Hateruma (波照間) is the southernmost populated island in Japan, and part of Okinawa's Yaeyama Islands.
- Japan's Southernmost Point Monument. As the local maps say, "Beyond here, the Philippines".
- Astronomical Observatory. Tu-Su evenings. Minimal planetarium presentations in the evening. The Southern Cross is visible from mid December to June. Many local inns provide shuttle service (free or ¥500) to and from the observatory.
Japan's Southernmost Point Monument. As the local maps say, "Beyond here, the Philippines".
Astronomical Observatory. Tu-Su evenings. Minimal planetarium presentations in the evening. The Southern Cross is visible from mid December to June. Many local inns provide shuttle service (free or ¥500) to and from the observatory.
- Nishihama. The turquoise waters on this beach are among the most beautiful in all of the islands.
Nishihama. The turquoise waters on this beach are among the most beautiful in all of the islands.
- Ayafufami, +81 980-85-8187. 11:30AM-3PM daily. A charming cafe/restaurant with a library and musical instruments to play.
Ayafufami, +81 980-85-8187. 11:30AM-3PM daily. A charming cafe/restaurant with a library and musical instruments to play.
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 100 ml bottles, grab it.
- Fuka Shōten. Daily 7:30AM-noon, 3PM-9PM. A little shop that's a great place to find awanami.
Fuka Shōten. Daily 7:30AM-noon, 3PM-9PM. A little shop that's a great place to find awanami.