All Reviews for Japan Hidden Gems: Secret Islands

I participated in the Jomon Sugi tour.

I thought the guide was physically fit and managed the itinerary well. However, I felt there could be more creativity in supporting beginners or participants who may have concerns about their physical fitness.

For example, when a participant's shoelaces came undone, there was a reminder to be careful as they might come undone again, but it would have been reassuring for beginners if there had been a check on how to tie them or some simple advice.

Additionally, when the same participant asked, "Should I wear long sleeves?" or "Should I wear rain gear?", the responses were mainly "Please make your own judgment." While I believe the final decision should be made by the participants themselves, beginners often ask questions seeking guidance, so additional comments like "It might get colder ahead" or "This is what I think" would have been more helpful.

Yakushima and the Jomon Sugi route are courses that many first-time participants join. There is a significant gap in knowledge and experience between seasoned guides and beginners. Bridging that gap is also one of the important roles of a guide.

To prevent accidents and troubles, I feel that enhancing the information provided and the guidance offered, while respecting self-judgment, would make the tour more reassuring for beginners.

縄文杉ツアーに参加しました。

ガイドの方は体力があり、行程管理もしっかりされていたと思います。一方で、初心者や体力に不安のある参加者へのサポートについては、もう少し工夫の余地があるように感じました。

例えば、途中で靴紐がほどけた参加者がいた際、「またほどけるかもしれないので注意してください」という声かけはありましたが、結び方の確認や簡単なアドバイスがあると、初心者にはより安心感があったと思います。

また、同じ参加者から「長袖を着た方がよいですか」「レインウェアは着た方がよいですか」といった質問が出た際にも、「ご自身で判断してください」という回答が中心でした。最終判断は参加者自身が行うべきだと思いますが、初心者は判断材料を求めて質問している場合も多いため、「この先は気温が下がる可能性があります」「私はこう考えます」といった補足があると、より参考になったのではないかと思います。

屋久島や縄文杉ルートは、初めて参加する方も多いコースです。経験豊富なガイドと初心者との間には大きな知識や経験の差があります。その差を埋めることもガイドの重要な役割の一つではないでしょうか。

事故やトラブルを防ぐためにも、自己判断を尊重しながら、初心者が適切な判断を行えるような情報提供や声かけがさらに充実すると、より安心して参加できるツアーになると感じました。

I visited in early May and was worried about the rainy season, but it only rained while I was on the ferry and bus. By the time I arrived at Iriomote Island, Yufu Island, and Taketomi Island, the weather was clear, and I had the best sightseeing experience. Cycling on Taketomi Island was refreshing, and the botanical garden on Yufu Island was more enjoyable than I expected, so I highly recommend it!

5月前半に行き梅雨が心配だったのですが、フェリーやバスに乗っている間だけ雨が降ったのみで、西表島や由布島、竹富島に着く頃には晴れ、最高の観光ができました。竹富島でのサイクリングは気持ちがよかったのと、由布島の植物園が想像より楽しかったのでおすすめしたいです！

I thought a plan that allows visiting three islands in one day would be great, so I joined. There was plenty of free time, and I liked that I could participate in my own way.

1日で3島回れるプランがよいと思い参加しました。自由時間も多く、思い思いに参加できるのがよかったです。

I made a same-day reservation, and they responded quickly. They suggested the best times to capture beautiful views based on the weather conditions of the day. They also provided pose suggestions and shared various information about Miyako Island. After the shoot, they retouched the photos, so I received them a couple of days later.

当日予約しましたが迅速に対応してくださいました。当日の天気の状況から綺麗に見える時間を提案してくれます。
ポーズの提案や宮古島について様々なことを教えてくれます。
撮影後レタッチしてくださるため2.3日後に写真が送られてきます。

The day before, we received information about the meeting place and time, and gathered on-site. We were able to see a sea turtle just two minutes after entering the water! They adjusted the course and time according to our fitness levels, so we had a great time snorkeling!

