Hatoma Island | Crystal-Clear Sea, Snorkeling, Ferry & Access Complete Guide

North of Iriomote Island, the remote island that keeps a special quiet even within the Yaeyama group is “Hatoma Island.” Just 3.9 km around, with a population of about 60, it’s a small island, but as a sea of superb transparency and a snorkeling field, it’s an existence called a “mecca” among divers and snorkelers.

An idyllic coral-reef island also known as the filming location of the 2005 Fuji TV drama “Ruri no Shima.” The village and lighthouse, coral white-sand beaches, and a sea thick with fish—it’s an island we especially want those seeking “Yaeyama’s quietest time” to visit. In this article, we’ll fully cover Hatoma Island’s charm, highlights and access.

What Kind of Island Is Hatoma Island? A Snorkeling Paradise

Hatoma Island is a tiny remote island about 3.9 km around with a population of about 60, floating about 5 km north of Iriomote Island. Belonging to Taketomi Town, Yaeyama District, Okinawa, it’s one of the smallest and quietest inhabited islands even within the Yaeyama group.

The island is surrounded by a coral reef, and the sea’s transparency is exceptional. The pure nature protected precisely because it isn’t commercialized gathers tremendous support from snorkelers and divers.

The filming location of “Ruri no Shima”

As the setting of the 2005 Fuji TV drama “Ruri no Shima,” its name recognition rose nationally. The story of Ruri, a girl on remote-island study, was depicted, and it’s become a pilgrimage spot for fans too.

Hatoma Island’s Highlights

The sea of superb transparency around the island

Hatoma Island’s biggest appeal is the overwhelmingly transparent sea. So clear you can see the coral on the seabed from the boat, just by snorkeling you can encounter colorful tropical fish, coral and sea turtles.

Shimanaka-mori | a coral white-sand beach

The Shimanaka-mori beach, within walking distance of the port, is a superb-view beach where Hatoma Island’s distinctive coral white sand and transparent sea spread out. A calm sea ideal for a snorkeling debut too.

Hatoma Nakamori | the island’s highest point

Hatoma Nakamori, located at the island’s center, is a superb-view point where—though a small hill of just under 30 m elevation—you can survey the island and the surrounding sea. The Hatoma Lighthouse is here too.

An idyllic village stroll

The island’s village, where red-tiled houses line up, is truly Okinawa’s original scenery. Just by strolling, you can taste the sensation of time flowing slowly.

How to Enjoy Hatoma Island | Snorkeling & Diving

Activity	Fee guide	Time needed
Snorkeling tour	¥5,000–8,000	Half day
Boat snorkeling	¥8,000–12,000	Half day
Trial diving	¥10,000–15,000	Half day
Fun diving	From ¥10,000	Half day

Diving shops on the island hold various tours. Boat tours to manta-encounter areas are popular too.

Hatoma Island Basic Information & Access

Item	Details
Location	Hatoma, Taketomi Town, Yaeyama District, Okinawa
Area	About 0.96 km²
Circumference	About 3.9 km
Population	About 60

Departure point	Time needed	Fare (guide)
Ishigaki Port → Hatoma Port	About 40 min by high-speed ferry	About ¥2,690 one way
Iriomote Uehara Port → Hatoma Port	About 15–20 min by high-speed ferry	About ¥700 one way

Beware of cancellation risk

Hatoma Island is also an island with a relatively high cancellation risk. Take particular care during the winter north-wind period. Build a schedule with room to go or return a day early.

Cautions When Visiting Hatoma Island

Extremely few shops & eateries

There are no convenience stores or supermarkets on the island, with only 1–2 shops. Eateries are limited too, so for a day trip it’s safe to prepare food and drinks on Ishigaki.

Respect the island’s nature and life

Since it’s also the place of residents’ lives, observe quiet-stay manners—don’t speak loudly, take your trash home, and no taking plants or shells.

Nearby Spots to Enjoy Together with Hatoma Island

Iriomote Island | World Natural Heritage

Iriomote Island, 15–20 minutes by boat from Hatoma Island. A two-island tour combined with mangroves, falls and jungle exploration is possible too.

Phantom Island | a Yaeyama superb view

A set with Phantom Island on a Yaeyama tour is recommended too.

Hatoma Island FAQ

Can I enjoy it on a day trip?

It’s possible if you push it, but staying one night to savor island time is ideal.

Can I enjoy it with kids?

OK for families with the quiet environment and shallow sea. However, since facilities are few, consult in advance for preschool children.

Is it reassuring even for snorkeling beginners?

The sea around the island is calm and superbly transparent. Joining a beginner-oriented tour is reassuring.

Summary | Experience the Snorkelers’ Mecca and Quiet on Hatoma Island

Hatoma Island is one of the smallest inhabited islands in the Yaeyama group. A sea of superb transparency, coral reef, the filming location of “Ruri no Shima,” and extremely quiet island time—it’s packed with the appeal unique to a non-commercialized remote island.

40 minutes by high-speed ferry from Ishigaki Port, ¥2,690 one way. On your next Yaeyama trip, be sure to experience the quiet and the sea’s brilliance of the snorkelers’ mecca, Hatoma Island.