Hatoma
Island Tiny Yaeyama island near Ishigaki, quiet fishing community
Hatoma, a tiny isle in Okinawa’s Yaeyama group, offers sandy coves, shallow coral reefs and a single village; visitors come for snorkeling, quiet walks and a low‑traffic island atmosphere.
Hatoma is a very small inhabited island in the Yaeyama Islands of Okinawa Prefecture in southwestern Japan, known for its quiet, low‑density settlement and traditional island character.
The island is popular for short visits from Ishigaki and for experiencing a car‑free, village environment with shoreline walks and simple local guesthouses.
Hatoma lies in the southern Ryukyu chain within Okinawa Prefecture, among the broader cluster of Yaeyama islands and reachable by short ferry from Ishigaki.
- Visitor tip: The island has very limited facilities and is commonly visited on day trips from nearby Ishigaki; plan for basic transport by ferry and bring supplies.
How to Get to Hatoma #
Hatoma is reached by ferry from Ishigaki Island; services are infrequent and timetable-dependent. Most visitors travel via Ishigaki Airport and then the local ferry terminal to nearby islands, checking schedules in advance.
Tips for Visiting Hatoma #
- Ferry timetables in the Yaeyama area are seasonal-check Ishigaki or nearby island ferry counters in advance.
- Hatoma is very small; bring cash and plan for limited shops and services.
- Snorkeling and quiet beaches are the main attractions-avoid high winds and choppy water days.
Best Time to Visit Hatoma #
Late spring to early autumn is best for sea activities; watch for typhoon season in summer.
Weather & Climate near Hatoma #
Subtropical climate with hot summers (peaking in July) and mild winters (coldest in February). Temperatures range from 17°C to 32°C. Heavy rainfall (2336 mm/year), wettest in August.
January
January is mild with highs of 21°C and lows of 18°C. Significant rainfall (176 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
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February
February is mild with highs of 21°C and lows of 17°C. Significant rainfall (155 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
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March
March is mild with highs of 23°C and lows of 19°C. Significant rainfall (147 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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April
April is mild with highs of 25°C and lows of 22°C. Significant rainfall (162 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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May
May is warm with muggy conditions (dew point 23°C). Heavy rain (215 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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June
June is hot, feeling like 34°C with oppressive humidity. Heavy rain (202 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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July
July is the hottest month, feeling like 37°C with oppressive humidity. Significant rainfall (190 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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August
August is hot, feeling like 36°C with oppressive humidity. The wettest month with heavy rain (249 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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September
September is hot, feeling like 32°C with oppressive humidity. Heavy rain (241 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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October
October is warm with muggy conditions (dew point 22°C). Heavy rain (224 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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November
November is mild with highs of 25°C and lows of 22°C. Heavy rain (211 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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December
December is mild with highs of 23°C and lows of 20°C. Significant rainfall (164 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
