What is the best time to visit Hatsuneura Beach?

May to August for sea turtle nesting. December to April for humpback whale watching. Summer offers the warmest water temperatures for swimming and snorkeling.

What activities can I do at Hatsuneura Beach?

Snorkeling, swimming, and kayaking are the main activities. You can observe tropical fish and coral formations in shallow waters. Green sea turtles nest on the beach from May to August. Whale-watching tours operate from Chichijima's port between December and April.

Are there facilities available at Hatsuneura Beach?

Basic restrooms are available. There are no other facilities, so bring your own food, water, and equipment. Rentals and supplies can be obtained near Futami Port.

Can I swim year-round at Hatsuneura Beach?

Yes, though water temperatures are warmest from June to October. The subtropical climate allows for swimming throughout the year, but winter months may feel cooler for extended water activities.

How long should I plan to stay on Chichijima to visit Hatsuneura Beach?

Most visitors stay 3 to 4 nights due to the ferry schedule. The Ogasawara Maru typically offers a turnaround option allowing approximately three full days on the island before the return journey to Tokyo.

Hatsuneura Beach, Ogasawara

4 (19)BeachNatural FeatureEstablishment

Hatsuneura Beach is located on Chichijima, the main island of the Ogasawara archipelago, approximately 1,000 kilometers south of Tokyo. The Ogasawara Islands were added to the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2011 due to their exceptional biodiversity and unique ecosystems that evolved in isolation over millions of years. The islands were uninhabited until the early 19th century and came under Japanese administration in 1876.

This beach is renowned for its crystal-clear turquoise waters and pristine white sand composed largely of coral fragments. The surrounding waters are part of the Ogasawara National Park, established in 1972, protecting rare endemic species both on land and in the marine environment. The area serves as an important habitat for green sea turtles, which nest on the beach during summer months, and visitors may observe these creatures during nesting season from May to August.

The beach offers excellent opportunities for snorkeling and swimming in calm, shallow waters where colorful tropical fish and coral formations are visible just meters from shore. The marine life includes species found nowhere else on Earth, making it particularly valuable for nature enthusiasts and researchers. Kayaking is popular along the coastline, allowing exploration of nearby coves and rock formations. From December to April, humpback whales migrate through the surrounding waters, and whale-watching tours operate from Chichijima's port.

Reaching Hatsuneura Beach requires traveling to the Ogasawara Islands, which are accessible only by the Ogasawara Maru ferry departing from Tokyo's Takeshiba Terminal. The journey takes approximately 24 hours each way, with sailings typically operating once every three days to one week depending on the season. Once on Chichijima, the beach is located about 2 kilometers from Futami Port and can be reached by rental car, bicycle, or taxi in roughly 10 minutes.

What other travelers are saying about Hatsuneura Beach, Ogasawara

Strenuous hike (~40 min. one way, ~220 m elevation change) to a very pretty, isolated beach. Not recommended for the average tourist, but if you like hiking and want to bathe in your very own private beach when you're done, it's a challenging yet rewarding hike.

Chris B

Jun 16, 2024

Not recommended for normal tourists. The path is steep and partly dangerous. Please make sure to have proper trekking shoes if you go. About 0.5 km from the road, there is a small area with shade and benches that offers a nice view. While the beach further down is secluded, there is a huge amount of plastic and trash washed up unfortunately. The good people of Ogasawara seem to be cleaning it, but with an endless supply from the ocean it cant be kept clean for long.

Lego S

Apr 6, 2022

I've just returned, and what I remember most now is the hellish stairs, and the sense of futility that the finish line turned out to be nothing but a deserted beach. If you've read the guidebook, you'll know that this part is a little tough, but it exceeded my expectations. It felt like I made 50 round trips up the paved slope of Sakaiura Beach. I was glad because I wanted to see the boninites, but the only impression I had was the hellish steep stairs, which more than made up for it. Both the descent and ascent were tough. It's best to turn back at the observation deck along the way. Up there, it's no different to any other walking trail.

It's about a 40-minute walk from Yoake Road to the beach. Just past the Hatsuneura road sign, there's a parking spot just wide enough for one car, so you can park your motorcycle or car there. The return journey takes an hour, as there's a nearly vertical staircase that's almost hellish. There used to be a mountain path leading to the neighboring Ishiura overland, but it seems it's no longer accessible. This beach isn't suitable for snorkeling. There was a large school of horse mackerel-like fish on the reef to the right, but the fish and coral were scarce and the sea was dark. Don't forget to bring water in the summer. The hellish staircase awaits... You won't be rewarded for your efforts.

It's about a 30-minute walk down the mountain from the road. Not many people come this far, so it's practically a private beach. It's a good idea to bring a snorkeling gear, although it's a bit heavy. When I went, the sea was murky due to a low tide, but I'm sure it would be beautiful if the weather was good.