Hatenohama Sandbar
はての浜
A pure white sandbar about 7 km long on the east side of Kumejima, surrounded by emerald-green water. It is known as 'the most beautiful beach in the Orient.'
Hatenohama is made up of three white sandbars, Maebama, Nakabama and Hatenohama, stretching about 7 km. There are no buildings or trees, only white sand and water that fades from light to deep blue. The island has no roads to the sandbar, so you need to join a sightseeing boat or glass-bottom boat tour. Round-trip fares are about JPY 4,000–6,000, and tours take about 3 hours or more. You can snorkel to see tropical fish. There is no shade, so wear sunscreen and bring plenty of drinking water. Tours usually gather at Kanejo Port or Iifu Beach. Boats are cancelled during typhoons and high waves, so book in advance.
Opening hours
Tour-group visits approx. 09:00–15:00
Nearby sights
- Ou Island & Kumejima Sea Turtle Museum
- Tatami-ishi
- Eef Beach
- Tonnaha Castle Ruins
- Hiyajo Banta Viewpoint
- Kumejima Tsumugi Village (Yuimaru-kan)
- Uegusuku Castle Ruins
- Kumejima Museum