Enjoy both Kohama Island and Iriomote Island! Thorough explanation of how to get around, model courses, and how to have fun!
Table of Contents
- 1 Kohama Island and Iriomote Island How is the best way to get around?
- 2 At a glance! Thorough Comparison Table of Kohama Island and Iriomote Island
- 3 The appeal of a trip to Kohama Island and Iriomote Island! Three reasons why you should go to both!
- 4 Which to stay, Kohama Island or Iriomote Island? Features of each
- 5 Complete guide to Kohama Island and Iriomote Island! Access and Ferry Information from Ishigaki Island
- 6 Enjoy Kohama Island and Iriomote Island Proposed Model Course
- 7 Recommended Activities on Kohama Island
- 8 Recommended Activities in Iriomote Island
- 9 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about sightseeing in Kohama Island and Iriomote Island
- 10 summary
Kohama Island and Iriomote Island
How best to get around?
If you have come all the way to the Yaeyama Islands, you would like to visit both Iriomote Island, with its natural beauty, and Kohama Island, a beautiful resort island!
However, many people may have trouble at the planning stage figuring out in what order and how to move around so that they can enjoy their visit efficiently.
This article is designed to help you get the most out of Kohama and Iriomote Island.Perfect excursion planThis section provides a thorough explanation of the
Be sure to check it out until the end for all the information you need to plan the best remote island hopping experience!
Those who want to enjoy both active and healing.
◆If you want to know the plan of 2 island excursion of Kohama Island and Iriomote Island
Those who want to know how to move between the two islands of Kohama and Iriomote.
◆If you want to know the recommended way to spend time in Kohama Island and Iriomote Island.
Click here to see the ranking of popular tours in Kohama Island.
At a glance!
Thorough Comparison Table of Kohama Island and Iriomote Island
A table summarizing the differences between Kohama Island and Iriomote Island was created!
First, take a look here to get a rough idea of the differences between the two islands!
| (data) item | islets of Ogasawara (islands) | Iriomote Island (Okinawa) |
|---|---|---|
| atmosphere (e.g. musical) | Resort & Healing. Idyllic scenery, calm sea and relaxing island time. | Wild Wilderness. Subtropical virgin forests and mangroves take center stage. |
| Type of Activity | Beach / Snorkeling / SUP / Cruising / Stargazing / Bicycle rental | Mangrove Canoeing / Jungle Trekking / Waterfall / Yubu Island (buffalo cart) / Night Tour |
| Suitable type | Relax with a resort stay. Also good as a base for multi-island excursions. | Active people. People who want to enjoy nature experiences to the fullest from early morning to night. |
| accommodations | Centered on large resorts (easy to complete meals and activities inside the building) | Plenty of guest houses and pensions / Some large resorts are also available |
| Island Transfers | Bicycle rental, car rental, hotel pick-up and drop-off (also facilities with large grounds) | Car rental, sightseeing cab, lodging pick-up and drop-off (dotted with attractions) |
| Eating, drinking and shopping | Easy to complete within the hotel. Not many individual stores, so advance confirmation of opening hours is recommended. | Restaurants and stores are available in the village (limited number/confirm opening hours) |
Attraction of a trip to Kohama Island and Iriomote Island!
Three reasons why you should go either way.
Kohama Island and Iriomote Island are miraculous islands that are very close to each other, yet have completely different personalities!
I will make love to you by traveling to these two islands as a set, and your trip to Yaeyama will turn into a special and unforgettable experience.
Here are three reasons why you should tour Kohama Island and Iriomote Island together!
Motion and stillness!
The contrast of experiences is great!
The Galapagos of the Orient.Iriomote Island is known as "the island of the dead" for its mangrove canoeing, jungle trekking, and other active experiences that challenge the great outdoors!
On the other hand, on Kohama Island, you can relax on beautiful beaches and gaze at the star-filled sky, and have a truly relaxing time☆.
This balance between "movement" and "stillness" is the most attractive feature of the two-island excursion!
Surprisingly close!
Easy island hopping by ferry
Kohama Island and Iriomote Island (Ohara Port) are,Approximately 35-40 minutes by ferry(~45 minutes depending on flights)!
You can cross directly from island to island without using Ishigaki Island as a base, so you can enjoy island hopping easily with less stress from traveling.
The beautiful colors of the Yaeyama sea seen from the boat will be a wonderful memory of your trip!
Different expressions of nature
You can fully enjoy it all at once!
If Iriomote Island is dominated by wild nature such as subtropical virgin forests and mangroves, Kohama Island is dominated by idyllic scenery of sugarcane fields and the calm and beautiful sea!
Even in the same Yaeyama Islands,Such different expressions of natureDon't you think it is a very luxurious experience to be able to enjoy the best of both worlds in one trip?
