What you need to know before starting your new life on Kohama Island! Thorough explanation of the realities of work, housing, and life on the island
Table of Contents
- 1 For those who want to live on Kohama Island! Why it's a hot destination for immigration and basic information
- 2 What is Kohama Island like?
- 3 Job Situation on Kohama Island Popular Occupations and Working Methods for Migrants
- 4 The Realities of Finding a Place to Live Do you have a rental property?
- 5 The Cost of Living and the Reality of Life on Kohama Island Real life after immigration
- 6 Don't Regret After Immigrating to Japan Common mistakes and their countermeasures
- 7 summary
For those who would like to live on Kohama Island!
Reasons and basic information on why it is a popular destination for immigration
Kohama Island, located in the Yaeyama Islands of Okinawa Prefecture, is a remote island with rich nature and a relaxed atmosphere.
The atmosphere is so captivating that many people may think, "I don't want to go home, I want to live there! I don't want to leave, I want to live here!
In this issue, "The Remote Islands of the Outlying Islands."Moving to Kohama Islandwork, housing, and living, for those interested inRealistic InformationWe will deliver the
◆Emigration to Kohama IslandThose interested in
◆Life on an isolated islandInterested in learning more about
◆If you want to know the reality of life on Kohama Island
Click here to see the ranking of popular tours in Kohama Island.
What is Kohama Island like?
Kohama Island is one of the remote islands included in the Yaeyama Islands, a group of islands located further southwest in Okinawa Prefecture.Stage for the drama "Churasanand became famous.
While the tranquil landscape of sugarcane fields remains, largeA full range of resort hotelsThe island is a popular destination for a wide variety of enjoyment.
First, here is some basic information about Kohama Island.
Click here to read the article in conjunction with this one.
Population and Area of Kohama Island
With an area of approximately 7.86 square kilometers, Kohama Island is a compact island that can be visited by bicycle.
Population is about 700before and afterSo, the island is not that crowded and quiet, but it is also an environment where you almost get to know your neighbors, for better or worse, when you live there.
How to get to Kohama Island
Since there is no airport on Kohama Island, the trip is via Ishigaki Island,Access by ferry from Ishigaki PortThe following is a list of the most important factors that need to be taken into account when making a purchase.
The time required is approximately 25 minutes.The number of day-trip tourists is increasing because it is not that far away from the city.
The round-trip fee is about 3,000 yen, but residents of remote islands can apply for it.Discount Fare Card for Okinawa Prefecture Remote Islands ResidentsIf you have aDiscounts are applied, so the price will be about 4 discounted.
Learn more about access to Kohama Island
Kohama Island Climate
Kohama Island has a subtropical oceanic climate and is characterized by a mild climate throughout the year.
Average temperatures range from about 18 to 30 degrees CelsiusIn winter, the temperature rarely drops below 15°C (59°F). In summer, on the other hand, the temperature often rises above 30°C and the humidity is high, so heat protection is essential.
Typhoons are frequent from July to September. In addition to housing, it is necessary to take measures against typhoons, such as stockpiling food.
Traffic situation in Kohama Island
Kohama Island hasNo local buses or cabsThe main means of transportation for sightseeing is renting a car or bike. The main means of transportation for sightseeing is by renting a car, bike, or bicycle.
If you are going to settle down, it would be more convenient to have a car. Many people who live on remote islands have one car on the island and one on Ishigaki Island.
Job Situation on Kohama Island
Popular occupations and work styles among immigrants
When you think about moving specifically to Kohama Island, "how to work" is one of the things you have to worry about. What is the work situation like on Kohama Island?
Click here to see the ranking of popular tours in Kohama Island.
Main types of jobs found on Kohama Island
The main industries of Kohama Island areTourism and AgricultureIt is.
There are many tourism-related jobs, such as hotel and restaurant staff and tour guides, and job opportunities are active during the tourist season.
Agriculture, which involves the production of sugarcane and pineapple, is also an easy field to work in.
Many people live and work at a resort job for a month first before moving to the area completely.
Hello Work in Taketomi TownYou may also want to use the
The Realities of Finding a Home
Do you have a rental property?
