What is the Yaeyama Journey? An experience at Haimurubushi where you can connect with the island’s memories
What kind of experiences can you have on the Yaeyama Journey?
A.
The first installment features the National Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property “festival for requests and expressions of thanks to the gods (Okinawa)"In the second installment of our series, we'll explore the "Izari" fishing method, where locals walk along the reef pools at night with Hosozaki's fishermen. Both experiences offer a chance to experience authentic culture deeply rooted in the daily life of Kohama Island!"
What is Yaeyama Journey?
A New Experience Program Launched by Haimurubushi
In this column, the resort "Haimurubushi" on Kohama Island...Fall 2026Here’s an overview of the “Yaeyama Journey” experiential program, which began on [date].
We've put together a summary of everything—from the First Event's Ketsugan Festival to the Second Event's Izari Fishing, including details, fees, and schedules—so if you're thinking of participating, please be sure to check it out!
◆ For those considering a stay at Haimurubushi
◆ For those interested in the traditional culture and festivals of Kohama Island
◆ For those looking to enjoy a special evening experience on Kohama Island this fall and winter
The Three Types of Experiences That Yaeyama Journey Values
"Yaeyama Journey" is a program that offers participants the chance to experience the prayers, performing arts, and wisdom for living in harmony with the sea that have been preserved on Kohama Island for generations.
At the heart of it all are the three types of experiences that Haimurubushi values.
Escape from the Ordinary | A Time to Step Away from the Everyday and Let Your Mind Roam Free
The first keyword is "Escapism".
Haimurubushi is a resort hotel located on Kohama Island, which lies approximately 400 km southwest of the main island of Okinawa, near the center of the Yaeyama Islands.
From walking along the moonlit shore to witnessing the island’s sacred rituals, you’ll experience moments you’d never encounter in your everyday life.
It's perfect for anyone who wants to get away from the hustle and bustle of daily life and truly recharge.
Unique to the Area | Culture and People You Can Only Encounter on Kohama Island
The second is the concept of “what makes a place unique.”
The culture you experience on the Yaeyama Journey isn’t something created just for tourists; it’s the island’sLife ItselfThe following is a list of the most common problems with the "C" in the "C" column.
Another unique charm of this program is the chance to meet the “people” involved—from the islanders who organize the festival to the fishermen of Hosozaki!
You can enjoy experiences unique to Kohama Island that you won’t find anywhere else.
Living with the Island | Embracing the Traditions Passed Down Through the Generations
The third is the philosophy of “living in harmony with the island.”
Prayers and fishing on the island are cherished traditions that the local people have passed down over many years.
At Yaeyama Journey, we embrace that cultureRespectWe value being there for others and sharing experiences as fellow travelers.
When I participate, I want to approach it with the mindset that I’m a guest in the island’s culture.
Part 1 | Enjoying the Kitsugansai Festival: A Cultural Experience
The first installment of the series is a program that allows participants to experience the "Shōnichi" (the main day) and the main festival of the "Yugan Festival," a traditional event held on Kohama Island.
The event will be held in 2026November 22It's only on (Sunday), so if you're interested, be sure to check it out soon!
What Is the Ketsugan Festival? A Shinto ritual designated as an Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property of Japan
The Yugansai is a Shinto ritual held on Kohama Island in the 8th and 9th months of the lunar calendar.
To express gratitude for the past year and pray for a bountiful harvestThe Island's Largest Religious CeremonyIt has also been designated as an Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property of Japan.
The performances presented at the festival are done without sheet music or video, with the tradition passed down from seniors to younger generations “Oral Tradition"Something that has been passed down simply through that."
You'll get to experience a living culture that the islanders have preserved for generations.
Traditional Performing Arts Presented at Kabone Utaki
This program features the main day of the festival—the highlight of the festivities—and the main festival itself.
Colorful traditional performances will be dedicated before the shrine of Kafuniwan.
One of the biggest attractions is being able to experience up close the sacred atmosphere of prayer and the moment when the entire island is filled with excitement!
Since this is an important religious ceremony for the islanders, let’s watch it with respect.
Dates, Fees, and Pre-Course Lectures for the First Session
The event will be held on Sunday, November 22, 2026, and will consist of two sessions: Session 1 from 8:00 to 10:30 and Session 2 from 12:00 to 14:30.
The fee is per adult (ages 16 and older)7,500 yen(Including tax).
Before the performance, there will be a 30-minute introductory lecture at the hotel, so you’ll be able to enjoy it with a better understanding of the festival’s background.
English-language guides are also available; however, there is an additional fee for interpretation services. Please note that the program will follow the standard festival procedures.
Part 2 | Nighttime Crab Fishing with the Fishermen of Hosozaki
The second event is a crab-hunting experience where you’ll explore the reef pools (ino) at low tide at night alongside the local fishermen of Kubasaki.
