All Reviews for Japan Hidden Gems: Secret Islands

I will keep it brief since writing too much will force a system reset. What I enjoyed was the interesting stories from the bus driver on the route from Nakama Port to Yufu-guchi. I also got to see various trees in the Nakama River mangroves, and it was my first time seeing water buffalo, which was great. For the sightseeing in Kohama Island, I wanted to cycle instead of taking the bus, so I chose the Mishima tour.

沢山書くとこのシステム強制リセットされるので、手短に書きますが、
良かったのは仲間港から由布口迄のバス運転手さんの話が面白かった、仲間川マングローブも色々な木が見れたし、水牛も初なので良かったです
小浜島観光はバスでなくサイクリングしたかったので三島ツアーを選びました。

I was very satisfied with the half-day tour, which included a glass-bottom boat, bus sightseeing, and a water buffalo ride, offering a variety of experiences. The weather was a bit unfavorable, and there was some rocking on the boat, but I was able to see plenty of cute fish through the glass-bottom boat. The bus tour allowed us to quickly visit places like Kaiji Beach, known for its star sand, and Kondoi Beach.

Before the water buffalo ride, I felt sorry for the buffalo as they pulled many people along. Although the ride lasted 20 minutes, I think 10 to 15 minutes would have been sufficient for the buffalo. At the end, there was an Okinawan performance and singing, which added to the atmosphere.

While there are rental bicycles available on the island, this course is great for families with small children or for those who don't want to get too tired. I had a lot of fun.

半日観光としてグラスボート、バス観光、水牛乗車と色んな乗り物で盛り沢山で満足でした。
天候が少し良くなくて船の揺れも多少ありましたがグラスボートから、しっかり可愛い魚達が見れました。
バス観光は星砂採取のカイジ浜、コンドイビーチなどサクッと回れました。
水牛乗車では乗る前から水牛が沢山の人々を引っ張って行くのが可哀想と思っていました。
20分間でしたが水牛の為には10〜15分でも充分です。
最後に沖縄演奏と歌もあり雰囲気満載。
島内はレンタサイクルもありますが、このコースは小さい子連れや疲れたくない人向けには良いです、楽しかったです。

I think it's very good for those who want to efficiently visit the nearby islands of Ishigaki Island. You can enjoy the highlights of three islands in one day. It's a beginner-friendly orientation to the islands, so even those who are new can participate with peace of mind. On the other hand, it may not be suitable for those who have visited the islands before or are seasoned travelers who are eager to explore the unknown on their own.

I would like to visit Taketomi Island and Iriomote Island again. The sea at Taketomi Island was particularly stunning and amazing.

For those who want to go to the beach, renting a bicycle is essential. However, since the rental bicycles were only available until 4 PM, I couldn't go to Kaiji Beach. I spent too much time sightseeing in the town. I wish I had an extra 30 minutes. Also, the bicycles were a bit small, like mama-chari, so it was tough on hills and unpaved roads. Since you’ll be rushing around the island, I think those who lack stamina or women should consider renting an electric assist bicycle to enjoy it more comfortably. For groups of men with good stamina, it shouldn't be a problem.

I wrote a few complaints, but overall it was very good. The tour guide was polite and shared various stories, allowing us to learn about the plants, animals, and the lives of the islanders. I'm grateful for that.

効率よく石垣島近隣の島を回りたい人はとても良いと思います。1日で３島の良いとこ取りができます。
島のオリエンテーション的な感じで初心者でも安心して参加できます。逆に一度でも島に訪れたことのある方や旅慣れして自分でガンガン未知の世界に踏み入れていける方には不向きかもしれません。

竹富島や西表島にあらためて行ってみたいと思いました。
特に竹富島の海は絶景で最高でした。

ビーチに行きたい人はレンタサイクル必須です。
ただレンタサイクルが１６時までだったのでカイジ浜に行けませんでした。街並みを見学するのに時間を使いすぎてしまいました。後３０分あれば良かったです。
あと自転車が少し小さいママチャリだったので坂や舗装されていない道が大変でした。時間のない中で島中を走り回るので体力に自信のない方や女性は別に電動アシスト自転車を借りたほうが気持ちよく満喫できると思います。体力のある男性グループなら問題ないです。

少し不満を書きましたが、総じてとても良かったです。添乗員さんも丁寧でいろいろお話をしてくださり植物や動物、島の方の生活なども知ることができました。感謝です。

It was so much fun! I'm glad I participated!
It rained the whole time, which was tough at times, but moving through the forest wrapped in a mystical fog created a wonderful atmosphere.
It was darker than I expected in the early morning, so having a flashlight would make walking more comfortable.
Although I didn't need to use it, I think having a portable toilet would provide peace of mind just in case.
I would love to participate again when I visit Yakushima next time.

