Get a tropical feel in the summer on Kohama Island! Introducing popular activities!

How are you planning to spend this summer? I think that many of you would like to go on a trip that you normally cannot go on during the summer due to school summer vacation or long company vacations. I highly recommend Kohama Island for such a summer season.

Kohama Island is a small island located near Ishigaki Island in Okinawa Prefecture. It is also called "the navel of Yaeyama" because it is located right in the center of the Yaeyama islands. It is an island surrounded by the sea that you should definitely visit in summer, and it is famous for its abundant coral reefs. In this article, I would like to introduce the climate, appropriate clothing, and recommended activities for visiting Kohama Island in summer.

Click here to book a ferry ticket to Kohama Island.

 

Kohama Island Summer Weather and Clothing

Next, we will discuss the summer weather on Kohama Island and the recommended clothing for summer travel.

Weather

The average summer temperature on Kohama Island is 28 degrees. The highest average temperature is 31 degrees Celsius, and the lowest average temperature is 27 degrees Celsius, making Kohama Island very hot in the summer.

However, since it is a small island and surrounded by the sea, the sea breeze is pleasant, and it is possible to cool off in the shade. Precipitation is heaviest in August, with twice as much rainfall as in July and September.

This is partly due to typhoons, but mostly due to the island's hottest and most changeable weather. We often get squalls that look like overturned buckets, so if you plan to rent a bike to get around the island, you may want to keep that in mind.

 

attire

In the summer, Kohama Island is an island nation, and the wind is blowing. However, it is still hot. Therefore, we recommend that you wear T-shirts and short pants that are easy to manage your body temperature.

In summer, Okinawa is closer to the equator than any other place in Japan, so ultraviolet rays tend to be stronger.

You can wear long sleeves and long pants to prevent sunburn, but if long sleeves and long pants are just not comfortable for your trip, it is essential to apply sunscreen to exposed areas if you are concerned about sunburn. You may also want to bring a light outer layer.

 

Typhoon Situation

The most important thing to keep in mind when traveling in the summer is the typhoon situation.

Kohama Island, being a small island in Okinawa, is a frequent point for typhoons to pass through every year. The typhoon season is from June to October, especially in July and August, when two or three typhoons may come.

If a typhoon strikes two or three times a month, it will come once every 10 days, so you may want to be careful in this regard. However, the most frequent typhoons are three, so if you are not a nervous person, you may not have to worry too much about it.

Related columns are here↓.
Prepare for typhoons on Ishigaki Island!

 

9 Popular Summer Activities on Kohama Island

When traveling in the summer, it is so hot that even if you are not doing anything, you will still be sweating. In any case, let's get active and get all the sweat out.

And even if you don't like the summer heat, Kohama Island offers many ocean activities, so you can enjoy the luxury of seeing the beautiful ocean of Kohama Island during the hot daytime hours.

Here we would like to introduce nine such popular summer activities on Kohama Island.

Experience Diving

In the ocean of Kohama Island, diving can be experienced easily. When it comes to diving, there is an impression that it is difficult for beginners.

However, 80% of the participants enjoy diving in Kohama Island fully for the first time. You can rest assured that you will be given a lecture before diving.

The waters surrounding Kohama Island are rich in coral reefs. More than 400 species of fish swarm around the many coral reefs.

Diving also allows you to see around the beautiful undersea world of Kohama Island. Spend a hot summer luxuriously in the sea with this activity that allows you to enjoy weightlessness.

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SUP

SUP is an activity where you float on a board on the ocean.

Although it may seem difficult at first glance, this board is larger than a surfing board and is a popular activity that anyone can easily do with a little practice. Also, by pedaling the board, you can gain speed and feel as if you are swimming on the ocean.

There is also yoga on SUP, which will refresh your mind and body. Even in the midsummer heat during the day, you will definitely feel so refreshed that you will forget the heat.

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snorkeling

Snorkeling is an activity that is easier than diving to enjoy in the ocean.

Of course, even beginners can participate in snorkeling with peace of mind, as they will be given a thorough explanation. Due to the abundance of coral reefs, the seawater environment is well maintained and its clarity is very high.

You will definitely be able to see clearly under the sea just by peeking through a snorkel. If you want to swim and enjoy the underwater world in the ocean of Kohama Island in summer, this is a recommended activity.

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marine sports

Marine sports are intense activities that take you through the ocean at an exhilarating speed. The marine sports that can be experienced on Kohama Island are "banana boats," "big mums," and marine jets.

Banana Boat and Big Mam run on the sea holding onto a banana boat or other equipment while being pulled by a marine jet. In the marine jet, you can ride on the marine jet itself and run on the sea at a fast speed.

You will definitely have a time filled with exhilaration and a sense of freedom on the beautiful ocean of Kohama Island. In recent years, marine sports have become one of the most popular summer activities, and we highly recommend them.

