Just as there is a "farthest island" in Hokkaido, there must naturally be a "farthest island" in the south as well.
Hateruma Island is the southernmost inhabited island, truly the most remote inhabited place.
So, what exactly is Hateruma Island, the southernmost island? You're curious, aren't you?
So, this time, I'd like to introduce all the tourist spots on Hateruma Island.
What can you see and what kind of place is it when you seek out the farthest reaches?
Let's take a look at the main attractions, including what kind of food is available.
We would also like to introduce some model itineraries that show you how to get to Hateruma Island and what to do there.
Please try it for reference.
1. Let's take a look at the charm of Hateruma Island through photos!
2. Access to Hateruma Island and transportation within the island
3. Tourist attractions on Hateruma Island
3-1. Kitahama
3-2. Court Mori
3-3. Hateruma Island Lighthouse
3-4. Stargazing Center
3-5. Monument at Japan's Southernmost Point
4. Recommended restaurants on Hateruma Island
4-1. The best in Yaeyama! You have to try Yaeyama soba!
4-2. ○○ Ice Cream at Nakasoko Shoten!?
5. Recommended accommodations on Hateruma Island
5-1. Urizun House
5-2. The Southernmost Pension
6. Bonus Episode ~If you want to enjoy Hateruma-style Yuntaku (community gathering), this is the place! "Minshuku Tamashiro"~
7. Recommended itinerary for those visiting Hateruma Island on a day trip
8. Things to be aware of when going to Hateruma Island
Summary
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1. Let's take a look at the charm of Hateruma Island through photos!
Hateruma Island is said to be the southernmost island in Japan and the closest island to the starry sky.
The Southern Cross is visible under excellent conditions. Many people visit solely for stargazing, and the glittering starry sky is so beautiful that it seems you could reach out and touch it.
Takana Cape on Hateruma Island is a sheer cliff face that stretches out right next to the stargazing tower.
The breathtakingly beautiful sea transforms into a turbulent expanse of white waves, crashing against the rocks as if to shatter them, creating a truly awe-inspiring sight.
The wind is strong, so it's dangerous to look straight down.
Hateruma Island boasts Nishihama Beach, said to be the most beautiful beach in the Yaeyama Islands.
The sea is so blue it seems you could be sucked into it, and just gazing at it makes you feel happy.
The slow pace of time and the space where you don't have to do anything transform into the "luxury time" you've longed for in your busy daily life.
This is Japan's southernmost police station. Just saying "southernmost" makes everything seem special.
Even the manhole covers are stylish. Pay attention to the details right under your feet.
2. Access to Hateruma Island and transportation within the island
The only way to get to Hateruma Island is by boat.
Departure will be from Ishigaki Port Ferry Terminal, the gateway to the Yaeyama Islands.
Therefore, you will need to find some way to get from New Ishigaki Airport to the remote island terminal.
The distance is about 15km. Therefore, the most convenient option is the route bus operated by Higashi Transport.
Although it's divided into two routes, Route 4 and Route 10, I recommend Route 10.
It's very convenient as it goes right in front of the Ishigaki Port Ferry Terminal.
Please note that the final stop is "Bus Terminal," so be sure not to make a mistake. *Route 4 does not go to the terminal.
Upon arriving at the remote island terminal, there are three ferry companies that offer services to the Yaeyama Islands, but only one of them operates a route to Hateruma Island.
Reservations must be made through An'ei Kanko. (Advance reservations are also possible.)
An'ei Kanko operates high-speed ferry services four times a day in the summer and three times a day in the winter. The journey takes approximately 60 to 70 minutes.
Please note that high-speed ferry services may be cancelled due to strong winds, high waves, or typhoons.
In that case, one option is to board the cargo-passenger ferry "Ferry Teruma."
This is a passenger and cargo ship, so it has a capacity of 52 people and about 40 seats, and reservations are not possible as it is first-come, first-served until capacity is reached.
