To access Hatoma Island, take a ferry!

Hatoma Island, also known as "Ruri no Shima

 

Have you ever heard of the drama "Ruri no Shima" that aired in 2005 on the Nippon Television network?

Ruri no Shima is a drama about an orphaned girl who was abandoned by her parents and raised in an orphanage, taken in as a foster child on an isolated island in the Yaeyama Islands, Okinawa, where she grows up while interacting with a variety of people and events.

Along with the heartwarming story content, the drama drew attention to the beautiful sea and nature of the island where it was set.

Hatoma Island was the location for the filming.

 

 

Hatoma Island is located about 5 km further north of Iriomote Island, which is about 440 km southwest of the main island of Okinawa.

Hatoma Island is the smallest inhabited island in the Yaeyama Islands in terms of area, with a small population of approximately 50 residents.

Hatoma Island is such an island, but many of you reading this article may have never heard of it.

 

 

While there are a number of remote islands in Okinawa besides the main island that are famous as tourist destinations, such as Ishigaki Island, Iriomote Island, and Miyako Island, Hatoma Island is a relatively minor island.

It is no wonder, then, that Hatoma Island has not yet become a tourist destination, and as a tourist spot, it is more of an "island known only to those in the know.

However, Hatoma Island is not a tourist destination, but rather an island with many attractions that will make you want to visit.

 

 

The main attraction of Hatoma Island is its blue sea, known as Hatoma Blue.

Okinawa has beautiful seas and beaches scattered throughout its various islands, but Hatoma Island's sea and beaches are among the best places to experience the true Okinawan sea.

Many of the beaches that are famous as sightseeing spots throughout Okinawa have been beautifully landscaped by human hands.

The beaches, which have been developed as tourist spots, offer a good balance of accessibility, scenery, and playability, including safety, so that visitors can fully enjoy the Okinawan sea.

However, if you want to get a more in-depth view of the true Okinawan sea, we recommend that you go to Hatoma Island.

 

 

How to get to Hatoma Island

 

Hatoma Island can be reached by high-speed boat from Ishigaki Island in about 45 minutes.
There are also flights via Uehara Port in Iriomote Island, but since it takes much longer, it is better to take a direct flight unless you also want to go sightseeing in Iriomote Island.

 

 

 

 

Ishigaki Port Remote Islands Terminal is the only window to the remote islands of the Yaeyama Archipelago, including Hatoma Island.

However, since there are only a few ticket counters in the Ishigaki Port Terminal, it is very crowded and "hard to buy tickets" occurs.

In the past, there have been many cases in which the purchase of tickets took so long that the scheduled ferry could not be boarded and the tour time in Iriomotejima was not met.

For this reason, we recommend that tickets be purchased online rather than locally!

 

 

Ferry service from Iriomote Island is also available.

 

Another route can be taken by ferry from Iriomote Island.
One of the flights from Ishigaki Island to Hatoma Island passes through Uehara Port in the northern part of Iriomote Island, so you may consider using this port in some cases.
However, even when heading to Iriomote Island, you must use the ferry from Ishigaki Island.
Therefore, this route is basically recommended if you have a travel plan that also includes sightseeing in Iriomote Island.

 

 

5 Sightseeing Spots on Hatoma Island

Yara Beach

 

This beach is located on the west side of the island. You can enjoy swimming and snorkeling while looking at the magnificent Iriomote Island, and it is a great spot to watch the sunset.

It also appears in BEGIN's song "Koi no Shima Hatoma Shima.

 

yellowtail amberjack (species of fish, Seriola lalandi)

 

This beach is located on the north side of the island and is a popular snorkeling spot because of its short distance to the reef.

 

fringed iris (Iris japonica)

 

The beach is located on the northeast side of the island.

It is a small beach, so you can relax and enjoy yourself.

 

marital rock

 

These are rocks of different sizes in the northwestern part of Hatoma Island.

The rock is hidden by a towering banyan tree.

 

Notes on taking a ferry to Hatoma Island

One thing to note about the boat to Hatoma Island is that it can be quite bumpy at certain times of the year.
The rocking tends to be stronger, especially in summer, and of course there is no danger of capsizing, but those who do not like rocking boats should be prepared for it.

 

For those who get easily intoxicated, anti-sickness medicine is required!

 

The route to Hatoma Island is a 45-50 minute boat trip if the flight is direct, or 70 minutes if the flight is via Uehara Port on Iriomote Island.
Since you will be on the boat for a long time, it is advisable to bring an anti-sickness medicine if you are prone to sickness.
You need to take a boat not only to get to the island but also to return from the island, and there are no stores on the island where you can buy medicines or other items.
In order to avoid a hard time on the return trip, even those who do not usually get seasick may want to bring medicine just in case.

 

Flight may be cancelled!

 

One point to note is that the sea to Hatoma Island can be rough.
This is especially true of summer typhoons.
Due to its location, Hatoma Island is more prone to typhoons than the mainland.
Boats to the outlying islands may be cancelled for safety reasons when the sea is rough, and the cancellation rate for the route to Hatoma Island is particularly high, so please check the local weather conditions well in advance.

 

Beware of sudden weather changes

 

In addition, the weather on Hatoma Island and other tropical islands can be quite changeable.
Check the forecast every short period of time, as it is possible for rain to suddenly start falling when the weather is supposed to be fine.

 

summary

 

I hope you enjoyed this overview of Hatoma Island and how to get there.
Although Hatoma Island is not that well known, it has many attractions not found on other islands.
The mild year-round climate allows for comfortable sightseeing not only in summer, the high season for tropical travel, but also at any time of the year.
If you want to be soothed by the peaceful air of a remote island, I highly recommend visiting Hatoma Island.

 

 

 

This article was written by.

Hello! I am Niwa-chan, your source for all things Iriomote Island. I have loved to be in touch with nature since I was a child, and I am especially fascinated by the rich natural environment of Okinawa. Currently, based in Iriomote Island, I provide information on how to enjoy activities such as snorkeling, SUP, and kayaking, as well as the hidden charms of the island.

I want to experience the best activities in Iriomote Island! and "I want to get local information about Iriomote Island! As a guide who actually works in the local area, we provide detailed information on recommended spots and activities on the island to those who "want to experience the best activities in Iriomote Island! Our goal is to deliver an unforgettable experience for our customers by interacting with the local nature every day.

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