What is the difference between "Phantom Island" Hamashima and "Miracle Island" Barasu Island? A Thorough Explanation of Location and Attractions
Table of Contents
- 1 Local Staff Commentary! Which do you recommend? Phantom Island (Hamashima) and Miracle Island (Barasu Island)
- 2 Phantom Island (Hamashima)/Barasu Island Basic Information
- 3 Difference between Phantom Island (Hamashima) and Barasu Island
- 4 Access to Phantom Island (Hamashima) and Barasu Island
- 5 Phantom Island (Hamashima) and Barasu Island Best Season and Beautiful Viewing Points
- 6 When going to the Phantom Island (Hamashima) and Barasu Island Recommended Clothing and Personal Belongings
- 7 Fun on the Island of Illusions 6 recommended activities
- 8 5 recommended activities in Baras 5 recommended activities
- 9 summary
Local Staff Commentary! Which one do you recommend?
Phantom Island (Hamashima) and Miracle Island (Barasu Island)
The tropical resort of Okinawa has numerous beautiful remote islands.
Among them, "Phantom Island (Hamashima)" and "Miracle Island (Barasujima)" are popular as hidden places known only to those in the know.
After all, what is the difference between the two islands? We will provide a thorough explanation of the attractions and locations of each island.
◆If you want to know the difference between Phantom Island and Barasu Island.
◆For those who want to enjoy activities in crystal clear waters
◆Those who want to see beautiful tropical fish and coral reefs
◆Those who want to take SNS-worthy photos
Phantom Island (Hamashima)/Barasu Island Basic Information
Both are famous as islands with spectacular views, Phantom Island and Barasu Island.
First, we will give you the basic information you need to know.
Phantom Island (Hamashima) Basic Information
Phantom Island is an uninhabited island between Ishigaki and Iriomote Islands.
The entire island is formed by a crescent-shaped sandy beach,Appears only at low tide.It is an unusual island.
The white sand beach surrounded by 360-degree emerald green ocean is attractive and has been used for filming numerous commercials.
Click here to see the ranking of popular phantom island tours.
Basic Information on Barasu Island
Barasu Island is an uninhabited island between Iriomote Island and Hatoma Island.
The entire island is made of coral.This is the most important feature of the system.
Like Phantom Island, it is surrounded on all sides by crystal clear waters and is a famous snorkeling spot.
Click here to see the ranking of popular Barasu Island tours.
Difference between Phantom Island (Hamashima) and Barasu Island
Both are uninhabited islands surrounded by beautiful waters, but in what ways are they different?
Based on the differences, here are some of the attractions of each!
Uninhabited island made of sandy beach not on the map
Phantom Island (Hamashima)
The phantom island appears only at low tide, so searching for it on a map will not show it officially.
Including its preciousness, Hamashima is called a "phantom island.
The contrast between the silky white sandy beach and the blue ocean will truly be a spectacular view that you will never forget.
Furthermore, the vicinity of the phantom island isIshisei Jagako, the largest coral reef area in Japanis spread out, so you can encounter an abundance of tropical fish and coral reefs.
An uninhabited island made entirely of coral reef fragments
Barras Island (Miracle Island)
The difference from the Phantom Island is that Barras Island is entirely composed of coral.
The island is stained white by the limestone of the coral, and the pure white beach that stretches across the entire field of view is truly a fantastic sight.
The only island in the northern hemisphere formed entirely of coral fragments is Barras Island.
These islands are,Only two places exist: Australia's Great Barrier Reef and Iriomote Island.It is said that the fact that one of these is in Japan is in itself a miracle.
Access to Phantom Island (Hamashima) and Barasu Island
Next, we will explain how to access each of them.
I will also include a map so you can check it out.
How to get to Phantom Island (Hamashima)
There are no regular ferry or high-speed boat services to Phantom Island.
Therefore, we travel to remote islands such as Ishigaki Island and Kohama Island, and from thereNeed to take a sightseeing tourThere are
Access: about 30 minutes from Ishigaki Island, about 15 minutes from Kohama Island
About 30 minutes by boat from Ishigaki Island!
