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Kohama Island is a small island (16.6 km in circumference) surrounded by a beautiful, rich sea. We will provide you with a summary of information on how to get to Kohama Island, sightseeing tours, and means of transportation.
The island is ideal for a taste of a tropical resort. We especially recommend this island for those who want a quiet and relaxing time. We will introduce a model course and popular activities to make your trip to Kohama Island enjoyable and efficient all at once. The clean air and clear waters will heal you. Let’s visit the island.
What is Kohama Island?
Kohama Island became famous as a filming location for the NHK television series “Churasan. Kohama Island is located 25 minutes by high-speed boat from Ishigaki Island and is a peaceful small island with sugar cane fields. You can feel the nostalgia of good old Japan. Tourists visit the island throughout the year, but the “Yugansai” festival, which begins with the Boshihai Sukumi in the eighth month of the lunar calendar, is trendy and lively among tourists. The performing arts of Kohama Island, including the Yugansai, have been designated as “Important Intangible Cultural Assets” by the national government, and these historical arts continue to be handed down.
How to get to Kohama Island
There is no airport on Kohama Island. Travel by boat is required. You can either fly directly to Ishigaki Island or arrive at Ishigaki Island via Naha on the main island of Okinawa. Then, take a high-speed boat or ferry from Ishigaki Port Remote Island Terminal.
*As of December 2022
| From Ishigaki Island Terminal | Ferry time | Number of Ferries/day |
| Kohama Port | Approx. 25 min. by high-speed boat | 12 ferry |
How much time is needed for sightseeing on Kohama Island?
It takes less than 30 minutes from Ishigaki Island. The island is so tiny that you can visit it in half a day, so you can reserve a hotel on Ishigaki Island and go sightseeing for a day trip. If you want to take your time to enjoy the remote island (Kohama Island) and experience various activities, we recommend you stay one or two nights on Kohama Island.
Means of Transportation for Kohama Island Sightseeing
There are five types of transportation for sightseeing on Kohama Island: rental bicycles, rental bikes, rental cars, walking, and sightseeing buses. Let’s take a closer look.
Bicycle rental
Renting a bicycle is a great way to enjoy the outdoors while feeling the island breeze. The cost ranges from 300 yen for 1 hour to 2,500 yen for 5 hours. However, it depends on the weather, there are many hills, and it takes about 4 hours on average to go around the island, so it is recommended for those confident in their physical strength. (Don’t worry, electric bicycles are also available.)
Bike Rental
Rental bikes start at 1000 yen and take about 2 hours to go around the island. 4000 yen for a one-day rental is very reasonable. They are recommended for those who want to get around comfortably and enjoy touring, as they can easily ride up hills.
Car rental
Renting a car is recommended for those who want to get around quickly, don’t want to get sunburned, don’t like the heat, etc. Renting a car starts at about 2,000 yen per hour, and it takes less than an hour to go around the island. 1-day rental is about 5,000 yen, which is the same as a motorcycle, so renting a car is recommended for families and others! A one-day rental is almost the same as a motorcycle at about 5,000 yen.
Sightseeing bus
Sightseeing buses are convenient because you do not have to think about anything, get on the bus, and it will take you around the sightseeing spots. Departing from Obama Port, the bus takes passengers to Sugar Road, Obama Elementary and Junior High Schools, Kohagura-so, Hosozaki, and Otake, with four trips per day taking approximately 1 hour and 10 minutes. The fare is not that expensive and is recommended.
Model Course to Popular Sightseeing Spots on Kohama Island
Model Course of Kohama Island
Kohama Port ⇒ Odake Observatory ⇒ Nishi Odake Observatory ⇒ Ishinagata Beach ⇒ Hosozaki Beach ⇒ Sugar Road ⇒ Tumaru Beach ⇒ Kohama Port
If you drive according to this model course, you can tour around slowly for 2 to 3 hours. Next, we will introduce popular sightseeing spots on Kohama Island in the order of the model course.
