Hateruma is the southernmost inhabited island in Japan. The Anei Kanko high-speed ferry from Ishigaki takes 60–90 minutes across open sea, so cancellations are frequent and can last several days in winter. The reasons to come this far are the blue of Nishi Beach and the Southern Cross, which can be seen from late April to early June.
Key facts
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Area | 12.77 km² |
| Population | 508 (271 households) |
| Municipality | Taketomi Town |
| Operator | Anei Kanko only |
| Ferry from Ishigaki | About 60–90 minutes depending on the vessel |
| Fare | Adult ¥4,990 one way, ¥9,670 round trip; elementary-school child ¥2,500 one way |
| Frequency | Winter timetable (from October 2026): 2 a day (Ishigaki 8:00 and 14:30; Hateruma 9:50 and 16:20). Three a day in some summer periods |
| Cancellations | Frequent. Several days in a row in winter |
| Getting around | Rental bicycles (electric about ¥2,000–2,500 a day), rental cars and scooters. Mostly cash |
Every departure time for both ferry companies is on the Ishigaki ferry timetable page.
Getting there
Only Anei Kanko runs this route, with two boats a day on the winter timetable. If your return boat is cancelled you will miss a flight from Ishigaki, so keep a spare day after your planned return. Fares are refunded when boats are cancelled. Small planes by Daiichi Koku also fly on some days, but not daily.
Spending the day
Rent a bicycle at the port, swim at Nishi Beach, have lunch in the village, and ride out to the southernmost monument and Takanazaki. That is the day-trip pattern. Stargazing means staying overnight; the Southern Cross is best from late April to early June, low in the southern sky. Camping is banned on the island. Most guesthouses take bookings only by phone, in Japanese.
Questions
Can I do a day trip?
Yes, out on the 8:00 boat and back on the afternoon boat. Because the route cancels so often, do not schedule Hateruma on the last day of your trip.
What if the boat is cancelled?
In winter boats can stop for several days. Keep a spare day after your return to Ishigaki and book a flight fare that can be changed.
When can I see the Southern Cross?
From late April to early June. It sits low in the southern sky, so find a spot with an open view south.
Figures and schedules change. This page was last checked in October 2026.