前日に集合場所や時間など送ってもらい現地集合しました。
海に入って2分ほどですぐウミガメに会うことができました！
体力に合わせてコースや時間を決めてくれるので楽しくシュノーケリングできました！

I recommend it because there are many islands around Ishigaki Island, and you can efficiently explore them even with limited time. The itinerary and efficiency are things you can't achieve when planning on your own, and it's also cost-effective! The guides at each sightseeing spot were enjoyable and great as well.

石垣島の離島がたくさんあって時間が限られる中で効率よく周れるので、おすすめです。
自分たちでスケジュール組むと出来ない行程と効率性、またお得さでした！
それぞれの観光スポットでのガイドも楽しくて良かったです。

I have participated in various sea turtle tours, but this was the first time I was able to see so many sea turtles and clownfish up close, and it was truly moving!

I tend to get seasick easily, and I accidentally left my motion sickness medication at the hotel, but our guide Mana was very considerate of my condition and taught me how to cope when I felt nauseous, so I was able to enjoy the tour until the end.

There was no shower available, but they had plenty of warm water prepared, so I was able to wash off completely.

After the tour, I had no plans, but when Mana heard that, she recommended some great spots, so I was able to enjoy the rest of the day as well!

The duo of Taro and Mana really livened things up, and they took lots of photos and videos, making it a memorable and fun tour! Thank you very much.

今まで色んなウミガメに逢えるツアーに参加しましたが、こんなに間近で沢山のウミガメやニモが見れたのは初めてで感動しました！

波酔いしやすいタイプのに、酔い止め薬をホテルに忘れて来てしまいましたが、ガイドのマナちゃんが体調を気遣ってくれて、酔った時の対処法を教えてくれたので、最後まで楽しめました

シャワーはなかったですが、暖かいお水をたくさん用意してくれてたので、全身洗えました

ツアー後も、なにも予定がなかったですが、それを聞いたマナちゃんがオススメスポットを教えてくれたのでツアー後も1日楽しめました！

タロちゃんマナちゃんコンビが盛り上げてくれて沢山写真も動画も撮ってくれて思い出に残る楽しいツアーでした！ありがとうございました。

The guide was very friendly to the children, and we were able to enjoy ourselves with peace of mind! Meeting the sea turtles and Nemo was the best!

子どもにとてもフレンドリーなガイドさんで、安心して楽しめました！
ウミガメやニモにも会えて最高でした！

At first, I was a bit worried because the guide was somewhat older, but once the tour started, he turned out to be the best guide. He had a wide range of knowledge about Yakushima's history, nature, and recent events, along with a great sense of humor, making the tour very fulfilling. Additionally, when other tour participants were damaging nature to take photos, he didn't hesitate to firmly caution them, showing how much he truly cares about Yakushima's natural environment.

少々お年を召したガイドさんだったので最初は少し不安に思ったが、ツアーが始まるとその方は最高のガイドさんだった。
屋久島に歴史のこと、自然のこと、最近のことまで幅広い知識とユーモアがあり、ツアーとても充実したものだった。また、他のツアー客が写真を撮るために自然を壊す行為をしてしまっている時には躊躇せずにしっかりと注意をし、屋久島の自然をとても大切にしているのが伝わってきた。

The weather was unfortunately bad, but I still had a good time. On Taketomi Island, perhaps because it was right after the holiday, most shops were closed, and the few that were open had almost sold out of everything I wanted to eat, which was disappointing.

あいにくの天気でしたが楽しめました。竹富島では、連休明けだからかどこのお店もお休みで、やっと空いてた店もほとんど売り切れで食べたいものがなかったのは残念でした。

For my husband's birthday celebration, the two of us were able to meet the turtles 🐢 that we love while snorkeling 🤿. We had a wonderful time! Thank you, So-chan and Mana-chan 😊.

