At the end of 2025, I traveled to Haimurubushi on Kohama Island with my 5-year-old daughter. Surrounded by emerald waters and starry skies, the time spent there was pure bliss.
While traveling to a remote island with a young child might raise concerns about logistics and facilities, I am here to share a detailed report based on our firsthand experience. This guide covers everything from pre-boarding sightseeing in Ishigaki to resort amenities and winter-specific activities.
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Pros and Cons of Haimurubushi
Here is an honest review of our stay from a family perspective.
Pros
- Personal Golf Cart: Each room includes a cart, making travel within the vast grounds a fun attraction for kids.
- Seamless Access: Shuttle buses timed with ferry arrivals and English-speaking staff ensure a smooth arrival.
- Rich Nature Experiences: Interactions with water buffalo, goats, and night wildlife tours stimulate children’s curiosity.
- Excellent Laundry Facilities: Free coin-operated washers and dryers in every guest building allow you to pack light.
Cons
- The resort is massive; walking is impractical, so driving the cart is essential for getting around.
- Popular restaurants and activities require booking weeks in advance; they are often fully booked on the day.
- The North wind can be strong in winter (late Dec), potentially canceling sea activities or making it feel quite chilly.
- The public bath is beautiful but has limited washing stations; it can get crowded during peak evening hours.
Access and Location: haimurubushi and kohama island
Kohama Island is located about 25 to 30 minutes by ferry from Ishigaki Island. We decided to incorporate some Ishigaki sightseeing into our travel day to make the most of it.
Glass Crafting and Gourmet Lunch in Ishigaki
Before heading to the ferry terminal, we stopped by the “Ishigaki Glass Studio,” just a few minutes drive from the port. Here, you can try crafting with vibrant Ryukyu glass. My daughter had a great time selecting colorful glass fragments to create her very own original glass.
For lunch, I highly recommend “Sankaitei” near the ferry terminal. Their sashimi set features incredibly thick and fresh slices of local fish. My daughter was amazed by the size of the pieces in her sushi set.
Ferry Tips: Yaeyama Kanko Ferry vs. Aneikanko
Two companies operate ferries to Kohama Island. We chose Yaeyama Kanko Ferry because their boats are known to be larger and more stable. Despite the rough weather, we sat in the middle of the back row, which minimized movement and prevented anyone from getting seasick. If you are prone to motion sickness, I strongly suggest purchasing medicine at a pharmacy beforehand.
Upon arrival at Kohama Port, you will see Haimurubushi staff holding an English sign. From there, a large shuttle bus takes you to the resort lobby in about 5 minutes.
Rooms and Amenities: Garden View Deluxe
Check-in takes place in the spacious lobby with a welcome drink. The resort uses a system where names are called once the room is ready.
Family-Friendly Room Features
We stayed in a “Garden View Deluxe” room. One of the best features of this resort is that every room is assigned its own golf cart, which becomes your primary mode of transportation.
- Space and Atmosphere: The room is over 50 square meters with a tropical interior. The balcony offers a lovely view of the gardens and a clear view of the stars at night.
- Kids’ Amenities: Child-sized toothbrushes, cute slippers, and pajamas are provided.
- Bath and Vanity: The double-sink vanity makes it easy for the whole family to get ready in the morning. While there is a public bath, the in-room bathroom is also spacious and clean.
- Laundry: Washers and dryers are located in each guest building. Most are the auto-detergent type, which is a lifesaver for parents who need to wash sandy clothes immediately.
Activities: Animal Encounters and Night Adventures
Animal Area and Water Buffalo
In the resort’s ponds, water buffalo lounge peacefully, while goats and ducks roam the animal area. Visiting them via the golf cart became my daughter’s daily ritual. You can also rent bicycles (including electric and kids’ sizes) to explore the famous “Sugar Road” from the TV drama Churasan.
Winter Night Activities
Since it was the end of the year, we joined the “Night Bug Hunting Activity“ (approx. 1,000 yen per person, reservation required). Although there are fewer bugs in winter, walking through the dark resort with flashlights was a thrilling adventure. We encountered large crabs and were told that owls are often spotted too. It was a great educational experience for my daughter.
Beach and Cafe
The private beach is right in front of the resort. While a bit cold for swimming in winter, it is perfect for playing in the sand and collecting shells. The seaside cafe offers a relaxing spot to enjoy the ocean view with a drink in hand.
Dining: Breakfast and Dinner Buffets
The quality of the food is a major reason why Haimurubushi has so many repeat guests.
Breakfast Buffet
The variety is staggering, from Okinawan staples like Goya Chanpuru to freshly baked pastries. The “Brown Sugar French Toast” you can customize yourself was a highlight. There is a dedicated kids’ section with food placed at a lower height, making it easy for children to serve themselves.
Dinner Buffet
We chose the buffet for dinner as well. The freshness of the sashimi was outstanding, and the menu featured local Ishigaki beef and seasonal vegetables. For adults, the Awamori tasting sets are a great way to experience local Okinawan spirits.
Summary
Haimurubushi on Kohama Island is more than just a hotel; the entire island feels like a natural amusement park for families. Even during the year-end period, the quiet winter atmosphere of the remote island was charming, and the warm hospitality of the staff left a lasting impression.
We left the island promising my daughter that we would return in the summer next time to swim in the ocean. If you want to strengthen family bonds and give your children a true nature experience, this is undoubtedly a resort worth visiting.
