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Let's enjoy sightseeing in Hatoma Island, the "island of lapis lazuli" floating in the north of Iriomote Island.
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Sightseeing on Hatoma Island surrounded by the Hatoma Blue Sea!
Do you know Hatoma Island, a remote tropical island?
Okinawa Prefecture is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Japan.
About 440 km further southwest from Naha City, the center of the island, is Iriomote Island, famous for being home to the Iriomote wildcat, a special natural treasure.
Hatoma Island, which we will introduce this time, is located about 5 km north of Iriomote Island.
The greatest feature of Hatoma Island is the blue sea, known as "Hatoma blue!
The beauty of the island is such that it was used as a filming location for a drama called Ruri no Shima that aired in 2005, and as the title of the drama suggests, the island is indeed surrounded by lapis lazuli-colored sea.
The islands of Okinawa have few rivers, so mud and soil do not flow out into the ocean through the estuaries. Furthermore, there is less plankton in the ocean due to currents and other factors, so the water is clear and not muddy.
In addition, coral grows in colonies in the Okinawan sea, and when coral breaks up, it is deposited on the seafloor as white, fine calcareous sand.
The clear water allows the sun's rays to pass through cleanly, and the white sand at the bottom of the water reflects the sunlight back to the sea surface.
The combination of these conditions gives Okinawa's ocean its blue color, and there are not many places in Japan where these conditions are met.
Hatoma Island offers one of the best blue waters in Okinawa.
The smallest inhabited island in the Yaeyama Islands
The reason the waters of Hatoma Island retain their beauty is that it is a very small island.
Hatoma Island, like Ishigaki and Iriomote Islands, belongs to a group of islands called the Yaeyama Islands, the smallest in area.
It covers an area of about 1 square kilometer, with a circumference of about 4 kilometers, which means that it takes less than two hours to walk around it slowly.
With approximately 50 residents, the island is very compact in both area and community size.
While many of Okinawa Prefecture's various islands are popular tourist destinations, Hatoma Island is one that has not become a tourist destination.
Thanks to the environment in which there are not so many residents and visitors, the marine environment is not destroyed by fishing, swimming, and the coming and going of large vessels.
From the island itself to the sea around the island, the island has retained the atmosphere of good old Okinawa, which is the most unique and attractive feature of Hatoma Island.
How to get to Hatoma Island
So, how can we get to such Hatoma Island?
Since Hatoma Island is not yet a tourist destination, it is not possible to fly directly from each city.
By high-speed ferry from Ishigaki Island
The most popular route to Hatoma Island is to fly to Ishigaki Island, which also belongs to the Yaeyama Islands, and then transfer to a high-speed ferry.
Ishigaki Island is one of the most popular tourist destinations among the remote islands of Okinawa, with a wide range of commercial facilities in the city center and luxury resort facilities.
Therefore, there are many flights to Ishigaki Island from all over Japan, and it should not be too difficult to get here.
After arriving at Ishigaki Island, take a bus from the airport to the Ishigaki Port Remote Islands Terminal, which is connected to the airport by bus, from where there is a high-speed ferry to Hatoma Island.
As of 2020, there are two departures from Ishigaki Island, one at 8:30 a.m. and the other at 3:20 p.m., so it is recommended that you take the one that best fits your travel schedule.
The fare is 2,090 yen one-way for adults and 3,970 yen round-trip.
It can be reached from Iriomote Island!
Hatoma Island can also be reached from Iriomote Island, another famous island in the same Yaeyama Islands.
Among the two ports in Iriomote Island, a flight to Hatoma Island is available from Uehara Port in Kitagawa, so we recommend that you make good use of this port if you plan to visit Iriomote Island for sightseeing as well.
Getting Around Hatoma Island
One of the main concerns when traveling to a destination may be the means of transportation to get around the area.
Even if you make it to your destination safely, you will not be able to fully enjoy the attractions of the area if you do not have legs.
It is an ironclad rule of travel to know in advance the rental car situation and the public transportation passing by.
However, the situation on Hatoma Island is different from that of a normal tourist destination.
Enough! Sightseeing on foot
As mentioned above, Hatoma Island is a small island with a circumference of about 4 km.
It takes less than two hours to walk the entire perimeter of the park, and walking is the only means of transportation.
