Kohama Island Guide 2026 | Yaeyama Islands Ferry, Cycling & Scenic Spots
已更新：6天前
Yaeyama Islands Series No. 2: Kohama Island. A short ferry journey from Ishigaki leads to sugarcane fields, winding country roads and an island where time seems to slow with the sea breeze.
The opening poster is promotional artwork with illustrative imagery, not documentary photographs of every listed attraction.
Why visit Kohama Island?
Located between Ishigaki and Iriomote, Kohama is known for its sugarcane fields, panoramic hills and its connection to the Japanese television drama Churasan. It suits couples, families, photographers and travelers who enjoy slow rural island life.
Getting there: ferry from Ishigaki
High-speed ferries leave Ishigaki Port Remote Island Terminal for Kohama Port. The crossing is usually about 25–30 minutes, sometimes longer depending on the service. Adult round-trip fares are often around ¥3,000, but fuel surcharges and schedules change. Confirm your actual sailing, fare and last return departure with Anei Kanko or Yaeyama Kanko Ferry.
Five places to explore
1. Hosozaki Coast: wide views across the sea toward Iriomote. The currents can be hazardous, so this is a viewpoint rather than a casual swimming stop.
2. Ufudaki (Otaki) Observatory: climb to a panoramic viewpoint over Kohama, reefs and neighboring islands. Bring water and shoes suitable for steps.
3. Sugarcane fields and Sugar Road: cycle along quiet agricultural lanes, feel the trade winds and enjoy the island's distinctive rural scenery. Respect working farms and agricultural vehicles.
4. Kohama Port and village: find a local café, lunch or a quiet harbor stroll. Check opening hours as dining options can be limited.
5. Uminchu Park and western coast: enjoy the fishing village atmosphere and ocean views toward Iriomote, without entering private or working areas.
Getting around: electric-assist bikes and cars
Kohama is hilly in places. An electric-assist bicycle makes a half-day or full-day circuit more comfortable than a regular bicycle. Families may prefer rental cars or hotel transfers. Reserve ahead and check port pickup, return deadlines and child seat availability.
Suggested half-day route
Illustrative schedule only: depart Ishigaki around 09:30 on an actual available ferry; arrive and collect your bike around 10:00; Ufudaki Observatory at 10:30; sugarcane roads at 11:30; lunch at 12:30; Hosozaki Coast and Uminchu Park at 13:30; return your bike and take a confirmed afternoon ferry around 15:00 or later. Adjust to ferry schedules and weather.
For a full day
Leave more time for photography, a café stop and quiet country roads. SUP, kayaking, snorkeling and nearby Phantom Island boat trips depend on the provider, departure port and sea conditions; never attempt to reach offshore sandbars independently.
FAQ and practical advice
Is half a day enough? Yes for the viewpoint, sugarcane fields and west coast; a full day allows a slower visit.
Do I need a car? Not necessarily. E-bikes are useful on the hills, while rental cars can suit families.
Can I make a day trip from Ishigaki? Yes, when ferries operate and you have confirmed a suitable return sailing.
Bring water, sun protection and comfortable shoes; watch for farm vehicles, avoid private fields and take strong currents at Hosozaki seriously.
Next in the Yaeyama series: Kuroshima
If Taketomi is an old island song, Kohama is a poem written by the sugarcane breeze. Next we visit Kuroshima, where cattle famously outnumber residents.
Contact StarlitSeas Travel
Send us your date, group size and preferred experiences for English-language Yaeyama island trip planning. Bookings are subject to separate confirmation.
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