主人の誕生日の記念に、2人で、シュノーケル🤿大好きな亀🐢に、逢えました。
幸せな時間を過ごすことが出来ました♪
そうちゃん、まなちゃん、ありがとう😊

I highly recommend the morning snorkeling, so I made an effort to wake up early and joined the 7:00 session. It was my first time snorkeling, but they carefully taught us warm-up exercises and safety tips, and once we entered the sea, I was overwhelmed by the beautiful water that made me forget my nerves.

I encountered so many creatures, including tropical fish, clownfish, lionfish, and sea snakes! I was really happy that they swam at our pace while sharing interesting facts about the marine life! Towards the end, I even got to see a sea turtle, which was incredibly moving 😂😂. I found the way the sea turtle came up for air to be so endearing!

Mana-chan and Sou-chan checked on our well-being throughout the experience, and I think it was thanks to these two that I could enjoy my first snorkeling adventure with peace of mind! Thank you so much! I want to visit Miyako Island again and go snorkeling; it was the best snorkeling experience ever! 😊

午前中のシュノーケリングがオススメということで頑張って早起きして朝イチの7:00で参加しました。初めてのシュノーケリングでしたが、準備運動や気をつけることを丁寧に教えてもらいいざ海へ入ると、緊張していたことを忘れるほどの綺麗な海に圧倒しました。
熱帯魚やカクレクマノミ、ミノカサゴ、ウミヘビ等ほんとにたくさんの生き物に遭遇できました！生き物たちの豆知識をまじえながら私たちのスピードに合わせながら泳ぎ進めてくれたのもとても嬉しかったです！終盤、ウミガメにも会えて、めちゃくちゃ感動しました😂😂ウミガメの息継ぎする姿が愛おしく感じました笑
まなちゃん、そうちゃんにはその都度その都度、体調確認をしてくれてこの2人が居てくれたからこそ、初めてのシュノーケリングを安心して楽しめたと思います！ありがとうございました！また宮古島にも行きたいし、シュノーケリングもやりたいと思えた、最高のシュノーケリングになりました😊

The transfer from the boat to the bus to the water buffalo and back to the bus and then the boat can be quite a journey. I think it's better to avoid walking to the water buffalo riding area, especially on hot days, due to the elevation changes. I'm glad I went with a tour.

船→バスの送迎→水牛→バスの送迎→船
水牛乗り場まで、徒歩で行くのは高低差もあり、暑い日はやめた方が良いと思います。ツアーで良かったと思いました

I took a solo trip to Yakushima at a turning point in my life. It was a place I had longed to visit someday… and it turned out to be the perfect spot for me at this moment. Considering the season, I was blessed with good weather and felt like I received a lot of energy from the great outdoors!!

Our tour group consisted of six women, and from the start, we successfully completed the mountain trekking without any of us retiring after 11 hours and 30 minutes. The sense of accomplishment I felt at the end was something I could only experience here. I think it was physically quite challenging for us 🤭.

I hope to visit Yakushima again someday!

人生の節目に屋久島ひとり旅をしました。
いつか行ってみたいと念願だった場所…
今の自分にピッタリの場所でした。
時季を考慮し天候にも恵まれて
大自然から沢山のパワーをもらえた
様な気がします！！
私達のツアーグループは女子６人でしたが
スタートから11時間30分
全員がリタイヤする事なく無事に
登山トレッキングに成功できました😭
終えた時の達成感はここでしか味わえない
ものでした。体力的にもギリギリだったの
ではないかと思います🤭
またいつの日か屋久島を訪ねたいです！

I had a wonderful experience riding the water buffalo cart on Iriomote Island, which I had wanted to try after seeing it featured on TV and in magazines. Unfortunately, the weather was rainy and not very good, but the day flew by as we traveled between three islands by ferry and bus from the morning. Next time I go, I would like to stay overnight on each island.

