Discover Hatoma—Okinawa’s hidden island of butterflies
- Published on : 11/11/2025
- by : Joshua
- Youtube
Hatoma, Okinawa
@Paipetoroma on Wikimedia, CC BY-SA 4.0
Just six kilometers off of the coast of Iriomote Island in Okinawa is Hatoma Island. With a total area less than one square kilometer and with a population of only 40-50 people, Hatoma is a modest location. However, being a part of the Yaeyama Islands, it offers gorgeous, unspoiled scenery that serves as the perfect backdrop for quality fun in the sun!
Let’s take a look at the many things that this compact, tropical destination has to offer and what makes it a great spot to check out for your next trip out to Okinawa!
Hatoma Island: the quiet gem near Iriomote Island
Hatoma Island has a long history of inhabitation, and for much of the 1900s, the island thrived as a fishing port for katsuo (skipjack tuna), but into the modern day, it boasts a small population of only around 50 people. A majority of this community are retired, largely tending to gardens and farms found throughout the island.
As previously mentioned, the area of the island barely reaches one kilometer. Circling the island on foot via the primary path takes around one hour, and along the way, gorgeous vistas and a tranquil environment are ready to be taken in. On Hatoma, the sun both rises and sets a good amount later than in other parts of the country, optimizing its tropical location and environment.
This unique setting allows for a distinct way of life for the local people and a great opportunity for visitors to experience a tropical getaway unlike any other in Japan, greatly condensed without compromises in authenticity.
Hatoma Island
@Japan Experience
Nature on Hatoma Island
Of course, being a small island, the beaches of Hatoma are breathtaking. With stark white sand beaches and gorgeous blue waters. In fact, the island is a hub for activities such as snorkeling and swimming, especially since potentially harmful jellyfish do not reside in the surrounding waters.
Further inland, the island hosts dense spots of forestation that provide shade from the glowing sun. Trekking through these areas of greenery makes for great hikes and peeks at the local wildlife! In this regard, visitors will notice that Hatoma is home to a population of feral goats that roam throughout.
However, what Hatoma is most known for are the fluttering butterflies that thrive on the island, as the island's protected status allows for a number of different species to proliferate. A few notable examples include the Tree Nymph Butterfly (known locally as ogomodara), the Asian Snowtail, and the Common Blue Bottle. Seeing these whimsical insects fly around with the backdrop of the island’s tropical environment is like something out of a film!
Once the sun sets, the mysticism doesn’t disappear, as the lack of light pollution on the island means that the stars are clearly visible at night. There are also glowing fireflies that illuminate the nighttime island scenery.
Other attractions on Hatoma Island
There is a lighthouse on Hatoma that serves as the highest point on the island, providing gorgeous panoramas of the surrounding area. It is especially beautiful on clear days with blue skies and glowing, emerald waters.
There are five Shinto shrines located throughout the island, some in more remote areas than others. Visiting all of them makes for a great journey, going from the port to the inland forests and all throughout the island.
Once a year, during the first week of May, the Hatoma Island Music Festival is held. Music representative of Okinawa and the greater Ryukyu Island chain is performed, as well as other easy-going genres that fit the island atmosphere perfectly. It typically lines up with Golden Week, a string of consecutive national holidays in Japan when many opt to travel.
Shinto Shrine on Hatoma
@Japan Experience
Hatoma
@Japan Experience
Lighthouse on Hatoma
@Japan Experience
Facilities on Hatoma Island
Given its small size and small population, Hatoma hosts only a select amount of usual amenities and facilities compared to other parts of Japan. For example, there are only two vending machines found on the entire island, and also no convenience stores or supermarkets, and only one post office that is without an ATM. There are also only two schools on the island, with one of them only having eight students, most of whom actually come from other parts of Japan.
However, there are a few restaurants on the island serving great local cuisine and seasonal treats! Hoshizora Shokudo features a changing menu depending on ingredient availability, with their curry and noodle dishes being of particular note. Maison Izawa Cafe boasts a stylish interior and a menu featuring desserts like doughnuts, ice cream, and pies, and beverages such as coffee and tea!
In regard to accommodation, there are a few options, with the upscale Villa Ryugujo Hatoma at the forefront. Right by the port, it offers easy access and beautiful views of the water. Right behind it, Harinuburi has a great island-life feel and charm. The hotel offers snorkeling services with a guide who speaks Japanese, English, and French.
How to get to Hatoma Island
There are ferries that go directly to Hatoma Island from the following spots:
- Ishigaki Island—Around 45 minutes one way
- Iriomote Island—Around only 15 minutes one way from Uehara Port
Ferries are subject to cancellation or delays due to weather conditions or strong winds, but for those already on Iriomote, this makes for a great, easily accessible, and unique trip!
From Ishigaki, there are around two departures a day (around 14 total every week), and then from Iriomote, typically one departure (around seven total every week).
On Ishigaki Island, New Ishigaki Airport services flights from the Japanese mainland and a few flights from the rest of Asia. Iriomote Island is typically reached via a ferry from Ishigaki Island.
