All Reviews for Japan Hidden Gems: Secret Islands

Iriomote Island and Yufu Island were great, but when I chose the bus tour plan for Taketomi Island, it turned out to be a very rushed experience, lasting only about an hour. We spent 15 minutes at Kaiji Beach and another 15 minutes for walking around the island. Additionally, we were forced to return by boat, so for those who want to fully enjoy Taketomi Island, I recommend the water buffalo cart plan or the free plan. I also think it would be better if the bus tour plan allowed us to choose the return boat schedule.

西表島、由布島は良かったのですが、竹富島のバス観光プランを選択したところ、竹富島を約1時間でものすごくバタバタした観光でした。カイジ浜は15分、島内の徒歩観光も15分程度です。そして強制的に船で帰らされるため、竹富島を堪能したい人は、水牛車プランかフリープランをお勧めします。バス観光プランも、帰りの船便を選択できるといいと思います。

I was disappointed that I couldn't see the water buffalo because I was in the last row. I wish there was a guarantee for the front row!

It was hot in Taketomi Island in May, and I gave up on going to the beach. I returned to the port early, but I had quite a bit of time left.

水牛は一番後ろの席だったので、水牛が見えず残念でした。
前列確約があればいいのにー

5月の竹富島は暑く、浜辺まで行くのを断念しました。
早めに港に戻りましたがかなり時間が余りました

Thanks to the experience and knowledge of our veteran guide, all eight of us were able to see the Jomon Sugi and visit a secret location, and we returned safely! I am truly grateful! Thank you for all the wonderful memories!

ベテランガイドさんの経験や知識のお陰で８人全員が縄文杉を見て秘密の場所にも行けて無事に帰って来れました！
本当に感謝感謝です！
楽しい思い出をたくさんありがとうございました！

The moss-covered forest is certainly wonderful, but it was great to overlook the Yakushima mountains from Taiko Rock. The day before, I went to Jomon Sugi, but this hike wasn't too strenuous, and since the pace was slow, I had plenty of time to listen to the guide's stories, take breaks, and take photos.

苔むす森も十分素晴らしいのですが、太鼓岩から屋久島の山林を見渡せたのがよかったです。前日に縄文杉に行きましたが、こちらは歩行もそれほど辛くなく、ペースもゆっくりなのでガイドさんのお話を聞いたり、ゆっくり休憩したり、写真を撮る時間もたくさんあったりでよかったです。

The shuttle service to and from the accommodation and the option to order bento meals were very convenient for early morning departures. I didn't use it myself, but the rental equipment seemed well taken care of by the guide, even in the rain, so it looked easy to manage. The pace depends on the group members, but when I participated, I heard about some people who had to give up midway due to health issues and others who fell and broke bones. You should expect to spend around 10 hours, so I recommend going while you still have some energy!

宿との送迎、お弁当の注文などもできて早朝出発には便利でした。自分は使いませんでしたが、レンタルは雨に濡れてもガイドさんがケアしてくださっていたので楽そうでした。
ペースはグループのメンバーによりますが私が参加したときには体調不良で途中断念の方や転んで骨折した方など色々聞きましたし、10時間程度は見込む必要があるので、少しでも体力のあるうちに行っていただきたいです！

I was able to see both the mangroves and the sunset, and it was relaxing, calm, and enjoyable! Thank you very much.

マングローブもサンセットも見れて
のんびりゆったりおだやかで楽しかったです！
ありがとうございました。

The sightseeing boat and water buffalo cart were both amazing experiences. The scenery was absolutely stunning, truly reminiscent of a tropical island. The transportation was efficient, taking us smoothly to Iriomote, Yufu, and Taketomi Islands, which made the travel stress-free. The lunch buffet was delicious, featuring ingredients from Okinawa.

遊覧船も水牛車も感動の体験でした。とにかく南国の島らしい景色が最高。
手際よく、西表・由布・竹富島へ送り届けてくれるので移動のストレスが無くて良い。
ランチブッフェも沖縄食材で美味しくいただきました。

You should definitely see Jomon Sugi at least once in your lifetime.

The guide was neither particularly good nor bad; they provided various information but didn't have a special sense of humor or excel at creating a great atmosphere.

It was convenient that transportation and lunch were included in the tour.

やはり一生に一度は縄文杉見ておくべきです。

ガイドの方はまあ可もなく不可もなく、いろいろガイドはしてくれますが特別ユーモアがあったり良い雰囲気を作るのに長けているわけではないです。

送迎や弁当がツアーに含まれているのは便利でした。

Not only did I get to enjoy the sea turtles, but I was also healed by many fish like the clownfish! The ocean in Miyako Island is the best! It was my first time snorkeling alone, but the instructor taught me carefully, so I was able to swim happily right away! I will come again! Thank you, So-chan and Yama-chan, you are the best!!

