Hateruma Island Beginner's Guide | Directions, Sightseeing, and Sample Courses

Japan's southernmost inhabited island " Hateruma Island "Featured!
The sea is incredibly clear or A starry sky Nature remains, such as Hateruma Island The charm of We will introduce it in a comprehensive and easy-to-understand manner.
From how to get there to recommended sightseeing spots, the best season, and a two-day, one-night itinerary We'll introduce everything up to now, so please take a look!
table of contents
- 1 What kind of island is Hateruma Island, a remote island in Okinawa?
- 2 Basic information about Hateruma Island (how to get there, when to go, and transportation)
- 3 5 Must-See Sightseeing Spots on Hateruma Island
- 4 A model itinerary for enjoying Hateruma Island sightseeing (1 night, 2 days)
- 5 Enjoy the spectacular scenery of nature on Hateruma Island
- 6 Feature articles recommended by the editorial department
What kind of island is Hateruma Island, a remote island in Okinawa?

Hateruma Island
teeth,
The southernmost inhabited island in Japan, belonging to the Yaeyama Islands
is.
This small island, about 15km in circumference, is dotted with red-tiled houses and rows of camphor trees, giving it a nostalgic feel.
Okinawa
The original landscape of the area spreads out before you.
The crystal clear sea and sparkling white sand beach are breathtakingly beautiful!
Furthermore, there are few street lights and the air is clear, so you can see many stars at night.
A rare place to observe the Southern Cross It is also known as the "Starry Sky Viewing Spot," and many people visit to enjoy the beautiful starry sky.
Accessible by high-speed boat from Ishigaki Island Therefore, remote islands Even if it's your first time traveling, you can rest assured!
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Basic information about Hateruma Island (how to get there, when to go, and transportation)
Hateruma Island Before you travel to How to get there, the best season, and transportation within the island There are probably many things that you are concerned about, such as:
To answer your questions, below Basic information about Hateruma Island We will introduce the following.
How do I get to Hateruma Island?

Hateruma Island
To access
The basic route is via Ishigaki Island
.
Ishigaki Island
of"
Euglena Ishigaki Port Remote Island Terminal
From there, board a high-speed boat operated by Anei Kanko to Hateruma Island.
There are three departures per day, and the journey time is approximately 1 hour to 1 hour and 30 minutes. (Depending on the type of ship).
Departing from Ishigaki | Departing from Hateruma |
---|---|
08:00 | 09:50 |
11:45 | 13:00 |
15:00 | 16:50 |
It is possible to make a day trip if you take the first ferry, but depending on the weather, the ferry may be canceled, so it's best to leave some leeway in your itinerary!
What is the best season to visit Hateruma Island?

Hateruma Island is The best time to visit varies depending on your purpose. .
season | Features |
---|---|
April to mid-May |
・The best season to see the Southern Cross ・There is no rainy season or typhoons, and the climate is stable. ・You can also enjoy playing in the sea |
July to August |
・Best season for marine activities ・As it overlaps with typhoon season, Pay attention to the weather and ship operation conditions |
november |
・The weather will calm down as typhoon season ends ・Some days it's a little chilly to swim in the sea, The weather is still enjoyable |
*Okinawa's rainy season is from early May to mid-June
*Typhoon season in Okinawa is from July to October
If you want to see the Southern Cross April to mid-May , If you want to enjoy the sea July to August , If you want to relax in a calm climate november is recommended!
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How do I get around Hateruma Island?

Hateruma Island There are no buses or taxis in We recommend renting a bicycle to get around .
For those who want to sightsee efficiently or who are concerned about slopes and heat,
Rental bikes
or
Car rental
There are also other options such as:
You can rent one around the port, so it's best to make a reservation in advance!
5 Must-See Sightseeing Spots on Hateruma Island
Thank you very much
Hateruma Island
If you visit, you'll want to make sure you fully enjoy its charm!
Below are some places that even first-time visitors can enjoy:
A popular spot on the island
We will introduce the following.
1. Nishihama Beach