とにかく楽しかった！参加してよかったです！
終始雨が降っていて途中辛かったですが、幻想的な霧に包まれた森の中を進んで行くので、雰囲気はとても良かったです。
思っていた以上に早朝暗い中、トロッコ道を進んで行くので、懐中電灯はあった方が安心して歩けます。
使うことはありませんでしたが、携帯トイレあると万が一のためのお守りとして安心できると思います。
次、屋久島訪れた際も、参加したいです。

I had a great time wherever I went. The smooth assistance made it possible for me to move around without feeling anxious. One downside was that when I asked about the GoTo campaign through Veltra, the staff at Ishigaki Island Dream Tourism had no idea about it, which was disappointing. I had to research and inquire on my own, and I would have appreciated it if they could at least provide the contact information for Veltra. That said, I personally had a very fulfilling day with plenty of time to explore each sightseeing spot, and I was extremely satisfied!

何処へ行っても楽しく過ごせました。
スムーズな対応をして下さるので、不安になることなく動けました。
一つ難点だったことは、ベルトラで対応のgotoキャンペーンのことをお聞きしても、石垣島ドリーム観光の方々は全く分からなかったことは残念でした。自分で調べて問い合わせましたが、せめてベルトラの連絡先だけでも教えてくれたら有り難いなぁと思いました。
とはいえ、各観光場所での時間は個人的にはゆっくり回れてとても充実した１日で、大満足でした！

I was able to enjoy the peaceful atmosphere while riding a water buffalo cart. The rental bicycles cost 1,500 yen, and since it takes about 20 minutes to walk from the tourist center to the sandy beach, I decided against it. However, I learned that using the shuttle bus would only cost 300 yen, so I wish I had known that beforehand.

水牛車に乗って、のどかな雰囲気を味わえました。
レンタル自転車が1500円もするので、観光センターから砂浜まで歩くと20分もかかるのでやめましたが、巡回バス利用なら300円で行けるようなので、知っていれば行きたかったです。

The water buffalo carts on Taketomi Island allow you to leisurely explore the village. While I felt a bit sorry for the villagers, it was fascinating to see the unique architecture.

竹富島の水牛車はのんびり集落を一回りできます。集落の方には申し訳ない感じもしますが、独特の建造物を見せて頂けて興味深いものがありました。

The explanations were thorough, and the pacing was just right, so even my family, who were new to stand-up paddleboarding (SUP), had a great experience! They took photos at key moments, and I was really happy to receive such beautiful pictures afterward. The tour to Baras Island was canceled due to the wind, and we only did the half-day mangrove SUP experience, which was a bit disappointing, but I plan to try again for a rematch! (o^^o)

丁寧に説明をしていただき、テンポを合わせてくださったのでSUPが初めてだった家族も楽しく体験できることができていました！
要所要所で写真を撮っていただき、終わった後にいただきましたが、とても綺麗な写真で嬉しかったです。
風の影響でバラス島のツアーは中止となり、マングローブのSUP体験のみ半日で行ったので、それだけが少し残念でしたが、またリベンジしようと思います(o^^o)

I had a morning experience in the limestone cave, and the stand-up paddleboarding was more stable and easier than I expected! It was fun to get close to the waterfall at our destination and really feel its presence!

朝一の鍾乳洞体験をして、サップも思ったより安定していて、こぎやすかったです！！
目的地の滝も近くまで行って感じることができて楽しかったです！

The starry sky was incredibly beautiful, and the photos turned out amazing!!!

It was like a planetarium starry sky!

I was able to see shooting stars several times, which made me feel so happy!

Thank you very much!

めっちゃ綺麗な星空に
フォト最高でしたー！！！

プラネタリウムみたいな星空でした！

流れ星も何回かみれて
幸せな気持ちになりました！

ありがとうございました！

I participated for my mother (71 years old) who wanted to ride a water buffalo. It was a dream come true to ride a water buffalo and cross the sea, which became the best memory. I found it fascinating to learn about the significance of water buffaloes to the people of Ishigaki Island.

