Japan’s First “Dark Sky Reserve”. 3 Days and 2 Nights in Kohama Island: The charming southern island of Okinawa.

  • Feb 16, 2019
  • June 17, 2019
  • Relux

This article is republished with permission, courtesy of Relux Magazine.

Have you ever seen the Southern Cross? The Southern Cross is not a single star, but a constellation of four stars. Its official name is the Crux and it is the smallest of the 88 constellations. In Japan, Okinawa is the only place where you can see the Southern Cross, and it can be seen very easily from the Yaeyama Islands. On the southern Okinawan island of Kohama Island, there is a resort called Haimurubushi, which means Southern Cross. This article will introduce a 3 day plan centering on this hotel, which will allow tourists to fully enjoy Kohama Island.

Experience a special transit from Ishigaki Island to Kohama Island

カリーナ

Source: Relux / Haimurubushi

To visit Kohama Island where Haimurubushi is located, you should first take a flight to Ishigaki Island from Tokyo. From Ishigaki Island, you will take the boat to Kohama Island. One boat option is to charter the “Cariina”, which is operated by Pushiinushima. Pushiinushima handles the marine activities from Ishigaki Island.

シュノーケルスポット

Source: Relux / Haimurubushi

The boat takes about 30 minutes to get to Kohama Island from Ishigaki Island Terminal. If you use a chartered boat, you can go snorkeling. Snorkeling can be done in shallow water with coral reefs, as well as in the ocean, where there is more than a 50% chance you will encounter turtles. Visitors are usually welcomed by the elegant sea turtles.

“Dark Sky Reserve” Enjoy the Starry Sky Café at Kohama Island, Taketomi-cho

満天の星

Source: Relux / Haimurubushi

Out of the 88 constellations whose names are determined by the International Federation of Astronomical Unions, 84 can be seen in the Yaeyama region. This is the highest number of constellations that can be seen in one area of Japan. The International Dark-Sky Association has recognized the Yaeyama region as the International Dark Sky reserve. The large number of constellations present, gives the appearance of a romantic sky full of stars.

星空Cafe

Source: Relux / Haimurubushi

Enjoy a relaxing time at the Starry Sky Café, with wine and original cocktails. The café’s menu includes a rich variety of food using local ingredients, such as nachos, ajillo and assorted raw ham. You can have a relaxing time here under the stars and spend quality time with the people you love.

Become healed at the best location

Source: Relux / Haimurubushi

Kohama Island is surrounded by the largest coral reefs in Japan, which are about 400,000 m2. The coral reefs are located within a national park.

The resort contains cottage styled buildings with Ryukyu red roof tiles and coral stones. These are guestrooms, which are more than 47m2. Rooms are available with a variety of views, including overlooking beautiful coral reefs, or a garden view with tropical flowers blooming all year. Rooms are available to suit all needs; from casual trips to luxury holidays.

ピクニックブレックファスト

Source: Relux / Haimurubushi

Guests who choose to stay at the Ocean View Premier, Ocean View Suite or Ocean View Bath Suite rooms, have the option to change their breakfast to a picnic breakfast. Sunset square is recommended for this. The sunset is wonderful, and in the morning the refreshing breeze is pleasant; you may even wish to ride a swing. Another option is to obtain a cart so you may easily move around the spacious area and fully enjoy the national park.

Haven’t finished exploring in one trip? Here are some reasons to visit again.

西表石垣国立公園内の島々を巡るツアー

Source: Relux / Haimurubushi

From Kohama Island, you can take a tour around the islands in Iriomote Ishigaki National Park. More than 10 choices are available, which offer trips to distinctive islands with subtropical climates. One option is Taketomi Island with traditional styled houses, filled with the atmosphere of Okinawa. Another option is Iriomote island which is full of natural treasures and beautiful sites. Through the knowledge of the experienced tour guides, there are many natural treasures waiting for to be discovered by you.

マリンアクティビティ

Source: Relux / Haimurubushi

There are also many varieties of marine activities available. These islands present many opportunities to get unique and beautiful photographs.

スクーター

Source: Relux / Haimurubushi

Kohama is a small island, only taking about 30 minutes travel around it by scooter. Consider taking a leisurely scooter ride for a “walk” around this island. This will allow you to experience a new, fun way of travel.

A Touching Experience that Stays in the Heart

はいむるぶし

Source: Relux / Haimurubushi

What about having a touching and rememberable experience than remains in your heart? It can only be found at the Haimurubushi resort in Kohama Island. Here there are plenty of charms, and you will want to visit again!

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