Hateruma Island, the southernmost inhabited island of Japan, boasts the "Southernmost Point Monument" and the "Southernmost Point Peace Monument." It is also one of the few islands in Japan where you can still examine the Southern Cross constellation. A visit to this place bestows upon one the title of a seasoned traveler of the Yaeyama archipelago!
Covering a total area of 12.7 square kilometers, Hateruma Island reaches a top elevation of 59.5 meters above sea level and is home to about 600 inhabitants. Winter temperatures vary from 17°C to 23°C, while summertime temperatures leap between 27°C and 33°C.
Map of Hateruma Island
How to Get to Hatoruma Island
There are no direct flights from mainland Japan to Hateruma-jima, but you can travel by ferry (high-speed boat) or plane from Ishigaki Island.
By Ferry (High-Speed)
Anei Kanko Company operates the high-speed boat to Hateruma, which departs from Ishigaki Port Ritou Terminal three times daily and takes approximately 80 minutes to board.
| Departure from Ishigaki Island | Departure from Hateruma Island |
| 8:00 | 9:50 |
| 11:45 | 13:00 |
| 15:00 | 16:50 |
| Category | One Way | Round Trip |
| Adults (Junior high school students and above) | 4530 Japanese Yen | 8750 Japanese Yen |
| Children (Elementary school students) | 2270 Japanese Yen | 4390 Japanese Yen |
| Discount for Persons with Disabilities | 2960 Japanese Yen | 5920 Japanese Yen |
(*As of July 2024)
You can even take a day trip by plane! However, due to weather conditions, flights are often canceled, so we recommend you plan your itinerary wisely.
By Plane
The journey from New Ishigaki Airport to Hateruma Airport takes approximately 30 minutes. Starting in January 2024, the Hateruma Line flights operated by Daiichi Koku Kabushiki Kaisha will commence.
If you are concerned about seasickness, we recommend traveling by plane.
Transportation on Hateruma Island
Hateruma Island lacks nearby buses or taxis, restricting transportation alternatives. Because of these constraints, an efficient tour is essential, especially for those planning an afternoon trip.
Car Rental
For first-time traffic from Ishigaki Island to Hateruma Island, it's far really useful to lease a vehicle for efficient and unrestricted exploration of the island.
However, because of the limited variety of automobiles on the island, it is exceptional to make reservations earlier if you intend to use this provider.
The island's roads are nicely maintained, but site visitors' lighting fixtures are scarce, and there's a chance of encountering flora and fauna. Remember to drive competently!
Motorcycle Rental
Given the severe slopes on Hateruma Island, renting a motorcycle is usually recommended.
A 50cc bike is sufficient for solo riders; however, if you drive with a passenger, remember to rent a 90cc bike.
Bicycle Rental
For those confident in their bodily abilities, we additionally suggest renting bicycles. Even while cycling, you could, without difficulty, spend a whole day exploring the whole island.
Electric bicycles are available for rent; however, due to confined quantities, reservations are necessary if you want to hire an electric bicycle.
Hikaruma Island Recommended Attractions
ニシ浜 (NISHIHAMA)
- The seashore at the northern aspect of the island,
- Nishi-Hama is famous for being one of the most beautiful seashores inside the Yaeyama Islands.
- In the Okinawan language, "north" is said as "nishi," and for this reason, they call it "Nishi-hama."
- Nishi-Hama is well-known for its crystal-clean, colorful waters, about 1 kilometer of white sandy seaside, and mild waves.
- The cobalt blue sea contrasts sharply with the natural white sand, creating a panoramic sight that is absolutely enchanting.
- There are also shower centers available, ensuring site visitors can enjoy their time with peace of mind.
- Hateruma Island is surrounded by way of the ocean on all sides, but the simplest swim-friendly spot is Nishi-hama.
コート盛 (Court Mori)
- Court Mori is located near the significant village on the island.
- This remark deck is shaped spirally through the buildup of coral stones.
- During the Ryukyu Dynasty technology, this website was a fireplace lookout station tasked with tracking suspicious vessels.
- In case of any incidents, a signal might be hung on the garments board to document any unusual situations quickly.
- Currently, it serves as a lookout point, offering views of the island's sugarcane fields, the sea, and the distant Iriomote Island.
- It is a treasured visitor appeal where one can gain insights into the records of the Ryukyu Dynasty.
波照間島灯台 (Hateruma Island Lighthouse)
- The lighthouse on Hateruma Island is stated to be the southernmost lighthouse in Japan until a lighthouse was built on Chichijima inside the Ogasawara Islands in 2007.
