All Reviews for Japan Hidden Gems: Secret Islands

At the end of December 2019, I attempted to reach the Arakawa trailhead but had to give up due to heavy rain! On March 17, 2020, I made a second attempt. I kept a close eye on the weather forecast and changed my tour reservation several times before the day arrived, and I was able to go on a day with perfect weather. Our guide, Mr. Kawada, was incredibly thorough, providing many informative stories about the basics of mountain walking and the history of Yakusugi, and I truly felt it was worth hiring a guide. Thank you very much. We departed from the trailhead at 5:30 AM and returned at 3:40 PM. As someone over 60, I felt a sense of accomplishment after walking 22 km in the mountains. It was all thanks to our guide.

2019.12月末、大雨で荒川登山口まで行くが断念！2020.3.17 再挑戦でした。天気予報睨めっこでツアー申し込みも何度か変更を繰り返し当日を迎え、最高の天気のなか行って来ました。ガイドの川田さんの案内は実に丁寧で山歩きの基本や屋久杉の歴史など勉強になる話が多く、ガイドをお願いして本当に良かったと思います。有難うございました。登山口5:30出発ー15:40帰着　還暦過ぎ22kmの山歩きに達成感あり。ガイドさんのお蔭だな。

I made a reservation for a trip with three female friends.
It was our first island-hopping experience, and we had a wonderful time.

Yufu Island and Taketomi Island felt like tropical islands that are part of Japan but also not quite Japan!
Cycling on Taketomi Island takes a little over an hour, but in mid-March, the weather was nice and pleasant.

女友達3人旅行で予約させていただきました。
初めての島巡でしたが、とても楽しい時間を過ごすことができました。

由布島、竹富島は日本であって、日本でないような南国感たっぷりな島でした！
竹富島でのサイクリングは1時間ちょっとかかりますが、3月半ばで気候もよく気持ちよかったです。

The mangrove cruise in Iriomote Island's great nature was wonderful. I cycled around Taketomi Island, and the sea was beautiful, and the townscape was lovely. Next time, I want to go canoeing in the mangroves.

西表島の大自然マングローブクルーズ良かったです。
竹富島をサイクリングで周りましたが、海が綺麗で、街並みも素敵でした。
次回はマングローブをカヌーで行きたいです。

This time, we participated with two families. There were a total of eight people: two sixth graders, one six-year-old, and one five-year-old. First, we took a mangrove cruise in Iriomote Island. It was a bit cloudy, but the fresh air and beautiful scenery were amazing. However, the sixth graders seemed a bit unsatisfied as they wanted to go canoeing. Next, we crossed to Yubu Island by water buffalo cart. Seeing the water buffalo up close was impressive, and the kids were very satisfied. The lunch bento was also delicious. Be sure to visit the glass-bottom boat in Taketomi Island! The cobalt blue sea was filled with many fish, creating a dreamlike scene.

今回は2家族で参加しました。小学校6年生が2人と6歳が1人と5歳が1人の合計8人です。まずは西表島のマングローブクルーズ少し曇っていましたが良い空気といい景色で最高でした。ただ6年生はカヌーがやりたかったようで物足りなそうでした。次に由布島に水牛車で渡りました。間近でみた水牛は大迫力で子供も大満足でした。お昼のお弁当も美味しかったです。竹富島のグラスボートは是非行って下さい！コバルトブルーの海の中にお魚が沢山泳いでて夢のような景色でした。

The water buffalo is adorable. The transfer from Iriomote Island to Yufu Island by water buffalo is amazing. The water buffalo takes you to Yufu Island slowly and steadily. If you love houseplants, this is even more suitable for you. The giant taro is also fantastic.

水牛は萌える。西表島→由布島の水牛移動は最高です。ゆっくりゆっくり水牛が由布島まで運んでくれます。観葉植物が好きな人は、なおさら向いています。オオタニワタリも最高です。

The tour was fulfilling, including activities like landing on the island, visiting a limestone cave, and experiencing stand-up paddleboarding (SUP). Additionally, being able to have lunch at a recommended restaurant allowed me to enjoy Iriomote Island even more. Thank you for the wonderful photos as well. I would love to participate again if the opportunity arises.

ツアーの内容が、島に上陸したり、鍾乳洞に行ったり、SUPを体験したりと、充実していました。また、オススメの店で昼食を食べられたことで、西表島をより満喫することができました。素晴らしい写真もたくさんありがとうございます。また機会があれば参加したいと思います。

The tour content was great, and the instructor was very kind, making it the best sightseeing experience in Iriomote Island. It was also wonderful that they took photos during the tour and shared them right away. I would like to rely on them again when I come back here.

