map, used as a landmark for orientation.

Officially standardisedVerified fact
Marks a conspicuous tall structure on a GSI topographic sheet.
Contexts: Maps
Officially standardisedVerified fact
Exists for orientation rather than for land use: the symbol records that something is visible from a distance, which is a navigational fact rather than a functional one.
Contexts: Maps

Visual description

A narrow tapering outline crossed by short horizontal bars, reading as an open steel tower.

Symmetry: none
Orientation: upright

Confidence

IdentityModerate confidence: Moderate confidence because the identity is documented in encyclopedic references, but only a single source has been found so far.
Historical originLow confidence: Low confidence because the historical origin is documented in encyclopedic references, but only a single source has been found so far, but early or supporting evidence is limited, but the regional or cultural match to this specific claim is not precise.
Current useModerate confidence: Moderate confidence because the current use is documented in encyclopedic references, but only a single source has been found so far.
Visual matchModerate confidence: Moderate confidence because the visual match is documented in encyclopedic references, but only a single source has been found so far.

Sources

Map symbols used on Japanese topographic maps
Geospatial Information Authority of Japan (GSI) · retrieved 2026-08-23
Japan's national mapping agency's own published legend. Cited for the form and meaning of a symbol on Japanese topographic maps; the historical origin of individual symbols is cited separately where claimed.

Last reviewed 2026-08-26

Part of

Japanese topographic map symbols

Help improve this page

Meanings

Denotes a conspicuous tall structure on a Japanese topographic map, used as a landmark for orientation.

Officially standardisedVerified fact

Marks a conspicuous tall structure on a GSI topographic sheet.

Contexts: Maps

Officially standardisedVerified fact

Exists for orientation rather than for land use: the symbol records that something is visible from a distance, which is a navigational fact rather than a functional one.

Contexts: Maps

Confidence

IdentityModerate confidence: Moderate confidence because the identity is documented in encyclopedic references, but only a single source has been found so far.
Historical originLow confidence: Low confidence because the historical origin is documented in encyclopedic references, but only a single source has been found so far, but early or supporting evidence is limited, but the regional or cultural match to this specific claim is not precise.
Current useModerate confidence: Moderate confidence because the current use is documented in encyclopedic references, but only a single source has been found so far.
Visual matchModerate confidence: Moderate confidence because the visual match is documented in encyclopedic references, but only a single source has been found so far.

Sources

Map symbols used on Japanese topographic maps
Geospatial Information Authority of Japan (GSI) · retrieved 2026-08-23
Japan's national mapping agency's own published legend. Cited for the form and meaning of a symbol on Japanese topographic maps; the historical origin of individual symbols is cited separately where claimed.

Last reviewed 2026-08-26