See, eat, and stay! We'll tell you about the charms of a relaxing trip to Kohama Island!

Kohama Island is located almost in the center of the Yaeyama Islands and is often called the "navel of Yaeyama."
While Taketomi Island and Iriomote Island, popular destinations for island trips, are undoubtedly beautiful, wouldn't you also like to learn about Kohama Island, which became famous thanks to a certain TV drama?

So, in this article, I'd like to introduce what kind of sightseeing you can do on Kohama Island, what kind of accommodations are available, and also some cafes and restaurants on the island.

Why do people travel in the hope of finding peace and relaxation?
For people who work frantically these days, perhaps the thing they want most is "time."
Let's go to Kohama Island, where peaceful sugarcane fields stretch as far as the eye can see, and find some relaxation.

<Contents>
1. What is Kohama Island?
2. Highlights of Kohama Island
3. Restaurants and cafes on Kohama Island
4. Playing on Kohama Island
5. Stay overnight on Kohama Island
6. How to get to Kohama Island
Afterword

1. What is Kohama Island?

Image provided by: Haimurubushi

Located almost in the center of the Yaeyama Islands, Kohama Island's greatest assets are its exceptionally clear waters and vast fields of sugarcane.

Of the 23 islands in the Yaeyama Islands, 12 are inhabited.
The municipalities are Ishigaki City, Taketomi Town (Yaeyama District), and Yonaguni Town, with Kohama Island belonging to Taketomi Town.

Kohama Island was the setting for the NHK serial drama "Churasan," and the beautiful scenery seen in the morning drama became a hot topic, making the filming locations popular tourist spots.

Image provided by: Haimurubushi

Among the Yaeyama Islands, Kohama Island, which remains largely unspoiled by tourism and offers a glimpse into its natural beauty, is a dream destination for divers.
In addition to activities such as snorkeling and diving, this island is also a place where many people come seeking an escape from their daily routine to heal their tired bodies and minds.

2. Highlights of Kohama Island

2-1. Ufudaki

Ufudaki is the only mountain on Kohama Island. At an elevation of 99 meters, the observation deck offers a breathtaking 360-degree panoramic view of the ocean.

From here, you can see Ishigaki Island, Taketomi Island, Iriomote Island, and Hatoma Island, and on clear days, you can even see Kayama Island. You can relax and enjoy the pleasant breeze.

As you gaze upon the islands floating in the deep blue sea, you'll truly feel that you've set foot in the Yaeyama Islands.
How about enjoying the view all to yourself from the highest point on Kohama Island?

2-2. Uminchu Park

Located on the westernmost side of Kohama Island, Uminchu Park is a well-maintained green space featuring Okinawan-style trees and eye-catching sculptures.

You should be able to find it easily as there is a large manta ray observation deck near Hosozaki Fishing Port.
Since there are toilets and other facilities available, it's the perfect place to take a break during your cycling trip.

Additionally, there are playground equipment such as slides and swings, so it's a great place for a family picnic.
Enjoying a picnic while taking in the beautiful Yaeyama blue in a lush green park sounds like a luxurious way to spend time on the island.

If you're planning to go by bicycle, be aware that there are quite a few ups and downs and the distance is considerable, so be sure to be prepared!

2-3. Sugar Road

Kohama Island, which was the setting for the NHK drama series "Churasan" that I mentioned earlier.
It was the drama that made Sugar Road famous.
Sugarcane fields stretch out on both sides, and the straight road that seems to stretch towards the sky captivates visitors.

Along the way, there were pastures where goats would casually wander onto the road.
I think you'll find your heart soothed by the simple charm that you absolutely cannot experience in the city center.
There are no electric bicycles available for rent on Kohama Island, so the ups and downs might be surprisingly challenging, but please do try cycling at a leisurely pace.
A spectacular view awaits you as a reward!

3. Restaurants and cafes on Kohama Island

3-1. Beautiful Island Restaurant Sugarcane

Image provided by: Retty

Here's a highly-regarded izakaya (Japanese pub) located a short distance from Hotel Nirakanai Kohamajima.

The cuisine, prepared by a former hotel head chef, is primarily served as a set course. While à la carte options are available, we highly recommend trying the set course first.

In addition to dishes that fuse island ingredients with French cuisine, such as mozuku seaweed tsukudani and seafood carpaccio, the rafute (braised pork belly) made with brown sugar is simply delicious.
The head chef himself catches the fresh fish, demonstrating his commitment to quality.

And the dish that is said to be an unforgettable taste in the course meal is "Deep-fried peanut tofu."
The crispy coating encases a melt-in-your-mouth peanut paste. If you want to enjoy authentic island cuisine on Kohama Island, this is my top recommendation.