ツアー内容がよかったこと、また、インストラクターの方がとても親切で最高の西表島観光になりました。ツアー中の写真を撮影してもらえ、すぐに共有してもらえるのもとてもよかったです。またこちらに来た際にはお世話になりたいと思いました。

The best impression was from the staff at the tour desk. When we arrived at the water buffalo riding area by bus, we had to line up for registration. There were murmurs of, "Wait, we have to register again here? Do we have to line up?" This took some time and it was a bit chaotic. The water buffalo experience was great, though. The explanations were clear, and the songs were soothing. There was a group photo service on the water buffalo cart, but I think it would have been better if it was just for those who wanted it.

一番の良い印象はツアーデスクのスタッフの方々。
バスで水牛乗り場に着くと並び受け付け。え－ここでもまた受け付け？並ぶの？と言う声がちらほら。
そのため時間がかかる。バタバタでした。水牛は良かったです。説明も分かりやすく歌も癒しでした。水牛車での全員でサービスの撮影がありましたが希望者だけがいいと思いました。

It was my first time participating, and I had a lot of fun all day! I enjoyed my first experience with SUP very much! I was able to take many photos, which added to my memories.

初めての参加でしたが1日とても楽しかったです！ SUP初体験でも十分楽しめましたー！写真もたくさん撮っていただけて思い出が増えました。

The day before, I received a call informing me that due to the tides, going to Barasu Island would be difficult, so I was grateful to be able to plan the afternoon in advance.

On the day itself, I was worried because rain was forecasted from the morning, but it didn't rain in the morning and we had a great time! To avoid congestion with the SUP, we changed our order and went to the cave first. It was much more exciting and adventurous than I had imagined for a cave tour, and I had a lot of fun! It was my first time doing SUP, but they taught me carefully, and I quickly started enjoying it! They took many photos during the tour, and I was happy to receive them on the same day!

In the afternoon, it poured heavily, so the tour was changed, which ended up being a relief.

前日に、潮の関係でバラス島は厳しいとお電話を頂いていたので、午後のプランを事前に練ることができ、有り難かったです。

当日は朝から雨予報で心配でしたが、午前中は雨も降らず楽しめました！
SUPが混雑しないように、とのことで順番変更して鍾乳洞から行きました。想像していた鍾乳洞ツアーよりも探検する気分でワクワクする内容で、とても楽しかったです！
SUPは初めでしたが丁寧に教えて頂いて、すぐ楽しくなりました！
ツアー途中の写真もたくさん撮って頂き、当日中にすぐもらえたのでよかったです！

午後は土砂降りだったのでツアー変更になって結局助かりました。

I went in mid-March. In the morning, a long-sleeved shirt was just right, but by afternoon, the temperature rose and a short-sleeved T-shirt was perfect. The weather was great, and the sea looked beautiful—it was the best! Cycling on Taketomi Island was very pleasant. The only downside was that lunch wasn't delicious.

3月の中旬に行きました。朝は長袖でちょうどいいくらいでしたが、昼からは気温が上がって半袖のTシャツでちょうどよかったです。天気がよくて海もきれいにみえて最高でした！竹富島のサイクリングはとても気持ち良かったです。
お昼ご飯が美味しくなかったのでそこだけ残念でした。

If you think you're going to a remote island for the first time, it might be nice to try visiting three islands as a test. Since time is tight, if you feel like you didn't have enough time on any island, you can always go back separately instead of on a tour.

It was unfortunate that the weather was bad, but overall, it was a good experience.

初めて離島にいくと思うならお試しで３つ回れるのはいいのかもしれない。
時間がキツキツなので足りないと思う島はツアーではなく別で改めて行けばよし。

あいにくの天気だったのが残念だがまあいい経験でした。

We stayed in Ishigaki Island and Kohama Island for our honeymoon and toured other islands with this tour. The staff on each island were friendly, and I think it was great to be able to visit everything in a compact way. There were a few moments that felt a bit rushed, but overall, I’m glad I participated.