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Fishing Tour

The waters around Kohama Island are rich in fish due to the coral reefs. Therefore, even beginners can easily fish.

Fishing tours to Kohama Island are characterized by the fact that you do not have to wait long to catch a fish, but can quickly catch it at a fishing spot that suits each day's needs. You can enjoy a luxurious resort fishing experience.

With over 400 species of fish, there is no one pattern of fish to catch, and you can also enjoy taking pictures. This tour is highly recommended for those who want to spend a relaxing time fishing and enjoying the midsummer heat.

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Barasu Island, the "Miracle Island

Barasu Island is a small island located between Kohama Island and Iriomote Island. This island is made of only coral pieces and appears only a few hours a day.

This island changes its shape daily with the tides, so it is a truly unexplored island that is not even on the map.

Being able to step onto the terrain created by nature is an experience that can only be found on Kohama Island. Surrounded by the sea, time spent on Barasu Island will leave you feeling truly liberated.

⇒Barasu Island Tour: "Miracle Island" Barasu Island TourFor more information on

⇒Ishigaki Island] "Miracle Island" Barasu Island TourFor more information on

⇒Tour of "Miracle Island" Barasu IslandFor more information on

 

Phantom Island Hamashima Tour

Like Barasu Island mentioned earlier, another island that disappears below the surface at high tide is the phantom island of Hamajima. This island is located between Kohama Island and Ishigaki Island, and appears only about 200 meters below the surface even at low tide.

Phantom Island is such a popular spot that photogravure shoots and weddings are held there.

There is nothing around, and we have the place to ourselves, just like a private beach. If you want to enjoy the midsummer sea in such a place, this is the place for you.

⇒Kohama Island TourFor more information on

⇒Ishigakijima Island】Phantom Island TourFor more information on

 

sea kayak

Some people do not necessarily want to go into the sea, but they want to enjoy the ocean of Kohama Island.

For those people, a sea kayak tour is recommended. By traveling over the ocean by kayak, you can have a fun time while feeling close to the crystal clear waters.

It is recommended for those who want to spend active days sweating and feeling the pleasant ocean breeze because of the hot summer.

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5 recommended summer attractions on Kohama Island

(1) Tumal Beach

Tumal Beach is more suited for swimming than snorkeling due to its shallow waters. It is also a safe beach for those who are not good swimmers and those with small children.

It is only a 10-minute walk from the port, and there is a pavilion on the way there, so it is a good spot to kill some time while waiting for the ferry to depart from Kohama Port. The pavilion overlooks the ferries that come and go from Kohama Island, so it is a good place to relax and watch the boats sail by on the beautiful ocean.

 

(metaphorically) distant waterway

Yonara Channel between Iriomote Island and Kohama Island is one of the best spots for manta rays in Japan.

Manta ray spots are places where there is a high probability of encountering manta rays. This spot is called "Manta Way" because of its deep water and fast currents, and because it is a pathway for the manta rays.

This spot is located in the largest coral reef area in Japan, and is home to more than 400 species of corals and colorful tropical fish. If you are lucky, you may even encounter sea turtles. On windy days, you can also try snorkeling.

 

(iii) Cattley Observatory

Katore Observatory is a small observatory located about 10 minutes by car from Kohama Port. From here, you can enjoy a panoramic view of Ishinagata mangrove and Iriomote Island.

The observatory itself is also a very beautiful spot as it was completed in 2013. The Ishinagata mangroves can be seen directly below.

It is also a popular sunset spot, and the sight of the sun setting over Iriomote Island is indescribably beautiful. There is a parking lot, so you can drop by after a drive.

 

4) Obama Village

Kohama village is located about 5 minutes by car from Kohama Port and retains its Okinawan character with red-tiled houses.

It has stores, restaurants, a post office, and other necessities for daily life, as well as lodging facilities, making it a good base for travelers. There are also popular tourist spots such as Kohagura-so and Obama Folk Museum. Bicycle and motorcycle rentals are also available, so please use them to get around the tourist spots.

 

(5) South Wind Flower Coast

Minamikazehana Beach is a rocky, bay-shaped beach located on the south coast of Kohama Island. Because of this, the waves are calm, and even those who are not good swimmers and small children can enjoy swimming in peace.

Even during the busy summer season, it is not crowded with tourists, so it is a secluded spot where you can enjoy a private atmosphere. This is the perfect place for those who want to relax and enjoy the slow life on Kohama Island.

 

summary

Kohama Island is home to abundant coral reefs and crystal clear waters.

It's a hot summer, and you want to have fun in the beautiful ocean of Kohama Island. As long as you are careful about typhoons and weather changes during the summer, you can concentrate on the rest of the activities and enjoy Kohama Island to the fullest.

All the fun of Kohama Island is here↓.

Kohama Island Tours

Click here to book a ferry ticket to Kohama Island.