ウミガメだけでなく、カクレクマノミなど沢山の魚達に癒されました！宮古島の海最高です！1人が初めてのシュノーケリングでしたが、インストラクターが丁寧に教えてくれるのですぐに楽しく泳ぐことができました！また来ます！そうちゃんやまちゃんありがとう最高！！

I was guided by Mr. Sasaki and participated with my 69-year-old mother. It was my mother's dream to see Jomon Sugi, and Mr. Sasaki was attentive to her health throughout the journey, allowing us to reach our destination safely and comfortably! The other participants were also kind, making the hike a wonderful memory. There was a bit of a mishap at the end where we almost missed the tour bus, but Mr. Sasaki stayed with us until the very end, which was truly reassuring. It was the best experience, fulfilling my mother's dream!

ガイドの佐々木さんに担当していただき、69歳の母と参加しました。
母の夢だった縄文杉でしたが、佐々木さんが道中ずっと体調を気にかけてくださり、安心して無事に辿り着くことができました！
参加者のみなさんも優しく、楽しく登山できたのも良い思い出です。
最後はツアーバスに間に合わないハプニングもありましたが、佐々木さんが最後まで並走してくださり本当に心強かったです。
母の夢が叶った、最高の体験でした！

The day we initially reserved was cloudy, and I was worried about whether we would be able to see the stars in this weather. However, I received a message and was able to reschedule for the next day.

Although the stars were hidden again the following day, the photographer was persistent, and we were able to see a beautiful starry sky and have some lovely photos taken. As we've aged, my spouse and I haven't had our pictures taken by a photographer, but looking at the finished photos made me glad we decided to do it. I hope to visit again during the season when the Milky Way is visible. Thank you very much.

当初予約していた日は曇ってしまい…このお天気で星が見えるのかな…と心配していたところ、ご連絡をいただき翌日に振り替えてもらうことができました。

翌日も星が隠れてしまいましたが、カメラマンさんが粘ってくださり、綺麗な星空を見ることができ、素敵な写真を撮影してもらうことができました。
年齢を重ねて、夫婦でカメラマンさんに写真を撮ってもらうことはなくなりましたが、出来上がりを見てお願いして良かったと思いました。
天の川が見れる季節にまた伺えたらいいなぁと思っています。
ありがとうございました。

The guide's extensive explanations about Yakushima's history, geography, cedar trees, and flora allowed me to enjoy the Shiratani Unsuikyo even more deeply.

I was able to relax both my body and mind in this extraordinary environment, listening to the constant dripping of water on the moss, the chirping of birds, and enjoying the forest bathing. Seeing the cedars that have been growing for hundreds and thousands of years made me feel small in comparison.

Since the trekking included breaks, I was relieved that I could go at a comfortable pace.

The photos taken by the guide (especially the panoramic ones) became truly wonderful memories.

On the way back, I was dropped off at a different accommodation from where I stayed, and I was able to enjoy a day trip to a hot spring, which was refreshing.

If I have the opportunity to visit Yakushima again, I would love to request the same guide. Thank you very much.

ガイドさんの屋久島の歴史、地理、杉や草花と幅広い説明でより深く白谷雲水峡を楽しめました。

苔に絶えずポタポタと水が落ちていく様子、鳥のさえずり、森林浴。非日常の中身体も心もリラックス出来ました。
大自然の中、何百何千年と生えている杉を見ると自分の存在がちっぽけな物に感じました。

休憩を取りながらのトレッキングだったので、無理なく行ける事が出来てホッとしています。

ガイドさんに撮ってもらった写真(特にパノラマ)は、本当にいい思い出になりました。

帰りは、宿泊宿とは別の宿に降ろしてもらい、日帰りで温泉にもつかれリフレッシュ出来ました。

また屋久島に行く機会がある時は、お願いしたいです。
ありがとうございました。

I signed up for a plan without rental. At first, I thought it might be a bit expensive compared to other tours, but since the price includes the bus fare, it actually felt comparable or even cheaper. With the appropriate advice and pace, I was able to reach Jomon Sugi safely. I definitely couldn't have done it alone. If you're considering whether to hire a guide, I strongly recommend that you do. Not hiring one would be a loss, in my opinion.

