What is Hateruma Island? Our Ishigaki Island staff introduces the charms of Hateruma Island and 10 sightseeing spots!

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Do you know what Hateruma Island, Japan's southernmost island, is like?

 

Beautiful ocean, tropical fish, and Hateruma, where you can see the Southern Cross, which is rare in Japan.Ha,There are many good places to visit besides the famous ones.

 

This article introduces Hateruma Island.

 

What is Hateruma Island?
Features & Reasons for Recommendation

Hateruma Island isThe island of Ulma (coral reef) at the end."The name "Kohoku" is derived from "Kohoku", the southernmost inhabited island in Japan, and is open to daily visitation by civilians.Japan's southernmost pointIt is.

 

Hateruma's unique blue ocean color is also called "Hateruma Blue," and Nishi Beach is famous as one of the most beautiful beaches in Yaeyama.

 

It is also one of the few islands where the Southern Cross can be observed under favorable conditions due to its low latitude, and is difficult to see elsewhere because there are very few artificial lights in the surrounding areaStars can be observed with the naked eye.

 

For this reason, a stargazing tower stands on the south coast of the island, not far from Takanazaki, and is a popular tourist spot.

 

Access to Hateruma Island

To Hateruma IslandRegular flights from Ishigaki Island by a company called An-ei KankoYou can visit them at

 

A one-way visit costs 3,610 yen for adults and 1,810 yen for children.

 

There are two types of vessels in the regular service60 minutes by small high speed boat, 90 minutes to Paisi.It takes about

 

The time may vary slightly depending on the sea conditions of the day, but it is a good general guideline.

 

Please be sure to visit An-ei Kanko's website before visiting, as it may be closed at certain times of the year.

 

Getting Around Hateruma Island

I'm moving around the island,There are no buses or cabs on Hateruma Island.

 

For this reason, we recommend renting transportation or signing up for a tour that includes pickup and drop-off.

 

To Rent

The most famous tourist spot, Nishi Beach, can be reached on foot from Hateruma Port where you arrived, but other tourist spots are far from Hateruma Port,Rent a means of transportation.

 

We recommend renting a bike. The reason is that they are relatively inexpensive, about 3,000 yen for a one-day rental.

 

Hateruma Island is an island with a certain amount of slopes and other gradients, so getting around by bicycle can be a bit strenuous.

 

The three reasons are that the perimeter is about 14 km in length, which is quite large.

 

Some may think that an electric bicycle is fine, but the price difference between an electric bicycle and a motorcycle is about 500 to 1,000 yen, so there is not much advantage.

 

Pick-up and Drop-off Tours

Another option is to book a tour that includes transportation, although it offers a little less flexibility than renting transportation.

 

The advantages here are also,The fact that it is very easy to move around.I think it is.

 

Also, because it is accompanied by a guide or tour guide,Hateruma Island, and recommended spots.They take you to the

 

Recommendations for Hateruma Island
10 Sightseeing Spots

For those who are not familiar with Hateruma Island,10 recommended spots on Hateruma Islandto the following.

 

If you are planning a trip to Hateruma Island, check it out!

 

(1) Pemuch Beach

Pemuchi-no-hama, the southernmost beach in Japan, with 300 meters of straight white sand.

 

Because the currents in the surrounding waters are very fastSwimming is not allowed on Pemuch Beach, not even to dip your feet in.The following is a list of the most common problems with the "C" in the "C" column.

 

Since the island is made of coral, it has slightly coarse sand and shallow, rocky waters, so be careful as you may be moving around barefoot.

 

Looking at the land from the white sand beach, the greenery on the rocky beach and theThe contrast of the blue sky is very beautiful.

 

(2) Nishi-hama

Nishi beach is said to be one of the finest beaches in Yaeyama, with clear water and calm waves for easy swimming.

The unmixed sea is deep in shades of blue.

The only place where you can swim in Hateruma Islandand there are also showers and other facilities!

 

(iii) Court height

It was built during the Ryukyu Dynasty,Takamidai, which is said to have monitored the sea and passing ships.It is.

 

In addition to being 4 meters high, its location at an elevation of about 60 meters provides a very good view and a panoramic view of the island.

 

It is located on the way to the village from Hateruma Port, so please visit it and look around the island.

 

Hateruma Island Lighthouse

once upon a timeHateruma Island Lighthouse, which was the southernmost lighthouse in JapanIt is.