新婚旅行で石垣島と小浜島に泊まり、こちらのツアーで他の離島をまわりました。
各島のスタッフの方も感じよく、コンパクトにまわれてよかったと思います。
少し慌ただしいかな、と思う点もありましたが、参加してよかったと思えました。

I participated in this tour because I didn't have much time on my first trip to the Yaeyama Islands. As a result, it was great to be able to see everything efficiently! Also, since I was planning to stay on Kohama Island that day, I hoped to disband locally on Taketomi Island, and I was very grateful that they arranged for my luggage to be transported from Ishigaki Island to my accommodation on Kohama Island! Thanks to that, I was able to enjoy sightseeing without being weighed down. It's a tour, but it also offers a decent amount of freedom, so I highly recommend it!

初めての八重山諸島の旅行であまり時間もなかったので、こちらのツアーに参加しました。結果、効率よくまわれてよかったです！また、当日は小浜島に宿泊予定だったので、竹富島で現地解散を希望したのですが、荷物を石垣島から小浜島の宿泊先まで手配していただき大変助かりました！おかげで身軽に観光ができてよかったです＾＾ツアーですが、そこそこ自由度もあり、おすすめです！

I fulfilled my dream of riding a water buffalo! I enjoyed the mangroves of Iriomote Island, the water buffalo on Yufu Island, and the glass-bottom boat and water buffalo on Taketomi Island. It was a very efficient way to have fun! I forgot reality while listening to the guide's sanshin performance and was healed by the great nature. The female water buffalo had flowers on her head, and she was so cute. Next time I visit on a trip, I want to book this tour again and go cycling on Taketomi Island!

水牛に乗りたいという夢が叶いました！
西表島のマングローブ、由布島での水牛、竹富島でのグラスボードと水牛。とても効率良く楽しめました！
ガイドさんの三線の演奏に現実を忘れ、大自然に癒されました。
女の子の水牛は頭にお花を付けていて可愛かったです。
次回また旅行で訪れる際もこのツアーを申し込んで竹富島でサイクリングしたいと思っています！

I thoroughly enjoyed my time on Taketomi Island. After taking a water buffalo cart, I explored the beaches by renting a bicycle and discovered the island. Initially, I had planned to tour the island on foot, but considering the distance to see the entire island, a bicycle was much more convenient.

はじめの竹富島を満喫できました。水牛車になった後、レンタサイクルでビーチを巡り、島を探検しました。
予約当初は、徒歩での島巡りを予定していましたが、島全体を観光する移動距離も考えると、自転車が便利でした。

It was a very satisfying tour that allowed us to visit three islands in one day. My 2-year-old daughter was really happy during the ride on the water buffalo cart. The bento box we had for lunch was filled with many local Okinawan dishes, and everything was delicious.

3島を一日で廻ることができ大満足のツアーでした。水牛車での移動は2歳の娘もすごく嬉しそうでした。お昼に出た幕の内弁当は沖縄の郷土料理がたくさん入っていてどれも美味しかったです。

We participated in a bus tour combined with a water buffalo cart ride for two adults and two toddlers (early February). Since it was our first time and we had children with us, we chose a plan that was not too strenuous. As a result, it turned out to be a very satisfying tour.

The bus tour included about 20 minutes of free time at the star sand beach, which was enough time to take photos and play. The water buffalo cart ride only went around nearby, but I felt so relaxed by the scenery and the buffalo that I wished I could ride longer! The pace was quite slow, so the children were not scared at all.

We took the 4 PM boat back, but we had plenty of time, so we looked at the buffalo up close and strolled around the sightseeing spots (the kids were sound asleep in the stroller). The waiting area for the buffalo cart has space for strollers, there are changing tables in the restrooms, a shop, and air conditioning, so it’s perfectly fine for families with small children.

I feel positively about this tour and would like to participate in a distant island tour next time!

バス観光＋水牛車のプランを大人2人、幼児2人で参加しました。（2月初め）
初めて&子連れのため無理のないプランにしました。結果とても満足のいくツアーとなりました。
バス観光は星の砂の海岸で20分ほど自由時間があって写真を撮ったら遊ぶには十分な時間でした。
水牛車も近くをぐるっと回るだけですが、景色や水牛に癒されてもっと乗ってたい！！と思いました。スピードもかなりゆっくりなので子供も全く怖がりませんでした。
帰りの船16時にしましたが、かなり時間があったので水牛を近くで見たり、観光スポットを徒歩で散策しました。（子供はベビーカーで爆睡）
水牛の待合場所はベビーカーを置けますし、
トイレにオムツ替え台ありますし、売店あり、エアコンも効いているので小さいお子さん連れでも大丈夫です。
次は遠くの離島ツアーに参加したいな！と前向きに思えるツアーでした。

The day I participated was overcast and a bit chilly. However, the tour content was excellent! It condensed all the good spots and allowed us to efficiently visit the attractions, which left me very satisfied.

