List of recommended places to visit and things to do in Hateruma Island!
Table of Contents
- 1 What is Hateruma Island?
- 2 Attractions of Hateruma Island
- 3 How to get to Hateruma Island from Ishigaki Island
- 4 How to get around the island
- 5 Popular Hateruma Island 10 Recommended Sightseeing Spots
- 6 Recommended Activities on Hateruma Island
- 7 3 gourmet restaurants on Hateruma Island
- 8 3 lodging options on Hateruma Island
- 9 summary
What is Hateruma Island?
The beautiful sea and star-filled skysouthernmost (tip, extremity, etc.) of JapanHateruma Island" is an island of the "Hateruma Island". It is said that the name of Hateruma Island comes from "the coral at the end of the sea (Uruma).
Those who want to spend a quiet time in Okinawa.
◆If you are looking for a remote island that can be reached from Ishigaki Island
◆If you are looking for activities on Hateruma Island
How to get to Hateruma Island, how to play, and recommended spots!
Popular on Hateruma Island!
Click here for activity tours
Attractions of Hateruma Island
Hateruma Island has beautiful sea surrounded by coral reefs and many constellationsStar IslandIt is also known as "Hateruma Blue" for its overwhelming beauty.
The beach, which is the most popular among travelers in the Yaeyama Islands, offers a spectacular view of clear blue, and at night you can enjoy a natural planetarium where the night sky is filled with stars.
◆Acoustic island time and warm local people
◆Spectacular views that can only be experienced on Japan's southernmost island.
◆One of the best starry sky spots in JapanSouthern Cross visible in
◆A sense of seclusion with rich nature and unspoiled scenery
How to get to Hateruma Island from Ishigaki Island
There are no direct flights from Honshu to Hateruma Island,Access via Ishigaki IslandThe first time you go to Ishigaki Island, you will be on a ferry (high speed boat) or an airplane. From Ishigaki Island, you can take a ferry (high speed boat) or an airplane.
We will explain each way of getting there in detail, so please consider the best way according to your budget and schedule.â
ferry
The ferry from Ishigaki Island to Hateruma Island is,Ishigakijima Port TerminalThe service is operated from
However, due to sea conditions, many voyages are cancelled, especially in winter, so advance confirmation is required.
Number of flights: 2 per day
Amount: Adult one-way 4,070 yen~/person
Reservation method: An-ei Kanko HP
*Please check our website for the latest information.
⬇︎ for details on ferry to Hateruma Island.
airplane
Starting January 22, 2024, Daiichi Airlines has opened a route between Ishigaki Airport and Hateruma Airport.
The time required is about 30 minutesSo if you are traveling for a short period of time, we recommend this option!
Number of flights: 1 flight per day
Amount: Adult one-way 14,000 yen/person
Reservations: by phone, at the reception counter, or online
*Please check our website for the latest information.
How to get around the island
If you have reserved lodging, they will pick you up according to your arrival time at the port.
Bicycle and motorcycle rentalsto use the bus, ask the staff at the store waiting at the port! There is also a microbus that goes to the village and the southernmost monument in Japan.
These days, it's a great way to get around the island.Electric Kickboardis also attracting attention! The appeal of this system is that it allows you to easily and quickly move to places that are a little too far to walk.
Since it is foldable, you can bring the electric kickboard you rented in Ishigaki Island to Hateruma Island for use.
⬇︎ to reserve an electric kickboard rental.
Popular on Hateruma Island
10 recommended sightseeing spots
Hateruma Island is beautiful with its picture-perfect clear waters and white sandy beaches. Here we introduce a selection of popular sightseeing spots that you should definitely visit when you visit the island.
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Pure white powderySandy beach stretches for about 1.5 kmNishi Beach. The sea, with its multiple layers of shades of blue, is breathtakingly beautiful.
Take pictures, take a walk, and enjoy the view of the ocean.
