All Reviews for Japan Hidden Gems: Secret Islands

For those who want to explore the remote islands in a nutshell, I recommend it because you can visit various places in one day! The water buffalo cart from Iriomote Island to Yufu Island crosses the strait and offers wonderful scenery, which was very nice. The atmosphere is different from the water buffalo cart experience on Taketomi Island, so I was glad to have that experience in one day! Unfortunately, the lunch was not delicious. Also, it was disappointing that the female driver and guide for the bus tour on Taketomi Island had poor service. For those who are concerned about the boat's swaying, I recommend the premium seat on the boat (500 yen)!

とりあえずざっくり離島を巡りたいって方には
1日で色んな所へ行けるのでおすすめです！
西表島から由布島へ渡る水牛車は海峡を渡り
素敵な景色でとてもよかったです☆
竹富島での水牛車とはまた違う雰囲気なので
1日で経験出来て良かったです！
残念だったことはお昼のお食事が美味しくなかったです。
そして、竹富島でのバス観光担当だった女性の
運転手兼ガイドの方の対応が悪かったのが残念でした。
船の揺れが気になるって方には船のプレミアム
シート(500円)がおすすめです！

Since there was a family member who got seasick, we decided to skip the island hopping and only took a tour of Taketomi Island. The high-speed boat ride was quick. The water buffalo cart was also very nice, but there were some photo stops that were a bit of a hassle. I think it's unnecessary when riding a bicycle...

I believe a bicycle is the best way to explore the town. Even though it was March, it was hot. Both Kondoi Beach and Kaiji Beach were beautiful and impressive. It's a bit more than a 10-minute bike ride, but definitely worth it! If you make a reservation in advance, the guidance is quicker, so I recommend checking the weather and booking ahead.

船酔いする家族がいたので、離島巡りは断念し竹富島のみのツアーでした。
高速船で、あっという間です。
水牛車もとても良かったですが、所々写真撮影があって、ちょっと面倒くさかったです。
自転車乗る時のは不要だと思います…

街中を巡るなら自転車がベストだと思います。
3月とは言え、暑かったので。
コンドイ浜、カイジ浜共に綺麗で感動しました。自転車で10分以上ですが、ぜひ！
予約しておくと案内が早いので、お天気を見て予約をオススメします。

The water buffalo cart on Taketomi Island takes you around the village, offering a different charm compared to Yubu Island, and it was enjoyable (*´∇｀*). After that, I went to Nishizaki Pier, Koidoi Beach, and Hoshizuna no Hama to take photos... I wanted to take my time at my own pace, so I chose cycling! It was a bit sweaty, but it felt really nice! However, be careful in the village as the gravel can catch your tires and make you almost fall!

こちら竹富島の水牛車は集落をまわるので、由布島とまた違った赴きがあり、楽しかったです(*´∇｀*)
その後は西桟橋・コイドイビーチ・星砂の浜へ写真を撮りに…自分のペースで時間を使いたいので、サイクリングを選びました！少し汗ばむくらいでしたが、とても気持ち良かったです！
でも集落内は砂利でタイヤをとられて転けそうになったりしたので、要注意です！

I had a wonderfully relaxing time in Ishigaki and exploring Taketomi Island. I definitely want to go back. Next time, I’d like to experience the night and early morning life on Taketomi Island!

石垣宿泊～竹富島観光
すごくのんびりした時間を過ごせます。
絶対また行きたくなります。
今度は夜＆早朝の竹富島生活をしてみたいな‼

I traveled alone to Yakushima. I stayed near Miyanoura Port, and thanks to the shuttle bus, I was able to get to the Arakawa Trailhead. From there, the guide took regular breaks, so everything went smoothly. Even though I was alone, the guide kept me company, and other participants also chatted with me, so I had no issues!

1人旅で屋久島にいきました。宮之浦港付近に宿をとっていましたが、送迎バスのおかげで荒川登山口へ。そこからは、ガイドさんがこまめに休憩をとりながら進んでくれたので何事もなくつけました。1人でしたが、ガイドさんが話相手になってくださったり、ほかの参加者の方が声をかけてくれたりするので問題なかったです！

Joining the tour that efficiently visits the three islands was definitely the right choice. The boat to Iriomote Island was quite rocky, so it might be a good idea to bring motion sickness medication. I chose the rental bicycle plan, and since I could choose the return boat, I was able to explore the island at a leisurely pace without worrying about time.

