Hateruma Island

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Hateruma Island is the southernmost island of the Yaeyama Islands. It is also the southernmost inhabited island in Japan. This small island is surrounded by a coral reef that is 15 km in circumference and has a population of about 500. It has Nishihama Beach that is said to have the clearest water in the Nansei islands. The contrast of the blue water and the pure white sand is breathtaking. The monument of the southernmost point of Japan and the observatory are well worth visiting. The time goes by slowly on the island. You can just relax and unwind here.

The Most Beautiful Beach in the Nansei Islands

Hateruma Island has Nishihama Beach which is said to be the most beautiful beach in the Yaeyama Islands. You can enjoy swimming in the calm ocean while you admire the crystal clear water and the pure white sand beach. There are showers for your convenience. It is a perfect place to just kick back and relax.

A Monument at the Southernmost Point of Japan

The monument at the southernmost point of Japan is situated in Takana Beach that is located in the southern part of the island. The monument was built in 1972, and rocks from all the 47 prefectures in Japan are placed here. There is a monument of peace as well in this location.

Observatory

Hateruma Island is known as a place where you can see the greatest number of stars in Japan. This is the only place you can see the Southern Cross in Japan as there are only a few artificial lights in the area. You can also observe celestial bodies through an astronomical telescope on the roof.

Gourmet Food on the Island

The island offers a wide variety of Okinawan cuisine using goya (bitter melon), pork, soba noodle and fish. They also have sweets that utilize Hateruma grown sugar cane as well as locally brewed awamori called Awanami. Awamori is an Okinawa’s specialty that is brewed with rice. There are plenty of restaurants and cafes on the island.