'''Hateruma''' (_g____) is the southernmost populated island in Japan, and part of Okinawa's Yaeyama Islands.

Get in

By boat

Anei Kank? and Hateruma Kaiun together have four departures daily from Ishigaki harbor. If you buy a round-trip ticket, be sure to catch the same operator's boat on the way back. Travel time is 60 minutes.

Get around

There are no buses or car rentals on Hateruma, so for trips beyond the village, rent a bicycle or moped.

See

  • '''Japan's Southernmost Point Monument''' (___{_____[____) is on the southeast coast of the island. As the local maps say, "Beyond here, the Philippines".
  • '''Astronomical Observatory''' (_________^___[), on the southeast corner (300m from the southernmost point). Open every evening except Monday, with a minimal planetarium presentation. The Southern Cross is visible from mid December to June. Many local inns provide shuttle service (free or Y500) to and from the observatory.
  • Do

    Beaches

  • '''Nishi Hama''' (_j_V_l), west of the port. The turquoise waters here are among the most beautiful in all of the islands.
  • Buy

    Eat

  • '''Pananufa''' (_p_i_k_t_@), west of the village and directly south of the port, 0980-85-8187. A charming cafe/restaurant with a library and musical instruments to play.
  • Drink

    Hateruma's local specialty '''Awanami''' (_A_g) makes its way from the distillery to the local stores only sporadically, and the islanders usually buy it all up within hours. So if you come across anything larger than the tiny 100ml bottles, grab it. '''Fuka Sh?ten''' (_y_____X) is a good place to look.

    Sleep

    Budget

  • '''Nishihama-s?''' (___l__), 3 min walk from the port, 0980-85-8290. Shared rooms for Y2000, private rooms also available. Kitchen facilities with ''free rice'', which you won't find anywhere else.
  • Stay safe