It had been 20 years since I traveled with my mother, and I was anxious about how it would go, but I was grateful for the staff's thoughtfulness.

水牛に乗りたい母(71歳)のために参加しました。念願叶って水牛に乗れ、海を渡った事は最高の思い出になりました。石垣島の人にとって水牛がどんな存在だったのかを知ることができ、興味深く感じました。
母との旅行は20年ぶりで、どうなることかと不安でしたが、スタッフの方のお気遣いがありがたかったです。

It was a trip during the pandemic, but I felt that hygiene management, such as temperature checks and mask-wearing, was well taken care of. It was just my 4-year-old son and me, and the ferry ride was short, so we didn't get bored and had a great time. As soon as we arrived at Taketomi Island, we took a glass-bottom boat, and there were only half the capacity, which made it enjoyable. My son was very excited to see so many fish and looked like he was having a lot of fun. It was a pity that the guide's explanations were a bit hard to hear. The water buffalo cart ride was also relaxing and very enjoyable. It was a tour that I definitely want to do again.

コロナの中での旅行でしたが、検温、マスク着用など衛生管理はしっかりされてると思いました。
4歳の息子と二人でしたが、フェリーの時間が短いので飽きることもなく、楽しめていました。
竹富島に着いてすぐにグラスボートでしたが、定員の半分しかいなく、子供はたくさんのお魚に大興奮でとても楽しそうでした。
ガイドさんの説明が少し聞き取りづらかったのが残念。
水牛車ものんびりできてとても楽しめました。
またぜひ行きたいと思うツアーでした。

It was my first time in Ishigaki Island, so I chose to visit three islands.

I had no interest in the ox cart and mangroves, but I was moved by them. Yujiro, who was a part-time worker until Yufu Island, was a smart kid who got into the frame by himself and tied the reins on his own. Ryu, the handsome guy from Taketomi Island, was also wonderful. Everyone was great!

初めての石垣島でしたので 3島巡りを
選択しました。

牛車 マングローブ 全く興味がなかったのですが
感動しました。
ゆふ島までの アルバイトの裕次郎君
ゆふ島の 枠の中に自分で入ったり
たずな？をくぐって自分でつける 頭の良い子
竹富島のイケメン りゅう君
皆 素敵でした♪

In the morning, I enjoyed stand-up paddleboarding (SUP), and in the afternoon, I had a great time snorkeling.

I received a message the day before, and the meeting point was at the Imugya parking lot. The beach was just a 2-minute walk from there, so there was no chance of crowding, and I felt safe regarding infection control measures.

There were three people for SUP and three pairs for sea kayaking. After a brief introduction, we had practice time in shallow waters with almost no waves. It was a perfect spot where you could stand even if you fell, allowing for plenty of practice, and we even spotted some beautiful tropical fish. We were able to take photos from a high position as well.
Afterward, we moved to a slightly deeper area. It happened to be a windy day, so I struggled a bit with the current, but the instructor helped pull me back, and I managed to return safely. Thank you very much.
We dispersed at the parking lot. Most people were not soaked, so there was no particular need for a shower. We were able to rinse off the sand from our feet with bottled water.

In the afternoon, we gathered at Shigira Resort. There was about a two-hour gap between the morning and afternoon sessions, so we could drive to eat nearby Okinawa soba or even return to our accommodation if it was close.

For the afternoon snorkeling, they first taught us how to use the equipment, which was reassuring for beginners. We completed the procedures in the parking lot. Since we wore wetsuits and life jackets, sinking was not a concern.
We visited points where turtles often appear and spots to see clownfish, and the coral was very beautiful. What we could see depended on luck, but I was satisfied to see a sea snake in the distance, as well as a variety of fish like damselfish, filefish, wrasse, and parrotfish.
We rinsed off with bottled water and dispersed at the parking lot. I was also happy to receive the photos later. Thank you very much!

