Hatoma

Hatoma (鳩間島 Hatoma-jima) is a tiny flyspeck of an island north of Iriomote in the Yaeyama Islands of southern Okinawa, Japan.

Understand

Blink and you'll miss it: Hatoma has an area of under 1 square kilometer and a population of under 50. Once a tuna fishing port, the only industry these days is catering to tourists who really want to get away from it all.

Hatoma had a brief moment on the national stage in 2005 when TV drama "Lapis Lazuli Island" (瑠璃の島 Ruri no Shima) aired, based on the true story of the island's school which was in danger of closing down, but managed to reinvent itself as a boarding school for children from the mainland who were struggling in normal schools. The school, and the Kaihin Ryūgaku (Seaside Exchange Student) program, continue to operate to this day.

Get in

The only way in is by ferry. Anei Kanko and Yaeyama Kanko operate two ferries each every day from Ishigaki (45 min), one of which stops at Uehara on Iriomote (15 min). Prices are identical on both and the journey from Ishigaki costs ¥5,170 return (Dec 2024). All services may be cancelled if there's a strong north wind, so check the forecast and allow a little flexibility in your plans.

Get around

Hatoma is small enough to walk around in one hour. Everything in Hatoma is within easy striking distance of the 1 ferry terminal, but rental bicycles are also available.

See and do

Maenohama Beach

Hatoma's sole draws are the beaches and snorkeling.

• Maenohama Beach (前の浜). Right in front of the ferry terminal and village, the beach is protected by breakwaters and thus not particularly picturesque, but good for swimming. Beware of currents further out in the channel. (updated Dec 2024)
• 1 Shimanakahama Beach (島仲浜). Small but picturesque beach on the north side, flanked by coral rocks. The reef is very close to the beach, close enough that swimming at low tide is hazardous. (updated Dec 2024)
• 2 Yarahama Beach (屋良浜). The longest beach on the island, on the west side. The best spot on the island for watching the sunset. (updated Dec 2024)

Eat and drink

Eating options open to the public on Hatoma are very limited. Most overnight guests eat at their lodgings.

• 1 Oyasumidokoro Azateya (お休み処 あざて家). Next to the ferry terminal, offers Yaeyama soba, Japanese staples like curry rice and oyakodon, and cold draft beer. ¥700-1000. (updated Dec 2024)

Sleep

Accommodation options on Hatoma are limited to simple pension-style guesthouses. Most visitors opt to day-trip from Ishigaki.

• Pension Maitouze (ペンション マイトウゼ)
• Yado Yoriai (宿 寄合)