Kohama Island
Island Small Okinawan island known for beaches and villages
Small island in the Yaeyama group near Ishigaki, Kohama Island offers beaches, coral reefs, narrow lanes for cycling and a quiet fishing‑village atmosphere; ferries link it to Ishigaki for day trips.
A small island in Okinawa Prefecture, Japan, forming part of the Yaeyama Islands and administered within the archipelago’s local municipal structure.
Long inhabited within the Ryukyuan island system, the island developed as an agricultural and fishing community and continues to retain a small permanent population and local traditions.
Located in the southwestern island chain of Okinawa Prefecture, southwest of the main island of Okinawa and accessible from Ishigaki and other nearby Yaeyama islands by ferry.
- Access: Part of the Yaeyama island group in Okinawa Prefecture and accessible by regular ferries from Ishigaki Island.
- Character: Small, rural island with beaches, coral reef surroundings and a compact village settlement typical of the Yaeyama islands.
How to Get to Kohama Island #
From Ishigaki (Ishigaki Port) take a ferry to Kohama-jima. Regular ferries and faster high-speed boats run from Ishigaki Port; the high-speed service typically takes about 25-30 minutes while the standard car/passenger ferry takes around 40 minutes. Ferries depart multiple times per day and arrive at Kohama Port, a short walk from the village and beaches.
If you are arriving by air, New Ishigaki Airport is served by shuttles, taxis and rental cars; the drive from the airport to Ishigaki Port is typically around 20-30 minutes, where you board the ferry to Kohama.
Tips for Visiting Kohama Island #
- Kohama Island is served by ferries from Ishigaki - check the ferry timetable in advance and plan your return trip carefully because afternoon ferries are busier and some services run only a few times a day.
- Rent a bicycle or arrange local transport on arrival (vehicle rental options are limited) so you can reach viewpoints and remote beaches before day-trip crowds arrive from Ishigaki.
- Aim for an early-morning arrival to enjoy quieter beaches and the island's viewpoints; many visitors who come on later ferries spend only a few hours and miss quieter inland sights and sunrise views.
Best Time to Visit Kohama Island #
Best visited in the dry season (December-April) for sunny weather, calm seas and easier island travel.
Weather & Climate near Kohama Island #
Kohama Island's climate is classified as Tropical Rainforest - Tropical Rainforest climate with hot summers (peaking in July) and mild winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from 16°C to 31°C. Heavy rainfall (2151 mm/year), wettest in August.
January
January is mild with highs of 20°C and lows of 16°C. Significant rainfall (155 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
Comfort
Weather
February
February is mild with highs of 20°C and lows of 16°C. Significant rainfall (138 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
Comfort
Weather
March
March is mild with highs of 22°C and lows of 18°C. Significant rainfall (138 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
Comfort
Weather
April
April is mild with highs of 25°C and lows of 20°C. Significant rainfall (159 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
Comfort
Weather
May
May is warm with muggy conditions (dew point 23°C). Heavy rain (210 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
Comfort
Weather
June
June is hot, feeling like 31°C with oppressive humidity. Significant rainfall (183 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
Comfort
Weather
July
July is the hottest month, feeling like 34°C with oppressive humidity. Significant rainfall (162 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
Comfort
Weather
August
August is hot, feeling like 33°C with oppressive humidity. The wettest month with heavy rain (235 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
Comfort
Weather
September
September is hot, feeling like 30°C with oppressive humidity. Heavy rain (223 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
Comfort
Weather
October
October is warm with muggy conditions (dew point 22°C). Heavy rain (212 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
Comfort
Weather
November
November is mild with highs of 24°C and lows of 20°C. Significant rainfall (185 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
Comfort
Weather
December
December is mild with highs of 21°C and lows of 18°C. Significant rainfall (151 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
