Nishihama
ニシ浜24°04′ N 123°46′ EBeach
Nishihama is the 1.5 km white-sand beach on Hateruma's north coast, ten minutes' walk from the port and rated Japan's best beach by TripAdvisor users in 2017, where rip currents have drowned swimmers and no lifeguards are posted.
Nishi means north in the Yaeyama language, so Nishihama is the north beach, and old road signs that wrote it with the character for west have been painted over. The sand runs about 1.5 km below the village, and the water shades into what the tourism association calls Hateruma blue. TripAdvisor's users put it first among Japan's beaches in 2017.
It is also a beach that has taken lives. Two high-school students on a school trip drowned in a rip current in 2006, and snorkellers died here in 2018 and 2019. Taketomi Town does not designate it for swimming and posts no lifeguards, though the Ryukyu Water Rescue Association opened a Hateruma station in May 2019. Go in with a partner, wear a life jacket or wetsuit, and stay close to shore.
Before you swim
- Rip currents have carried swimmers out to sea: two students drowned in 2006, and snorkellers died in 2018 and 2019.
- 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.
December to March
Nishihama faces north, into the winter north wind that also cancels the Hateruma boats, so save it for a calm day.
Our ratings
- Swimming
- Snorkelling
- Sunset
- Quiet
- Families
- Scenery
Worth knowing
- Shower and toilets are at the beach, but there is no shop; carry water down from the village.
FAQ
Quick answers about Nishihamaよくある質問
Is it safe to swim at Nishihama?
Take care. Nishihama on Hateruma has no lifeguards and is not a designated swimming beach, and rip currents have drowned swimmers and snorkellers, most recently in 2018 and 2019. Swim with a partner and a life jacket or wetsuit.
How far is Nishihama from Hateruma port?
About ten minutes on foot from the port passenger terminal.
Does Nishihama have showers and toilets?
Yes. Nishihama has showers and toilets, though no shop.
Is Nishihama worth visiting in winter?
Nishihama faces north, into the winter north wind that also cancels the Hateruma boats, so save it for a calm day.
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