KOHAMA

• JPKOH
• Latitude: 24.3333
• Longitude: 123.983
• Japan Coast
• Port in Japan

Location: Kohama Island Okinawa Prefecture Japan

Kohama Port, located on Kohama Island in the Okinawa Prefecture of Japan, is an important hub within the Yaeyama Island chain. As a marine port, it primarily serves the transportation needs between Kohama Island and other nearby islands, including Ishigaki, the largest and most developed island in the Yaeyama Archipelago.

Description

• Location: Kohama Island, part of the Yaeyama Islands, Okinawa Prefecture, Japan
• Geographical Coordinates: Approximately 24.2508° N latitude and 123.8807° E longitude
• Function: The port mainly caters to passenger ferries and cargo vessels, facilitating the movement of both locals and tourists.

Key Features

• Passenger Terminal: Equipped to handle ferry services with adequate facilities for embarking and disembarking passengers, including waiting areas, ticket counters, and basic amenities.
• Cargo Handling Facilities: Basic infrastructure for handling cargo, although the port is not a major cargo hub, it supports the transport of goods necessary for the island's needs.
• Marina Facilities: While not extensive, there may be berthing facilities for small private boats and fishery vessels.
• Navigation and Safety: Standard nautical aids and navigational markers ensure safe passage into and out of the port. The port operates under Japanese maritime regulations.
• Connecting Services: Ferry services to and from Ishigaki Island are frequent, providing essential connectivity for residents and tourists. From Ishigaki, further connections are available to other islands and the mainland.

Specifications

• Berthing Capacity: The port can accommodate small to medium-sized vessels, typically those employed in local ferry services.
• Draft and Depth: The approach channels and berths are suitable for smaller vessels with moderate draft requirements. Larger ships may find limitations due to depth and berthing space.
• Port Infrastructure: Includes basic loading and unloading facilities, though more industrial or heavy cargo operations are limited.

Operations and Management

• Operating Hours: Varies by season and weather conditions, generally aligned with ferry schedules and local maritime operations.
• Port Authority: Managed under the jurisdiction of the local government in coordination with Okinawa Prefecture authorities.
• Accessibility: Easily accessible from all parts of Kohama Island due to its small size; local transport availability includes bikes, mopeds, and taxis.

Additional Information

• Tourism and Activities: Kohama Port serves as the gateway for visitors to explore the island’s scenic spots, beaches, and cultural sites. Activities such as snorkeling, diving, and eco-tours are popular.
• Environmental Considerations: Efforts are made to maintain the natural beauty and ecological balance of the island, with regulations in place to minimize pollution and environmental degradation.

Overall, Kohama Port is a vital but modest facility crucial for sustaining the daily life and tourism economy of Kohama Island and its connection to the greater Yaeyama region.