I Spent 72 Hours on Japan's Most Remote Island

@Abroad in Japan

Abroad in Japanyoutubethe post

Explore Hatoma, a tiny, remote island in Okinawa with more goats than people, where traditional culture and a slow pace of life persist despite a shrinking population.

1 place · 2 experiences

1
Hatoma Island
Island · Taketomi
4.6
Creator's voice
Hatoma is one of Japan's most remote and difficult-to-reach islands, located in the Yaeyama island chain at the southernmost tip of Okinawa, 2,000km south of Tokyo. It's less than 1 km squared, with a population of only 50 people and more goats than humans. The island offers a slower pace of life, with elements almost frozen in time, including traditional Utaki shrines and homes with walls made of shells and stones.
Hatoma, Taketomi, Yaeyama District, Okinawa 907-1544, Japan
- Hatoma Island Goats — The island is famously home to more goats than human beings, often seen roaming freely, even walking down the street as if they have a meeting to attend.
- Shell and Stone Walls — The white walls lining the streets are made of shells and stones, a unique architectural feature of Okinawa not seen in other parts of Japan.
- Yashi Crab — The island is home to the yashi crab, a massive crab that lives in the forest and eats vegetables. They are described as 'dangerous finger-cutting' crabs.
Experience · 0 places
Climbing the Hatoma Island Treehouse
few-minutes
Climb up the Hatoma Island treehouse for a unique view of the sea. Be warned, it feels incredibly precarious with every step, like it's about to collapse, but it's rated for up to 100 kg. It's a genuinely scary but rewarding climb for the island views.
Experience · 0 places
Nighttime Sanchin Performance on the Beach
late-night
As the sun sets over Hatoma, find a spot on the beach to listen to the traditional Sanchin, an Okinawan instrument, played by locals like Kajakasan and his father. With a bonfire gradually dimming and the sound of the sea, the night sky reveals millions of stars above. It's an unforgettable experience, especially with an Orion beer in hand.

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