 |
 |
|
|
|
Hateruma Island Introduction The southernmost spot in all of Japan can be found on Hateruma Island. The island has an area of 12.77km squared and a population of about 600 people. The people of Hateruma live in harmony with nature and many of them still work in their sugar fields. Almost all of Hateruma is made up of coral and this is how the island got its name. Uruma means coral in the Okinawan language. Hate no Uruma literally means "The Last Reef". You can also see the famous Southern Cross constellation from Hateruma Island between February and June. Unfortunetely, camping is not allowed on Hateruma Island. You can get to Hateruma by plane or ferry. There is one Ryukyu Air Commuter flight which leaves daily from Ishigaki and takes about 25 minutes. To make a reservation, see any travel agent or call 0980-82-9515. The trip by ferry from Ishigaki to Hateruma takes about an hour and they leave 3 times a day. The roundtrip price is about 5800 yen. You can purchase tickets from ANEI Kankou Ferry (0980-82-2691) or Hateruma Kaiun Ferry (0980-82-7233). Upon reaching Hateruma, you can either use the bus service or rent a bicycle/scooter. There are three bus companies on the island. To get to the city, it will cost you 300 yen from the ferry port or 500 yen from the airport. For a two hour tour of the island, it is 2500 yen per person. If you would like to go to the Kedamoto Minshuku or Minshuku Tamashiro, it will be 400 yen.
There are three companies which offer rental bicycles and scooters. A scooter might be better due to the fact that Hateruma has some hilly areas. It is possible on bike but, it will be struggle. Bicycle rentals are about 250 yen per an hour or 1500 yen for a full day. Scooter rentals are about 800 yen per an hour or 4000 yen for a full day.
There is a post office, a gas station, as well as a few stores located on the island. As long as you are not on a business trip, you should be able to find everything that you will need.
Almost all of the inns in Hateruma Island offer a pick up and drop off service, air conditioning, laundry, and television but, be sure to bring your own towel. They do not provide you with a bath towel. Sightseeing in Hateruma Island Some famous spots on Hateruma Island include the monument marking the Southernmost Point in all of Japan, the Hateruma Observatory, Nishihama Beach, Pemuchi Beach, the Koto Round Lookout Point, Takanasaki Point, and also a road which was made using stones from all over Japan. The observation tower is special due to the fact that it is the only place in Japan where you can see most of the sky's constellations. Out of 88 constellations, 84 can be seen from the observatory. There are many small restaurants on Hateruma Island. Take some time and explore them. If you would like, you can always have your meals provided for you by your inn. Most of the inns on the island can provide meals for an extra charge. Want to know more about Hateruma Island? Here are some links... Hirata
Tourism Company - "Hateruma" |