以前よりテレビや雑誌で紹介されてる西表島の水牛車に乗ってみたかったのでたいへん良い思い出になりました。
あいにく天気は雨模様であまり良くなかったですが朝からフェリーやバス移動で3島巡りがあっという間に1日が過ぎた感じです。今度行くときは各島々に1泊しながら行ってみたいです

I'm in my late 50s and I don't consider hiking a hobby. A few years ago, I used to go to the gym once or twice a week, but I've stopped that recently and now I only walk a few times a month (about 5 kilometers). I like walking, so I thought it would be fine to participate, but 20 kilometers was indeed quite exhausting. I borrowed my mother's hiking boots (same size) from when she used to hike, but they were heavy! Are hiking boots really this heavy? Looking around, I noticed others had lighter, sneaker-like trekking shoes. Is there a difference between hiking boots and trekking shoes? Or have things changed in the last ten years? Because of these heavy boots, I found it hard to walk, my ankles hurt, and my feet became fatigued. On the way back, my legs were shaking and I lightly stumbled, but fortunately, I didn't suffer any serious damage. I think if it weren't for the guide, I would have struggled to pace myself and would have panicked in the second half. I believe the group was organized with age considerations in mind. We were lucky with the weather and didn't get rained on, which made for a very pleasant experience. I think it would have been much tougher if it had rained.

登山を趣味とはしていない50代後半です。数年前まではジムに週１，2回行ってましたが最近はやめてしまい、月数回程度ウォーキング（5キロ）する程度です。
歩くのは好きなので、まあ大丈夫かと思って参加しましたが、20キロはやはりかなり疲れました。靴は、以前、登山をしていた母親のもの（サイズは同じ）を借りたのですが、重い！！登山靴ってこんなに重いものなの？？周りの人を見てみるともっと軽そうなスニーカー風のトレッキングシューズ。登山靴とトレッキングシューズは違うのかな？それとも10年以上前と今とでは違うのか？！この靴のせいで重くて歩きにくくて足首が痛くなって足全体が疲労しました。帰りは足ガクガクで軽く転んでしまいましたが、大したダメージは受けずにすみました。ガイドさんがいなかったら、きっとペース配分ができずに後半焦ることなったのではと思います。グループ編成は年齢を考慮してくれていたと思います。天候には恵まれ雨に降られることなくとても気持ちよく過ごせました。雨が降っていたらもっと大変だっただろうなと思います。

Hat an interesting tour! While I speak some Japanese the rest of my family does not. I did my best to translate what I could, but I know we missed out on a lot of the interesting facts about the water buffalo and the tradition and origin story of this interesting mode of transport. We wished we had also understood more about the mangroves.

Thank you for allowing me to participate in this tour 😊 I was healed by the adorable Maekun, and all my daily fatigue disappeared. It was so much fun! If there's another opportunity, I would love to join again 🥺 Thank you, Maekun!

今回ツアーに参加させて頂いてありがとうございます😊
可愛い真栄君に癒されて　日頃の疲れも飛びました　楽しかったです♪
また　機会がありましたらよろしくお願いします🥺
真栄君ありがとーー

The designated hotel shuttle service is available, and the transportation on the remote islands is well thought out, making it very convenient. On Iriomote Island, I was able to see the mangrove forests up close, and on Yubu Island and Taketomi Island, I enjoyed a leisurely pace of sightseeing while riding on water buffalo carts. The local guide's commentary was also entertaining. On Taketomi Island, if you want to get around and visit the highlights, it seems necessary to make a reservation for a rental bicycle in advance.

指定ホテル送迎もあり、離島での移動も効率よく考えられていて楽チンです。西表島ではマングローブ林をしっかり見ることができ、由布島と竹富島ではそれぞれ水牛車に乗って、のんびりしたペースで観光を楽しむことができました。現地ガイドさんのトークも面白かったです。竹富島では、島内を移動して見どころを回るならレンタサイクルの事前予約がないと厳しそうです。

It was my first trip to Miyako Island! I had a great time seeing lots of fish in the beautiful sea! I was also happy to meet a sea turtle!