Every Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday, as well as the second and fourth Fridays of the month, the ferry departs from Ishigaki Port at 9:00 AM and takes approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes to reach Hateruma Island.
Details regarding each fee will be listed below.
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Transportation options after arriving on Hateruma Island
Upon arrival on Hateruma Island, the owners of your pre-booked accommodation will pick you up in a shuttle vehicle. *If you plan to stay overnight, be sure to contact them before leaving Ishigaki Island.
Many accommodations offer bicycle and motorbike rentals, so it's easier to rent them from your accommodation.
Since there are no public buses or taxis on the island, the only means of transportation are bicycles and motorbikes.
However, there are some fairly steep sections, so I recommend renting a motorbike.
On the way back to Nishihama, for example, there are many winding uphill roads, so you'll definitely be glad you're on a motorcycle!
The advantages of cycling are that it's inexpensive and allows you to explore at a slow pace, in line with the relaxed island atmosphere.
If you want to enjoy the scenery at a leisurely pace, cycling might be a good option.
<An'ei Kanko - Service Information>
~High-speed ferry~
Departures from Ishigaki Island: 8:00, 11:45, 14:30
Departures from Hateruma Island: 9:50 AM, 13:15 PM, 16:20 PM
*During peak seasons, the schedule may be changed or additional services may be added.
*Please note that the 11:45 departure from Ishigaki Port and the 13:15 departure from Hateruma Port may be routed via Ohara Port on Iriomote Island.
Travel time: Large ship (Paijima 2) approximately 90 minutes
Travel time: Approximately 60-70 minutes by small high-speed ferry (approximately 80 minutes via Ohara Port)
Price:
(Adult) One-way: 3,610 yen - (Round trip): 6,910 yen
(Child) One-way: 1,810 yen - (Round trip): 3,470 yen
reference:An'ei Kanko Timetable & Fare List
~There are also tours from Ishigaki Island to Hateruma Island~
◦ Includes pick-up and drop-off service from various hotels in Ishigaki Island.
◦Includes round-trip ferry fare
◦ There are also plans that include island activities and lunch.
・Ishigaki Island to Hateruma Island Cycling Course Plan ￥8,300
・Bus tour departing from Ishigaki Island (lunch included) ￥14,000
・Ishigaki Island Departure: Hateruma Island and the Hidden Iriomote Island Sightseeing Tour (Lunch Included) ￥19,800
~Passenger and cargo ship Ferry Teruma~
Departing from Ishigaki Island at 9:00 AM. Travel time approximately 120 minutes.
Departure from Hateruma Island at 14:00
Operating days: Every Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday, and the 2nd and 4th Friday of each month.
Price:
(Adult) One-way fare: 2,030 yen -
(Child) One-way fare: 1,020 yen -
Cargo charges: Bicycle - 630 yen, Moped - 1,250 yen, Motorcycle - 1,570 yen
URL:https://aneikankou.co.jp/timetable/carferry
3. Tourist attractions on Hateruma Island
3-1. Kitahama (Nishihama) / Pemuchi Beach
This beach, written as "Kitahama" but pronounced "Nishihama," has a mysterious name, and there's a reason for it.
That's because in the Okinawan dialect, "nishi" means "north."
It's just a local dialect name, but it's still a beach located on the north side, just as the name suggests.
Nishihama is said to be one of the finest beaches in the Yaeyama Islands, with crystal-clear waters and calm waves, making it ideal for swimming.
As it's the only place on Hateruma Island where you can swim, it also has facilities like showers!
So where is the southernmost beach? (Continued below.)
Pemuchi Beach is located beneath the monument marking Japan's southernmost point, and is, believe it or not, the southernmost beach in Japan.
The southernmost beach is located on the south side, and due to the tides and other factors, the waves are rough, so swimming is prohibited.
Please enjoy beachcombing and other activities barefoot without swimming!
3-2. Court Mori
A "coat-mori" is an observation deck made by stacking coral stones in a spiral pattern.
