[Hateruma Island Travel Guide] 5 Must-Visit Spots on Japan’s Southernmost Inhabited Island

Okinawa is home to 39 remote islands, each with its own unique charm. Among them, Hateruma Island (波照間島) stands out as the southernmost inhabited island in Japan.

To reach Hateruma Island, travelers must take a high-speed ferry from Ishigaki Island. However, since the route ventures into open seas, rough waves often lead to cancellations, making the journey somewhat unpredictable. But if you're lucky enough to set foot on Hateruma Island, you'll be greeted by the breathtaking Hateruma Blue—a pristine, paradise-like ocean.

With a small circumference of about 15 km, the island is easy to explore. Renting an electric-assisted bicycle from a local shop allows for a leisurely sightseeing experience. Now, let’s explore the top five must-visit attractions on Hateruma Island!

1. Nishihama Beach - Japan's World-Famous Best Beach

Located on the northwestern coast of Hateruma Island, Nishihama Beach (ニシ浜ビーチ) has been ranked as Japan’s number one beach due to its breathtaking scenery. The shallow, crystal-clear waters reflect the sky, creating the mesmerizing "Hateruma Blue", a color so vivid and pure that it captivates visitors at first sight.

As a top-rated tourist destination, Nishihama Beach offers exceptional snorkeling experiences, where you have a high chance of encountering sea turtles in their natural habitat. The beach is also home to a variety of colorful tropical fish, making it an irresistible spot for ocean lovers and photographers.

Despite being located in the north of Hateruma Island, the beach's name "Nishi" comes from the Yaeyama dialect, where "Nishi" means "North."

2. Pension Sainantan – A Beachfront Stay Overlooking Nishi-Hama Beach

Hateruma Island offers several accommodation options for visitors, but one of the best choices is Pension Sainantan, located at the southernmost point of the island. With Nishi-Hama Beach right in front of the property, guests can enjoy breathtaking ocean views from every room.

Start your day with the serene beauty of the morning sea, and in the evening, witness the sun setting over the horizon. On clear nights, head to the rooftop of Pension Sainantan to marvel at a sky full of stars. Hateruma Island is known for its incredible stargazing, allowing you to see 84 of the 88 constellations—a rare experience that makes an overnight stay truly special.

While many tourists visit Hateruma Island just for a day trip, staying overnight offers a deeper connection with nature and a chance to experience the tranquil island atmosphere. If you're planning a trip to Okinawa’s Yaeyama Islands, why not spend a night in Hateruma and immerse yourself in its natural beauty?

3. Praying for Peace at Japan’s Southernmost Monument

Hateruma Island, the southernmost inhabited island in Japan, is home to the "Japan’s Southernmost Monument." If you visit the island, this is a must-see attraction. Located on the cliffs of Cape Takanazaki, at the island’s southernmost point, this area features four significant monuments: Japan’s Southernmost Monument, Hateruma Monument (commemorating Okinawa’s reversion to Japan), Japan’s Southernmost Peace Monument (built to mark the 50th anniversary of the end of WWII), and Seiju Houshuku Monument.

The Takanazaki Cliffs stretch approximately 1 km, offering a dramatic landscape where powerful waves crash endlessly against the rocks—an awe-inspiring natural spectacle.

To reach the monument, you’ll walk along the "Snake Path" (Hebi no Michi), a unique stone-paved trail shaped like two intertwined snakes. This path is constructed from stones collected from all over Japan and serves as a symbol of the hope that Okinawa and mainland Japan will never be separated by war again. While exploring, try to find a stone from your hometown!

4. Marvel at a Sky Full of Stars! Hateruma Island Stargazing Tower

Hateruma Island is Japan’s southernmost island and is widely known as the best place in Japan for stargazing. With minimal artificial light and clear air, many visitors travel to this remote paradise just to witness its breathtaking night sky. In 1994, the Hateruma Island Stargazing Tower was built, complete with a public observatory and a planetarium, making it even easier to admire the countless stars illuminating the sky.

During the day, visitors can explore the planetarium and view stunning photographs of constellations and the moon, taken from Hateruma Island. At night, guided stargazing sessions allow guests to observe the craters of the moon and Jupiter’s striped surface through a telescope. One of the island’s biggest highlights is the Southern Cross (Crux constellation), which cannot be seen from mainland Japan. The best time to view the Southern Cross is from December to June, making winter an ideal season for stargazing trips.

5. Endless Fields of Sugarcane & Hateruma Brown Sugar

As you explore Hateruma Island, you'll notice vast fields of sugarcane stretching across the landscape. The sight of the swaying sugarcane in the breeze creates a tranquil atmosphere, making you lose track of time as you take in the scenery.

Okinawa is widely known for its sugarcane production, but Hateruma Island stands out for its exceptionally sweet and high-quality sugarcane. This has made sugar production a major industry for the island’s residents, particularly in crafting premium brown sugar.

Hateruma brown sugar is packed with rich molasses flavors and natural sweetness, offering a deeply satisfying taste in just a single bite. It is also rich in minerals, making it a great souvenir. You can enjoy it as a sweet treat with tea, use it as a secret ingredient in simmered dishes, or even add it to strong coffee or espresso for a unique twist. If you're visiting Hateruma Island, be sure to bring home some authentic brown sugar and related products as souvenirs!

◎ Summary of Hateruma Island: Transportation, Attractions, and Scenic Spots

When exploring Hateruma Island (波照間島), the most common transportation options include rental bicycles, motorbikes, or walking. The central village, located in the middle of the island, is just a 5-minute bike ride or a 20-minute walk from Hateruma Port. While rental cars are available, they are limited in number, so advance reservations are highly recommended.

Hateruma Island has a 14.8 km coastal loop, with an inland circular route spanning about 9 km. You can drive around the island in 15 minutes or complete a full bicycle tour in approximately 50 minutes.

One of the unique experiences on Hateruma Island is encountering goats on the roads, which is a common sight. Be cautious when riding a bike or motorcycle—avoid distracted driving and excessive speed.

Hateruma Island is home to several "southernmost" landmarks in Japan, including the southernmost distillery, southernmost shop & café, southernmost post office, and southernmost police station. In addition to these cultural spots, visitors can enjoy crystal-clear blue waters, white sandy beaches, and a sky filled with countless stars—natural wonders that can only be found in this tropical paradise.