Rental bicycles for easy sightseeing
If you want to get around more efficiently than on foot, there is a bicycle rental store just a few minutes from the port.
It is available for 500 yen per day, so consider renting it if needed.
Some of the island's guest houses also rent out bicycles, so you may want to inquire in advance with the inn where you plan to stay.
One point to note is that many of the roads on the island are not paved.
Because of the off-road nature of the ride, it is best to avoid riding by people who are not accustomed to riding bicycles or by children.
Hatoma Island Climate
Located far southwest of the main island of Okinawa, Hatoma Island has a very mild climate throughout the year.
It is classified as having a subtropical maritime climate, which is different from that of the mainland, and the highest temperatures in December and January, not to mention summer, are all above 20 degrees Celsius.
Even in the middle of winter, you can spend time in short sleeves.
Since the island is surrounded by the sea, you may feel chilly when the wind blows, but you will be comfortable enough to bring a light jacket and adjust your body temperature accordingly.
With regard to weather, it should be noted that the rainy season comes earlier than on the mainland.
Keep in mind that the rainy season usually begins by mid-May and ends by the end of June, so keep this in mind as a guide.
In addition, Hatoma Island, due to its coordinates, is easily included in the path of a typhoon, so this must be kept in mind as well.
If you visit Hatoma Island, you will want to experience the Hatoma blue sea under a blue sky.
We recommend that you check the forecast well in advance when going sightseeing.
Recommended Activities on Hatoma Island
Now that we have finished getting an overview of Hatoma Island, let's take a look at how to enjoy the island.
When talking about tropical tourism, waterfront activities are definitely not to be missed.
Here are some fun activities that will allow you to enjoy the blue waters of Hatoma Island with your whole body!
Hatoma Island Snorkeling
One of the most popular water activities is snorkeling, in which people wear snorkels and underwater glasses and dive into the ocean.
This popular activity does not require a license and can be enjoyed by men and women of all ages, regardless of the season.
Because of the mild climate, the temperature in the sea always stays above 20°C even in winter, and once you put on a wetsuit, you will never feel cold.
With your eyes covered by underwater glasses, the seawater will not stain your eyes, and you will be able to look through the extremely clear waters of Hatoma Island and enjoy the spectacular view, which is like a natural aquarium.
Hatoma Island Diving
Along with snorkeling, diving is a more serious activity that is highly popular.
Diving is similar to snorkeling in that you dive into the ocean, but in diving, you carry an air tank on your back and wear various equipment to take in the air.
While snorkelers breathe from the surface of the ocean through a tube at the mouth, diving allows divers to continue breathing underwater for 30-40 minutes until the air in the tank is depleted.
Because there is no need to return to the surface to catch one's breath, one can enjoy the coral reefs that cover the entire Hatoma Island area and the tropical fish that swim about freely in this unique tropical sea.
This is a slightly more demanding activity than snorkeling, such as obtaining a license, but the experience is well worth it.
You can rent a complete set of equipment for both snorkeling and diving on site, so why not give it a try?
Hatoma Island Recommended Sightseeing Spots
Activities are not the only thing to do on Hatoma Island.
Hatoma Island is characterized by its lack of tourist attractions, but this has allowed the island to retain some wonderful spots that are different from those that have been developed as tourist attractions and still retain the original Okinawan flavor.
We would like to introduce you to a number of sights that you should definitely visit!
marital rock
This spot is located in the northwestern part of Hatoma Island, in the middle of the road that circles the island.
There are many spots called "husband and wife rocks" scattered throughout Japan, and most of them are derived from the fact that the rocks, large and small, are lined up close together and look like a married couple, but the one on Hatoma Island is slightly different from them.
The rocks are surrounded by banyan trees, which are unique to Okinawa, and the spot offers a tropical atmosphere and the strength of nature.
The name "Married Couple Rocks" comes from a legend that a very close married couple once lived in this area, so it may be a suitable spot for couples or couples traveling together to visit.
sand beach in front of a temple's main hall
The beach in front is the easiest beach to visit, as it is very close to Hatoma Port and the village, just a 3-minute walk away.
The ocean facing this beach is surrounded by breakwaters, which makes the waves coming in very calm.
The water is shallow, making this the safest beach to visit when sightseeing with children.
Since Hatoma Island is basically a walking tour, it is difficult to take children back to their lodgings after they are tired from playing in the sea.
