All Reviews for Japan Hidden Gems: Secret Islands

I had a great time efficiently visiting three remote islands for the first time. I was able to enjoy sightseeing without feeling rushed.

During the ferry ride, I was on the deck, but the wind was quite strong, so it might have been better to sit inside. I was satisfied with exploring Taketomi Island freely by renting a bicycle.

初めての離島を3島を効率よく回れて楽しかったです。時間もせわしないこともなく観光ができました。
移動時間のフェリーではデッキにいたので風がすごすぎるため、中に座った方が良かったかもしれないです。竹富島はレンタサイクルで自由に散策できて満足でした。

You can see the Milky Way clearly with the naked eye, something you can never see in the city!
There are even more stars captured in the photos.
With such a price for creating the best memories, you definitely won't regret going!
I highly recommend it since you can't take these photos yourself.
I would love to use this service again when I come back to Miyako Island.
Thank you!

都心では決して見ることができない天の川が肉眼でクッキリ見えます！
写真には更にたくさんの星が写っています。
最高の思い出が形に残るのに、このお値段、絶対に行って損はないです！
自分では絶対に撮れない写真なので、オススメです。
また宮古島に来るときは利用したいです。
ありがとうございました！

I thought it would be a busier tour, but I was able to take my time and really enjoy the mangroves. The guide's explanations were clear and enjoyable, which was great.

The view from Nishizaki Pier on Taketomi Island, which I've always dreamed of visiting, was just as wonderful as I expected, and I was very satisfied.

The Okinawa zenzai I had on Taketomi Island, with its fluffy ice and brown sugar syrup, was exquisite❣ I had a full day of fun.

もっと忙しいツアーかと思っていましたが、じっくりマングローブを見てきました。ガイドさんの説明も分かりやすく楽しくて良かったです。

憧れの竹富島、西桟橋からの眺めは思っていたとおりの素晴らしさ大満足です。

竹富島で食べた沖縄ぜんざい、フワフワの氷と黒糖シロップがぜんざいと絶妙❣ 1日たっぷり楽しめました

First of all, it was fun‼️

The access points for SUP and the limestone caves are in the jungle by the roadside, which really gets your excitement up. We went up the river, walked partway, played at the waterfall, and when we returned to where we had left the SUP and canoe, it was shallow. It might have been a little mishap, but we were able to feel the nature around us. The guide was polite, took a lot of photos, and was skilled, so thank you very much!

まず、楽しかったです‼️

SUPや鍾乳洞へのアクセスポイントが、車道の脇のジャングルの中
これだけでテンション上がります。
川を上って、途中から歩いて、滝で遊んで、SUP、カヌーを浮かべておいた所に戻ると、、、浅くなってる
引潮だったんです。ちょっとしたハプニングかもしれませんが、自然を感じることができました
ガイドの兄さんは、丁寧で、沢山の写真を撮ってくれて、腕も良くて、ありがとうございました

I participated on July 30th, starting at 8:30 PM. I was a bit worried because it was still a little bright past 8 PM, but by the time we started shooting, the stars were beautifully visible. Before the shoot, they lifted our spirits by saying things like, "It's rare for it to be this clear" and "It looks like we can take some beautiful photos." When it was time to shoot, they also gave us advice on how to pose, and the shooting went very smoothly. At the end, they shared recommendations for spots in Miyako Island, and I really felt it was worth participating! I definitely want to ask for their help again when I go to Miyako Island! Thank you very much!

7月30日、20時半から参加しました。
20時過ぎても少し明るく心配でしたが、撮影する頃には星がとても綺麗に見えました。
撮影前に『こんなに晴れるのは珍しい』『綺麗な写真が撮れそうです』など、こちらの気持ちを盛り上げてくれ、いざ撮影へ。
ポーズの仕方もアドバイスしてくれ、とてもスムーズに撮影が進みました。
最後に宮古島のおすすめスポットなども教えてくれ、参加して本当によかったと思いました！
また宮古島に行く時にはぜひお願いしたいと思います！
ありがとうございした！

I was a bit skeptical about whether we would look this beautiful in the photos, but first, I was amazed by the starry sky around us that day! I thought this was going to be great, so we headed to the shooting location. I was surprised to see some of the shots taken on-site! Then, when we received the wonderful photos of the starry sky with us in them a few days later, I was so excited! It was truly amazing! Moving over the rocky area in the dark was a little scary, but it was a very satisfying tour. Thank you!