Please feel the natural beauty of each island with all your senses☆.
Which do you stay, Kohama Island or Iriomote Island?
Characteristics of each
When touring between the two islands, many people have a problem.Which island will we stay on?"This is the question!
Each island has its own unique lodging style, so it's best to choose the one that best suits your travel goals.
Here, we will explain the merits and demerits of staying on Kohama Island and Iriomote Island, respectively!
If you are an active person & stay for a long time
Lodging on Iriomote Island
If you want to fully enjoy activities in Iriomote Island from morning to night, we definitely recommend you to stay overnight in Iriomote Island!
Easy to join early morning departure tours and night toursThe island's natural environment is so deep that you can soak up the natural beauty of the island without worrying about the time it takes to get there.
There are many minshuku and pensions, perfect for those who want to interact with the islanders, but there are also large resort hotels on the island, giving you plenty of options for your stay.
If you are looking for a resort feel & efficiency
Lodging on Kohama Island
There are many large resort hotels on Kohama Island as well, making it the perfect environment for those who want to spend elegant island time!
Also, Kohama Island has good access to Iriomote Island, Ishigaki Island, Taketomi Island, and other islandsHub-like locationI love you!
It is also nice to know that meals and activities can be completed within the hotel!
The base could be located on Ishigaki Island!
Can't decide between one or the other, or want to visit more islands?Based on Ishigaki IslandThere are also methods!
Ishigaki Island has by far the largest number of hotels and restaurants, and is highly convenient☆.
Since it is in the form of a one-day visit to Kohama Island or Iriomote Island, there is the advantage of being able to leave your luggage behind and move lightly!
Complete guide to Kohama Island and Iriomote Island!
Access and Ferry Information from Ishigaki Island
The starting point for travel to Kohama and Iriomote Islands will be Ishigaki Island, the gateway to Yaeyama!
First, let's check the access to Ishigaki Island, and from there, let's understand the ferries that cross to each island.
If you know your means of transportation well, planning for the day will go smoothly!
Ferry Route from Ishigaki Island to Kohama Island and Iriomote Island
From Ishigaki Port Terminal, high-speed boats bound for Kohama Island and Iriomote Island (Ohara Port and Uehara Port) are operated by several companies!
From Ishigaki IslandApproximately 25-30 minutes to Kohama Island., ,To Iriomote Island (Ohara Port), about 40-45 minutesis the standard for making love.
As mentioned above, there is also a route between Kohama Island and Iriomote Island (Ohara Port), which takes about 35 to 40 minutes (~45 minutes depending on the flight)!
Check out our special ferry excursion tickets!
If you plan to visit more than one island, ferry companies sell"Round-trip ticket."and ... andFree Pass."is by far the most economical way to use this service!
There are various types of tickets, such as 3-day or 4-day (e.g., "Kariyushi round trip ticket"), or unlimited rides on designated routes☆.
Choose the most cost-effective ticket for your own travel plans!
Enjoy Kohama Island and Iriomote Island
Model Course Plan
The satisfaction level of your trip will vary greatly depending on how you combine these two islands, "dynamic" Iriomote Island and "quiet" Kohama Island!
Here we propose two specific model courses that will make love to you, depending on the number of days of your trip and your objectives.
We hope you will find it useful in planning your trip!
2 days and 1 night
Satisfying even on a bullet train! The Best of Both Worlds Plan
Morning: Transfer from Ishigaki Island to Iriomote Island → Mangrove canoeing experience!
Afternoon: Transfer from Iriomote Island to Kohama Island → Sightseeing in the island by rented bicycle (Sugar Road, etc.)
Night: Overnight stay at a resort hotel on Kohama Island. Observe the star-filled night sky☆.
[Day 2
Morning: Participate in the "Phantom Island" landing tour from Kohama Island!
Afternoon: Lunch around Kohama Port → Transfer to Ishigaki Island
Evening: Return from Ishigaki Island
Even those with limited time can fully enjoy both islands if they make good use of the ferry time!
Efficiently tour the great nature of Iriomote Island and the beautiful scenery of Kohama Island,Active PlanIt is!
Three days and two nights
Standard! Iriomote Active→Obama Leisurely Plan
Morning: Transfer from Ishigaki Island to Iriomote Island
Afternoon: Trekking and canoeing tour to the Pinaisara waterfall basin!
Night: Stay overnight at a guest house in Iriomote Island. Experience the subtropical night with a night tour!
[Day 2
Morning: Take a buffalo car to Yubu Island for a leisurely stroll.
Afternoon: Transfer from Iriomote Island to Kohama Island → Relax at the hotel
Evening: Dinner at a restaurant on Kohama Island, followed by stargazing on the beach
[Day 3
Morning: Enjoy snorkeling and SUP on the beautiful beaches of Kohama Island!