午前中はSUP、午後はシュノーケルでお世話になりました。どちらもとても楽しかったです。

前日に連絡が来て、集合はイムギャー駐車場。そこからわずか徒歩2分くらいのビーチで体験なので密になる隙もなく、感染症対策も安心でした。

SUP3人とシーカヤック3ペアで、それぞれ簡単に教えていただいた後はほとんど波のない浅瀬で練習時間。落ちても足が立つような所で思う存分練習できる上に、所々綺麗な熱帯魚まで見られます。高い位置からも写真を撮ってもらえました。
その後少し深い方へ移動、たまたま風が強い日だったので流されて苦労していたのですが、インストラクターさんに引っ張ってもらえてなんとか帰還できました、、ありがとうございました。
駐車場で解散。ほとんどの人は水没していないので特にシャワーの必要はなし。ペットボトルの水をかけてもらえるので足元の砂をはらったりできました。

午後は場所を変えてシギラリゾート集合でした。午前と午後の間は2時間くらいあったので車で近くの沖縄そばを食べに行くとか、近ければ宿にも戻れます。

午後のシュノーケルはまず機材の使い方から教えてもらえるので初心者も安心です。
駐車場で手続き。
ウェットスーツにライフジャケットを着る形なので沈むことはまずありません。
カメがよく出るポイントや、カクレクマノミのポイントと回ってもらえて、サンゴもとても綺麗でした。見れるものは運次第ですがウミヘビも遠くに見えたり、スズメダイやカワハギ、ベラやブダイなどバラエティ豊かな魚を見ることができ満足でした。
ペットボトルの水をかぶって駐車場で解散。
後から写真も送ってもらえて嬉しかったです。ありがとうございました！

The tour was great as it allowed us to appreciate the beauty of each island. However, the COVID-19 measures were lacking, such as not addressing participants who did not wear masks. Please improve this.

ツアーはそれぞれの島の良さがわかり非常に良かったです。ただ、マスクを付けずに参加する人に注意しないなどコロナ対策は今一歩でした。改善ください。

On the day we took the tour, it was quite windy, so we gathered at the safe Imugya at 9:30 and enjoyed stand-up paddleboarding (SUP) and canoeing until around 10 to 11!

We could choose either SUP or canoeing, but since there were three of us, we were able to rent one of each and take turns! It was incredibly generous for us, as we were thinking, "We want to do both!" and "We can't choose!"

We had so much fun competing, splashing water on each other, taking photos, feeling the wind, and our guide even acted as a water taxi. After SUP and canoeing, we dove from the bridge! It was a bit scary, but it made for great memories!

We were also happy to see sea turtles and tropical fish!

Thank you so much! (*^^*)

私たちがツアーを利用した日は風が強かったので、入江になっていて安全なイムギャーで9:30集合で10-11くらいまでSUP、カヌーをしました！
SUPとカヌーはどちらか一方選べましたが、3名だったこともありSUPとカヌーどちらも1つづつレンタルでき、交代で乗ることができました！
「どっちもやりたい！」「選べない」と思っていた私たちにとってありがたすぎました！

競争したり、水を掛け合ったり、写真を撮ったり、風を感じたり、ガイドさんが水上タクシーをしてくれたりとても楽しかったです。
SUPとカヌーの後は橋からダイブ！
少し怖さはありましたがいい思い出ができました！

ウミガメも熱帯魚も見れて良かったです！

ありがとうございました(*^^*)

The weather was nice, not too hot and not too cold, making it the perfect condition. I think October is a great time for trekking to Jomon Sugi.
The 22 km trek was long, but thanks to the guide's accurate advice and encouragement, I was able to complete it.
The other participants in the tour were also enjoyable to be with, which was great. I plan to challenge myself again.

天気も良く暑くもなく、寒くもなく、最高のコンディションでした。10月は縄文杉トレッキングにはかなり良い時期だと思います。
22km長丁場、ガイドさんの的確なアドバイスな声かけおかげで完歩する事ができました。
同じツアーのかたも楽しい方でよかったです。またチァレンジしようと思います。

It was just as the reviews said!
The starry sky was something I've never seen before.
I was truly moved.
The staff were kind and even prepared background music, which almost brought me to tears!
This is definitely an option you should participate in when you visit Miyako Island.

クチコミ通りの体験でした！
今まで見たことのない星空
感動しかなかったです
スタッフの方々も親切でBGMまで用意してくださり涙があふれそうでした！
これは、宮古島に来たらぜひ参加して欲しいオプションです

The guide taught us how to take photos and shared various stories while we waited, which made it enjoyable to walk even with our tired bodies. We were very satisfied to see both monkeys and deer! We were able to experience wonderful nature. Phytoncide is the best!