Access: 15 min. walk from Hateruma Port
courtesan
Located close to the island's central village, "Courtemori" is a gazebo made of coral stones piled up in a spiral shape.
It was used as a watchtower for ships during the Ryukyu Dynasty, and is now an observatory with a spectacular view of the sugar cane fields, the ocean, and Iriomote Island in the distance.
Access: 15 min. walk from Hateruma Port
Sokina Tameike Observatory
Source:knowledge gained (information acquired) from various sources
A new observatory built right next to an agricultural reservoir, its flat surroundings allow visitors to enjoy a 360-degree panoramic view.
The view of the stars at night is also beautiful, but it is dark at night, so be sure to check the location beforehand.
From the entrance of the circular road, follow the signs around to the ocean side to reach the observation deck.
Access: 10 minutes by car from Hateruma Port
Coral Beach (Urapina)
Source:knowledge gained (information acquired) from various sources
The beach is located at the end of a dead-end road, down a causeway to the ocean side, and is formed by the accumulation of many corals.
A secret place with a gradient sea. Swimming is prohibited.
Access: 10 minutes by car from Hateruma Port
Takanazaki (Japan's southernmost monument)
You can enjoy the spectacular view of the blue ocean in front of you. The "Southernmost Monument of Japan" was built in 1975 as a prayer for peace.
From the sheer cliffs that stretch for about 1 km.The view is spectacular.However, the rough waves crashing against the shore are enough to make one's feet sink, so those who are afraid of heights may be a little scared...!
Access: 15 minutes by car from Hateruma Port
Hateruma Island Starry Sky Observation Tower
Japan's southernmost public observatoryA retractable astronomical dome with a 200-meter refracting telescope allows observation of lunar craters and other features.
On the roof of the tower, visitors can listen to the director's commentary on the starry sky. Astronomy fans from all over the country visit the tower to listen to the starry sky guide and observe stars through telescopes.
Access: 15 minutes by car from Hateruma Port
Hamasitan community
Hamashitan (Mizugampi), an evergreen shrub said to be 100 years old, grows in clusters covering the rocks on the beach.
The contrast with the ocean is spectacular! From here, a 5-minute walk along the coast to Kitagawa will take you to Paehama, a hole-in-the-wall beach.
Access: 10 minutes by car from Hateruma Port
Hateruma Lighthouse
Source:Lighthouse-JAPAN
Until a lighthouse was built on Okinoshima Island in the Ogasawara Islands in 2007, Hateruma Island Lighthouse was considered the southernmost lighthouse in Japan.
Lighthouses are usually located on capes or along the coast, but the Hateruma Island Lighthouse is located almost in the center of the island. The beautiful 16-meter-high white lighthouse towers over the surrounding villages.
Access: 10 minutes by car from Hateruma Port
Pembichi Beach
A quiet beach in the southern part of the island. Swimming is prohibited due to the fast currents and deep water.
Enjoy beachcombing and gazing at the horizon. The clarity of the ocean and the beautiful gradation of blue that stretches all the way to the shore is a spectacular sight that must be seen to be believed.
Access: 10 minutes by car from Hateruma Port
Phe beach
Pae Beach is a hole-in-the-wall beach on Hateruma Island. Nishi Beach is the most popular beach on Hateruma Island and is crowded during the hot season.
On the other hand, La Pei beach is not so crowded even during the hot season.Private BeachYou will experience an atmosphere like
The area is also home to a large number of coral and tropical fish, making snorkeling an enjoyable experience.
Access: 20 minutes on foot from Hateruma Port
Recommended Activities on Hateruma Island
Hateruma Island is popular as a tourist destination where you can spend a relaxing time, but in fact, there are also a variety of activities that allow you to feel nature with your whole body.
Here are some attractive activities unique to Hateruma Island that will refresh your mind and body in the midst of magnificent nature♪
Hateruma Island One-Day Sightseeing Bus Tour
You can efficiently tour the must-see sights of Hateruma Island,Guided microbus tours around the city!