こんなに綺麗に写真に写るのかなぁと、半信半疑でしたが、
まず、当日の周辺の星空に驚愕！
これは期待大だなと思い、撮影場所に向かいました。
その場で写したモノを少し見せてもらってビックリ！
そして、後日送られてきた、素晴らしい星空と写る自分たちを見て、テンション上がりました！
本当に素晴らしかったです！
足元暗い中、岩場に移動するのが少し怖かったですが
すごく満足できるツアーでした。
ありがとうございました！

The starry sky was amazing! The photos I received later have been edited, but it's disappointing that my face and head look unnatural. Maybe the editing skills aren't very good.

星空は最高でした！
後日頂いた写真は、加工しておりますが、顔や頭などが不自然な感じになってたりで、残念です。加工技術が下手ですかね。

I participated with my 10-year-old son. It was almost our first time trekking, and we were a bit anxious, but thanks to our kind and reliable guide, we were able to reach Jomon Sugi safely. The guide made sure to take regular breaks, and their thoughtfulness and attention to detail were truly wonderful. It was a challenging journey, but we managed to get through it! The guide had extensive knowledge about the mountains, plants, insects, and birds, and taught us many things. My son seems to have completely fallen in love with Yakushima.

It became a very lovely memory. I'm glad we chose this tour. Thank you very much!

10歳の息子と一緒に参加しました。トレッキングは親子ともにほぼ初めてで不安もありましたが、優しく頼もしいガイドさんのお陰で、無事に縄文杉までたどり着くことができました。休憩をこまめにとってくださり、気配り、目配りが本当に素晴らしく、大変な道のりでしたが乗り切る事が出来ました！山や植物、虫や鳥の知識が豊富で、色々な事を教えて下さり、息子もすっかり屋久島に魅了されたようです。
とても素敵な思い出になりました。このツアーでよかったです。本当にありがとうございました！

I rode a water buffalo cart for the first time! This time, I was guided by Yuki, who had a hibiscus flower attached. The water buffaloes, who aren't fond of the heat... thank you for your hard work even on such a hot day! At Hoshi no Suna Beach, I collected a lot of star sand. I also received a souvenir, so I'll keep it together. Next time, I plan to come during a cooler season and take my time exploring the island. Thank you to all the staff at the tourist office for your help in the heat.

水牛車に初めて乗りました！ハイビスカスをつけて貰っていた結くんに今回は案内してもらいましたよ。暑いのが苦手な水牛さんたち・・・こんな暑い日にも、お仕事お疲れ様です！ありがとう！星の砂海岸では、沢山星砂を拾いました。記念品でもいただけたので、一緒に入れておきます。今度は暑く無い時期に来て、ゆっくり島を回ってみようと思います。
観光所のスタッフの皆さんも暑い中、ありがとうございました。

It was an emotional experience to see the Milky Way for the first time in my life, and it was even better to capture that moment with my family of three. I received a lot of information about Miyako Island, and when I actually visited, the food was delicious. Thank you!

生涯初めて天の川を見ることができたのも感動でしたが、その瞬間を家族三人で残すことができて最高でした。宮古島情報も多々おしえて頂き、実際行ってみたらとてもおいしかったです。ありがとうございました！

The tour departs at 14:30.
As soon as we arrived at Taketomi Island, we enjoyed a glass-bottom boat (with air conditioning! Apparently, this is the only company that offers it so far). There were no other guests, so we had the boat to ourselves.
After that, we enjoyed a water buffalo cart ride, and the tour ended around 16:15.
It was too hot to feel like going outside, so we waited for the bus to the port in the waiting area (which also had air conditioning).

It was quite a good deal and a lot of fun.

14:30発のツアー。
竹富島に到着してすぐにグラスボート（エアコンあり！今のところこの会社だけだそうです）。他の客はいなくて貸し切りで楽しめました。
その後水牛車を楽しんで、終了は16時15分くらい。
暑すぎて外に出る気にならず、そのまま港へのバスを待機所で待ちました（エアコンあり）。

かなりお得で楽しめました。

I was worried about the clouds, but during the shoot, we could see the Milky Way beautifully, and we got five great shots. The kids ended up taking pictures better than I expected, and the photos turned out really nice. It was great to receive recommendations for various shops and spots on Miyako Island for my first visit. Thank you very much.