 

The image of a lighthouse is that it stands at the end of a cape, but Hateruma Island Lighthouse is located in the center of the island and is quite far from the sea.

 

5) Star Observation Center

The island closest to the starry sky.It is a very good place to observe the Southern Cross as

 

There is a retractable astronomical dome on the rooftop, and a 200mm refracting telescope is installed for astronomical observation through a huge telescope.

 

Inside the tower, there is a section called "Starry Sky Guide,Possible to gaze at the night sky while listening to stories about the starsIt is.

 

There is also a reference room on the second floor, so even day-trippers can have a simulated experience about the stars of Hateruma Island.

 

(6) Japan's southernmost monument

Japan's southernmost monument is located along the Takana Coast on the south side of the island.

 

Behind the monument,An object called "Japan's Southernmost Peace Monument," scattered with stones collected from all 47 prefectures of Japan.There are

 

The meaning of this objet d'art is said to be an earnest wish for peace, "so that we will not be separated from the interior by war.

 

Sukona Tameike Observatory

This observation deck is located in front of a reservoir a short distance from the village.

 

Observatory made of raised stone like a court mound.There are

 

There are no light sources in the surrounding area, so it would be ideal for stargazing.

 

But just be careful not to fall in because the reservoir is right behind you.

 

8) Takanasaki

It is the site of Japan's southernmost monument and the most southerly point in Japan.

The rough waves driven by the southerly winds against the uneven coastline are a powerful sight to behold!and you can feel the great nature from the top of the cape.

 

(9) Nagata Jail

In the late 15th century, together with Oyakea Bee and others, he established a major power.Stone monument at the birthplace of the chief of Ishigaki Island, Ufunushi NagataIt is.

 

He is still an island hero whom the islanders adore.

 

10) Hateruma Sake Brewery

Brewery that produces Awamami, a fantastic AwamoriIt is.

 

It is said to be rarely seen outside the island, making it an extremely rare and valuable Awamori.

 

If you see it, please buy it and drink it.

 

Day Trip to Hateruma Island
Recommended Model Course

8:00 Departure from Ishigaki Port
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Approximately 60 minutes by high-speed boat

9:00 Arrival at Hateruma Island

10 minutes walk from Hateruma Island
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9:10 a.m. Nishi-hama

Enjoy the crystal clear ocean at one of the best beaches in Yaeyama, "Nishi Beach". The sea is so beautiful that sea turtles visit the beach to lay eggs.

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10 minutes on foot from Nishi beach toward the ferry pier.
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12:00 p.m. Lunch at Ino
At Umibata, you can drink Awamori made on Hateruma Island. You can also eat Yaeyama soba, a specialty of the Yaeyama Islands.
Enjoy Hateruma Island's food to your heart's content while feeling the pleasant southern breeze of Hateruma Island.

 

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12:30 p.m. 22 minutes by bicycle from Hateruma Port to Takanazaki
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1:00 p.m. Takanazaki
Takanazaki is the southernmost point of Japan and the site of Japan's southernmost stone monument.
The scenery of the rough waves caused by the southerly winds lapping the coastline is very powerful.

 

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3:00 p.m. 22 minutes by bicycle from Takanazaki to Hateruma Island Port.
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5:20 p.m. Departure from Hateruma Port

It is recommended to change on the second flight from the last one in case the last flight is cancelled or you cannot catch it.
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6:20 p.m. Arrival at Ishigaki Island

 

At the end.

We hope you enjoyed our introduction to Hateruma Island.

 

Hateruma Island has many stores and spots full of charm.

 

Kitahama with its beautiful ocean and tropical fish, stargazing tower and Cape Takana, the southernmost tip of Japan.

 

This time, though, I made plans for a day trip,There are many more stores and tours on Hateruma Island that we would like to recommend.

 

We would be happy if you could visit Hateruma Island this time.

 

Thank you for reading to the end.

This article was written by.

Hello! I'm Niwa-chan, your source for all things Ishigaki Island. I have loved to be in touch with nature since I was a child, and I am especially fascinated by the rich natural environment of Okinawa. Currently based in Ishigaki Island, I provide information on how to enjoy activities such as snorkeling, SUP, and kayaking, as well as the hidden charms of the island.

I want to experience the best activities in Ishigaki Island! and "I want to get local information about Ishigaki Island! We provide detailed information on recommended spots and activities on the island to those who want to "experience the best activities in Ishigaki Island! We aim to deliver unforgettable experiences for our customers by interacting with the local nature every day.

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