参加した日はどん曇りで、肌寒かったです。ただツアーの内容は最高！良い所をぎゅっと凝縮して、効率よく観光地をまわれて大満足でした。

During my 5-night, 6-day trip, the weather wasn't great, and I didn't get to see much of the beautiful sea. However, there was a brief moment of sunshine when we landed on Baras Island, and at the very end, I was able to see a stunning sea. Also, the photos taken by our guide were very stylish and of excellent quality. I think it's the best tour because you can experience so much in one day. At the cave, I fell quite dramatically because it was muddy from the heavy rain the day before (laughs). I recommend wearing clothes that you don't mind getting dirty when participating in the tour.

5泊6日の旅行中、お天気に恵まれず、あまり綺麗な海を見ることが出来ていませんでしたが、バラス島の上陸の時だけ少し晴れ間が見え、最後の最後でとても綺麗な海が見れました。また、ガイドのお兄さんが撮ってくださった写真はとてもセンスがよく画質がすごく綺麗でした。1日で色々体験できるので最高のツアーだと思います。鍾乳洞では前日が大雨だったことにより、ぬかるんでいた為、盛大にすっ転びました（笑）ツアーに参加される際は汚れても良い服装がいいと思います。

I rode a water buffalo cart. I think it would have been even better if it had been sunny. Along the way, I got to listen to songs played on the Ryukyu shamisen, but I thought it would have been nicer if the performer had been a bit more skilled.

水牛車に乗りました。晴れてたらもっと良かったと思います。途中、琉球三味線で唄を聴かせてもらうのですが、もう少し上手い方が良かったかと思いました。

We took a ferry to the island and then a shuttle bus to the tourist center. After checking in, it was finally time for the water buffalo cart! The European water buffalo, Shima-chan, was quite playful, resting in the shade, taking breaks to poop, and not moving until it got a shower... The guide sang for us with a sanshin, creating a relaxed atmosphere.

After the water buffalo cart ride, we had about an hour until the bus, so we strolled through the village and enjoyed some shaved ice at a parlor, taking it easy.

フェリーにのって島へ。送迎バスで観光センターへ。受付を済ませたら、いよいよ水牛車！
ヨーロッパ系水牛シマちゃんは、日陰で休んだり、途中うんちしたり、シャワー浴びるまで動かなかったり、お茶目でした。。。ガイドさんが三線で歌ってくれたり、のんびり。
水牛車のあとは、バスの時間まで一時間ほどあったので徒歩で集落散策、パーラーでかき氷たべたりしてのんびりしました。

I went on a SUP tour in the mangroves of Iriomote Island, explored a limestone cave, and visited Barasu Island. The guide was very attentive and considerate, making for a fun and fulfilling day. The value for the price was excellent. Barasu Island was especially amazing!

西表島のマングローブでSUP、鍾乳洞探検、バラス島ツアーへ行きました。担当のガイドさんがとても丁寧で、細かな気遣いをしてくださる方で1日楽しく、充実した日が過ごせました。この値段でこの内容はとてもお得でした。特にバラス島最高でした！

I had a great time. I thought that if it rained, the water buffalo cart would be fine, so I signed up. In the end, we were able to leisurely tour the traditional townscape of Taketomi Island in beautiful weather, feeling as if we were in a foreign country. The guide was also very talented, and during the ride, he played the sanshin and sang Okinawan songs. It was a wonderful experience.

楽しかったです。もし雨が降っても水牛車なら大丈夫かなと思って申し込みました。結局良い天気の中、水牛に引いてもらって竹富島の昔ながらの町並みをゆっくりと観光できて、まるで異国にいるかのような時間でした。ガイドさんも多才な方で、乗車中に最後は三線を弾きながら沖縄の歌を歌ってくれました。良い体験でした。

As soon as we disembarked, we took the bus to the rental cycle service, and after completing the procedures, we were able to explore the island by bicycle right away. It was a great way to enjoy our island trip, and we were very satisfied.

下船するとすぐにレンタサイクルのバスに乗って移動し手続き後にはすぐに、島を自転車で観光できて有効に島旅を、楽しめる事ができて大満足です

In the morning, I participated in a mangrove exploration and in the afternoon, I joined a cave tour and a landing tour on Baras Island with my friends.
For the mangrove tour, we used canoes, and I think it's enjoyable for anyone as it wasn't difficult at all! The natural scenery was beyond my imagination!
It felt like stepping into the world of an adventure movie!
At the caves, we were able to walk through many caves, not just one, and we also saw various creatures and plants along the way to the caves!
Baras Island was truly beautiful and perfect for Instagram photos!!!
The guide was very attentive and shared a lot of information (including recommendations for delicious restaurants), making the experience exceptional!