Not only will you be able to visit easily, but you will also appreciate the proximity on your way home.
Of course, it is not only safe, but the water is also clear, and the Hatoma Blue Sea is a recommended spot where you can fully enjoy the experience.
Hatoma Island Lighthouse
When you visit Hatoma Island, you would like to have a panoramic view of the entire island.
The Hatoma Island Lighthouse, the highest point on the island, is the answer to such desires.
鳩間島は中心部に掛けて盛り上がったような地形となっており、島中央にある高い丘がこのスポットとなっています。
南国の青空によく映える白い灯台があり、近くの物見台を登ると島の全域を見渡せる絶景を目にすることができます。
鳩間島だけでなく海越しに近隣の西表島や小浜島を眺めることもでき、写真が趣味であればきっと良い写真が撮れることでしょう。
港から徒歩で15分かからない距離であるため、気軽に足を運ぶことができるスポットです。
Tachibaru Beach
鳩間島に点在するビーチの中で、最も穴場スポット的な雰囲気を醸し出しているのが立原浜です。
島内北西、夫婦岩の近くにある浜であり、草むらの間の細い道を通り抜けていくと辿り着ける場所となっています。
広い浜辺ではないため泳いだりアクティビティをするのには向いていませんが、爽やかな潮風を浴びながら心地よい静けさを感じることができるでしょう。
yellowtail amberjack (species of fish, Seriola lalandi)
島を巡る道路のうち、北側へと向かう道のゴール地点にあるのが島仲浜です。
終着点から力強く生い茂った千手ガジュマルと呼ばれる木々の近くの小道を下っていくと、美しく白い砂浜が姿を見せてくれます。
まるで海外セレブが訪れるプライベートビーチのような雰囲気の浜辺であり、シュノーケリングなどを楽しむスポットとしても非常に人気が高いことが特徴です。
また、沖縄のお土産の定番として瓶詰めで売られている星の砂をご存知でしょうか。
まるで星のように見える可愛くも美しい星の砂は、商品として売られているものの多くの割合を鳩間産が占めています。
そんな鳩間島の中でも最も多く星の砂を含有しているとされる浜辺がこの島仲浜。
訪れた際は、砂を手に取って星の砂が混ざっているか確かめてみるのもいいかもしれませんね。
Notes on sightseeing in Hatoma Island
最後に、鳩間島を観光する際の注意点をいくつか説明させていただきます。
せっかくの旅行ですから、しっかりと対策を講じて不安なく楽しみましょう。
Beware of sudden squalls!
亜熱帯海洋性気候である鳩間島は、雨の降り方が本土とは異なります。
激しく降って短時間で止むスコールのような雨が基本となっており、雨に打たれて風邪を引いてしまったというような不測の事態を避けるためには天候の変化に敏感でなくてはなりません。
旅の荷物に余裕があれば、携帯しやすい折り畳み傘を人数分忍ばせておくといざという時に便利です。
Beware of the baking sun!
南国観光のハイシーズンである夏場に鳩間島を訪れるのであれば、強烈な日光に警戒しておく必要があります。
油断しているとすぐに日焼けしてしまうため、肌に合う日焼け止めを持ち込んでこまめに塗ることで予防していきましょう。
夏場以外の時期も本土に比べればやはり日差しが強めなため、備えはしっかりとしておくと良いでしょう。
Individual swimming is dangerous!
鳩間島にはたくさんのビーチがありますが、観光地ではないため監視員が常駐していません。
海で泳ぐ際は足がつる、突然の体調不良など、泳ぎが得意な方であっても突然のトラブルがつきもの。
海難事故を避けるためにも、個人で不用意に遊泳するのはやめておきましょう。
Note the ferry times!
来る際と同様に、鳩間島から石垣島へと戻るフェリーは時間が限られています。
せっかくチケットを取っていた帰りの飛行機に間に合わなくなってしまったというようなことがあってはいけませんので、乗る便の時間は船、飛行機ともにしっかりと確かめるようにしておきましょう。
summary
沖縄の離島の中では少し知名度が低めの鳩間島をご案内させていただきましたが、いかがだったでしょうか。
観光地化していない鳩間島には、現代社会と切り離されたかのようなゆったりした時間が流れています。
南国旅行で身と心をゆったり休めたいとお考えであれば、鳩間島がおすすめです。
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