*This article was last updated in March 2021.
Hateruma Island has a coastline of about 15 kilometers and is Japan’s southernmost inhabited island. Many visitors choose to explore the island by rental bicycle, which is one of the most popular ways to get around.
Exploring Hateruma Island by bicycle typically take a full day, allowing you to enjoy the scenery at a relaxed pace.
On the island, bicycles, scooters, and cars are available for rent. There are no public buses or taxis.
Contents
♦ No Reservation Required for Bicycle Rentals on Hateruma Island
♦ Comparison of Bicycle Rental Shops on Hateruma Island
♦ Best Cycling Routes to Explore Hateruma Island
♦ Cycling Safety Tips and Precautions on Hateruma Island
♦ Hateruma Island Tour Package with Ferry and Bicycle Rental
No Reservation Required for Bicycle Rentals on Hateruma Island
There are two bicycle rental shops, OCEANS and Nishihamaso, both located within a one-minute walk from Hateruma Port. Bicycles can be rented at either shop without a reservation.
In addition, when the ferry arrives, many accommodation and rental shop staff gather at the port to greet guests with reservations (see photo below).
Some of these rental shops also offer bicycles without advance reservations, and you can arrange a rental directly at the port.
However, booking in advance is recommended during the busy summer season, when Hateruma Island receives a large number of visitors. The number of rental bicycles on the island is limited, and electric bicycles are even more limited.
Comparison of Bicycle Rental Shops on Hateruma Island
*This information was confirmed as of March 2021.
There are several bicycle rental shops on Hateruma Island, but only a few of them have websites. For this reason, the comparison here is between OCEANS, where the author personally rented a bicycle, and another shop for which information was available online.
Prices are generally similar across rental shops on the island. However, shops that allow you to return the bicycle near the ferry port are especially convenient.
Some accommodations on Hateruma Island also offer bicycle rentals. If you are staying overnight, it’s a good idea to ask your accommodation about this option.
・Electric bicycles are the best option.
It is unclear whether tandem bicycles or children’s bicycles are available at the rental shops on the island, so please contact each shop directly for details.
OCEANS : 0980-85-8787 (Located near Hateruma Port)
Nishihamaso : 0980-85-8290 (Located near Hateruma Port)
Kumanomi : 090-8290-2823
We recommend OCEANS, which is located very close to the ferry port. In addition to bicycle rentals, the shop also offers motorcycle and car rentals, as well as accommodation services.
When we rented a bicycle there in November 2020, the shop did not provide a map of the island, so we recommend preparing your own map in advance.
Best Cycling Routes to Explore Hateruma Island
This is a standard cycling route that covers the main sightseeing spots on Hateruma Island. Following this route will take a full day.
To avoid steep uphill sections, we recommend visiting the popular Nishihama Beach immediately after arriving on the island, then continuing your sightseeing in a clockwise direction from the port.
The map below also shows the locations of uphill sections. By starting your sightseeing route at point No. 1 on the map, you can avoid riding uphill and enjoy a more comfortable cycling experience.
The road from Pemuchi Beach to the Hateruma Island Starlight Tower is a long uphill climb. In addition, the village is located on a hill, so the roads leading from the coastal area up to the village are also uphill.
Cycling Safety Tips and Precautions on Hateruma Island
There is very little shade on Hateruma Island, so a hat and sunscreen are essential.
Be sure to buy drinks in the village before you start cycling, as there are very few vending machines outside the village.
Public restrooms are limited on Hateruma Island. Their locations are marked on the map above.
A map is essential when sightseeing on the island, as there are no major landmark buildings and very few guide signs. Some rental bicycle shops do not provide maps, so be sure to bring one with you. In addition, Google Maps may not work on your smartphone, as Wi-Fi is unavailable in most parts of the island.
The photo below shows the road leading to Pemuchi Beach. There is no information board at the beach entrance.
Taketomi Town provides an easy-to-read English map, so it’s a good idea to download the Painusima Story PDF before your visit for offline use.
Hateruma Island Tour Package with Ferry and Bicycle Rental
・Joining a tour is a great value for sightseeing on remote islands.
Several package tours include round-trip ferry tickets between Ishigaki Island and Hateruma Island, as well as a bicycle rental on Hateruma Island. These packages are often more affordable than traveling independently.
The tours allow you to choose your ferry schedule and decide where to go by bike at your own pace.
These tours are offered by a tour company located at the Ishigaki Port Ferry Terminal. Reservations can be made on the website below, by phone, or at the shop counter.
Tour company
Hirata Tourism
Anei Kanko Ferry
Ishigaki Island Travel Center (only in Japanese)