レンタルなしのプランを申し込みました。
はじめは他のツアーと比較すると少し高めかなと思いもしましたが、バス代込みの値段とのことで同等or寧ろ安く感じました。
適切なアドバイス、ペースで無事縄文杉まで行くことができました。1人では絶対無理でした。
ガイドつけようか悩んでいる人は絶対つけた方がいいです。つけない方が損だと思います。

This was my second time using the service, following two years ago, and I was fortunate with the weather. It was great to efficiently visit the highlights. I recommend it to those planning to explore unfamiliar remote islands.

2年前に続いて2回目の利用でしたが、天候にも恵まれ、見所を効率良くまわれて良かったです。不慣れな離島巡りを計画している方にお薦めです。

I was very satisfied to see the colorful fish and beautiful corals of the tropical region! The guide's attention to safety was thorough, allowing me to enjoy the tour with peace of mind!

南国のカラフルな魚たちと綺麗なサンゴが見れて大満足でした！ガイドの人の安全配慮も行き届いていて、安心してツアーを過ごせました！

Thank you for your consideration in helping us meet the Jomon Sugi safely. We, in our prime, managed to do our best!

We almost missed the pickup bus, and I apologize for any inconvenience caused. I sincerely apologize.

無事に縄文杉に会えるように配慮してくださってありがとうございます。
妙齢な私たちも頑張れました！

ピックアップのバスには乗り遅れそうになり、ご迷惑をおかけしました。
心からお詫び申し上げます。

We had a great afternoon during the canoe tour in the mangroves. The guides were very friendly and knowledgeable, and we learned a lot about the mangrove ecosystem. The excursion was well organized, relaxing, and very enjoyable. We definitely recommend it!

We had a great afternoon during the canoe tour in the mangroves. The guides were very friendly and knowledgeable, and we learned a lot about the mangrove ecosystem. The excursion was well organized, relaxing, and very enjoyable. We definitely recommend it!

The mangrove tour in Iriomote Island was great, especially with the boatman's stories that were both educational and enjoyable. We also rode a water buffalo cart to Yubu Island 🐂, and it was wonderful when they sang Okinawan folk songs while we were on the cart! On Taketomi Island, we explored on bicycles 🚲, enjoying the beautiful sea, and I had a very fulfilling time. As a side note, an electric bicycle would have been even better 💦. I think first-time visitors will have a fantastic time participating in these activities! 😃

西表島のマングローブ観光（船頭さんのお話が勉強にもなり良かった）、由布島迄水牛車🐂に乗ったり（水牛車に乗ってる時に沖縄民謡？を歌ってくださったのがとても良かった！）竹富島では自転車🚲であちこち回り綺麗な海を見たり、すごく充実した時間を過ごしました。余談ですが、電動自転車なら尚良かった💦
初めて行く方は参加されるとすごく楽しめると思います😃

I was grateful to the guide throughout the trip. More than seeing the Jomon Sugi, I was moved by the fact that we were able to go and come back safely. Of course, the Jomon Sugi was breathtaking. The explanations were very insightful, and the pacing was just right, so I didn't have any muscle soreness the next day. If I have the opportunity again, I would appreciate your guidance.

終始ガイドさんに感謝でした。
縄文杉を見れたことより、無事に行って戻って来れたことに感動でした。もちろん縄文杉は圧巻でした。
腑に落ちるような解説やペース配分がかなり良く、翌日も筋肉痛になりませんでした。
また機会がありましたらよろしくお願いいたします。

The forecast predicted clear skies in the morning. While walking, I started to sweat, and when I took a break, the weather felt refreshing. It felt like water was overflowing from everywhere, nourishing the earth. I saw the stumps of cedar trees cut down by humans, and it was a powerful reminder of nature's ability to regenerate. The view from Taiko Rock was breathtaking. I truly felt the life of Yakushima. Since it was during Golden Week, there were quite a few people, but I was glad I made the trip.

午前中は晴れ予報。歩いていると汗ばみ、休憩するとひんやりする天気でした。至るところから水が溢れ、大地を潤している、そんな感覚でした。人間が切り落とした杉の切り株、そこから再生しようとする自然の力、太鼓岩からの景色も圧巻。屋久島の命を感じました。ゴールデンウィーク中だったので人は多めでしたが足を運んで良かったと思いました。

Without local options like these, I would have been wondering where to go! I was very grateful for them! The water buffalo cart and mangrove exploration were great, and the tropical, old-fashioned atmosphere of Taketomi Island was wonderful!