ガイドさんが写真の撮り方も教えてもらえたり、待っている間に色んな話をしてくださり、疲れていた身体でも楽しんで歩くこ出来ました。猿も鹿も見れて大満足！素晴らしい自然にふれることができました。フィトンチッド最高！

This was my second time visiting Jomon Sugi, but I invited a friend who was going for the first time because I thought it would be great. However, I really realized how much the tour can differ depending on the guide. The guide's knowledge was lacking, and even though there were participants who fell multiple times, he ignored them. I fell once, and after a brief pause, I couldn't catch up anymore. My friend and I were saying that if it was going to be like this, it wasn't worth the money we spent to participate.

縄文杉へは2回目でしたが、初めて行く連れにとてもよかったから行こうと誘って参加したツアーでした。ただ本当にガイドさんでこんなにも違うツアーになるんだなと実感。知識は薄いし何度も転んでる参加者がいても無視、私は1度転んで少し間があいたら、もう追いつくことすらできず、連れと2人でこれだったらお金出して参加した意味無いねと言っていました。

I enjoyed the glass board, the bus, and the water buffalo. I was very satisfied with all of them. In particular, I felt a relaxed time with the water buffalo, which made me very happy.

グラスボード
バス
水牛
と楽しみました。どれもとても満足でした。
特に水牛はのんびりした時間を感じれ、大変満足しました。

Due to the impact of the typhoon, the planned activities were changed, but the staff's response was wonderful, so I was able to enjoy it without any issues. I would like to participate again.

台風の影響で予定していた内容が変更になりましたが、スタッフの方々の対応が素晴らしかったので無事に楽しむことができました。
また参加したいと思います。

The weather was perfect, making for an amazing trekking experience! The shuttle service to near the accommodation and the lunch arrangements were very helpful. The guide was great and matched our pace! Due to COVID-19 precautions, the guide took photos with their camera and sent them to us. The 10-hour trek left us exhausted, but it was a fulfilling time.

天候にも恵まれ最高のトレッキングでした！
宿近くまでの送迎も、昼食の手配も助かりました。
ガイドさんもこちらのペースに合わせてくれる方で良かったです！
コロナ対策でガイドさんのカメラで写真を撮り送ってくれました。
１０時間のトレッキングはクタクタになりましたが、充実した時間になりました。

I made a reservation through Veltra, but I didn't receive any follow-up emails from the local provider, and there was no contact until around noon on the day of the event, so I reached out again. In the end, my reservation was confirmed, and I was able to have the photoshoot, but even though I had already completed the payment process with a credit card, I was still asked to pay in cash, and it wasn't until I pointed it out that they realized it was a double charge. After the session, I mentioned that I would appreciate it if I could receive the data not only in JPEG but also in LAW format, but they said that was not possible. The photos taken were very good, but I was a bit disappointed with the other aspects of the service.

veltraを通して予約したところ、現地からの折り返しメールが一向に入らず、当日の昼頃までなにも連絡が無かった為、こちらから再度連絡しました。結局、無事に予約が確定して、撮影することは出来たのですが、最後もすでにクレジットで支払いをする手続きをしていたにもかかわらず、現金でも支払いを請求され、こちらから指摘するまでは二重請求だと気づかれることもありませんでした。終了後、可能ならばデータをJPEGだけではなく、LAWで貰えたら嬉しいとお伝えしましたが、それも対応不可とのこと。撮っていただいた写真がとても良かっただけに、他の対応が少しがっかりでした。

The mangroves of Iriomote Island, the water buffalo cart to Yufu Island, the water buffalo cart on Taketomi Island, and the guidance from the bus driver were all enjoyable experiences for sightseeing.

西表島のマングローブ、由布島へ渡る水牛車、武富島の水牛車、バスの運転手さんのガイド、どれも楽しく観光出来ました。

The sea conditions the day before were poor, so we changed our plan from snorkeling to SUP and canyoning. It was both of our first times, but with the thorough explanations, we were able to enjoy it safely.

On the SUP, we spent a relaxing time surrounded by plenty of greenery in the mangroves. The changing scenery over time was also captivating. The gentle current made it possible for beginners to stand up.

