Hatoma Island (Hatoma Jima)

The basics

Hatoma Island is all about unplugging and unwinding, so you’ll find little in the way of big-ticket attractions here. The biggest draw is the unspoiled coastline, gently swaying banyan and palm trees, and hiking trails that weave through the island’s interior forest. Be sure to check out Hatoma Lighthouse, known for its stunning views overlooking the blue sea and the island’s greenery, all the way to neighboring Iriomote Island. There’s also Maenohama Beach, with its silky white sand and abundant tropical fish—an ideal snorkeling spot.

Things to know before you go

• While most visitors come for the shore, don’t neglect the island’s woodland. In fact, Hatoma is a great place to practice the Japanese eco-wellness trend known as shinrin-yoku, or forest bathing.

• There is no large-scale development here, so if you’re looking for a big, splashy coastal resort, this isn’t the place. If laid-back inns and guesthouses are more your scene, you’ll love spending a few nights relaxing on this pristine patch of paradise.

• Hatoma has few light sources, meaning the island can be challenging to navigate after nightfall. Be sure to bring a flashlight, especially if you plan to catch one of the spectacular sunsets that Hatoma is known for.

• There are very few businesses on the island and only one eatery. (Aside from a small port village, there’s little development.) If you’ve got a full-day excursion planned or are counting on an uninterrupted beach day, arrange with your accommodation to bring a packed lunch.

• Limited private excursions are available for those who prefer to travel with the services of an English-speaking guide, including a full-day snorkeling tour that includes visits to Hatoma and Barasu Island.

How to get there

Hatoma Island is located almost 4 miles (6 kilometers) off the coast of Iriomote Island. You can catch a 45- or 75-minute ferry from the port of Iriomote or Ishigaki, another nearby island. Be sure to check the ferry schedule in advance when planning your stay since services are only available a few times a week.

When to get there

Avoid July and August, which is typhoon season in Okinawa. During Golden Week, a week-long holiday that runs annually in Japan from late April to early May and coincides with many major festivals, Hatoma Island hosts a laid-back music festival. You can catch folk shows, traditional Okinawan singing, and sanshin performances (an Okinawan instrument). The island has been known to hold dragon boat races, typically in May.

Exploring Okinawa’s abundant coral life

Okinawa’s islands are known for their excellent snorkeling and diving opportunities, not in the least because of the expansive biodiversity that characterizes its marine life. You’ll find 200 of the world’s 800 coral species here. Ishigaki, reachable from Hatoma in under an hour by ferry, is known for its manta ray sightings, most commonly from July until September. Snorkeling is a year-round activity in Okinawa, meaning you can always count on plenty to see under the sea.