Hateruma
| Native name: Japanese: Hateruma-jima Yaeyama: Hatirooma Okinawan: Hatiruma |
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Aerial view of Hateruma
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 Hateruma
波照間島 |
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| Geography | |
| Archipelago | Yaeyama Islands |
| Adjacent bodies of water | Pacific Ocean |
| Area | 12.7 km2 (4.9 sq mi) |
| Coastline | 14.8 km (9.2 mi) |
| Highest elevation | 59.5 m (195.2 ft) |
| Administration | |
| Prefectures | Okinawa Prefecture |
| District | Yaeyama |
| Town | Taketomi |
Hateruma (波照間島; Hateruma-jima; Yaeyama: Hatirooma Okinawan: Hatiruma) is an island in the Yaeyama District of Okinawa Prefecture, Japan. Part of the town Taketomi, it is the southern-most inhabited island in Japan at 24°2’25” north latitude, 123°47’16” east longitude. Hateruma is one of the Yaeyama Islands, and is located 24 kilometres (15 mi) south of Iriomote-jima, the largest of the island group.
Hateruma, which is composed of corals, has 12.7 km² of area and approximately 600 inhabitants.
The primary products of the island include sugarcane, pineapple, refined sugar, and Awanami, a highly prized type of the alcoholic beverage awamori. Its southern location makes it one of the few places in Japan where the Southern Cross can be observed.
Hateruma is visited by a comparatively high number of Japanese tourists from Ishigaki on day trips, as it boasts the southernmost tip of land of Japan. In addition, the southernmost school and the southernmost police station of Japan are tourist attractions. Further places of interest include:
Hateruma Airport is located on the island but is not currently served by any commercial flights. Haterujima is easily accessible by ferry from Ishigaki several times a day. There are several guest houses and some shops and restaurants on the island. Bikes are for hire at the harbour.
Monument at the southernmost point of Japan open to the public
Kodomori Tower
South Coast
Akahachi Memorial
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Wikipedia