Assuming I have a job lined up, are there any rental properties on Kohama Island?
Click here to see the ranking of popular tours in Kohama Island.
Current situation of rental properties and vacant houses on Kohama Island
To find a rental property on Kohama Island,Requires considerable patienceIt is!
There is no real estate company in town,Rental properties are almost fully occupied.state, and there is a chronic shortage of housing. Most of the information is received through acquaintances.
If you do not know anyone on the island, consult with the Taketomi Town Hall or visit a real estate agency on Ishigaki Island.
While working on Kohama Island,Commute by ferry from Ishigaki CityOne way to do this is to be patient and look for a property.
Cost of Living and Living Conditions on Kohama Island
Real life after immigration
Here are some approximate prices, including the cost of living, for living on Kohama Island.
Click here to see the ranking of popular tours in Kohama Island.
Breakdown of living expenses (food, transportation, utilities, etc.)
The cost of living on Kohama Island isAbout 100,000-150,000 yen per monthis a rough estimate. The rent is a rough estimate based on the entire island.
The main breakdown is as follows
○Food cost: 20,000-40,000 yen (higher than mainland because of transportation costs)
○ Utilities: 10,000-20,000 yen (tends to be higher due to dependence on electricity for cooling and hot water supply)
Gas and water: several thousand yen to 10,000 yen
○Communication expenses (cell phone & WiFi): from 5,000 yen
Shopping conditions and living infrastructure on the island
There are no supermarkets or convenience stores on Kohama Island, only one store. Basically, individuals go to Ishigaki Island by ferry to buy things,Shipping Serviceto be used.
Boat loading is a service where you shop at a supermarket on Ishigaki Island, and when you pay the bill, tell them what time you want to board the boat, and they will bring your luggage to the port and load it onto the designated boat.
There is also a clinic on Kohama Island, but in serious casesTransported to a hospital in Ishigaki Island by helicopter, etc.The following is a summary of the results of the project.
In addition, we have compiled a list of what is and is not on Kohama Island.
○Dentist: None (must commute to Ishigaki Island)
○ Residential address: Yes
○ Post office (ATM): Yes
○ Gas station: 1
How good is the educational and child-rearing environment?
There is one elementary and one junior high school on Kohama Island, each with less than 50 students. There is no high school for higher education.Need to go off-island or out-of-prefectureThere are
Dormitories are available for students who wish to go on to high school on Ishigaki Island.
In addition, there is a system called the "Subsidy for Travel Expenses for Children's Outpatient Treatment," which subsidizes the cost of a ferry ride to and from the hospital.
To avoid regrets after immigration
Common mistakes and their countermeasures
With no available housing to begin with, it seems like it would be difficult to live on Kohama Island anytime soon....
For those who are still eager to move to Kohama Island, we have compiled a list of points to keep in mind!
Click here to see the ranking of popular tours in Kohama Island.
What do people who fail to immigrate have in common?
People who fail are those who "emigrate with only a vague yearning," "are unclear about their source of income," and "do not get involved with the local community!
Many people who come here without knowing the reality of the local situation cannot stand the gap between their imagination and reality and return home immediately.
How to face the gap between ideals and reality
Life on a remote island is about accepting inconvenience.
You should understand the weakness of transportation, cost of living, and infrastructure, and be willing to enjoy living surrounded by nature.
Above all, it is important to treat the island residents with respect and be willing to "learn anything from them.
Tips for Community Participation to Avoid Isolation
On Kohama Island and other islands in the Yaeyama archipelago, carefully preserved festivals are held throughout the year.
Even if you are told that you do not need any help, you should not reject the offer, but rather regard it as a tradition, and take it easy to observe the festivities.
Respect for the islanders and a humble attitude are important tips for immigrants to live on the island.
summary
We have introduced the idea of moving to Kohama Island on the assumption that it will be difficult to do so immediately due to lack of housing.
To get a feel for the atmosphere firsthand, it may be easier to try applying for a live-in resort job.
Do not neglect to gather information and make contacts with the local community, and plan your migration with a long-term perspective!
Click here to read the article in conjunction with this one.