午前中にマングローブ探検、午後に鍾乳洞、バラス島上陸ツアーに友達と参加しました。
マングローブはカヌーで参加しましたが、難しくなく誰でも楽しめると思います！想像以上の大自然です！
まるでアドベンチャー映画の世界に入ったようでした！
鍾乳洞は、一つではなくたくさんの鍾乳洞の中を歩けて、また、鍾乳洞へ行くまでの道でも色々な生き物や植物を見れたりしました！
バラス島は、本当に綺麗で、インスタ映え間違いなしです！！！
ガイドさんが色々教えてくれたり(ご飯がおいしい店も)気遣いしてくれて至れり尽くせりでした！

Waking up early and arriving in Ishigaki Island was perfect for a relaxing first day. We took a boat from Dream Tourism to Taketomi Island, enjoyed seeing fish and coral through a glass-bottom boat, and had fun listening to the driver's stories on the sightseeing bus. We even brought back souvenirs of star sand. We leisurely listened to the sanshin while riding in a water buffalo cart. It was a wonderfully enjoyable experience that can be appreciated by everyone from small children to the elderly.

早起きして石垣島に朝入りしたので、初日はのんびりするのにとても良かったです。ドリーム観光の船で竹富島へ渡り、グラスボートで魚と珊瑚を見て、観光バスでは運転手の話で楽しみ、星の砂のおみやげまで持ち帰り。水牛車でのんびり三線を聞かせてもらいました。ゆったり満喫できました。小さな子供からお年寄りまで楽しめます。

This time, we participated in a tour with my 2-and-a-half-year-old child, aiming to ride the water buffalo cart. The water buffalo exceeded our expectations with its impressive driving skills, expertly navigating the narrow paths. My child was cheering for the buffalo, calling out its name, "Shima-kun, do your best!!" We cherished the photo we took with Shima-kun at the end and were very happy about it.

The only downside was that we were seated towards the back, so we couldn't see the buffalo's entire body while riding. I wonder if my child would have enjoyed it more if we could at least see its horns.

However, it was a fun time exploring the lush island at a leisurely pace. I'm glad we participated.

今回は、まだ2歳半の子と、水牛車を目的にツアーに参加しました。
水牛車は思ってた以上に牛さんが頑張って、狭い道を上手に曲がる運転技術が素晴らしかったです。子どもも『シマ君頑張れ‼️」と、牛さんの名前を呼んで応援してました。最後にシマ君と一緒に撮っていただいた写真を、ずっと大事に持って、喜んでました。
残念だったのは、乗車順が後ろの方で、乗っている間は、牛さんの全体の姿が見られなかったことです。せめて、角くらい見えたら、子どもももっと楽しんでくれたかな？と思います。
でも自然豊かな島で、のんびり散策もできて、楽しいひと時でした。参加して良かったです。

The most impressive part was the SUP! I was a beginner, but it was a stable experience without waves in the mangroves, unlike the ocean, so I was able to stand and sit relatively easily. I also think the personality of the guide played a big role. They had a wealth of knowledge about nature during the exploration, and I was very satisfied with how they talked about the plants we found and answered any questions I had.

1番印象に残ったのは、SUP！初心者でしたが、海とは違う波のないマングローブ体験だったので、立ったり座ったりとわりと安定してできたのが良かったです。あとは案内人の方の人柄も大きかったと思います。探索中自然の知識も豊富にあったので、見つけた植物の話しや、質問してもなんでも答えてくれたところも大満足でした。

I think this is a perfect plan for exploring Ishigaki Island for the first time. There are various options to choose from, and I could select the return bus time, either 4 PM or 5 PM. If I had to say something, I would have preferred to get off and walk at Kondoi Beach instead of just viewing it from the bus window. In the end, I rented a bicycle for a few hours and rode to Kondoi Beach myself.

初めて石垣島をまわるにはちょうど良いプランだと思います。オプションも色々選べますし、帰りのバスの時間も、16時か17時か選べました。
強いて言えば、バス観光のコンドイビーチは車窓ではなく降りて歩いてみたかったです。結局自分で時間貸しで自転車をレンタルし、コンドイビーチまで行きました。