初めての宮古島旅行でした！
綺麗な海でたくさんお魚見れて楽しかったです！ウミガメにも会えて嬉しかったです！

Despite trekking for 10.5 hours in the rain, I had the best experience thanks to our guide and my companions (five of us in total). Here are the highlights:

- I was able to leave the arrangements for access to the trailhead and the lunch boxes for breakfast and lunch to them.
- With many other trekkers around, the guide's support (managing pace, rest spots, sharing with other groups, taking photos, and providing explanations at key points) allowed us to trek safely and comfortably.

Once again, thank you very much.

ずんやり雨の中、往復１０．５時間のトレッキングでしたが、ガイドさんと同伴者（私を含めて５名）のおかげ様で最高の経験をできました。
以下よかった点になります
・登山口までのアクセス、朝昼の弁当の手配などおまかせでいけました
・他トレッキング者が多数の中、ガイドさんのサポート（ペース配分、休憩場所、他グループ等との譲り合い、写真撮影、要所要所での説明）のもと、安全に、気持ちよくトレッキングすることができました。
あらためて、ありがとうございました。

This is a place I want to visit at least once in my lifetime, so I practiced in advance and went there with excitement. However, the guide was really strict. They were focused on getting us back before the bus time and insisted we hurry up to have lunch because it looked like it might rain. They took pictures at certain points, but we were rushed, and people weren't even ready in the photos. The guide kept saying how things should be done and that this kind of guiding isn't good. They mentioned that for someone like me, it was just a hike, but it could be dangerous for amateurs who come unprepared. Because of this, we couldn't fully enjoy the experience and had to return quite early, resulting in a long wait for the bus. I wanted to enjoy it more.

一生に一度は訪れたい場所で楽しみに事前に練習して行きました。ところがガイドさんがほんとスパルタでした。帰りのバス時間前に戻る、雨が降りそうだから早く登ってランチする事に全意識されてました。ポイントで写真撮ってくれますが急かされ人物も準備出来てないまま写っています。ガイドはこうあるべきだ、こんなガイドは良く無い、これは自分にはただのハイキングだが素人が何も準備せず来るから危険と言う話が多く、しっかり見れずかなり早く戻ってかなりバス待ちました。もっと楽しみたかった。

I went on the Jomon Sugi trekking, which I had been worried about for years due to my age and lack of confidence in my leg strength. Honestly, it was tough, but I managed to complete the trek without causing any inconvenience to the others in my group. The weather was perfect, making it the best trekking experience. Thank you to our guide!

年齢的なことと脚力に自信が無くて長年悩み続けていた縄文杉トレッキングに行ってきました。正直キツかったのですが、なんとか同じグループの方々にご迷惑をかけることなく完歩できました。天候に恵まれ最高のトレッキングでした。ガイドさんありがとうございました。

It was raining from the start, so I couldn't really enjoy the scenery around me at a leisurely pace. However, trekking while witnessing the untouched nature and the vitality of the plants significantly eased my fatigue and the passage of time. When I finally reached the Yakusugi, I was truly moved! Perhaps the sense of accomplishment from walking for five hours in the rain contributed to that feeling.

Additionally, the guide shared interesting stories about Yakushima's history and the cedar trees at key points, which was very educational.

However, the age demographic of the group was quite high, and the guide made many negative comments from the beginning, suggesting that if anyone felt it was too difficult, they could turn back or that they weren't adequately prepared. This left me feeling disappointed.

I wonder if it's fair to judge seniors solely based on their age, especially since many of them are quite fit these days. In the end, everyone returned safely and in good spirits, which made the guide happy as well, so that was a relief!