The most mainstream way to get there is to join a tour from Ishigaki Island and take a 30-minute boat ride.
There are also tours that include sightseeing in Ishigaki Island and landing on the Phantom Island,Efficiently enjoy sightseeing on remote islandsThe following is an example of a product that can be used in this way.
Click here for the Phantom Island Tour to/from Ishigaki Island
About 15 minutes by boat from Kohama Island!
The next route used is from Kohama Island.
The boarding time is less than Ishigaki Island,Recommended for those who get seasick easily.It is.
Click here for the Phantom Island Tour to/from Kohama Island
How to get to Barras Island
Barras Island, like the Phantom Island, cannot be visited by ferry or high-speed boat.
Sign up for a sightseeing tour in advance.is the basis.
Access: about 40 minutes from Ishigaki Island, about 10 minutes from Uehara Port in Iriomote Island
About 10 minutes by boat from Iriomote Island!
Because it is located 5.4 km north of Iriomote Island,It is common to join a tour departing from Iriomote Island.It is.
There are excellent coral reef points around Barasu Island, so snorkeling there is also recommended.
Click here for recommended Barasu Island tours.
Phantom Island (Hamashima) and Barasu Island
The best season and the point where it looks beautiful
Next, we will explain the recommended season to visit the phantom island, Barasu Island, and the points where it can be seen beautifully.
Knowing this in advance will definitely help you enjoy 120% with a spectacular view.
Best season is from April to June.
Both the Phantom Island and Barasu Island are blessed with a mild climate throughout the year, and tours are offered all year round, regardless of the season.
The recommended season is from April to June.Not much rain and temperatures are not that high.The island is a great place to enjoy island fun in comfort.
However, even in winter, the average temperature is relatively warm at 20 degrees Celsius, so it can be said that the charm of the fantastic island of Barasu is that you can enjoy the spectacular scenery throughout the year.
The key to a beautiful look (1)
Tide level is 70 cm to 100 cm
Both Phantom Island and Barasu Island change shape depending on the tide level of the sea, and the tide level is less than 100cm.Limited time at low tideLanding is allowed only on
It is recommended to check the tide level in advance at the website of the Japan Meteorological Agency.
The point (2) of looking good.
Sunny and not too windy.
The weather is important to enjoy the spectacular scenery to the fullest.
After all, you can enjoy the sparklingly beautiful sea more on a clear day.
andIf it is windy, the tour itself cannot be held.It is possible, so check the weather forecast frequently.
The key to a beautiful look (iii)
Not crowded.
During peak seasons such as Golden Week and Obon, more than 500 people land on the island at once.
If you don't like crowds and want to spend a relaxing time,Off-season after SeptemberConsider visiting the
When going to Phantom Island (Hamashima) and Barasu Island
Recommended Clothing and What to Bring
Both Phantom Island and Barasu Island consist only of beaches, so be sure to bring flip-flops.
Especially on Barasu Island, coral may injure your feet, so it is a good idea to bring marine shoes.
Also, because there is no obstruction around,UV protection is essentialIt is.
Of course, there are no vending machines, so be sure to bring plenty of water.
◆ Caps
◆Sunglasses
◆Flip flops (marine shoes)
◆Drinks
◆Sickness medicine (for those who need it)
Fun on a Phantom Island
Six recommended activities
As we have mentioned, it is essential to join a local tour to land on the phantom island.
Here are six activities that you can enjoy on the Phantom Island.
snorkeling
Snorkeling is a typical marine activity that can be enjoyed on the Phantom Island.
In the crystal clear waters,Colorful tropical fish and coral reefsYou can meet the
You will definitely be able to enjoy the beautiful ocean to the fullest, which is incomparable to the ocean on the main island of Okinawa.
It was truly a dream come true.
The small sandy islands that appear with the incoming tide are truly magical, and the 360-degree view of the emerald green ocean is breathtaking.
In snorkeling, I was able to play in the clear water with colorful fish.
Thanks to the kind support of the guide, even a beginner could enjoy the tour.
▼Click here for recommended snorkeling tours to the Phantom Island.