効率よく3島を周れるツアーで参加して大正解でした。
西表島に向かう船はかなり揺れたので酔い止め持参で行った方が良いかもしれません。
レンタサイクルプランを選びましたが、帰りの船が選べたので、時間を気にせずゆっくり島内を周ることができました。

I visited Ishigaki and Iriomote Island. At first, I thought it would be impossible to cover this in one day. It was a tour packed with highlights. It was great that we could choose the return ferry time from Taketomi Island to Ishigaki. We were blessed with wonderful weather, which made it perfect.

初石垣〜西表島でした。初めではこの内容を1日で回るのは無理でしょう。いいとこ取りがギッシリ詰まった内容の濃いツアーでした。帰りの竹富島〜石垣の船の時間が選べるのでよかったです。お天気に恵まれて最高でした。

I have participated in this course several times because it's my favorite. You can enjoy a stroll at Ida Beach, a jungle cruise, a glass-bottom boat tour, and a simple local cuisine lunch. The weather at Ida Beach on that day was perfect, and the scenery was wonderful. We were able to leisurely stroll along the quiet beach, almost having it to ourselves. Unfortunately... According to the guide, this tour will end at the end of March. This is the only tour that includes Ida Beach, so please find a way to continue it!

このコースはお気に入りで何回か参加しています。
イダの浜散策、ジャングルクルーズ、グラスボートの観光と素朴な地元料理の昼食で楽しめます。
この日の「イダの浜」は天気も最高で素晴らしい景色でした。
そしてほぼ貸切状態で静かなビーチをのんびりと散策ができました。
残念なのは．．．
ガイドさんによるとこのツアーは３月いっぱいで終了してしまうそうです。
このツアーが唯一「イダの浜」を含んだツアーなのでなんとか継続してください！！

I left my family behind and went on a solo trip to Yakushima from Aichi Prefecture. I thought about going with my spouse someday, so I signed up for a guided tour for a day trip trekking to Jomon Sugi as a preliminary visit.

I felt good from early morning, and I was prepared to deal with the cold as long as I kept moving. I left the Anbo bus stop and headed to the trailhead just after 4:30 AM.

After that, the seven members participating in the same guide M's tour gathered, and we set off. However, shortly after, two people had to withdraw at the bridge of the trolley train where there were no handrails for various reasons.

As a result, four women and I, a total of five people, followed guide M as we made our way along the trolley path. The explanations at key points were well-timed with short breaks, and surprisingly, we reached Jomon Sugi without much trouble.

The weather was absolutely perfect, and the observation deck was not crowded, allowing us to view the 7,000-year-old tree from various angles. I felt a sense of presence and dignity in the magnificent tree, witnessing the power of nature firsthand.

The distant mountains on the way there and back were also clearly visible, making it a very good tour.

However, by the time we arrived at the accommodation above Mos Burger, I had injured the muscles behind my knees to the point where I could hardly climb the stairs. Thanks to M's advice on recovery methods, I was able to return home without much impact the next day.

家族を置いて愛知県から単独旅行で屋久島に旅しに行きました。いつかは夫婦でと思い、下見兼ねて今回ガイド付きツアーで縄文杉日帰りトレッキングに申し込みました。

早朝から体調も良く、寒さは動けばなんとかなると覚悟して早朝4:30過ぎに安房バス停から登山口まで移動。

その後同じガイドMさんのツアーに参加するメンバー7名が集い、いざ出発するがしばらくして手すりないトロッコ列車の橋の所で2名が訳あって棄権。

結果、女性4名と私1名の計5名がガイドのMさんを追うようにトロッコ道をグイグイと進みました。要所要所の説明を、小休憩兼ねて程よいタイミングで入れていただき長いようで意外とあっけなく、無事に縄文杉まで到達しました。

とにかく天気は最高で、展望台も混雑なく色々な角度から7000年の歴史の産物を見学しました。壮大な樹木には何か宿ってる気迫というか威厳を感じ、自然の力を目の当たりにしました。

行き帰りの遠方の山々もハッキリと拝めとても良いツアーでした。

ただ、モスバーガー上の宿に着いた時には階段上がれないほど膝裏の筋を痛めてました。
Mさんに聞いた疲労回復法で翌日の帰路には影響もほぼなく無事に帰宅出来ました。

It was a packed day full of activities, and I had a great time. The only disappointing part was the lunch. Honestly, it wasn't tasty. I would have appreciated at least being able to have a warm bento.