こういう現地オプションがないと、何処行こうか⁉️ってなってしまうので、大変ありがたかったです‼️水牛車やマングローブ探検とか竹富島の南国古風なたたずまい良かったです‼️

I was wondering how it would be during the busy GW period with 10 hours of tracking, but the guide's navigation was spot on, and I didn't have any trouble finding restrooms. I was able to see not only the Wilson tree but also the main Jomon Sugi in abundance! On the way back, just before reaching the goal, I was welcomed by a heavy rain that truly felt like Yakushima. It turned out to be a day where I was really glad I went to Yakushima. My legs were exhausted, but I still made sure to visit Shiratani Unsuikyo the next day.

GWの混雑期かつ10時間のトラッキングでどーなるのかと思ってましたがらガイドさんのナビゲーションが的確で、トイレに困ることもなく、ウィルソン株はもちろん、メインの縄文杉もたっぷり見ることができました‼️帰りはゴール直前にこれぞ屋久島という大雨に歓迎され、本当に屋久島行ってよかったと思える一日になりました。脚はボロボロでしたが、翌日も白谷雲水峡にしっかり行ってきました。

I debated for a long time whether to hire a guide or go on my own, and I ended up making a reservation. In the end, hiring a guide was definitely the right choice. The pacing, encouragement, conversation, and service were all top-notch. The miso soup during lunch and the hojicha served during the coffee break were refreshing! Thank you for the wonderful memories.

ガイドさんをつけるか自力で行くかどうか直前まで悩みに悩み、予約しました。
結果、ガイドさんをつけて大正解でした。
ペース配分や声掛け、トークにサービス、どれをとっても最高でした。
お昼ご飯でのお吸い物、コーヒーブレイクで提供してくださったほうじ茶、体に染みました！
素敵な思い出をありがとうございました。

I was able to enjoy Taketomi Island while riding a water buffalo and listening to the performance of the sanshin. As mentioned in other reviews, there wasn't much time for strolling. It was less than an hour, so it was just enough time to walk to the Nishi Sanchu and return to the bus stop.

水牛で街を回りながら、三線の演奏を聴くことができて、竹富島を堪能することができました。他の方の口コミにもあるように、散策時間はあまりありませんでした。１時間もないくらいだったので、歩いて西桟橋行ってバス乗り場まで戻ってきて、ちょうどいいぐらいでした。

I participated in this as a solo traveler. I was anxious since I had no trekking experience, but the members on the day I joined were mostly inexperienced as well, and the guide maintained a slow and steady pace that made it easy to walk. There were five people in my group.

The guide took photos at the main spots and even provided miso soup during lunch (which I think depends on the guide), so they were very attentive and accommodating.

1人旅で参加しました。トレッキング経験がなく不安でしたが、私が参加した日のメンバーはほぼ未経験で、ガイドさんのペースもゆっくり一定で歩きやすかったです。1グループ5名でした。

主要スポットで写真を撮ってくださったりお昼ごはんのときにお味噌汁をくれたり(ガイドさんによると思います)、至れり尽くせりでした。

I had a wonderful time on Iriomote Island and Yubu Island. The mangrove tour was relaxing as we slowly made our way down the river, with the guide explaining various things along the way. It was very soothing to see the mangroves and birds.

The time spent riding a water buffalo to Yubu Island was enjoyable while listening to the sound of the sanshin. It felt extraordinary! On Yubu Island, I was able to touch the water buffalo and take commemorative photos, which was great.

The staff's guidance was smooth, and the reception and the bus driver's (guide's) responses were excellent, allowing me to enjoy the experience from start to finish.

西表島、由布島をとても満喫できました。
マングローブツアーは、ゆっくり川を進みながら、ガイドさんが色々と説明してくれます。 マングローブや鳥などを見ながらとても癒されます。
水牛に乗って由布島へ行く時間は、三線の音色を聴きながら楽しく過ごしました。非日常！ 由布島では、水牛に触ることができて、記念写真も撮れて良かった。

スタッフさんの案内の流れがスムーズで、受付やバス車内の運転手(ガイドさん)の対応が良く、最初から最後まで楽しめた。

We visited Miyako Island during Golden Week with our family of four, including our two daughters. We've been to Miyako Island many times and have done snorkeling at various places, but this time, the sea turtle snorkeling we booked here was the best we've ever experienced! ✨

There were three staff members for just the four of us, which made us feel safe and provided a luxurious experience. ✨ Veteran guide Yamachan was incredibly trustworthy and reassuring, swimming with the kids the whole time, showing us magic tricks underwater, helping us find sea turtles, and sharing interesting stories. He was truly a professional! ✨

Souchan, who is relatively new to Miyako Island, was also very attentive throughout, taking lots of wonderful photos for us, and we were very grateful. ✨ The adorable Manachan worked hard to teach us about the underwater world, which we really appreciated. ✨

