Local Guide
Learn about the temperature and clothing on the healing island of Kohama Island, Okinawa Prefecture

Kohama Island is a small remote island about 16km in circumference, about 25 minutes by high-speed boat from Ishigaki Island, about 350km southwest of the main island of Okinawa. It is known nationwide as the setting for the NHK drama series "Churasan," and the whole island is filled with "chura" (beautiful) scenery. The cobalt blue sea, sugarcane fields, and the panoramic view of the surrounding remote islands from the observation deck in the center of the island, as well as the many unspoiled Okinawan landscapes, will soothe you.
Kohama Island has the same subtropical climate as Ishigaki Island. Even in winter, temperatures rarely drop below 10°C, and it is warm throughout the year. From late spring onwards, you may feel the muggy heat typical of the subtropics, but the pleasant sea breeze will help to reduce the heat. However, the sun is still strong and the amount of UV rays can be twice as strong as in Tokyo. Be sure to take measures against sunburn.
You should also be careful of typhoons. The area is known as "Typhoon Ginza" because of the number of typhoons that approach, so we recommend checking typhoon information when planning your trip.

Kohama Island temperature graph

The average temperature in March is about 21°C, which is as warm as late May in Tokyo. In the beginning of the month, you may need a jacket like a parka, but from mid-month onwards, when the beach opens, it's warm enough with short sleeves. However, the ocean water is still cold, so if you want to enjoy Activity, we recommend SUP (stand-up paddleboarding) or canoeing.
In April, the average temperature rises to 23°C, and in May it rises to nearly 26°C. It's the perfect season to enjoy a stroll around the lush island. The best way to get around the small island is by bicycle. There's nothing quite like the exhilarating feeling of cutting through the wind on the Sugar Road, a single road lined with landscapes of sugarcane fields and ranches. However, the sun can be strong even in spring, so be sure to bring a hat, sunscreen, and a long-sleeved shirt.

The rainy season in Okinawa is characterized by the torrent of rain (squalls) that falls in a short period of time, which is typical of the subtropics, and Kohama Island is no different. The average rainy season lasts from mid-May to mid-June. The lowest average temperature is 27°C, so it is not as cold as the rainy season in Honshu, and you can spend the rainy season in light clothing.
The average maximum temperature in July and August, when UV rays are at their highest throughout the year, exceeds 32°C. When going outside, it is essential to take precautions against sunburn and heat stroke. Since the humidity will make you sweat a lot, it is convenient to carry an extra T-shirt.
Summer on Kohama Island, surrounded by one of the largest coral reefs in Japan, is the best season for marine Activity. While snorkeling or scuba diving, you can see colorful tropical fish that live in the coral forests, and if you're lucky, you might even encounter manta rays.
Also, August is a month when many typhoons approach, so it's a good idea to check typhoon information frequently.

The average high temperature in September is 31.5°C. The hot weather will continue, making you sweat even in short sleeves.
In October, the average temperature drops to about 26°C and the humidity subsides. There are many sunny days during this time, making it an easy time to plan your trip. It's the perfect time to visit Hamajima, a mysterious island with a white sand beach that appears on the sea only when the tide is low. On good days, the temperature can reach over 30°C, so you can enjoy marine Activity amid a 360-degree panoramic view of the emerald green.
The island's largest festival, the Kitigan Festival, where folk dances such as the Datuda are dedicated, is held from late October to early November. During this time, the mornings and evenings become cooler, so you will need a light jacket. If you plan on going out to observe the beautiful Southern Cross, be sure to bring a hoodie or jacket.

The average temperature from December to February is about 19°C. The highest average temperature is around 22°C, making it warm, and the amount of UV rays is relatively low compared to other seasons, making it comfortable to stay in. Short sleeves are fine during the day, but as January approaches, the north winds become more frequent, and on days when the cold wind blows, the temperature may feel below 10°C.
The clear air from late December to the end of January makes the evening scenery that Kohama Island is known for even more beautiful. When heading out to the beach or sightseeing on the island, it's a good idea to bring a windbreaker or thick cardigan to protect yourself from the wind.
In late January, the vivid deep pink Kanhizakura cherry blossoms begin to bloom, creating a gorgeous landscape. In early February, when they are in full bloom, the weather is pleasant and you can enjoy cherry blossom viewing in comfort. There are fewer tourists at this time, so you can spend a peaceful time enjoying the unique aspects of Kohama Island, such as relaxing on the beach or strolling through the village.

After enjoying sightseeing, spend some time enjoying the charm of the beach and the sea at a private beach resort on a remote island.

A private remote island beach resort

Guest room are all villa-style suites.
Guest room are all villa-style suites.

This resort hotel is located on Kohama Island in the Yaeyama Islands, the southwestern tip of Japan, about 25 minutes by regular high-speed ferry from Ishigaki Island. It opened on July 1, 2020. There are only 60 Guest room rooms on a site of about 120,000 square meters. The small size of the hotel gives it a sense of privacy, and you can relax without being crowded anywhere. You will feel as if you have the white sand beach on the premises and the emerald green sea that can be seen from there all to yourself. Please enjoy an elegant holiday that can only be enjoyed on a remote island.

▼ Declaration of highest level of coronavirus prevention measures
At Hoshino Resorts Hoshino Resorts RISONARE Kohamajima, we have taken two key steps to ensure that everyone can feel safe and secure: hygiene management and avoiding the 3 Cs. We have improved our existing services at all PropertyCOVID-19 CountermeasuresWe are implementing the following.

Hoshino Resorts　Hoshino Resorts RISONARE Kohamajima
  • URLhttps://risonare.com/kohamajima/
  • 住所2954 Obama, Taketomi-cho, Yaeyama-gun, Okinawa Prefecture MAP
  • バスアクセスApproximately 10 minutes by free shuttle bus from Obama Port
  • TEL0570-073-055 (Accommodation reservations)
  • 駐車場to exist
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