Introduction
Small, round, and ringed with shallow coral gardens, Hatoma (Hatomajima) sits just north of Iriomote in Okinawa’s Yaeyama chain. With roughly fifty residents and a 3.9‑km shoreline, it’s a place where paths crunch over coral gravel, greetings still matter, and sea hues shift from mint to deep indigo with every cloud. The island is famed as the setting associated with the TV drama Ruri no Shima and as the home of the classic folk song “Hatomabushi”, yet most of its sands remain blissfully quiet.
At a glance
Where: 5–6 km north of Iriomote; part of Taketomi Town (竹富町).
Size & shape: A near‑circle 3.9 km around, walkable in under 2 hours.
Vibe: Slow, courteous, and community‑minded.
Signature sights: Hatoma Lighthouse on Nakano‑mori, and broad west‑facing Yara‑no‑hama beach (屋良の浜).
Culture & events: Hatomajima Music Festival (early May, Golden Week) and the Honen‑sai harvest rites (lunar June).
Getting to Hatoma
By ferry from Ishigaki (石垣島)
High‑speed boats run from Ishigaki Port Remote Island Termina to Hatoma in roughly 40–45 minutes when seas are fair. Another short link runs Uehara (Iriomote) ↔ Hatoma in about 10 minutes. Schedules vary by season and sea state; always check the operators’ latest timetables before traveling.
Fares (reference): Ishigaki–Hatoma adult round‑trip is commonly listed at ¥5,770, child ¥2,900 (operator and fuel surcharge tiers apply; confirm current prices when you book).
Weather cancellations: Hatoma and Uehara routes are among the first to pause in high winds/ swells—double‑check the morning “運航状況” (service status) before you set out.
Tip: If your Hatoma boat is canceled but Iriomote‑Ōhara is operating, you can sometimes re‑route day plans to Iriomote instead. Keep an “Iriomote Plan B” handy during winter trade‑wind season.
Getting from Ishigaki Airport to the ferry terminal: Bus (30–50 min), taxi (~30 min).
Highlights of Hatoma
Yara-no-hama (屋良の浜)
The island’s main beach, stretching wide on the west coast. Famous for golden sunsets and shallow turquoise water. Perfect for a swim or quiet picnic.
Hatoma’s largest beach, Yara-no-hama
Nakano-mori & Lighthouse (中ノ森・灯台)
At the island’s center, a small hill leads to Hatoma Lighthouse. The view takes in Iriomote’s green mountains and the surrounding coral reef ring.
Hatoma Lighthouse standing on Nakano-mori hill with lush greens and endless blue around it.
Tachihara-hama (立原浜) & Funabara-hama (船原浜)
Quieter, smaller coves around the north and east sides. Great for photography, but watch for rocks when swimming.
Culture & Community
Hatomabushi (鳩間節)
A famous Yaeyama folk song that carries the rhythm of the sea. Still performed at local events, the song connects islanders with tradition.
Hatomajima Music Festival (鳩間島音楽祭)
Held around Golden Week (early May), this outdoor festival brings hundreds of fans to Hatoma. Music fills the open air, yet the village insists visitors respect local rules: no camping, no loud behavior, and greet the locals kindly.
Everyday Etiquette
The island asks visitors to:
Always greet people you pass.
Cover up in the village (no swimwear on streets).
Do not enter sacred groves (御嶽).
Take all trash back to Ishigaki.
No collecting coral, shells, or plants.
No wild camping—book accommodation in advance.
Practical Travel Information
Accommodation: A few small guesthouses and simple cafés. Book early, especially during Golden Week and summer.
A friendly remote island cafe on Hatoma island
Shops & ATMs: None. Bring water, snacks, and cash from Ishigaki.
Transport: No cars or scooters. Walking is the main way; some guesthouses may have bicycles.
Time needed: Half-day is possible, but staying overnight shows the real island rhythm.
One perfect slow day: a sample itinerary
09:00 Arrive Hatoma Port → easy stroll through the village (greet folks, keep voices low).
09:30 Nakano‑mori lighthouse view stop and photos.
10:30 Yara‑no‑hama for beach time / light snorkel (tide & wind permitting).
12:30 Late lunch at a simple café / guesthouse (confirm opening days).
14:00 North to Tachihara‑hama and the Bushi‑ya historic site.
15:15 Drift back toward the port via the east‑side lane (Funabara‑hama peek).
16:00–17:00 Ferry check‑in; confirm return sailing and sea state.
Tips & Tricks
Plan B: If seas are rough and Hatoma ferries cancel, spend the day on Iriomote instead.
Footwear: Bring light sandals with grip for coral gravel paths.
Festival caution: During the music festival, ferries are crowded. Buy tickets early.
Photo tip: Sunset at Yara-no-hama is spectacular—bring a tripod if you can.
Best season: Late spring and autumn offer calm seas and cooler air.
FAQ
Q: How long is the ferry ride from Ishigaki?
A: About 40–45 minutes by high-speed boat.
Q: Can I camp on Hatoma?
A: No. Camping is prohibited—book a guesthouse.
Q: Are there any shops?
A: No convenience stores or ATMs. Bring everything you need.
Q: How big is the island?
A: About 3.9 km in circumference. You can walk around in 1.5–2 hours.
Q: What is Hatoma famous for?
A: The folk song Hatomabushi, the TV drama Ruri no Shima, and the annual Hatoma Music Festival.
Sources: Taketomi Town, YKF, Painusima Taketomi Town