雲が心配でしたが 撮影時は綺麗に天の川も見えて、5カットとっていただきました。子供も思った以上に上手に撮影でき、とてもいい写真になりました。初めての宮古島で色々なオススメのお店やスポットを教えていただきよかったです。ありがとうございました。

This was my first trekking experience. I participated alone, and I had some anxiety, but thanks to my reliable and fun guide, I was able to complete it. The refreshing feeling after finishing is unforgettable! Thank you very much.

トレッキング初体験の私。一人での参加で、不安もありましたが、頼りになる楽しいガイドさんのおかげで完走できました。完走後の清々しさ、忘れられません！どうもありがとうございました。

The price felt like a good deal, and we were able to thoroughly enjoy the streets of Taketomi Island and Kondoi Beach with the water buffalo cart. Next time, it might be nice to have a plan to stay all day.

お値段的にお得感があり、水牛車も竹富島の街並みやコンドイ浜を十二分に楽しめた。
今度は一日中居るプランでも良いかも

I participated alone this time, but they were very considerate towards individuals! The guides were also very kind and even though they seemed busy, they responded with care! This experience made me want to join another tour on a different occasion! I highly recommend it!

今回は一人で参加しましたが、一人の人に対しても配慮のある対応をしてくれました！またガイドの方々もとても優しく忙しそうにしていても丁寧に対応してくれました！また別の機会別のツアーに参加してみたいと思わせていただきました！おススメです！

I have been to Ishigaki Island several times, but I wanted to conquer other remote islands as well, so this time I signed up for a full-pack tour to thoroughly enjoy Iriomote Island. The most fun part was the limestone cave. The authentic limestone cave, which is different from Ishigaki Island, was an adventure with headlamps. It was refreshing to explore in the darkness while listening to the sounds of water and the chirping of birds!

石垣島は何度か行ったことがありましたが、他の離島も制覇したくなり今回西表島をがっつり楽しむためにフルパックのツアーを申し込みました。1番楽しかったのは鍾乳洞です。石垣島とは違う本格的な鍾乳洞はヘッドライトをつけて冒険します。暗闇の中で水の音や鳥の鳴き声を聞きながら冒険するのは新鮮でした！

The one-day tour was so much fun!! In the morning, we went stand-up paddleboarding to see a waterfall. There was a cave nearby, and we had an adventure there for about 30 minutes. After that, we had lunch at a diner. The soba was delicious. In the afternoon, we went to Miracle Island. I'm the type that gets seasick easily, but the boat was big and didn't rock at all!! The coral at Miracle Island was incredibly white and breathtaking.

1日ツアーめっちゃ楽しかった！！朝はまず滝を見にいくサップをしました。その近くに洞窟があって30分ほど冒険をしました。そのあとはお昼ごはんで食堂でお昼ご飯。 おそば美味しかったです。 午後から奇跡の島にいきました。船酔いしやすいタイプですが、船は大きくて揺れませんでした！！奇跡の島のサンゴがとっても白くて感動モノです。

On the day of the visit, it rained, and I thought I was unlucky, but the mangroves were less affected by the rain, and the atmosphere in the limestone cave was different from a sunny day, allowing me to experience Iriomote Island in a unique way. Since I was already wet from the rain, I tried standing under the waterfall and swimming in the pool below it—activities I might not have done if it had been sunny. I'm glad I got to have fun doing those things.

当日は雨が降ってしまい、運がなかったのかなと思いましたがマングローブの中は雨の影響が少なくて、鍾乳洞も雰囲気が出ていて晴れの日とは違った西表島を体験できました。
どうせ雨に濡れているからと滝に打たれてみたり、滝つぼで泳いでみたり晴れてたらやらなかったかもしれないことをして遊べて良かったです。

I walked down a completely dark road with no streetlights, feeling very anxious, but what awaited me was a beautifully clear starry sky! I could see the Milky Way and shooting stars, and each star was so big that it was truly moving. Besides the photos, I received recommendations for great places in Miyako Island, which made for wonderful memories! I want to go see that starry sky again.