The most famous tourist spot on Hateruma Island is "
Nishihama
"!
It has been ranked number one in Japan's best beach rankings.
Its beauty is guaranteed.
" Hateruma Blue The contrast between the crystal clear waters, known as "Shizuoka Bay," and the dazzling white sand is a spectacular sight that everyone should see at least once in their lifetime.
It is also the only beach on the island where you can swim.
Snorkeling
It's also perfect for enjoying the beach and swimming in the sea!
Facilities such as showers are also provided, so you can play in peace.
2. Court Mori

"
Coat Mori
"teeth,
A nationally designated historic site, it is one of the spots where you can feel the history of Hateruma Island.
.
This fire guardhouse was made from piled up Ryukyu limestone and is said to have been established during the Ryukyu Dynasty to monitor the traffic of ships.
The peak is about 4m high
.
It is located at an altitude of about 60m, so if you climb to the top you can get a panoramic view of the island.
!
On a clear day,
Iriomote Island
You can also see all the way to the top.
Hateruma Island
It is a spot where you can enjoy both nature and history.
3. Takanazaki, the southernmost monument in Japan

" indicates that it is the southernmost inhabited island in Japan.
Monument at the southernmost point of Japan
"teeth,
At the southern tip of Hateruma Island
Takanazaki
Located in
.
It is said to have been erected by students at their own expense to commemorate Okinawa's return to Japan in 1972.
Near the monument to the southernmost point of Japan, there is a sign that reads, Japan's Southernmost Peace Monument "," Hateruma Monument " There is also You can see a total of three monuments. .
The promenade leading to the Hateruma Monument is paved with stones collected from all over the country, and is filled with wishes for peace in the history of the island being once separated from Honshu.
4. Hateruma Island Lighthouse

"
Hateruma Island Lighthouse
"teeth,
Built in 1959 by the Ryukyu Government under American rule, this is a landmark of Hateruma Island.
!
Until the Okinotorishima Lighthouse was built in 2007, it was the southernmost lighthouse in Japan.
16m high lighthouse
There are sugarcane fields surrounding the area, and you can sometimes see goats.
The tranquil scenery is beautiful and recommended for those who want to relax.
is.
Its central location on the island makes it easily accessible by bicycle or on foot.
5. Pehama

Hateruma Island Located on the west side of Pehama "teeth, Relax in the calm atmosphere of the beautiful sea and sandy beach. A hidden beach is.
As swimming is prohibited at this beach, there are no showers or changing rooms.
Where you can find star sand It is also known as the "star sand" so you can have fun searching for star sand while walking along the beach!
A model itinerary for enjoying Hateruma Island sightseeing (1 night, 2 days)

Thank you very much
Hateruma Island
If you're visiting, you'll want to enjoy the sights efficiently!
In the following,
A two-day, one-night itinerary covering the popular tourist spots of Hateruma Island
We will introduce the following.
Time Zone | itinerary |
---|---|
8:00 | Depart by high-speed boat from Ishigaki Port (approximately 1-1.5 hours) |
9:30-10:00 | Arrive at Hateruma Port. Rent a bicycle or motorbike at the port. |
10:30 | Nishihama Beach Enjoy spectacular views and snorkeling at |
12:00 | Local gourmet lunch at a cafe or restaurant |
13:30 | " Southernmost monument Cycling tour to |
15:30 | Check in to the accommodation early |
17:30 | Move to the sunset spot ( Nishihama or Pehama etc.) |
19:00 | End the day with stargazing |
Time Zone | itinerary |
---|---|
8:00 | Breakfast at the inn |
9:00 | once again, Nishihama Stroll around the village and buy souvenirs |
11:00-12:00 | By ferry Ishigaki Island Return to |
Enjoy the spectacular scenery of nature on Hateruma Island

It is the southernmost inhabited island in Japan.
Hateruma Island
.
This is an island where you can have a special experience, where you will be captivated by the beautiful sea and starry sky as time passes at a leisurely pace.
Please use the tourist spots and access information introduced here as a reference and enjoy your sightseeing on Hateruma Island!
*The content of this article is current as of July 2025.
Featured image provided by:
PIXTA