Ufudaki Observatory
Odake is a small 99-meter-high mountain in the island’s center, a 35-minute walk from Kohama Port. It reads “Ufudaki. At the top of the hill, you can see a 360-degree panoramic view of Odake. There is a legend that this mountain used to be on Taketomi Island, but God moved it to Kohama Island because of unbelievers. Even at this height, it is possible to see enough of the eight islands of Yaeyama.
| Ufudaki | |
| From Kohama Port | 2 minutes by car, 7 minutes by bicycle |
Nishi Ufudaki Observatory
This observatory is located on top of a mountain in the center of Kohama Island and is not high, so anyone can easily climb it. It offers a panoramic view of the island and a beautiful view of the ocean and surrounding mountains. We recommend climbing in the evening. The sunset view will leave you in a state of nostalgia.
| Nishi Ufudaki | |
| From Kohama Port | 8 minutes by car, 25 minutes by bicycle |
Ishinagata Beach
The mangrove forest on Ishinagata Coast is spectacular, with short mangroves growing well. You can see the mangrove, Hosozaki Coast, and Iriomote Island from the observatory near here. At low tide, you can also observe various creatures.
| Ishinagata Beach | |
| From Kohama Port | 10 minutes by car, 30 minutes by bicycle |
Kubozaki Coast
Hosozaki Beach is on the western cape of Kohama Island, with a view of Iriomote Island and Yubu in front of it. Although swimming is prohibited, there are objects of manta rays, and it is a popular tourist spot. It is a good place for taking pictures as it has a good view.
| Kubozaki Coast | |
| From Kohama Port | 10 minutes by car |
Sugar Road
出典：4travel
This Sugar Road has become a famous tourist attraction as the location for NHK’s “Khorasan.” The contrast between the blue sky and the green sugar cane makes for an attractive and photogenic sight. The road is also home to goats, grazing cows, and horses, making it a relaxing place to spend time. Cycling along the road is the best way to immerse yourself in the world of drama.
| Sugar Road | |
| From Kohama Port | 5 minutes by car, 20 minutes by bicycle |
Tumal Beach
Tumal Beach is an easily accessible beach that can be reached on foot from Kohama Port. It is recommended for families, as the shallow waters allow children to play safely on the beach without changing into swimsuits. The pristine white sand beach is lovely. The sunrise is stunning. It is close to the ferry terminal and a 5-minute bicycle ride from the village, so you can stop by even if you don’t have much time.
| Tumal Beach | |
| From Kohama Port | 5 minutes by car, 10 minutes by bicycle |
Popular Optional Tours to/from Kohama Island
Since the model course of Kohama Island can be enjoyed in half a day, many visitors to Kohama Island on a day trip from Ishigaki Island can join an optional tour in the morning and drive around the model course of Kohama Island in the afternoon. Here we introduce popular optional tours on Kohama Island!
Panari Island, Kuroshima, and Hamashima Island 3 Islands Snorkeling Tour – 1 Day Course
You will receive a photo taken with an underwater camera and free rental of all equipment needed for the tour! You can snorkel empty-handed. This is a popular snorkeling experience tour to/from Kohama Island.” The time will take you to the “last unexplored island,” Aragusuku Island (Panari Island), the “Heart Island” Kuroshima, a heart-shaped power spot that is said to fulfill love, and an uninhabited white sand island that only appears at low tide. This tour takes you to three islands in just one day.
Panari Island Snorkeling in the Beautiful Sea – Half-Day Course
This tour is recommended for those short on time but still wanting to do some snorkeling. This tour allows you to fully enjoy the ocean, even though it is only a half-day tour. The clarity of the sea, the abundance of coral species, and the abundance of tropical fish on Panari Island will leave you with memories that will last a lifetime.
Conclusion
We have compiled a model sightseeing course for Kohama Island in this issue. A beautiful ocean surrounds Kohama Island, with many beautiful beaches and an observatory where you can overlook the Yae Islands. It is only 30 minutes away from Ishigaki Island by ferry so you can make a day trip. An overnight stay is recommended if you want to take your time sightseeing. Depending on your purpose, you can choose the means of transportation, such as renting a car or a bicycle. We have provided a list of optional tours that can only be enjoyed on Kohama Island.
You can have a relaxing and enjoyable trip to the nostalgic Kohama Island, the setting of Churasan, which will make you forget the fatigue of daily life.