Because Hateruma Island has a low elevation, structures as tall as 4 meters were built next to the village office (what we would call a government office today).
These structures, believed to have been built throughout the Yaeyama Islands around the mid-17th century, were intended to quickly report any suspicious vessels or other vessels passing by using beacon fires.
It remains an indispensable tourist spot on Hateruma Island, and from the top you can enjoy a panoramic view of the horizon, sugarcane fields, and Iriomote Island.
3-3. Hateruma Island Lighthouse
Hateruma Island Lighthouse was once known as the southernmost lighthouse in Japan, but that is now a thing of the past.
Since the construction of the Okinoshima Lighthouse on Okinoshima Island in the Ogasawara Islands in 2007, it has lost its status as the "southernmost point" and now quietly ages by.
While lighthouses are usually located along the coast, the Hateruma Island Lighthouse is situated inland, standing as if watching over the village.
The lighthouse is located on a small hill within the village, so be sure to stop by during your trip!
3-4. Stargazing Tower
If you're coming to Hateruma Island, you absolutely must visit the stargazing tower.
This island is known as "the island closest to the starry sky" and is an ideal place to observe the Southern Cross.
The retractable astronomical dome on the rooftop is magnificent, and it houses a 200mm refracting telescope, allowing you to observe celestial objects with a telescope that is far beyond the reach of most amateurs.
Additionally, the museum offers a "Starry Sky Guide" program where visitors can enjoy gazing at the night sky while listening to stories about the stars.
There is also a資料室 (archive room) on the second floor, so even day visitors can have a simulated experience of the stars around Hateruma Island.
Let's take a peek through a telescope under a sky full of countless stars.
This will be a precious experience that you can never have in the city center!
<Spot Information: Stargazing Tower>
Address: 9305-1 Hateruma, Yaeyama-gun, Okinawa Prefecture
Phone: 0980-85-8112
Hours:
(Daytime) 10:00-12:00 (Lunch break from 12:00)・13:00-17:00
（夜間）20：00～22：00※4月～10月（夏時間）・19：00～21：00※ 11月～3月（冬時間）
Closed on Mondays. Admission fee: Adults 400 yen, Children 200 yen.
URL:https://painusima.com/1009/
3-5. Monument at Japan's Southernmost Point
The monument marking Japan's southernmost point is located on Takana Beach, on the southern side of the island.
Beyond that lies the Philippine Islands, a place where you can truly feel connected to the world.
This monument was erected in 1972 to commemorate the return to Japan, and you can also see the southernmost peace monument in Japan at the same time.
Stones collected from all 47 prefectures of Japan are scattered throughout the artwork, arranged to resemble two meandering snakes intertwined.
This apparently expresses a heartfelt wish that "war will not separate us from the mainland."
Japan is a country that strongly desires peace, and we hope that this beautiful scenery will continue to be preserved without any incidents.
☆We also recommend our Yaeyama Islands sightseeing tour departing from Ishigaki Island☆
4. Recommended restaurants on Hateruma Island
4-1. The best in Yaeyama! You have to try Yaeyama soba!
*Please note that this Umihatake (Eeno) restaurant is currently closed.
Eno is a hidden gem known only to those in the know.
The shop, located inside the Hateruma Passenger Terminal, has a rather small counter, but it's always packed with tourists.
While the toppings and flavors of Yaeyama soba vary from restaurant to restaurant, the soba at this restaurant has a rich broth and a distinctive, delicious salty taste.
Also, "Coconut Crab Soba" will be available as a special menu item for a limited time from July to September.
This product is a collaboration with Yaeyama soba, using every part of the coconut crab, one of Okinawa's three great delicacies, from the broth to the toppings.
Reservations are required here, so if you'd like to eat here, please inquire beforehand.
Another major highlight is the opportunity to enjoy "Awamori," a rare and legendary sake that is difficult to obtain, by the glass.
It pairs perfectly with soba noodles, so please try them together!