We also offer individual dishes such as papaya champuru and Okinawan shallots, so you can add them if the course meal isn't quite enough for you.
It's located on the grounds of the Kohamajima Sugar Factory, and hotel pick-up and drop-off is available, so please do give it a try!

Beautiful Island Restaurant Sugarcane
Address: 3225 Kohama, Taketomi-cho, Yaeyama-gun, Okinawa Prefecture
TEL：0980-85-3254
Hours: 18: 00 ~ 23: 00
Price: Course 2,500 yen

3-2. BOB's CAFE

Image provided by: * Cafe Luna *

BOB's CAFE, with its casual American style and the popular "Obama Burger," is bustling with local young men and women and tourists every day.

Its convenient location right in front of Kohama Island Port and its highly-regarded taste are the secrets to its popularity. People even make special trips just to eat there.

My top recommendation is the teriyaki burger made with brown sugar from Kohama Island.
The teriyaki sauce, which is the heart of the dish, is made with brown sugar, giving it an exceptional richness and smoothness! It pairs perfectly with the hamburger.

They also offer other Okinawan-style items such as taco burgers, crispy and delicious thick-cut fries, takoyaki, and edamame.

They have a wide selection of alcoholic beverages, including Orion beer, wine, shochu, and awamori.
Lunch plates are available during lunchtime, so why not enjoy some alcoholic beverages with them?
However, since it's a popular restaurant, be aware that it gets very crowded during lunchtime.

BOB's CAFE
Address: 3400-38 Kohama, Taketomi-cho, Yaeyama-gun, Okinawa Prefecture
Phone: 0980-85-3970
Opening hours: 11:00 AM until the last flight departure time.
Closed: Wednesday
Price: Obama Burger from 700 yen

4. Playing on Kohama Island

4-1. For all your beach activity needs, look no further than Marine Service Hikari!

A tour guided by someone who knows Kohama Island inside and out will be the most fulfilling experience you could ask for.

Marine Service Hikari offers a variety of tours that allow you to enjoy marine activities to the fullest.
They'll take you on a trip to the "phantom island" accessible from Kohama Island, and also take you to other snorkeling spots handpicked by the guide.

It's located right at the port, so it's especially recommended for day-trippers.

Kohama Island Tourist Information Center
Address: 3400-38 Kohama, Taketomi-cho, Okinawa Prefecture
Phone: 080-1788-0715
Inquiry reception hours: 7:00 AM - 23:30 PM
Closed holiday: irregular holiday
URL:http://www.kohamajima-marine.com/index.html

4-2. Head straight to the beach from the hotel. Enjoy the secluded atmosphere of Haimurubushi Beach.

Haimurubushi Beach, located within the resort hotel Haimurubushi, offers a wide range of marine activities.
Of course, you can swim at the beach, but if you're there, you might as well enjoy some activities as well.

Telephone reservations are not accepted. Please make your reservation directly at the beach activity counter located within the hotel!
Of course, you can register on the day of the event.

There are so many things to do at the beach!
There are plenty of activities available, such as touring the lake-like clear waters on a jet ski, banana boating, sea slides, and tube riding where you ride an inner tube and are pulled by a boat.
They also offer snorkeling and introductory diving tours, which is convenient for guests staying at the hotel!

In addition, the Yaeyama Islands feature a variety of water-based athletic facilities, including water slides, trampolines, and seesaws, which are making their debut here.
There's a wide variety of playground equipment that even young children will love! You're sure to have a blast at this seaside park.
The water is shallow and safe, so please enjoy the ocean to the fullest!

At the beach cafe, you can relax and unwind while enjoying the view of the ocean.
The modern, tropical-themed design allows you to experience a fleeting escape from the ordinary, enhancing the overall enjoyment of your trip!

Haimurubushi Beach
Address: 2930 Kohama, Taketomi-cho, Yaeyama-gun, Okinawa Prefecture
Phone: 0980-85-3116
Opening hours: Varies depending on the tour.
Business period: November 2021, 3-May 1, 2021
Price: Example
■Coral and Sea Turtle Snorkeling ¥9,000
■Clownfish snorkeling in shallow waters & Phantom Island tour ¥9,000
URL:https://www.haimurubushi.co.jp/activity/beach/index.html

~Playing - Bonus Episode~

If your travel dates fall on a weekday, here's a way to enjoy yourself: First, head to the village and make your way to the post office.

Next, if you have a postcard or similar item costing 50 yen or more, go to the post office counter and say, "Please put a scenic postmark on it," and they will stamp it with a lovely Okinawan-style postmark.

You can give them as gifts to friends or loved ones during your trip, or send them to your home – the choice is yours.
It will surely be a wonderful memento! Please give it a try.

