Nishihama Beach, Coral beach in Taketomi, Japan.
Nishihama Beach is a shoreline on the northern coast of Hateruma Island featuring white coral sand that shifts in color with the light. The water gradually deepens and the entire area is open and exposed to the elements, with clear views across the sea.
The name comes from the Yaeyama dialect, with 'Nishi' meaning north, reflecting the beach's position on the island. The Yaeyama islands remained remote for centuries until ferry services in recent decades made them more accessible to visitors.
The shore reflects how island life centers on the sea, with locals moving through daily routines that honor the marine surroundings. People from the village gather here to swim and dive, treating it as both a gathering place and a working water space.
The beach lies a short walk from Hateruma Port and provides basic facilities such as showers and restrooms for visitors. The water temperature stays warm year-round, though currents can be strong, so checking local conditions before swimming is wise.
This beach sits on one of Japan's southernmost inhabited islands, making it one of the country's most remote swimming spots that most visitors never reach. The coral sand formation is entirely natural and creates a surface unlike the volcanic beaches found elsewhere in Japan.
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