Afternoon: Transfer from Kohama Island to Ishigaki Island → Souvenir shopping
Evening: Return from Ishigaki Island
If you have time to spare, it would be ideal to spend one night on each island!
You can experience the best combination of exercising in Iriomote Island on the first day and relaxing in Kohama Island on the second and subsequent days.
*Be sure to check in advance the last flight time and operation status of ferries when traveling between islands, and the rules of the national park (use of designated routes, guided tours recommended, etc.) for activities on Iriomote Island!
Recommended Activities on Kohama Island
After having active fun in Iriomote Island, enjoy healing activities in Kohama Island!
I will make love to you with many heart-warming experiences that only Kohama Island with its peaceful time can offer.
Here are four activities we particularly recommend!
snorkeling
The ocean around Kohama Island is one of the largest coral reefs in JapanShihsi LagoonIt is an excellent snorkeling spot due to its excellent transparency!
You will be impressed by the colorful tropical fish swimming right in front of you, just like in the Dragon's Palace.
Beginners and those with children can enjoy themselves with peace of mind by joining a guided tour with an instructor who will teach them in detail! For your safety, we recommend participating in guided tours and wearing a life jacket. Also, tours may be cancelled depending on sea conditions!
↓Click here for recommended plans that include snorkeling.
SUP
The calm waters of Kohama Island are the perfect field for experiencing SUP (stand-up paddleboarding), which has been rapidly gaining popularity in recent years!
I will make love to you as if I were taking a walk on the sea.
Do it during sunset hours.Sunset SUP."is a romantic experience with a fantastic evening view! To ensure your safety and enjoyment, take a guided tour and be sure to wear a life jacket. The tour may be cancelled depending on weather and sea conditions!
↓Click here for recommended plans that include SUP.
cruising
If you want to enjoy the sea of Kohama Island in an elegant mood, cruising is recommended!
The time spent on the boat, feeling the pleasant sea breeze and looking at the beautiful scenery of the Yaeyama islands, is the most luxurious time of the year.
Enjoy watching the sunsetSunset Cruiseis also a great place for couples and couples traveling together for their anniversary!
↓Click here for recommended plans that include ↓ cruising
nature walk
Kohama Island's charm is not limited to its beautiful ocean!
Sugarcane fields continueSugar Road."I'll make love to you, and I'll make love to you on the roadside, where hibiscus and other tropical flowers bloom all year round.
While leisurely exploring the island on a rented bicycle, you may encounter unexpected animals, such as adorable goats and sometimes wild peacocks.
Spend a soothing time viewing the emerald green sea from the observation deck and feeling the relaxing air unique to the island with all your senses!
↓Click here for recommended plans that include a nature walk.
Recommended Activities in Iriomote Island
Iriomote Island also offers not only SUP and snorkeling, but also canyoning, limestone cave exploration, and firefly watching tours,Various ActivitiesThere are
Kohama Island and Iriomote Island each have different pleasures, so please be greedy and enjoy both to the fullest!
Click here for Iriomote Island Tour Popularity Ranking
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about sightseeing in Kohama Island and Iriomote Island
It is possible to visit both islands on a one-day tour to/from Ishigaki Island, but the schedule is very tight depending on the ferry schedule and operating conditions (especially the cancellation of the Uehara flight), so it is quite rushed!
If you want to spend more time on each island, I recommend at least 2 days and 1 night, and preferably 3 days and 2 nights to make love.
By allowing yourself more time, you will be able to experience the nature and culture of the island more deeply!
Yes, there are many! For Iriomote Island, we recommend half-day mangrove canoeing, and for Kohama Island, snorkeling in shallow water is recommended☆.
If you join a tour with a professional guide for either of these tours, you will be able to rent equipment as well as receive a lecture on how to enjoy the area safely! Because this area is a national park, we strongly recommend that you follow the rules and use a tour with an authorized guide!
Even those who are not confident in their physical strength can easily try it!
Advance reservations are recommended during peak periods such as summer vacation and Golden Week, when the ferry may be full!
Especially the last flight between Ishigaki Island and other islands tends to be crowded.
Reservations can be easily made through the ferry company's website, so once you have a schedule in mind, it is a good idea to hold on to it as soon as possible!
summary
In this article, we have introduced a model course, transportation methods, and recommended activities to maximize your enjoyment of Kohama Island and Iriomote Island!
Sometimes you can play actively with all your might, and sometimes you can relax and be healed by nature.Best TravelsI'll make love to you and plan to make love to you.
We hope this article will help you on your wonderful trip to the Yaeyama Islands!
Click here to see the ranking of popular tours in Kohama Island.
↓Click here to read the article.