5. Stay overnight on Kohama Island

5-1. Haimurubushi

Haimurubushi is a large resort that represents Kohama Island.
We offer a wide variety of accommodation plans to suit every travel style, whether it's a family trip, a girls' trip, a getaway for adults, or a romantic getaway.
This upscale resort elevates your island getaway to the ultimate level, allowing you to treat yourself to a truly luxurious experience.

The guest rooms come in a wide variety.
The hotel offers a variety of room types, from standard rooms to ocean-view suites and family rooms, allowing you to plan your trip to suit your needs.

In particular, the dwarf room is a spacious room furnished with a low bed and a mattress so that children can jump and bounce around without disturbing others. These thoughtful touches demonstrate the high quality of service and make it the perfect choice for parents.

The interior features large windows offering dazzling views of lush greenery that resemble paintings, and stepping outside reveals a terrace where you can cool off, allowing you to enjoy the luxury of doing nothing.

"Relaxing and taking it easy"—this is the kind of island time that only those who stay can truly understand. Why not experience it for yourself next time?

And in the luxurious, resort-like garden, you can wait for sunset on a sofa made of natural marble.
In the evenings, you can enjoy live performances of Okinawan folk songs by artists based in the Yaeyama Islands.

Starting with a sunrise view from the poolside, enjoying the sea to the fullest with marine activities during the day, and then relaxing in the cool evening air followed by a live performance of Okinawan folk songs, this fulfilling day will surely become a memory you'll cherish forever.

At Imurubushi, the scenery that unfolds across the vast land is not limited to just buildings and the sea.
The gardens, where tropical flowers bloom in abundance, are also one of the highlights.
A leisurely stroll through the meticulously maintained gardens unfolds before you, creating a truly paradise-like atmosphere.
Since the air is less likely to become hazy at night, you can clearly see the Milky Way and the Southern Cross. Let's enjoy stargazing as well!

はいむるぶし
Address: 2930 Kohama, Taketomi-cho, Yaeyama-gun, Okinawa Prefecture
Phone: 0980-85-3111
Price: Example: From 17,500 yen per night including breakfast and a night tour.
*This varies depending on the plan.
http://www.haimurubushi.co.jp/

Please make your hotel reservation here.

5-2. Guesthouse on Kohama Island - Ufudaki-so

Located very close to Kohagura-so, famous as a filming location for the morning drama "Churasan," Ufudaki-so is a renowned guesthouse where the owner is incredibly friendly and approachable, and even performs the sanshin (Okinawan stringed instrument) in the evenings, offering warm hospitality.

The atmosphere is so homey that it feels less like staying at a guesthouse and more like visiting a relative's house.
The warm atmosphere reflects the kind personalities of the islanders, making it incredibly comfortable and relaxing. It's also remarkably clean, making it a very pleasant place to stay!

Incidentally, this guesthouse is famous for its delicious sata andagi (Okinawan doughnuts), so much so that even non-guests and locals come to buy them.
You can enjoy a light meal with your Sanpin tea.

If you enjoy spending time with friends and family, I highly recommend this guesthouse. If you're planning a trip or thinking about going there in the future, please consider it!

Ufudaki-so
Address: 52 Kohama, Taketomi-cho
Phone: 0980-85-3243
Price: From 6,500 yen per night with two meals included.
http://kohama52.ti-da.net/

6. How to get to Kohama Island

Image provided by: Taketomi Island Tourism Association

There is only one way to get to Kohama Island: take the regular ferry from Ishigaki Port Ferry Terminal to the island.
You can choose from three ferry companies: "An'ei Kanko," "Ishigaki Island Dream Kanko," and "Yaeyama Kanko Ferry."
All regular ferry services follow the same routes, so the only thing to consider is choosing a company that suits your time and purpose.

An'ei Kanko operates 12 high-speed ferry services per day, while Dream Kanko operates 8 services per day.
For car ferries, Dream Kanko operates four times a week.
However, there is only one flight per day, so you need to carefully check if it fits your schedule.
The journey takes approximately 25 minutes by high-speed boat and approximately 30 minutes by car ferry.

Ishigaki Port serves as the gateway to the Yaeyama Islands, and all ferry services to Taketomi Island, Iriomote Island, and other outlying islands converge there.
There are also optional tours that depart from Ishigaki Port.
Depending on the time of day, the procedures alone may take a long time, and as a result, you may not be able to board at your desired time.
I recommend setting a schedule that allows for ample time, including for procedures.

Afterword

Kohama Island is a place where you can relax and enjoy an escape from the ordinary.
While there are plenty of attractive tourist spots, the best thing about this area is that you can enjoy a satisfying experience without a packed schedule; you can visit a reasonable number of places.

It would be a real shame to leave after just one night, so I hope you'll stay for several nights and enjoy some truly relaxing time.
The accommodations and cuisine are both excellent, so please visit this paradise that is just as you imagined it to be.