【Kohama Island】Fishing tour

One of Japan’s top fishing spots! Experience the excitement of a boat fishing tour on Kohama Island.

Kohama Island, part of the Iriomote-Ishigaki National Park, is home to a diverse array of tropical fish in its surrounding waters, earning it the nickname “a natural aquarium.” The warm Kuroshio Current flows through the island, bringing with it many rare fish that are difficult to find elsewhere, making it one of Japan’s premier fishing destinations.

Encounter rare fish found only in Okinawa, take in the breathtaking ocean views from the boat, and enjoy freshly caught seafood prepared on the spot. A fishing tour on Kohama Island offers endless excitement and unforgettable experiences!

Clothing, Items to Bring, and Rental Equipment for Kohama Island Fishing Tours

Recommended Clothing for Booking a Kohama Island Fishing Tour

Since fishing tours on Kohama Island take place on a boat, you may get splashed with seawater. It is recommended to wear water-resistant clothing and sandals to stay comfortable throughout the trip.

Items to Bring When Booking a Kohama Island Fishing Tour

Since the sun can be quite strong during the fishing tour, it’s important to take proper sun protection measures.

Rental Equipment for Kohama Island Fishing Tours

Most fishing tours on Kohama Island offer resort-style fishing (sabiki/bait fishing), so you can rent a full set of fishing gear, making it easy to join even if you don’t have your own equipment.

Enjoy an exhilarating fishing tour in a breathtaking location!

Fishing can generally be divided into two main types: shore fishing, which is done from the land, and boat fishing, which involves heading offshore on a boat. On a fishing tour in Kohama Island, you’ll primarily experience boat fishing.

One of the biggest advantages of boat fishing is the opportunity to catch a wider variety of fish, including large ones that are difficult to target from shore. That said, fishing on Kohama Island is a relaxing, resort-style experience, making it enjoyable even for beginners and young children.

Of course, the views from the boat are spectacular. You can soak in the breathtaking scenery of Kohama Island, creating a serene and rejuvenating experience. Since the waiting time while fishing is also peaceful and enjoyable, this marine activity is highly recommended for everyone.

Here is a list of fishing tours on Kohama Island.

Coral reefs, often referred to as the “rainforests of the sea” or the “cradle of the ocean,” play a crucial role in marine ecosystems by providing food and shelter for countless sea creatures.

The waters around Kohama Island boast some of Japan’s most stunning coral reef formations, making them an ideal fishing ground where a wide variety of fish gather. This has made the area a popular destination for anglers. In fact, even within Okinawa—already famous for fishing—Kohama Island stands out as a prime spot, known for its exceptional fish diversity, abundance, and quality.

Fishing is all about the thrill of the catch, but it also comes with inevitable waiting time after casting your line. Since it’s not uncommon to wait for long periods, how you spend that time can make a big difference in your overall experience.

In that regard, Kohama Island—renowned as a tropical resort—offers a truly unique setting. The vast ocean and sky constantly shift in color and atmosphere, creating breathtaking scenery throughout the day. While waiting for a bite, you can relax on the water and take in the ever-changing natural beauty, making even the quiet moments a delightful part of the experience.

Kohama Island offers a variety of fishing tours, including plans combined with snorkeling, sunset fishing experiences, and early morning fishing trips.

As you listen to the sound of the wind and the chirping of birds, you’ll be surrounded by vibrant fish and breathtaking landscapes that change from morning to evening. These elements enhance the tropical atmosphere, allowing you to fully enjoy the ultimate resort fishing experience.

Here is a list of fishing tours on Kohama Island.

Try Your Luck at Catching Okinawa’s Three Most Prestigious Fish on a Kohama Island Fishing Tour!

When it comes to fishing in Okinawa, many people look forward to encountering tropical fish that can’t be found on the mainland. From the strikingly red gurukun (fusilier), Okinawa’s prefectural fish, to the vividly blue irabuchā (a general term for parrotfish), as well as large-sized catches, the variety of colorful and exotic fish makes for an unforgettable experience.

The “Three Most Prestigious Fish of Okinawa” are also renowned for embodying the unique charm of this tropical paradise.

Okinawa’s Three Most Prestigious Fish refer to the Akajin Mībai (Suziaira, or red grouper), Akamachi (Hamadai, or ruby snapper), and Makubū (Shirokurabera, or yellowbar parrotfish).

These fish are considered high-end delicacies, often sold for ¥2,500 per kilogram or more, with some individual fish fetching tens of thousands of yen. Among them, Makubū is particularly rare, as it is exclusively traded within Okinawa. Even locals rarely have the chance to taste this prized fish, making it an exceptionally valuable catch.

Okinawan fish are often thought to have a light and mild flavor, but the Three Most Prestigious Fish of Okinawa are known for their exceptional taste, offering a rich umami and natural sweetness that allow you to fully appreciate their flavor.

These fish can grow over one meter in length, making the experience of catching or tasting one truly unforgettable. In the tropical waters of Kohama Island, where you can enjoy the ultimate fishing adventure, why not test your skills and take on the challenge of reeling in one of Okinawa’s most prized catches?

Have you ever felt that fishing is too challenging because it requires setting up a rod, attaching bait, and handling the gear? In reality, Kohama Island’s fishing tours are perfect for beginners—all the necessary equipment, including fishing rods and bait, is available for free rental, making it an easy and enjoyable activity for everyone.

Experienced guides will carefully teach you everything from how to handle the rod and attach bait to removing the fish once you catch one. Even if you’ve never fished before, you can join the tour with confidence! In fact, about 70–80% of participants are first-time anglers, and the tours have received great reviews from beginners.

On the day of the tour, the staff will select the best fishing spots based on the weather and participants’ experience levels, so all you need to do is get ready and wait for a bite.

With just a little enthusiasm, anyone can fully enjoy fishing on Kohama Island!

The Unforgettable Taste of Freshly Caught Fish

A Well-Deserved Reward: Enjoy Your Fresh Catch in a Local Izakaya

After putting in the effort to reel in your fish, it’s time to treat yourself! If you’re on a day trip, you’ll be happy to know that you can take your freshly caught fish to an izakaya on Ishigaki Island, just a 30-minute ferry ride from Kohama Island, and have it prepared by professional chefs.

Expertly transformed into sashimi, tempura, or simmered dishes, your fish will taste even more incredible than you imagined. Pair these delicacies with local beer or Okinawan awamori and savor a truly special dining experience—the perfect way to end your adventure.

Check out fishing tours on Ishigaki Island here ↓
Ishigaki Island Fishing Tours

Check out fishing tours on Iriomote Island here ↓
Iriomote Island Fishing Tours