Japan's Southernmost Point Monument — Attraction in Taketomi

波照間島は、住人が居り、且つ特別な手続きを要せず上陸可能な島の中で、日本で最も最南端に位置し、さらにその最南端に位置する場所として建てられた碑である。 周辺は散策道が整備されており、東屋や駐車場も整備されている。とは言え、それ以外に立ち入り可能あるいは制限されている区画整備等は無く、碑の周辺の草地や海岸沿いの崖に足を踏み入れることも特に禁止されていない。同時に柵等は設置されておらず、海岸警備も基本的に常駐していないため、もし海に何か落とした場合、事実上回収は不可能。人が海に落ちても助けを求めることも不可能に近いため、周辺の散策には充分に注意したい。また海岸沿いであることから風も強く、帽子などが飛ばされないように注意したい。 それでも、日本最南端に到着したという充実感と、（晴れていた場合）遮るものの無い全天の青空を満喫できる解放感は、得難いものとなるだろう。

Hateruma Island is the southernmost island in Japan that is inhabited and can be reached without special procedures. This monument is the most southerly of its island counterparts. There is a walking trail, a pavilion, and a parking lot in the vicinity. However, there are no other areas that are accessible or restricted, and there is no particular prohibition against stepping into the grassy area around the monument or into the cliffs along the coast. At the same time, there are no fences, etc., and there are basically no beach guards on duty, so if someone drops something in the ocean, it is virtually impossible to retrieve it. It is also nearly impossible to call for help if someone falls into the sea, so be very careful when walking around the area. Also, because of the coastal location, the wind is strong, so be careful not to have your hat or other items blown away. Even so, the sense of fulfillment of having arrived at the southernmost point of Japan and the liberating feeling of enjoying the unobstructed blue sky (if the weather is clear) will be...

This is quite obviously a must-do when on the island and was my main reason for visiting. It’s not just the monument, you can walk around and enjoy the views of the ocean and the cliffs. This island is very peaceful so this place is no different. However, it would be great if there was a vending machine as there was nowhere around to get water or drinks, which can be tiring after...

Nice view point on Hateruma, i went there with a regular bike and it was quite the struggle, rent an electric bike if you are kit super fit. There is not much to see there, nobody around, and little shade, so go if, like me, you want to tick off the list this little record of being the southernmost...