What is the best time to visit Hateruma Island?

The optimal visiting period is from April to October when weather conditions are most favorable for beach activities and ferry services run reliably. For stargazing enthusiasts, December to June offers the chance to see the Southern Cross constellation, with new moon periods providing the darkest skies. Avoid June to October if concerned about typhoons, as tropical storms can disrupt ferry schedules and limit outdoor activities.

How do I get to Hateruma Island from mainland Japan?

You must first fly to Ishigaki Island from major Japanese cities like Tokyo, Osaka, or Okinawa. From Ishigaki's port, take either a high-speed boat (60-70 minutes, ¥6,000-7,000 round trip) or regular ferry (2 hours, ¥3,000-4,000 round trip) operated by Anei Kanko or Yasuyama Kanko. Ferries typically depart once or twice daily, so check schedules in advance and book early during peak seasons.

Is it possible to visit Hateruma Island as a day trip?

Yes, day trips are feasible given the island's small size of 12.7 square kilometers. However, staying overnight is highly recommended to experience the island's famous stargazing, as the last ferry typically departs in the late afternoon. A day trip allows time to visit Nishi-hama Beach, the southernmost point monument, and cycle around the island, but you'll miss the spectacular night skies that make Hateruma truly special.

What should I bring to Hateruma Island?

Bring sufficient cash, as the island has limited ATM access and many small establishments don't accept credit cards. Pack reef-safe sunscreen, snorkeling gear if you have it (though rentals are available), and appropriate clothing for sun protection. For stargazing, bring warm layers as nights can be cool, a red flashlight to preserve night vision, and binoculars or a camera with manual settings. Stock up on any specific supplies in Ishigaki, as shopping options on Hateruma are minimal.

Can I see the Southern Cross from Hateruma Island?

Yes, Hateruma is the only place in Japan where the Southern Cross constellation is visible above the horizon. It can be observed from late December to early June, with the best viewing between April and May when it appears highest in the sky. The constellation is visible low on the southern horizon during evening hours. Visit during new moon periods for optimal darkness, and head to the Starry Sky Observation Tower or any location away from the small cluster of village lights for the clearest views.

沖縄

Hateruma Island

4.7 (196)Natural FeatureEstablishment

Hateruma Island is Japan's southernmost inhabited island, located in the Yaeyama Islands of Okinawa Prefecture, approximately 516 kilometers southwest of Okinawa's main island. The island measures just 12.7 square kilometers and has a population of around 500 residents, making it one of the most remote and tranquil destinations in the Japanese archipelago. Its name derives from the local Yaeyama language, meaning "island of corals," reflecting the rich marine environment that surrounds it.

The island holds special significance as the location of Japan's southernmost point, marked by a monument at Takanazaki Cape. This geographical distinction has made Hateruma a symbolic destination for travelers seeking to reach the nation's extremities. The island is renowned for having the clearest night skies in Japan, with 84 of the 88 recognized constellations visible from its shores. The Southern Cross, which cannot be seen from mainland Japan, is observable here between late December and early June, making Hateruma a premier stargazing location.

Visitors come primarily for the island's pristine natural beauty and astronomical observations. Nishi-hama Beach on the western coast is consistently ranked among Japan's most beautiful beaches, featuring powdery white sand and crystal-clear turquoise waters ideal for swimming and snorkeling.

The Hateruma Island Starry Sky Observation Tower provides optimal conditions for celestial viewing, particularly during new moon periods. The island's compact size makes it perfect for exploring by bicycle, with rental shops available near the port. Snorkeling and diving enthusiasts can explore vibrant coral reefs teeming with tropical fish, sea turtles, and manta rays during the warmer months.

Hateruma is accessible only by ferry or high-speed boat from Ishigaki Island, the transportation hub of the Yaeyama Islands. Anei Kanko and Yasuyama Kanko operate daily services, with the high-speed boat taking approximately 60-70 minutes and the regular ferry requiring about two hours. Ferry schedules vary seasonally and can be affected by weather conditions, particularly during typhoon season from June to October.

Round-trip tickets cost approximately ¥6,000-7,000 for high-speed boats and ¥3,000-4,000 for regular ferries. There is no admission fee to visit the island itself, though specific facilities like the observation tower charge nominal entrance fees. Limited accommodation is available in small guesthouses and minshuku, so advance booking is essential, especially during peak seasons.