Canyoning was a bit scary at first, but once you jump into the river, the fun takes over. The river water might be a little cold. Playing in the midst of nature in 360° was the best way to refresh both mind and body.

Additionally, our guide took photos and shared various information about the flora and fauna and the island, allowing us to fully enjoy Iriomote Island. Next time, I would like to try snorkeling as well.

前日の海の状況が悪く、シュノーケリングからSUP +キャニオニングのプランに変更。
どちらも初めてでしたが、丁寧な説明で安全に楽しむことができました。
SUPはマングローブ内で沢山の緑に触れゆったりとした時間を過ごすことができます。時間で変わっていく景色も魅力的でした。流れが穏やかなので初心者でも立つことができました。
キャニオニングは最初は怖さがありますが、１度川に飛び込めば楽しさの方が勝ちます。少し川の水は冷たいかも。360°大自然の中で思いっきり遊んで心もカラダもリフレッシュできて最高でした。
プラスαでガイドさんが写真を撮ってくださったり、動植物や島のことなど色んなことを教えてくれるので沢山西表島を満喫できました。次は、シュノーケリングも体験してみたいです。

I was worried about the rain until the day before, but it was sunny on the day of the tour, and I was able to walk around happily! The tour guide was very polite and taught us many things, making it easy to talk and walk comfortably! Due to the impact of COVID-19, we couldn't go abroad for our honeymoon, but this trip became our honeymoon! It turned out to be a wonderful memory!

前日まで雨が心配でしたが、当日は晴れて楽しく歩くことができました！ツアーガイドさんがとても丁寧に色々なことを教えてくれたりして話しやすく、安心して歩けました！コロナの影響で行きたかった海外へ新婚行けませんでしたが、この旅が新婚旅行になりました！すごくいい思い出となりました！

The weather was unstable until the day before, and I was worried about rain, but it turned out sunny. The tour guide matched our personalities well, making it easy to talk, listen, and walk, which allowed us to participate with great peace of mind and enjoyment! From the moment we arrived in Yakushima, they carefully helped us with our shoes, so we could look forward to the next day with confidence! There were many amazing cedars before reaching Jomon Sugi, and when I finally saw the cedar I wanted to see the most, it was a bit disappointing that it was far from my viewing position, but it became a precious moment! It turned into a wonderful memory! Thank you very much!

前日まで天気が安定せず雨が心配でしたが、晴れてくれました。ツアーガイドさんが私たちの性格にあっており、話しやすく聞きやすく歩きやすく、とても安心して楽しく参加することができました！屋久島到着してすぐの靴の合わせから丁寧にしていただき安心して次の日を待ってられました！縄文杉を見るまでにすごい杉がたくさんあって、一番見たかった杉を見たときには、見る位置から遠くて少し残念でしたが、貴重な時間となりました！！
いい思い出になりました！ありがとうございました！！

I participated with a friend who isn't very fit. There were 5 participants, and we had one guide. I was worried about keeping up physically, but I was able to see the Jomon Sugi safely! Additionally, I learned a lot about the cedar trees, mountains, and islands from our guide, which made for a very satisfying experience. It was great to have other participants, as it motivated me to do my best and I enjoyed hearing various stories. Thank you very much!!

体力のない友人と2人で参加しました。参加者5名に対し、ガイドさんが1名ついてくれました。
体力的についていけるか不安でしたが、無事縄文杉を見ることができました！
また、ガイドさんだからこその杉や山、島に関することを教えてもらい大満足の時間でした。
他の参加者がいたからこそ、頑張ろうと思えたし、いろいろな話を聞けて良かったです。
ありがとうございました！！

The staff at the ferry terminal counter were very nice.

I was able to relax a lot, anyway. It was great to receive coupons that can be used in the area through the Go To campaign.

Be careful if you rent a bike at the water buffalo place, as it's quite expensive! It's easier to walk to the beach. It seemed like biking would be tough on the hills.

フェリーターミナルのカウンターの方は感じが良かったです。

とにかくのんびりできました。
go to キャンペーンで　地域で使えるクーポンがもらえて良かった。

水牛の所でレンタサイクルすると　かなり高いから注意！
ビーチまで　歩いた方が楽だし。
自転車の方は坂道大変そうだった。