▼ Learn more about snorkeling

Experience Diving
Along with snorkeling, experience diving is also popular.
Unlike real diving,No license required and easy to joinis the key point.
Compared to snorkeling, it is possible to dive deeper into the ocean for longer periods of time, providing a mystical experience.
Of course, experienced guides will give you detailed lectures, so even beginners can enjoy themselves.
▼Click here for recommended diving tours to the Phantom Island.



▼ Learn more about diving

Charter
For those who wish to enjoy the phantom island at their own pace, a charter tour is recommended.
Rent out the tour and don't worry about your surroundings,You can enjoy sightseeing at your leisure.The island is a great place to experience the magic of the island, and will make your experience on the island even more special.
Although people tend to be nervous when they hear the word "charter," the appeal of these tours is that they are surprisingly easy to use.
▼Click here for our recommended Phantom Island Charter Tour ▼


Learn more about ▼Charter

Taketomi Island Sightseeing Set Tour
Taketomi Island is particularly popular among the Yaeyama Islands.
The biggest attraction of Taketomi Island is,Original and nostalgic sights and cultureThis is the point at which the
Many tours that can be combined with the Phantom Island are available, allowing visitors to enjoy an efficient trip to Okinawa.
The tour is always popular with many people who enjoy the beautiful ocean of Okinawa in the morning and spend the afternoon relaxing on Taketomi Island.
▼Click here for our recommended Phantom Island Tour with Taketomi Island Sightseeing



Learn more about Taketomi Island tours held on Ishigaki Island
Blue Cave Set Tour
Not only in Italy and the main island of Okinawa, but also on Ishigaki Island there is a spectacular spot called the "Blue Cave.
The beauty of the cobalt blue seaThe area is also famous as a snorkeling spot because of the trench where many fish gather.
Visitors can also explore the interior of the caves and observe stalactites and other natural products that cannot normally be seen!
▼Click here for our recommended Blue Cave tours.


Learn more about the Blue Cave
Kabira Bay Set Tour
There are also tours that include Kabira Bay, a very popular sightseeing spot on Ishigaki Island.
Kabira Bay is,Awarded three stars in the guidebook "Michelin Green Guide JaponIt is a spectacular spot that has been
Swimming is not allowed due to the fast and dangerous currents, but you can join a tour to enjoy activities in the swimmable area!
▼Click here for our recommended Kabira Bay tours.


Fun in Baras Island
Five recommended activities
As with the Phantom Island, participation in a tour is required to visit Barasu Island.
Here are five recommended activities you can enjoy on Barras Island.
During peak season, tours can fill up quickly, so we recommend that you make reservations as soon as possible for tours that interest you.
snorkeling
Snorkeling, the royal road to marine sports, can of course be enjoyed on Barasu Island.
Snorkeling at Barasu Island is a memorable experience of a lifetime, as you can swim with many sea creatures in the crystal clear waters.
Safe ocean fun for men and women of all ages.Therefore, beginners are recommended to participate in snorkeling first.
Mangrove Set Tour
This tour includes typical Iriomote Island activities as a starting point to Barasu Island.
Iriomote Island is covered with subtropical mangrove primeval forest over 90%,Registered as a World Natural Heritage siteThe company has been
Why don't you enjoy a full day in the beautiful sea of Barasu Island and the great nature of Iriomote Island, forgetting about the extraordinary?
This is a recommended tour to experience the charm of Iriomote Island to the fullest!
The canoe ride through the quiet mangroves was an experience that allowed us to feel the great outdoors firsthand.
On Barras Island, snorkeling in the crystal clear waters was exceptional.
Surrounded by colorful fish and coral, I felt like I was in another world.
The guide was very knowledgeable and made me feel at ease.
Click here for recommended Iriomotejima Mangrove Tour
Canyoning Set Tour
For those who want to actively play in nature, we recommend the Barasu Island snorkeling and canyoning combination tour.
Canyoning is a natural progression through crystal clear waterfalls and waterways,A sense of becoming one with nature while moving your bodyYou can taste the
It is an unforgettable experience that will satisfy your sense of adventure and healing at the same time.
Yubu Island Sightseeing Set Tour
Yubu Island can be crossed from Iriomote Island by a buffalo cart.
The entire Yubu Island is being developed as a subtropical botanical garden,Palm trees, hibiscus, bougainvilleaYou will encounter the sight of tropical plants in full bloom, such as
After enjoying snorkeling in the ocean to your heart's content, be sure to enjoy the relaxing island time that only Yubu Island can offer.
Click here for recommended Yubu Island tours.
Hatoma Island Sightseeing Set Tour
Located about 5 km north of Iriomote Island, Hatoma Island offers a beautiful location unique to an island that has not been turned into a tourist destination.
Hatoma BlueThe sea called "Ruri no Shima" is extremely beautiful, and was even chosen as a location for the drama "Ruri no Shima" broadcast in 2005.
You will definitely enjoy the best sightseeing experience on this compact island, which you can get around on foot!
Click here for recommended Hatoma Island tours.
Learn more about Hatoma Island
summary
In this issue, we introduced the differences and attractions between "Island of Vision (Hamashima)" and "Island of Miracles (Barasujima)".
Tours are required for both islands, and during peak season tours may be full, so early advance reservations are recommended.
If you want to encounter fantastic scenery that can be called "the ultimate in the extraordinary," why not visit the two islands via Ishigaki and Iriomote as well?
Thank you for taking the time to read this to the end.
↓Click here to read the article.


