What can I experience on Kohama Island? Here are 7 recommended tours on Kohama Island!
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Experience Kohama Island
Have you ever been to Kohama Island in Okinawa Prefecture?Kohama Island is an attractive island with just the right balance of rich nature with sugar cane fields and resorts that have been developed as tourist destinations.
The island became famous as the setting for the NHK television series "Churasan" that aired in 2001.We will therefore focus on activities and other things you can experience on Kohama Island!
Where is Kohama Island?
Kohama Island is located in the center of the Yaeyama Islands in Okinawa Prefecture.There is an observatory at the top of a mountain called Odake on the island, from which you can see most of the Yaeyama Islands.Approximately 2 km to the west is Iriomote Island, and there used to be a plan to build a bridge between Kohama Island and Iriomote Island.
Access to Kohama Island
There is no airport on Kohama Island.Travel to and from the outside of the island is by ferry or high-speed boat.
Mostly accessed from Ishigaki Island, the ferries that sail to and from Kohama Port on Kohama Island are Yaeyama Kanko Ferry and An-ei Kanko.Both have seven to five round-trip flights per day, which take approximately 25 to 30 minutes, depending on the route served.It is recommended to buy a round-trip ticket for a slightly lower price.
Click here to book a ferry to Kohama Island!
Weather on Kohama Island
Kohama Island maintains a mild climate throughout the year due to its location in the south of Japan.However, it does not mean that the climate is like summer all the time, and you can also enjoy the four seasons.
Since the opening of the sea begins in March, marine sports can be enjoyed from around spring, but since the area is very susceptible to typhoons, it is not unusual for the weather to be stormy around August and September.When a typhoon hits, activities may be cancelled and ferries may be suspended, so please be careful if you go sightseeing during this period!
Also, winters are warmer than in the mainland.The lowest temperature in January and February is 16-17 degrees Celsius, but it is possible to go into the sea.However, you will need to wear a wetsuit as it will feel a bit chilly.
Kohama Island Sea Experience
Kohama Island is famous for its marine blue waters, so clear you can even see the ocean floor with the naked eye.There are many activities available to create fun memories in those waters.Here are some of the activities we recommend!
snorkeling
Around Kohama Island is a coral reef group called "Ishinishi lagoon," one of the largest in Japan, where a variety of creatures live among the colorful coral reefs.Famous creatures include the clownfish and sea turtles from "Finding Nemo," and if you are lucky, you may even see a manta ray.
The beach is very suitable for snorkeling as there are few waves at any time of the year.All necessary equipment can be rented locally, so all you need is a swimsuit.
It can be experienced mainly at "Tumar Beach" and "Haimurubushi Beach".Both beaches are shallow and can be enjoyed by the whole family!
Click here for Kohama Island snorkeling tours!
diving
Because of the high transparency of the beach, diving is recommended to enjoy its waters even more.You can see creatures you have only seen in aquariums up close and personal.Some creatures do not leave even when people are swimming close by, so you can take many social networking photos!
Most people who experience diving on Kohama Island are beginners, but don't worry, a license is not required and lectures are given well in advance.Diving does not require much swimming, so even those who are not confident swimmers can enjoy it!Underwater may be less challenging than snorkeling because you can breathe with an oxygen tank.
Click here for Kohama Island diving tours!
SUP
Officially known as "Stand Up Paddleboarding," this marine activity has become increasingly popular over the past few years.They ride a board slightly larger than a surfing board and paddle around on a stick called a paddle.
It is more stable and buoyant than it looks, making it easy to ride, even for those who are not good at exercising.Of course, lectures are also available, so beginners are welcome to try their hand at it!
Also, if you ask a SUP tour guide, he or she will be able to tell you where you can take photos that will look great on social media while riding a SUP!
Click here for Kohama Island SUP tour!
canoe
On Kohama Island, canoeing is a popular way to enjoy the ocean and pristine subtropical forests as you move between them.In the ocean, you can see coral reef groups and a variety of creatures, or go further out to sea to watch the sun set.
In the subtropical forest group, visitors can gracefully cross a zone full of mangroves and enjoy tropical scenery that they would not normally experience.Canoeing is also an easy challenge for people of all ages, and the necessary equipment can be rented locally, making it easy for families to participate in tours.
Click here for Kohama Island canoe tours!
Kohama Island Non-sea Experience
So far, we have introduced activities in the ocean, but Kohama Island offers a full range of attractive activities outside of the ocean as well!We will also introduce you to activities outside of the ocean.
bridal photo
With the white beaches of Kohama Island and the crystal clear marine blue ocean as a backdrop, you can take wonderful bridal photos just like in the movie "Mamma Mia! You can take wonderful bridal photos like the ones in the movie "Mamma Mia!
You will need to bring your own dress and decorations, but hair and makeup are usually included in the plan.Family members are also welcome to observe the photo shoot, making it an experience of a lifetime!
Click here for Kohama Island bridal photos!
yoga
Yoga originally became popular in resorts such as Hawaii.Here on Kohama Island, as in foreign resorts, you can enjoy yoga while taking in the leisurely flow of time and the rich and beautiful natural surroundings.
Another popular activity on Kohama Island is yoga while riding a SUP.SUP is surprisingly stable and not too difficult.If you do it at sunset, the atmosphere will be even more magical, making it a very photogenic activity.
Click here to experience yoga on Kohama Island!
Exploring the island
We encourage families visiting Kohama Island to participate in this island exploration tour.These tours are often held in small groups, and the route is determined according to the conditions of the day and the wishes of the participants.
You can see "truly Okinawan" scenery, such as sugar cane fields and streets with shisa (Okinawan traditional Okinawan dolls), just like those seen in TV dramas and movies.Unlike mainland Okinawa, which is becoming more modernized, visitors can explore the mangrove thicket, known as the "Galapagos of the East," and look out over the islands of the Yaeyama Archipelago from Mt.
Click here for a tour to explore Kohama Island!
Notes on Participation in the Kohama Island Experience
Although we have introduced a wide variety of activities, there is one thing that all activities have in common!Be aware of the following points to safely enjoy your activities on Kohama Island to the fullest!
Pay attention to the intensity of sunlight.
Kohama Island has a warm climate all year round, and UV rays become stronger from early spring.And especially around July and August, which is called the high season for tourism, ultraviolet rays are much stronger than in the mainland.
Therefore, be sure to take thorough precautions against heat stroke, such as applying sunscreen cream and hydrating frequently!For example, when enjoying marine sports, a rash guard can be worn over a swimsuit to protect against sunburn.
Note ferry times.
The only way to get out of Kohama Island is by ferry (high-speed boat).Ferries operate 5 to 7 times a day, with the number varying slightly depending on the time of year.
It is also not uncommon for the ferry to be cancelled due to typhoons, so it is a good idea to check ferry times and weather conditions in advance.It is not necessary to book the ferry in advance, but in high season the ticket office can be very crowded due to the large number of people.Therefore, booking tickets online will ensure a smooth boarding process.
Click here to book a ferry to Kohama Island!
summary
In this article, we have introduced some of the activities you can experience on Kohama Island.Kohama Island, where you can enjoy both the great outdoors and resort facilities, is a place where you can enjoy things you would not normally experience.There is no need to worry about what to bring, as there is a wide range of equipment available for rent for use in the activities.
Forget the fatigue of everyday life and enjoy the activities on Kohama Island.Thank you for reading to the end.
