Kohama Island | The 'Churasan' Island, Sugarcane Fields, Haimurubushi, Ferry & Access Guide

About 25–30 minutes by high-speed ferry from Ishigaki, located at almost the center of the Yaeyama Islands, “Kohama Island” is an island that became nationally famous as the filming location of the 2001 NHK morning drama “Churasan.” Sugar Road, where sugarcane fields spread out, Kohagura-so, Sugar Beach—it’s an island where you can taste the most idyllic atmosphere in Yaeyama, picture-worthy no matter where you frame it.

At the island’s center is Ufudaki, 99 m in elevation, offering a 360-degree superb view over the Yaeyama Islands from its summit. There’s also the high-class resort “Haimurubushi,” popular with resort-stay travelers. From day-trip sightseeing to a relaxed resort stay, it’s an island that allows a wide range of ways to enjoy it. In this article, we’ll fully cover Kohama Island’s charm, highlights and access.

What Kind of Island Is Kohama Island? The Healing Island Famous for “Churasan”

Kohama Island is a small island of about 7.84 km² in area, about 16.5 km in circumference, with a population of about 600. Located at almost the center of the Yaeyama Islands, it became nationally beloved as the setting of the 2001 NHK morning drama “Churasan,” and is Yaeyama’s foremost “idyllic island.”

Nearly 80% of the island is covered in sugarcane fields, and the green scenery spreading across gentle hills is truly a “southern rural landscape.” Touring filming locations such as “Sugar Road” and “Kohagura-so,” which appeared impressively in “Churasan,” is an indispensable pleasure for fans too.

Kohama Island’s Highlights

Ufudaki | Yaeyama’s central observatory

At the island’s center, Ufudaki (99.8 m elevation) is a superb observatory where a 360-degree panorama unfolds from a position almost at the heart of the Yaeyama Islands. Taketomi, Iriomote, Ishigaki, Kuroshima, Aragusuku — you can take in the whole Yaeyama archipelago at a glance. It’s a little hike of about 15 minutes on foot to the summit.

Sugar Road | the “Churasan” filming location

Running straight through the center of the island, “Sugar Road” is the iconic filming location used for the school-route scenes in “Churasan.” The name comes from the sugarcane fields that once lined both sides, though in recent years pasture has increased too. Even so, cycling along it, you can feel the pleasant island breeze.

Kohagura-so | the “Churasan” home

What appeared as “Kohagura-so,” the family home of the heroine Eri Kohagura in “Churasan,” is the Omori Residence (Omorike Jutaku). A red-tile traditional house built in 1915 (Taisho 4), it is a nationally Registered Tangible Cultural Property. As it’s private land, only the exterior can be viewed, but it’s an essential pilgrimage spot for fans.

Kubazaki | the superb view of Iriomote and Sekisei Lagoon

At the island’s western tip, Kubazaki is a stunning viewpoint overlooking Iriomote Island and the Sekisei Lagoon. It’s also a sea where manta swim, serving as the departure point for snorkeling tours with manta.

Sugar Beach | Haimurubushi’s white-sand beach

Within the grounds of the Haimurubushi resort, Sugar Beach is a shallow beach of white sand and emerald green. Non-guests may use it too, and you can enjoy swimming and SUP.

Haimurubushi | one of Yaeyama’s leading resorts

“Haimurubushi” means “Southern Cross” in the Yaeyama dialect, and it is the island’s largest resort hotel. With grounds surrounded by tropical plants, a pool, restaurants, and an activity center, it’s an essential option for the resort-stay traveler.

Kohama Island Basic Information & Access

Item	Details
Location	Kohama, Taketomi Town, Yaeyama District, Okinawa
Area	About 7.84 km²
Circumference	About 16.5 km
Population	About 600
Elevation	Ufudaki 99 m

Departure point	Time needed	Fare
Ishigaki Port → Kohama Port	About 25–30 min by high-speed ferry	About ¥1,500 one way

Getting around the island by rental bicycle or rental car

Since the island is fairly large, a rental bicycle (electric recommended) or a rental car / rental bike is convenient. There are slopes too, so an electric-assist bicycle is recommended.

Kohama Island FAQ

Can I enjoy it on a day trip?

The main spots are doable on a day trip, but staying one night at Haimurubushi lets you fully savor Kohama Island’s charm.

Can I enjoy it with kids?

Yes—ocean play at Sugar Beach, cycling on Sugar Road, and family-oriented experiences at Haimurubushi’s facilities are abundant.

What about a “Churasan” fan pilgrimage?

Sugar Road, Kohagura-so, Ufudaki—you can put together a half-day course touring “Churasan” filming locations.

Can I see manta rays?

The waters off Kubazaki are a manta-ray swimming area. There’s a chance of encountering them on snorkeling or diving tours.

Summary | Savor the Idyllic Sugarcane Island Time on Kohama Island

Kohama Island is Yaeyama’s most idyllic island, nationally famous as the setting of the NHK morning drama “Churasan.” Sugar Road, Ufudaki’s superb view, Haimurubushi’s resort—it has a multifaceted appeal you can enjoy from a day trip to a resort stay.

25–30 minutes by high-speed ferry from Ishigaki Port, ¥1,500 one way. On your next Yaeyama trip, be sure to experience the leisurely-flowing time of the “Churasan island.”