During our stay in Miyako Island, we unfortunately faced cloudy skies, rain, and cold weather, which was a bit disheartening, but thanks to the staff, we were able to see beautiful fish underwater and even met sea turtles, which made us very satisfied. ^ ^

The sea turtles waited for us to see them swim up to the surface, allowing us to observe them up close, and our family was thrilled! ✨ We also got to see both the clownfish and the different patterned clownfish! ❣️

In the past, snorkeling was challenging because I had to keep an eye on the kids and couldn't fully enjoy it, but this time, Yamachan was really attentive and assured us, "Leave it to me!" which made us feel at ease. His words, "I'll definitely help if anything happens!" seemed to resonate with the kids, and they were able to swim joyfully and freely throughout the experience.

We want to do more activities with the staff here, so we will definitely come back to Miyako Island next year! Thank you so much! 😊

娘2人含む家族4人でGWに訪れた宮古島。
宮古島には何度も来ているし、シュノーケリングも色々なところでやってきましたが、今回こちらで予約したウミガメシュノーケルが今までで一番最高でした✨
私たち4人に対して、スタッフが3人もいてくれて安心&贅沢な時間✨
ベテランのやまちゃんは、信頼度＆安心感が抜群で、子どもたちと一緒にずーっと泳いでくれて、海の中で手品を見せてくれたりウミガメを見つけてくれたり、おはなしも面白くて、本当にプロ中のプロでした✨
宮古島に来て日の浅いというそうちゃんも、終始丁寧な対応をしてくれて、素敵な写真もたくさん撮ってくれて、感謝感激✨
可愛いまなちゃんも、海の中のことを一生懸命教えてくれてとても好感が持てました✨
宮古島滞在中、あいにくの曇天＆雨、そして寒い日で落ち込んでいましたが、お陰さまで海の中は綺麗に魚も見れましたし、ウミガメにも会えて大満足でした^ ^
ウミガメは泳いで水面にあがってくるまで待たせてくれたので、間近で見ることができて家族で大興奮✨
隠れクマノミも柄違いのクマノミも見ることができました❣️
今までのシュノーケルは、子どもの面倒を見たり目を離せなかったりで親はゆっくり堪能できなかったけど、今回はやまちゃんが本当に付きっきりで「任せてください！」と言ってくれたので安心できました。
「何かあったら絶対助けるからね！」の言葉が子どもたちにも響いたようで、終始楽しく伸び伸びと泳げたそうです。
ここのスタッフの方とまたアクティビティをしたいので、必ず来年も宮古島に来ます❗️
本当にありがとうございました😊

I usually don't have any mountain climbing experience, so I was worried, but I was able to participate enjoyably! The guide shared interesting trivia about the Yakusugi trees along the way, which I found fascinating!

普段、登山経験がなくて心配でしたが
楽しく参加できました！
ガイドさんが途中途中で、屋久杉の雑学などをお話ししていただいて興味深かったです！

I participated with two elementary school students (4th grade and 1st grade). The round-trip bus from the port made it convenient. Even though it was during Golden Week, we were able to ride the water buffalo cart with almost no wait. There wasn't enough time to explore everything, but it was nice to be able to return without too much stress, especially with kids.

小学生2人(4年、1年)と参加しました。港からのバスも往復ついていて、楽でした。GWでしたが、水牛車にもほぼ待たずに乗れました。あれもこれも散策するには時間が足りませんが、子連れならあまり無理せず帰れて良かったです。

I went on an island-hopping tour from Ishigaki Island. The route included Iriomote Island, Yubu Island, and Taketomi Island.

On Iriomote Island, I was amazed by the mangroves we saw from the boat. After that, we crossed to Yubu Island by water buffalo cart and enjoyed lunch before visiting the botanical garden. Going further in, the gelato at Yubu Island Tea House on Manta Beach was fantastic!

On the way back, we rode the water buffalo cart again to return to Iriomote Island, where we took a boat to Taketomi Island.

In Taketomi Island, we enjoyed a village tour while being rocked by the water buffalo cart. It was a full-day tour, and that relaxed atmosphere is definitely worth repeating!

石垣島発離島巡りに行ってきました。
西表島〜由布島〜竹富島のルート。
西表島では船でマングローブを見学して圧巻され、水牛車で由布島に渡って昼食後に植物園見学。奥に行ってマンタビーチにある由布島茶屋のジェラートも最高！
帰りはまた水牛車に揺られながら西表島に戻って船に乗り竹富島へ。
竹富島では水牛車に揺られながら村内観光。
ほぼ1日がかりのツアーでした。
あのゆったり感はリピート必須です。