You may also be able to listen to the in-depth knowledge and interesting episodes of the local staff♪ You can enjoy the sights while touring the island at a leisurely pace.
This tour is also recommended in summer, when you can travel comfortably in a cool bus!
⬇︎ for more information on sightseeing bus tours.
snorkeling
Snorkeling, which can be easily enjoyed from beaches such as Nishi Beach, is a popular activity to enjoy the charm of Hateruma Island.
Because of the shallow water,Enjoy swimming with beginners and childrenFree showers are also available, so feel free to use them.
starry sky observation
Hateruma Island is famous for its beautiful starry sky, which is said to be the best in Japan! The island has the lowest latitude among the Yaeyama Islands and has the least light pollution, making it suitable for star observing.
On the island.Stargazing TowerA guided tour of the starry sky will be held after sunset. It is a moving experience to be able to observe countless stars shining in the clear night sky with expert commentary.
⬇︎ Read the article at ⬇︎
3 gourmet restaurants on Hateruma Island
After a day of sightseeing, you must try the gourmet food of Hateruma Island! We have compiled a list of the best restaurants on Hateruma Island, so please take a look at it for reference.
red-banded sand wasp (Ammophila sabulosa)
Izakaya Agan is the southernmost izakaya in Japan and is crowded with tourists and locals every day. The sight of Awamori bottles lined up in rows throughout the restaurant is a sight to behold!
The menu offers a wide variety of dishes using island ingredients, local cuisine, and creative dishes.
Access: 15 minutes by bicycle from Hateruma Port
Closed: To be confirmed
parlor minpika
Parlor Minpika is a relatively new parlor that opened in 2005. It is located next to the souvenir shop "Mompa no Ki".
Since it is located near Nishi Beach, a popular beach on Hateruma Island, it is a good place to come for shaved ice after enjoying swimming♪
Access: 10 minutes by bicycle from Hateruma Port
Closed: Thursday
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Ayahuami not only offers island cuisine, but also dyes and weaves using island materials.
It is a store rich in commitment to traditional rituals and old-fashioned island songs and culture.
Access: 5 minutes by bicycle from Hateruma Port
Closed: No regular holidays
3 lodging options on Hateruma Island
Hateruma Island has many charming inns that offer warm hospitality and cuisine using fresh local ingredients.
In particular, in order to enjoy star gazing to your heart's content, which is one of the main attractions of Hateruma Island, you must stay overnight! It is recommended that you check out places to stay as early as possible.
Southernmost Pension
Pension Saiban is the perfect place to enjoy your stay on Hateruma Island.
The very popular Nishi beach spreads out in front of you, and you can access the ocean at any time. After enjoying a swim in the ocean, you can take a quick shower and relax in your room.
At dinner time, you can enjoy a main dish and fresh sashimi for a unique island dining experience.
Room rates: from 8,500 yen per adult per night with half board
Hotel Oceans
The only hotel on Hateruma Island, Oceans is an attractive place to stay with excellent facilities and cleanliness.
All guest rooms are equipped with wireless LAN and amenities that support a comfortable stay, such as bath and toilet, air conditioner, and TV.
The beach is a short distance away, but the hotel offers bicycles, electric bicycles, bike rentals, and car rentals for easy access!
Access: Free shuttle service from the port
Hakkana Ryokan
Hakkana Ryokan, a secluded ryokan that opened in September 2013, offers a clean interior and hospitality.
While the inn has a homey atmosphere with only three 8-mat Japanese-style rooms, it is popular for its exquisite cuisine prepared by a former sushi chef from Tsukiji. Early reservations are recommended!
Rates: From 9,500 yen per night with 2 meals
summary
Hateruma Island may not be an easy place to visit due to limited accessibility, but if you have the time and timing, it is definitely worth a visit.
The beautiful beach "Nishi Beach," which is called the best in Japan, and the star-filled sky will give you an unforgettable impression that will last a lifetime!