You can experience the autumn and winter traditions that have been passed down on Kohama Island, guided by a local fisherman!
The Spectacular View at Hosozaki Beach, Visible Only on Nights of Spring Tides
Crab fishing takes place when the tide goes out significantlyThe Night of the Spring TideIt is.
Around the time of the new moon or full moon, Hosozaki Beach reflects a blue light like a mirror.
On nights with a full moon, the mystical moonlight is captivating, and on nights with a new moon, the sight of a sky full of stars sparkling on the water’s surface is truly enchanting!
The sight of headlights dotted here and there across the lagoon is as beautiful as a painting.
A Nighttime Adventure in Search of the Island Octopus “Munzan”
Your guide will be a fisherman from Hosozaki.
Guided by the light of your headlamp, you'll experience crab fishing while observing small creatures along the seashore.
Our goal is the small, nocturnal octopus "Munzan(“Long-armed Hiding Octopus”). It is a master of camouflage, and even experienced divers find it difficult to spot.
If you happen to come across one, you'll be incredibly lucky! Why not experience the thrill of a treasure hunt?
The History of the Hosozaki Settlement, Founded by the Fishermen of Itoman
Hosozaki is a fishing village on Kohama Island that has preserved its own unique culture.
1910(Meiji 43), fishermen from Itoman on the main island of Okinawa came to this area in search of abundant fishing grounds.
The history of blending into the island while building unique traditions and living in harmony with the sea continues to thrive today as part of Hosozaki’s identity.
It’s such a special experience to be guided by a local fisherman from a village like that.
Dates, Fees, and Duration for the Second Event
The event will run from Saturday, October 24, 2026, through Thursday, December 24, 2026.
The tour takes place in the evening, and the schedule varies by date depending on the tide. The tour lasts about 2 hours, including transportation to and from Hosozaki Beach.
The fee is per person for adults and children (ages 12 and older)10,800 yen(Including tax).
The fee includes the guide’s fee and safety gear such as a headlamp, marine boots, a life jacket, and work gloves, so it’s easy to join without bringing anything—a big plus!
You can check your reservation on the Activities page of the Haimurubushi official website.
Getting to Haimurubushi and Kohama Island
The base for Yaeyama Journey is the "Haimurubushi" resort on Kohama Island.
Since it's an easy trip by boat from Ishigaki Island, be sure to check the access information along with the hotel's basic details.
Basic Information on Hamurubushi
Haimurubushi is a resort hotel on Kohama Island that opened in 1979.
The name “Haimurubushi” comes from the Yaeyama dialect, where it meansSouthern Cross (asterism formed with the brightest four stars of the constellation Crux)That’s right. From winter through early summer, you can see the Southern Cross from the grounds here.
Address: 2930-1 Aza Kohama, Taketomi Town, Yaeyama District, Okinawa Prefecture
Phone: 0980-85-3111
Check-in: 3:00 PM– / Check-out: by 11:00 AM (varies by plan)
Number of guest rooms: 156
Directions: About a 5-minute ride by free shuttle bus from Obama Port
How to get to Kohama Island from Ishigaki Island
You can get to Kohama Island by high-speed ferry from Ishigaki PortApprox. 30 min.It is.
It takes about 25 minutes by car to get from New Ishigaki Airport to Ishigaki Port.
Once you arrive at Obama Port, it’s about a 5-minute ride on the free Haimurubushi shuttle bus. The shuttle bus runs in coordination with the high-speed ferry’s arrival times, and no reservation is required.
The last boat departure varies by season, so be sure to check the schedule in advance!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Yaeyama Journey
The second session of the Izari fishing experience is open to participants aged 12 and older, and the fee is 10,800 yen per person (tax included), with the same rate for both adults and children. Since only the adult (ages 16 and older) fee has been announced for the first session—the Yugansai Festival viewing—please check with Haimurubushi in advance regarding participation by those under 16.
Safety equipment such as helmets, marine boots, life jackets, and work gloves is included in the price, so you don't need to bring your own. It's a good idea to confirm what other clothing and items you'll need when you make your reservation.
The crab fishing tour takes place at night, and the start time varies by date depending on the tide. The tour lasts about 2 hours, including transportation to and from Hosozaki Beach, so be sure to check the schedule for your desired date in advance.
summary
"Yaeyama Journey" is a series of experiential programs organized by Haimurubushi that will begin in the fall of 2026, offering participants a chance to experience the culture and daily life of Kohama Island.
The first event is the Yugansai Festival on November 22, and the second is the Izari fishing season from October 24 to December 24—bothOnly during this time of yearIt's a special experience.
Since the series is set to continue, why not make a trip to Kohama Island one of your goals?
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