- Lighthouses are normally located at sea corners or along the coast, but the Hateruma Island lighthouse is situated nearly at the island's centre, apparently overseeing the encompassing villages properly.
- One may want to say that this lighthouse, precise to the pretty low-mendacity Hateruma Island, sticks out.
- It is a beautiful white lighthouse, sixteen meters tall, with an imposing exterior. Surrounded only by fields, it stands quietly, exuding a fashionable ambiance.
波照間島星空観測タワー (Hateruma Observatory)
- The appeal of Hateruma Island lies inside the nighttime sky filled with endless stars.
- Once you witness the starry sky, you may understand why it's often called the "island closest to the celebrities."
- The Hateruma Island Starry Sky Observation Tower is located on the southeast side of the island, surrounded by no private residences or streetlights. Positioned at the coastline, supplying views of the horizon, it's far a splendid spot for astronomical observation.
- Weather permitting, you can possibly view the Southern Cross from the statement tower from late April to mid-June.
日本最南端の碑・高那崎 (Japan's Southernmost Point Monument.)
- The southernmost monument in Japan is Takasaki, on the island's southern side. It was erected in 1972 before Okinawa returned to Japan.
- Two entwined snakes represent the desire to never again be separated by warfare. In addition to this monument, there is also the Hateruma Monument and the Peace Monument.
- Takasaki is placed immediately opposite the northern seaside and boasts steep cliffs that provide a striking and brilliant view of the turbulent waves and towering white crests compared to the northern shore.
ぺー浜 (Pay Beach)
- Pay Beach is located further south of Nishi-hama.
- Here, you will find white sandy beaches offering scenery as beautiful as Nishi-hama.
- Compared to Nishi-Hama, Peehama tends to have fewer visitors, making it ideal for leisurely and peaceful strolls.
- Delicate and easily breakable star sand is said to be readily found on Pay Beach, which is highly popular among White Beach tourists. Let us wander through the starry sand in search of it; the discovery will surely delight us. However, due to strong currents, swimming is prohibited at Pay Beach.
Hikaruma Island Recommended Activities
Scuba Diving
The water readability stays above 30 meters for the duration of the year, allowing for the leisure of diving almost year-round, except at some stage in typhoon season and the peak of wintry weather. Once you descend into the cerulean blue sea of Hateruma Island, you may be captivated by its splendor. The northwest side of the island is distinctly tranquil, making it available even for beginners, offering attractions of white sandy beaches, coral reefs, and a plethora of colourful tropical fish.
In evaluation, the japanese aspect of the island features faster water currents, extra suitable for intermediate to advanced swimmers. Hateruma Island is home to several diving shops, along with Atlas Hateruma. Consequently, it's far advisable to make reservations in advance.
Snorkelling
The crystal-clear waters of Hateruma Island allow for an exquisite snorkelling experience. Nishi-hama Beach is the only spot on the island where swimming is permitted, and its calm waves and shallow waters make it ideal for snorkeling. However, there is a risk of injury from coral collisions, so it is essential to wear long-sleeved wetsuits and reef shoes while swimming or snorkelling.
Hikaruma Island Recommended Delicacy
居酒屋あがん (Agan)
"Akan" brings together the specific delicacies of Hateruma Island.
It features a unique menu distinct from the island, together with the traditional Yaeyama soba, bitter melon champuru, and Asa's Anson sauce fried rice.
Here, you can also enjoy the scrumptious local awamori "Awanami (泡波)."
This cosy eating place no longer attracts only the best tourists but also locals, allowing anybody to experience awamori and remarkable cuisine collectively.
泡盛「泡波」(Hateruma Shuzosho)
It is said that Awanami is a legendary sake.
It is exclusively produced at the Hateruma Sake Brewery, the southernmost sake brewery in Japan.
Awanami is handcrafted, with limited production and scarce distribution outside the island, earning it the moniker of "phantom sake." Made with underground water from Hateruma Island, this awamori has a rich and smooth flavour, making it highly sought after.
Awanami is quite rare, so if you find one, we recommend acquiring it as a souvenir.
黒蜜 (Brown sugar)
Brown sugar is one of the specialities of Hateruma Island.
Made from the island's sugarcane, this red sugar is not only sweet but also slightly bitter and mature in flavour.
Rich in minerals, it is acclaimed as premium brown sugar.
Crafted meticulously from 100% red sugar produced on Hateruma Island, brown sugar has versatile uses. Whether poured over yoghurt or used as a secret ingredient in stews, it is an excellent souvenir.