街灯が全くない真っ暗な道を進み、不安がいっぱいでしたが、待っていたのはとってもキレイな星空でした！天の川、流れ星が見れて、星ひとつひとつが大きくて感動しました。フォト以外にも、宮古島のおすすめの場所など教えていただき、とてもいい思い出になりました！またあの星空を見に行きたいです。

At the mangrove, I was able to get close to the waterfall and felt the fresh air in front of it. The only sounds were the chirping of birds, the wind, and the sound of the waterfall, which was very soothing. The limestone cave allowed me to walk through the jungle and pass through caves, making me feel like I was on an adventure. I love nature and often go to mountains and rivers, but the atmosphere of the tropical nature was completely different, and I was glad to make new discoveries.

マングローブでは滝に近づくことができ、滝の前では自然のきれいな空気を感じることができた。
鳥の鳴き声や風の音、滝の音しかないのでとても癒やされた。
鍾乳洞はジャングルを歩いたり、洞窟を抜けたりできて冒険したような気分になれる。
自然が好きで山や川によく行くんですが南国の自然は全然違う雰囲気に包まれていて新しい発見ができて良かった。

Thanks to the guide's seamless navigation, I was able to soak in the beautiful scenery of Balas Island under clear skies. On the way to the mangroves, I encountered a rather large hermit crab, and I was surprised to learn it was a natural monument. Paddling through the mangrove river on a SUP was an experience I won't forget. The large cave with a big opening allowed me to see the unique nature of this southern island.

ガイドさんのつつがない案内のおかげでバラス島は晴れてて景色の美しさに浸ることができました。
マングローブに行く途中には昼間なのに少しおっきいのヤドカリに会えて、天然記念物だと聞いて驚きました。サップでマングローブの川を進むのはなかなか体験できないので感動しました。
おっきな穴が開いた鍾乳洞は自然南の島の珍しい自然を見ることができました。

This time, my friend and I decided to explore the islands of Okinawa. Last year, we went to Ishigaki Island, so this year we visited nearby Iriomote Island. I wanted to go to Barasu Island, which is made of coral and not found in Ishigaki, so I joined this tour. I was really concerned about safety since we would be on the water, but when we arrived, it was much larger than I expected and the waves weren't strong, so I felt relieved. My friend and I were able to leisurely walk on the beautiful coral and enjoy our time in nature.

今回友人と沖縄離島めぐりをしようと決めて、去年は石垣島に行ったので今年は近くにある西表島に行きました。
石垣島にはないサンゴでできたバラス島に行きたくて、このツアーに参加しました。
海の上なので安全かどうかがすごく気になっていましたが、着いてみると思ってたより広くて波も強くないので安心しました。
友人と2人できれいなサンゴの上を歩いて自然の中にいる時間をゆったり過ごせました。

I visited Iriomote Island for the first time and didn't have much knowledge about it, only knowing that the water buffalo carts are famous. When I asked the hotel staff, they recommended an eco-tour with kayaking and a visit to Barasu Island, which I participated in. It was my first time on a stand-up paddleboard (SUP), and I found it interesting that I could sit or stand freely, unlike in a canoe. Barasu Island was even more beautiful than in the pictures, with calm waves that felt great, so I thought I would like to come back someday.

西表島は初めてであまり知識がなく、水牛車が有名なことを知ってるくらいでした。
ホテルの人に聞くと、カヤックに乗ったりするエコツアーと、バラス島をオススメされて参加しました。
SUPは初めて乗ったんですがカヌーとは違って自由に座れたり立てたりするのが面白かったです。
バラス島は写真で見るよりきれいで波も穏やかで気持ちよかったので、またいつか来たいと思いました。

It was my first time on a remote island, and I was surprised by how different the natural scenery was from Okinawa Main Island. First of all, the abundance of mangroves and the beautiful blue of the sea left a strong impression on me. I had no issues with canoeing since I had done it before when I visited Okinawa Main Island, so I was able to fully enjoy nature from start to finish. I think it's easy enough for beginners as well. In contrast to the whiteness of Barasu Island, the limestone caves are located in the forest, allowing for a great combination of both land and sea nature.

離島は初めてでしたが、沖縄本島とは自然の印象が全く違い驚きました。
まずマングローブの豊富さ、海の青さが美しくてとても印象に残りました。
カヌーは以前に沖縄本島に行った時に乗っていたので何も問題なく最初から最後まで自然を満喫できました。
初心者の人でも簡単だと思います。
バラス島の白さとは対象的に、鍾乳洞は森の中にあって陸と海の自然をいいとこ取りできました。

I stayed at a hotel far from the port without any local knowledge, but despite the early hour, they came to pick me up with a smile. They provided careful instruction during the canoeing, and although I was anxious since it was my first time, it turned out to be a very fulfilling cruising experience. The limestone caves were left in their natural state, making them incredibly mystical, especially the areas where sunlight shone through, which were particularly beautiful! During the tour of Balas Island, I learned about why Balas Island exists and information about the surrounding islands, and they took many photos for me. I hope to visit again.

