Hateruma

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

Getting there

By boat

Anei Kankō 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.

Traveling 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 (日本最南端の碑) is on the southeast coast of the island. As the local maps say, "Beyond here, the Philippines".

• Astronomical Observatory (星空観測タワー), 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.

Things to do

Beaches

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

Eat

• Pananufa (パナヌファ), 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 (泡波) 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 Shōten (冨嘉商店) is a good place to look.

Sleep

Budget

• Nishihama-sō (西浜荘), 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.