<Spot Information: Umihata (Eno)>
Address: 6523 Hateruma, Taketomi-cho, Yaeyama-gun, Okinawa Prefecture (Inside Hateruma Island Passenger Terminal)
Phone: 0980-85-8325
Opening hours: 10: 30 to 20: 00
Closed: Monday
4-2. ○○ Ice Cream at Nakasoko Shoten!?
Nakazoko Shoten is currently closed.
This shop has a rather stylish exterior for Hateruma Island, and inside it sells miscellaneous goods, drinks, and other items.
However, there is something you can only eat here: Awamori ice cream.
It's a standing-only cafe, and they offer island liquor ice cream made with the legendary sake "Awanami" and Mariya milk from Ishigaki Island, as well as ice cream mixed with brown sugar from Hateruma Island.
They offer a wide variety of flavors, including "Akabana," a rare hibiscus sherbet, and "Mango" and "Shikuwasa," both bursting with fruit juice.
What's amazing is that everything is handmade by the shop owner.
The above menu items change daily, so please give them a try!
Please note that photography is prohibited inside the store. *Photography is allowed outside!
<Spot Information: Nakasoko Shoten>
Address: 85 Hateruma, Taketomi Town
Phone: 0980-85-8310
Business hours: 10:00-13:00, 16:00-18:00
Closed holiday: irregular holiday
Price: Island liquor ice cream from 350 yen
5. Recommended accommodations on Hateruma Island
5-1. Urizun House
*Image provided by:seetabi
A lovely guesthouse in the style of an old Ryukyuan house, retaining the atmosphere of the Ryukyu Islands. It has a renovated main building and an annex, and self-catering is possible.
If you prefer to cook your own meals, there is a "self-catering building" available, which is spacious and convenient, so you can use that.
Both the main house, separated by sliding doors, and the annex are very clean and beautiful!
The annex, in particular, is highly recommended for those planning a long-term stay.
Furthermore, there is Wi-Fi available, so you can also do some basic computer work.
It's incredibly convenient to be able to comfortably write blogs and gather information while still being on location!
*Image provided by:seetabi
What's most enjoyable about these casual get-togethers is the atmosphere where people naturally gather, without any pressure.
We were able to laugh hysterically with the innkeeper and his wife, and hear stories about the island.
The Yuntaku (communication) on Hateruma Island will be a memory you'll cherish forever!
Another great feature is that you can rent bicycles and mopeds.
You can rent it at a much cheaper price than other places.
Hateruma Island also has children's helmets available, which are rarely found elsewhere, so it's great news for families with young children!
This guesthouse offers thoughtful touches that convey genuine warmth and care.
If you want to have a great time with the locals of Hateruma Island and other travelers, this is definitely the place to stay! I highly recommend it, so please give it a try.
This hotel is so popular that it's difficult to book during peak season, so please book early!
<Spot Information: Urizun-ya>
Address: 3115 Hateruma, Taketomi-cho, Yaeyama-gun, Okinawa Prefecture
Phone: 0980-85-8377
Accommodation rates: Main building - 2,500 yen per person; Annex - 3,000 yen per person (for room-only stays)
5-2. The Southernmost Pension
This guesthouse is truly the southernmost inn, offering stunning views of Nishihama beach.
The beach is right outside your room, making it an extremely convenient location for those who plan to focus on enjoying the sea.
After a day of fun, you'll want to take a shower! But the showers on the beach are crowded... In that case, there's no more convenient location than this, as you'll be right back at your accommodation.
The terrace is furnished with chairs, so you can lean back, gaze at the sea, cool off, and feel the breeze. You can enjoy a comfortable resort life.
Furthermore, the meals were also excellent; dinner consisted of two main dishes and sashimi, followed by a casual get-together at the guesthouse.
At the owner-hosted drinking parties, awamori and other drinks are free and all-you-can-drink. All the guests gather around a circle and drink together, and the owner's thoughtfulness is exceptional.