土地勘がなく、港から遠いホテルに宿泊してしまったのですが、朝早くにもかかわらず迎えに来てくださり、笑顔で出迎えてくれました。
カヌーでは丁寧に教えていただき、初めてで不安だったのですが、すごく充実したクルージングになりました。鍾乳洞は手つかずの自然のままになっていたので、すごく神秘的で日が差しているところなど特に綺麗！
バラス島の上陸ツアーではバラス島ができる理由や周辺の島のことも教えていただきましたし、写真もたくさん撮っていただきました。また訪れた時はお願いします。

The young male guide had a dazzling smile, and our trip was very pleasant throughout the day. The nature of Iriomote Island was exceptional, and it left me with the impression that it’s a perfect island for activities. The weather wasn't great due to the typhoon approaching, so we couldn't go on the sea tour, but they kindly suggested an alternative tour, which turned out to be enjoyable! My wife and I are talking about coming back once we have children.

若い男性のガイドさんは笑顔が眩しく、私達の旅行も1日を通して、とても気分の良いものになりました。
西表島の自然は格別で、アクティビティをするのにもってこいの島という印象でした。
台風前で天候がイマイチだったので、海のツアーはダメでしたが、親切にも代替のツアーも提案してもらえたので、結果オーライで楽しめました！
子供が産まれたら、また来ようねと妻と話しています。

At first, I thought it was a bit expensive, but I made a reservation based on the good reviews. The guide was kind and provided detailed explanations, and before I knew it, time flew by, and I found myself sleeping on the return ferry (laughs). Iriomote Island is a place I want to visit again. I think this is a recommended plan for those who don't want to make mistakes while traveling.

最初はちょっと高いな…と思いながら、評判の良い口コミを参考にして予約しました。
ガイドさんも親切で解説もきめ細かく、時間があっという間に過ぎ、気づけば帰りのフェリーで寝ていました(笑)
西表島はまた来たくなる島でした。
旅行先で失敗したくない人はお勧めのプランだと思います。

Iriomote Island was more of a jungle than I had imagined, and every tour I participated in was an extraordinary experience. The mangroves, limestone caves, and Barasu Island offered experiences I had never had before, and I was very satisfied. Thank you very much to the male staff member who guided us all day. I also appreciate all the photos you took.

西表島は想像してたよりジャングルで、今回参加させてもらったどのツアーも非日常を楽しめるツアー内容でした。
マングローブ、鍾乳洞、バラス島と、どれも今まで体験したことのない体験ができて大満足です。
一日中ガイドして下さった男性スタッフの方、本当にありがとうございました。
たくさんの写真もありがとうございました。

I participated in a day trip tour to Iriomote Island. The tour packed in all the famous spots of Iriomote Island, and I was very satisfied. The waterfall we reached after cruising through the mangroves by canoe was very mystical. Additionally, the limestone cave we visited afterward was extraordinary and really enjoyable. After our lunch break, Barasu Island was stunningly beautiful and definitely Instagram-worthy, which left me in awe. Next time, I want to visit for an overnight stay!

日帰りで西表島のツアーに参加させていただきました。
西表島の有名どころをギュッと詰め込んだツアー内容とのことで、大満足でした。
マングローブの中をカヌーでクルージングした先の滝は、とても神秘的でした。
また、その後の鍾乳洞も非日常的でとても良かったです。
お昼休憩後のバラス島は、インスタ映え間違いなしの綺麗さで感動しました。
今度は、泊まりで訪れたい！

This time, it was my first solo trip and my first visit to Okinawa. Since I didn't stay on Iriomote Island, I chose this plan that allows for a full day of fun. It was packed with activities, and the guide was kind, making it a warm and enjoyable tour. I believe there are various aspects to life on the island, and I support you!

今回、初めての一人旅で初めての沖縄旅行になりました。
西表島での宿泊はなかったので、丸一日遊べるこちらのプランを選びました。
とにかく盛りだくさんで、ガイドの方も優しく、ほのぼのしたツアーでした。
島での生活も色々あると思いますが、応援してます！