Hateruma, Japan
At the southern-most tip of Japan in the Pacific Ocean near the Tropic of Cancer lies the island of Hateruma, part of the Yaeyama Island group. This enchanting coral island is clothed in banyan trees, Indian almonds, bamboo orchids and colourful hibiscus. There is a blissful feeling of remoteness in this beautiful rural backwater, with no man-made noise and the exotic decent of frangipani perfumes in the air. Photo by: ippei + janine
Tourism is virtually non-existent on Hateruma – there are no big hotels or coach parties making this the perfect place to unwind. The island is best explored by bicycle, at a slow pace fitting the pace of life here. The empty roads lead to endless reaches of sea and sky. There is one just village in the centre of the island, with most of the inhabitants involved in fishing, growing sugarcane or producing Awanami, a highly-priced alcoholic drink. Some of the wooden houses are plain and weathered, others are painted in pretty shades of green or blue, with traditional orange tiled roofs. Photo by: 703
The clear blue waters around the island make this a good place for diving and snorkeling. There is plenty to explore, featuring coral reefs, rock arches and brilliantly colourful tropical fish. In the spring migratory fish, such as hammerhead sharks,can be seen. If you want to relax, the beach at Nishi, edged with pandanus trees, the most beautiful beach in Japan. Photo by: hokipoki
Hateruma is also famous for its astronomical observatory, as this is the only place in Japan from where you can view the Southern Cross. Of the 88 constellations, 84 can be seen from there, and the clear skies and lack of light population make this a great place to view the night sky. Photo by: Akira ASKR
When to go: Mid-December to June to view the Southern Cross. Population: 600. How to get there: By air to Ishigaki Island and then take a ferry to Hateruma. Photo by: kozyndan