最初から雨だったこともあり、あまり周りの景色をゆっくり楽しむ事ができなかったですが、手付かずの自然、植物の生命力を目の当たりに感じながらのトレッキングは疲れや時間をずいぶん軽減してくれたと思います。やっと辿り着いた屋久杉には、感動でした！雨の中、5時間歩いた達成感もあったのかもです。
またガイドさんが要所要所で屋久島の歴史や杉についてお話ししてくださって、勉強になりました。
ただ、グループの年齢層が高かったので、ガイドさんが最初から、無理そうなら帰ってもらう、準備が足らない、などのネガティブな発言が多く、残念な気持ちになりました。
最近のシニアは皆さん鍛えていらっしゃるし年齢だけで判断されるのはどうかと？
結局みんな元気に帰って来れたので、ガイドさんも喜んでくださったので、良かったです！

I had experience climbing Mount Fuji, but the trolley path was unexpectedly tough and took a toll on my legs... However, I was glad to see Jomon Sugi, and the guide explained various points along the way. I was also encouraged by the other participants in the tour, and somehow I managed to go and come back, which turned into a great memory.

富士登山経験もありましたが、トロッコ道が思いの外つらく、脚にきました...
でも縄文杉は見れて良かったし、ガイドさんがところとごろ説明をしてくれたり、同じツアーの方たちにも励まされながらなんとか行って帰って来ることもできて、良い思い出になりました。

I was amazed by the sheer number of fish I've never seen before, all so colorful! I was also thrilled to see Nemo in person, something I've only seen in videos before.

これまで見たことないくらいたくさんのお魚と、色鮮やかな魚ばかりで感動しました！
初動画でしか見たことないニモも生で見れて感動

I had a very pleasant time crossing to the island on a water buffalo while listening to island songs. The mangrove cruise was also well explained and enjoyable. Exploring Taketomi Island on foot was challenging due to the heat, so I recommend renting a bicycle.

水牛でゆったりと島へ渡り　島唄も聴きながらとても気持ちの良い時間が過ごせました。マングローブのクルーズも上手に説明して頂き楽しかったです。竹富島は歩きでしたが、暑さもあり大変でした。　レンタサイクルがおすすめです。

We departed from Hakata, which is easily accessible, at night and arrived at our destination in the morning, allowing us to start our activities early. The ship had two showers (without body soap or shampoo), and it was quite a comfortable journey.

アクセスしやすい博多から夜に出港して、朝方には目的地に到着しましたので朝から行動することが出来ました。
船内はシャワー２つ（ボディソープ、シャンプーなし）も付いていて、結構快適な旅でした。

Although the chance of rain was 80%, it was beautifully sunny, and we were able to experience everything without getting wet. The mangroves offered a breathtaking panorama that felt like something out of a dream. While paddleboarding, the waves were gentle, making it easy to ride. The maneuverability was great, so I highly recommend it. Meeting the Ryukyu Kingfisher was a highlight, and the guide's insights were unique to this place, making it a wonderful memory. In the Blue Cave, the sea, coral reefs, and colorful fish of all sizes were stunning. I did feel a bit unwell at one point, but the kind words from the staff helped me get through it. Everyone else on the tour was lovely too, and we waved goodbye with big smiles as we parted ways.

降水確率80%でしたが、しっかり晴れて雨にあたることなく、体験できました。
マングローブでは、日本と思えないパノラマが広がり感動しました。サップでは、波も少なく簡単に乗ることができました。小回りもきくので、とてもおすすめです。リュウキュウアカショウビンに出会えて、ガイドさんの案内も、ここならでは！と言うことばかりで、とても、いい思い出になりました。青の洞窟では、海と珊瑚礁、大小のカラフルな魚達、美しかったです。途中、気分が悪くなってしまいましたが、優しい声かけをしていただき、無事すごせました。また、同じツアーに参加した皆さんも、素敵な方で別れ際は大きく手を振って笑顔でわかれました。

I had wanted to see Jomon Sugi for a long time, but I never got the chance. Now that I’m 60, I thought if I missed this opportunity, I might never see it. The last 2.5 kilometers were tough, but I’m glad I was able to see Jomon Sugi.

以前から縄文杉を見に行きたいと思いながらなかなか行けず、60歳になってしまったのでこれを逃したら見られないと思い参加しました。最後の2.5キロは大変でしたが縄文杉を見る事ができて良かったです。