# Hateruma Island

> The southernmost inhabited island in Japan: about 440 people, sugarcane fields, the white sand of Nishihama and the Southernmost Point monument at Cape Takanazaki. The boat from Ishigaki crosses open sea and is often cancelled in winter, and the small plane that also flies here has had long suspensions in 2026.

- Prefecture: Okinawa
- Type: Island
- Address: Taketomi, Okinawa, Japan
- Official site: https://www.town.taketomi.lg.jp/about/hateruma/

Hateruma is as far south as you can go in Japan and still find people living. About 440 residents share 12.7 square kilometers of sugarcane, stone walls and five small villages in the middle of the island. The town says the name comes from "the coral at the edge". There are no traffic lights, no taxis and no regular buses, and the shops are small co-op stores run by each village. Nishihama, on the north coast, is a white sand beach with toilets and showers but nothing to buy. The current off it has drowned swimmers, so stay close to shore. On the opposite side, the Southernmost Point of Japan monument stands at Cape Takanazaki, on limestone cliffs with open sea beyond them. At night the island is dark enough to see the Southern Cross low on the southern horizon, from about December to June; it sits highest in the late evening around late April and early May. The star observation tower that used to run viewings is closed. The catch is the sea. The boat from Ishigaki leaves the reef near Kuroshima for open water, and cancellations were frequent before a larger boat came into service in 2017. Winter and rough weather still cancel boats often, so keep a spare day before any onward flight.

## FAQ

### Can I visit Hateruma as a day trip from Ishigaki?

Yes, if the boat runs. In Anei Kanko's timetable for October 2026 to March 2027, the 8:00 boat from Ishigaki and the 16:20 boat back give you most of a day on the island. Book the 8:00 boat by 18:00 the day before. Seeing the Southern Cross means staying the night.

### Are there flights to Hateruma?

Only from Ishigaki, on Daiichi Airlines' 19-seat plane on Mondays, Wednesdays and Saturdays, at 14,000 yen one way. The service stops often: in 2026 it was grounded from mid-July to 11 September by an aircraft fault. It will not fly from 7 to 21 October (aircraft inspection) or from 2 to 11 November, and the airline has said it will set planned suspension periods from November onward. Check its notices before you plan around it.

### Do I need cash on Hateruma?

Bring some. There are ATMs at the post office, the southernmost in Japan, and at the JA office, but the shops are small village co-op stores and you cannot count on paying by card everywhere.

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Source: Hateruma Island — Japan Voyage