KOHAMA
- Latitude: 24.3333 •
- Longitude: 123.983 •
- Japan Coast •
- Port in Japan
Address: 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.