Haemida Beach
南風見田の浜24°16′ N 123°50′ EBeach
Haemida Beach is the long beach at the southern tip of Iriomote, about 3 km past the road's end at Toyohara, with fine sand and shallow water facing Hateruma, and no toilets or lifeguards.
Photo Yononakanokasa · Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 4.0
Haemida is Iriomote's longest beach, and its fine sand and shallow water face south towards Hateruma. Iriomote Kotsu calls it ideal for beachcombing for shells and coral fragments, and warns that with no toilets and little shade it is no place for a long stay. Drive or ride from Ohara with water and food.
The beach also holds a memorial. In 1945 the army ordered the people of Hateruma to evacuate to this coast, where malaria was rife; nearly all caught it and about a third died. Their school principal, Shikina, carved 'Wasurena-ishi Hateruma Shikina' (the stone not to forget) into a rock here, and the inscription remains beside a memorial.
Before you swim
- Taketomi Town designates none of its beaches as official swimming beaches and posts no lifeguards; it asks swimmers to wear a life jacket or wetsuit and never to swim alone or after drinking.
- Habu-kurage box jellyfish occur in Okinawan and Amami waters from May to October; if stung, leave the water and pour plenty of vinegar on the sting before removing tentacles.
- No toilets, shop or shade: bring water.
December to March
The beach faces south, away from the winter north-east wind, and on clear days Hateruma shows on the horizon.
Our ratings
- Swimming
- Sunset
- Quiet
- Families
- Scenery
Worth knowing
- Look for the Wasurena-ishi memorial near the beach and treat it with the respect due to a war memorial.
FAQ
Quick answers about Haemida Beachよくある質問
What is the Wasurena-ishi at Haemida Beach?
A war memorial. In 1945 the people of Hateruma were forced to evacuate to Iriomote, where most caught malaria and about a third died, and their school principal carved 'Wasurena-ishi' (the stone not to forget) into a rock at Haemida.
Are there facilities at Haemida Beach?
No. Haemida Beach has no toilets or shop and little shade, so bring water and food from Ohara.
Can you swim at Haemida Beach?
Haemida Beach has no jellyfish net.
Is Haemida Beach worth visiting in winter?
The beach faces south, away from the winter north-east wind, and on clear days Hateruma shows on the horizon.
Within 8 km
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