盛り沢山の内容で、１日楽しめました。
唯一、残念だったのはランチです。
正直、おいしくありませんでした。せめてあったかいお弁当を食べれるとありがたいです。

It was a family trip at the end of February. The weather was cloudy and windy, so it was cold, but I was satisfied with the experience. When crossing to Yufu Island by water buffalo, we could also hear the sanshin, which created a wonderful atmosphere. It was nice to see the change in the water surface on the way there and back. Since it was a tour of the islands, there wasn't much time to look at souvenirs, but it became a great memory. The travel agency's arrangements were smooth and well done.

2月末の家族旅行でした。天候は曇りで風もあったため寒かったですが、内容は満足です。
由布島に水牛で渡るときは三線も聞けて雰囲気は最高でした。また行きと帰りで水面が変わるのも良かったです。三島巡りなのでお土産など見る時間はあまりなかったですが、いい思い出になりました。
旅行会社さんの段取りもスムーズで良かったです

The cute water buffalo, the brother's performance and singing, and the Okinawan streets were all amazing! (*^_^*) The area is spacious enough to explore comfortably by rental bike, allowing us to enjoy the beach, shops, and meals. It became a wonderful travel memory! (^o^)

かわいい水牛と、お兄さんの演奏・歌声や、沖縄らしい街並みが最高でした(*^_^*)
レンタサイクルで十分回れる広さなので、ビーチやお店、食事も楽しめました。
とても良い旅行の思い出となりました(^o^)

Overall, it was a very satisfying tour. The only downside was that the mangrove cruise in Iriomote Island was unfortunately rainy. However, I heard that there are hardly any sunny days in Iriomote Island during this season, so I suppose it couldn't be helped.

全体的に大満足のツアーでした。残念だったのは、西表島のマングローブクルーズがあいにくの雨だったこと。ただ、この時期の西表島は晴れの日がほとんど無いとの話でしたので、やむを得ないのかと思いました。

I was worried because I didn't have confidence in my physical strength, but thanks to the guide, I was able to enjoy the experience and reach my destination safely. I was able to see the Wilson stump and Yakusugi beautifully, and I made some wonderful memories. Thank you very much!

体力に自信がなく不安もありましたが、ガイドさんのおかげで楽しみ安全に辿り着けました。
ウィルソン株も屋久杉もキレイに見ることができて、とてもいい思い出ができました。本当にありがとうございました！

I had enough time and was able to experience everything smoothly, and for the three-island tour, I was able to spend a sufficient amount of time.

時間的にも余裕があり、スムーズに体験するすることもできましたし、３島めぐりとしては、十分な時間を過ごすことができました。

I used this service to efficiently enjoy island hopping on a short trip with my child. The time allocation for each island was well planned, and I was able to have a great time. On Taketomi Island, I signed up for a cycling course. Since it was stated that toddlers could join for free, I checked at the reception on the day of the event about the bicycles, and I was told, "We have children's bicycles." However, I was informed that the rental bicycles were not free, and I had to pay a fee. Parents traveling with toddlers should be aware of this.

子連れで日数の少ない旅行だった為、効率的に島巡りを楽しむ為に利用しました。
各島の時間配分もよく、楽しむことができました。竹富島ではサイクリングコースで申込みました。幼児は無料とのことだった為、自転車はどうなるのか当日の受付時に確認したところ、「子供用自転車があります」と回答されたのですがレンタサイクルでは有料と言われ、料金を支払いました。
幼児連れで行かれる方はご注意下さい。

The weather was a bit off in the morning, but by the time we arrived at Iriomote Island, the sun started to shine. On the mangrove cruise, we enjoyed a relaxed atmosphere while watching wild birds and riding on a water buffalo cart. The bus driver, who also served as our guide, was fantastic. He was very cheerful and entertaining. The lunch was delicious, and the souvenir shop was quite well-stocked, so I think you'll have a good time. On the ferry from Iriomote Island to Taketomi Island, the color of the sea kept changing, and I was amazed at how many different colors there are in the ocean. I chose the glass-bottom boat on Taketomi Island, but the wind was strong that day, and the boat rocked quite a bit, which made me feel seasick. However, it was great to see the beautifully colored fish. The schedule wasn't too hectic, so I think it's a very good option for a day trip.