The contrast between the deep blue sea and the pure white buildings creates an atmosphere unlike anything you'd expect in Japan. If you want to experience a resort-like atmosphere and enjoy casual conversation while still on Hateruma Island, this is the place for you.
<Spot Information: Southernmost Pension>
Address: 886-1 Hateruma, Taketomi-cho, Yaeyama-gun, Okinawa Prefecture
Phone: 0980-85-8686
Accommodation fee: From 8,500 yen per adult per night, including two meals.
6. Bonus Episode ~If you want to enjoy Hateruma-style Yuntaku (community gathering), this is the place! "Minshuku Tamashiro"~
Tamashiro is a popular spot, for better or for worse, where regular customers often gather.
If you want to enjoy a meal so large you can't finish it all, and have a chat while sipping Awamori (Okinawan liquor) under the flickering light of bare light bulbs, this is definitely the place!
Yuntaku is a gathering where travelers staying at an inn and the innkeeper share drinks together. If you'd like to participate in a yuntaku on Hateruma Island, where you can see the Southern Cross, as it's one of the elements that will make you create the best memories, then by all means, join us!
7. Recommended itinerary for those visiting Hateruma Island on a day trip
If you want to enjoy a wide range of activities during your trip, or if you want to conquer the Yaeyama Islands before returning home, day trips are also possible.
So, I've created a model itinerary that covers the main sights of Hateruma Island. Please feel free to use it as a reference.
8. Things to be aware of when going to Hateruma Island
As mentioned earlier, the only way to get to Hateruma Island is by boat.
Therefore, flights may be canceled for several days due to weather conditions. Direct hits from typhoons are also common, so it's not unusual for flights to be canceled for several days before and after a typhoon.
Furthermore, during the winter months when waves are high, there is approximately a 2-3% chance of cancellation.
So, although there are three high-speed ferry services per day (2017 summer schedule), there have been cases where two of the services operated but the afternoon service was canceled, or even cases where all services were canceled.
Before heading to the island, it's wise to research hotels on Ishigaki Island in advance, just in case you have to find an alternative hotel there.
If your flight from Hateruma Island is cancelled on the day of your departure, you will need to make an emergency reservation for a guesthouse or pension.
However, many accommodations do not accept credit cards, and carrying a large amount of cash can be inconvenient.
In that case, there is a post office, so be sure to put in extra money.
Since you can't withdraw money on weekends, you need to be especially careful, so if you absolutely must include weekends in your travel plans, be sure to bring plenty of cash.
The islanders are also very helpful in case of flight cancellations, so please feel free to ask them for advice.
Even if high-speed ferry services are cancelled, passenger and cargo ferries may still operate, so be sure to check their schedules.
However, the passenger and cargo ferry operates only on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays, and the second and fourth Fridays of each month.
(One round trip each way; departure times are 09:00 from Ishigaki Port and 14:00 from Hateruma Port; the journey takes approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes).
Therefore, if you are planning a trip to Hateruma Island, I think it would be best to create a schedule like the one below.
| 1. Allow ample time in your schedule. In particular, avoid itineraries that involve connecting between Hateruma and Ishigaki by boat and plane on the same day. 2. Consider the possibility that the high-speed ferry may be suspended, and schedule your trip around the operating days of the cargo-passenger ferry (although, of course, the ferry may also be suspended). 3. Be prepared to be stranded for 2-3 days during typhoon season or winter. If bad weather is expected, leave Hateruma Island early or do not go to Hateruma Island at all. |
You can check the operating status on the An'ei Kanko website.
https://aneikankou.co.jp/condition
Afterword
Hateruma Island awaits you with a healing space, starry skies, and the sea, making you feel an irresistible urge to visit.
The islanders are warm and not very business-minded, so if you prioritize interaction over seeking services, everything will become more enjoyable.
Hateruma Island, located at the southernmost tip of Japan, is a peaceful and tranquil island. It is truly a place of pure nature.
There are many spaces that you can't experience in your everyday life, so please come and visit us sometime!
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