Hateruma Island, Island in Taketomi, Japan.
Hateruma is an island south of Iriomote in Taketomi municipality, surrounded by white sand beaches and shallow reefs. The main road crosses the low-lying landscape from east to west, passing through sugarcane fields and small settlements with a few hundred residents
The island belonged to the Ryukyu Kingdom for centuries and developed its own architectural forms with coral stone walls and red-tiled roofs. After incorporation into Japan in the late 19th century, sugarcane farming remained the economic foundation of the community
The name Hateruma means
Bicycles and scooters can be rented at the port and work well for the flat island with short distances between points. The northern beaches offer calm water for swimming, while the southern coast often has wind and waves
A low stone tower marks the southernmost point of Japan with views over open sea and the surrounding reefs. On clear days, visitors can see the deep blue of the ocean contrasting with the lighter waters closer to shore
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