The area

Address

日本、〒907-1751 沖縄県八重山郡竹富町波照間波照間島

What other travelers are saying about Hateruma Island

なかなか行くのが大変ですが、行けば素敵な自然が待っています。優雅なホテルやプールでの休暇を望んでいる方には向かないと思います。青い海、満天の星空、静けさ、それらを求める方には最適の島だと思います。

Nearby attractions to see

Taketomi Island

Shuri Kinjo Town Stone-Paved Road

Nishibama Beach

Nearby attractions to see

Taketomi Island

Shuri Kinjo Town Stone-Paved Road

Nishibama Beach

よくある質問

ニシ浜を初めて見たときの衝撃は忘れられません。この世界にこんなに美しいところがあったなんて… 石垣島から欠航しがちな船ではるばる渡る、到達難易度はそこそこ高い島です。でも、頑張っていく価値はあります。言葉を失うほど美しい海、牧歌的なサトウキビ畑、サンゴの石垣につつまれる昔ながらの集落、幻の泡盛…沖縄の魅力がぎゅぎゅっと詰められた、宝石箱のような島です。朝一のフェリー渡って最終便で買えるだけでも、自転車で十分巡れる程度の広さですが、できれば一泊して、腰を据えて楽しんでほしい、そんな特別な島です。

sea turtle

2025/09/03

【おじいさんに注意】二日間滞在しました。島の案内してあげると言って、危ない箇所でやたらと手を貸そうとしてきたり、腰に手を回そうとしてくるおじいさんに遭遇し、別れ際に連絡先を聞かれて、まぁ案内してもらったしな…とOKしたら夜に飲みに誘われ、疲れていたし1人でゆっくりしたかったので無視しました。そしたら次の朝「今どこにいますか？」とLINEが… 短い滞在時間なのに、なんでおじいさんとずっとデートしないといけないんだと思ってブロックし、狭い島なのでその後ばったり出くわさないことを祈りつつ自転車で周遊していたら、軽トラに乗ったおじいさんと偶然遭遇てしまい、ニシ浜の方に逃げたら追いかけてきて声をかけられました… 周りに人がいる中、「1人でゆっくりしたいので！着いてこないでください！」とあえて大きい声で言い、ニシ浜の岩の方に逃げたらいなくなりました。本当にストレスでした。おじいさんは島出身で現在は本州に住んでおり、たまに帰省しにきているとのことなので、女性の方は注意してください。島自体は、船が揺れて気持ち悪かったりしますが、本当に素敵な所でした。おじいさんさえいなければ最高でした。

m y

2025/12/07

〜司馬遼太郎の本に導かれて最南端の島へ〜最南端の島、八重山諸島にある波照間島、石垣島からフェリーで90分程かけて到着。4月の中旬、ゴールデンウィーク前、まだ梅雨入り前で最高に気持ち良い気候でした。日差しはかなり強く、既に海に入るのが気持ち良い気候でした。波照間島の景色と海に心から癒されました。島は意外に坂道が多いので、電動付き自転車、可能なら、原付での移動が良いと思います。ハイシーズンや週末は予約した方が良いです。私はオフシーズンの平日でしたので、港で看板を持って立っている自転車屋さんから予約なしで原付を借りられましたが、島の貸出数には限りがありますので、移動手段がないと、旅に支障が出てしまいます。売店も港と集落に1個、自販機も少ないので、石垣島を出る時に飲み物やオヤツを準備して行くと良いと思います。サータアンダギーとかスパムおむすびとか。私は、朝一の船で石垣島から向かい、最終便で石垣島へ帰りました。原チャで回る場合は、これで十分時間は足ります。むしろ、もう1本前の瓶で戻っても良いかもしれません。飛行機は石垣島から出ている事もあるみたいですが、この日は空港は閉鎖されていました。八重山観光フェリーの方が一般的だそうです。もし宿泊すれば、サンセットと夜の星空が綺麗らしいです。次回はボーッとして、ゆっくりしたいです。お土産は、幻の泡盛、泡波の3号瓶を1本、港の売店でゲット！こちら1,000円でしたが、東京のお店で飲めば10,000円はする波照間島の希少泡盛。季節によりますが、出会えたらラッキーだと思います。波照間島、是非一度行ってみて下さい。

Y I

2025/06/29