朝は天気がイマイチでしたが西表島につく頃には陽が差してきました。マングローブクルーズでは野生の鳥を見たり、水牛車に乗ったりのんびりした雰囲気を楽しみました。バスの運転手さん兼ガイドさんが最高でした。とても愉快な方で面白かったです。ランチもおいしかったし、お土産屋さんもそれなりに充実していたので楽しめると思います。西表島から竹富島へのフェリーでは海の色がどんどん変わり、海の色ってこんなにたくさんあるんだ、と感動しました。竹富島では私はグラスボートを選んだのですが、この日は風が強くかなり揺れたので船酔いしてしまいましたが、きれいな色の魚が見れたのは良かったです。スケジュールはそれほどハードではないので日帰りツアーとしてはとても良いと思います。

I wanted to feel the grandeur and vitality of nature that has continued since ancient times, so I joined this tour. We were picked up by bus at the early hour of 5 AM and taken to the trailhead, where the tour began. We climbed a long, long trolley path for about three hours, and then ascended a steep slope. The tour was challenging yet very enjoyable as I experienced the magnificence of the great cedar trees and the difference in air within the ancient forest. It was also a good opportunity to realize the decline in my leg muscles after many years of working in an office. I feel motivated to train my body and try again; I highly recommend this tour.

古代から脈々と続く大自然の荘厳さと生命力のすごさを感じたいと思い、このツアーに参加しました。なんと５時という早朝からバスで登山口に送られ、そこからツアーが始まりました。長い長いトロッコ道を３時間くらい上り、そこから険しい坂道を登山しますが、大自然の大きな杉の荘厳さと古代樹林の空間の空気の違いを感じながらのツアー工程は厳しくも非常に楽しいものでした。そして、長年の会社生活の間に衰えてしまった足の筋肉の減退を自身で十分に感じた良い機会でもありました。　体を鍛えなおして、再度チャレンジしてみたいとも思う、お勧めのツアーです。

The day before, I went on a Jomon Sugi tour, so I wanted to experience the nature that inspired "Princess Mononoke," and I participated in this "Shiratani Unsuikyo Tour." The hiking trail wasn't too steep, and it was a nice tour that could be completed in half a day. Along the way, there were indeed large cedars, and after a while, I reached the moss-covered "Mononoke Forest." It was a space that calmed my mind and created a very peaceful atmosphere, allowing me to feel a different aura from the city as I descended.
It was a very good tour.

前日に縄文杉ツアーに行ったので、続いて「ジブリのもののけ姫」のモチーフになった自然を感じたいと思い、この「白谷雲水峡ツアー」に参加しました。登山道はそんなに険しくなく、半日で往復できる程よいツアーでした。　途中には、やはり大きな杉がそびえ、また、しばらく行くと苔むす「もののけの森」に行きつきました。　そこは、心が和み、とても気持ちが静かになるような雰囲気の空間で、都会とは違うオーラを十分に感じて下山できました。　
とても良いツアーでした。

It was a very warm January visit to Ishigaki Island. However, since I participated with small children, the schedule was quite tight, and I found myself constantly feeling rushed.

とてもあったかい１月の石垣島観光となりました。
ただ、小さい子供を連れての参加だったので、タイムスケジュールはかなりタイトで常に焦りながらの行動となってしまいました。

A shuttle bus came to the hotel to pick us up, and we gathered at the port to receive explanations for each course. When we mentioned the course number during boarding and disembarking, the staff members present promptly guided us, saying things like "that way" and "this way," allowing us to feel secure on the tour even in an unfamiliar place.

I had the impression that rural cities were mostly populated by elderly people, but everywhere we went, young people provided guidance and explanations. We enjoyed the wonderful nature and felt the vibrant spirit of Ishigaki.

ホテルに送迎のバスが来て下さり、港に集まり、コース毎の説明を受けました。乗船や下船後の移動時にコース番号を言うと、そこここに居る係員の方は皆、それはあっち、これはこっちとテキパキと案内してくれ、見知らぬ土地でも安心してツアーに乗れました。
地方都市というと高齢者ばかりとのイメージがありましたが、どこでも若い人が案内、説明をして下さり、素晴らしい自然を堪能するとともに、元気な石垣を感じました。

On the last day, since my flight was at 8 PM, I made a light reservation here after checking out. I went cycling with the cattle, but one hour of cycling was enough, so I think I might not need it next time. I also rode a water buffalo on Yubu Island, but Taketomi had a different atmosphere, and I was glad to experience both. It was a beautiful island just like in the pictures, and time flew by. I want to come back again.

最終日、飛行機の便が夜8時だったので、チェックアウト後に軽くこちらに申込みました。牛とサイクリングでしたが、サイクリングは1時間で十分だったので次はいらないかなーと思いました。水牛は由布島でも乗りましたが、竹富はまた雰囲気が違ってどちらも乗って良かったです。写真どおり綺麗な島で、あっという間に時間がすぎました。また来たいです。

Iriomote Island, Taketomi Island, and Yufu Island all had great weather and it was the best! They mentioned that it's quite rare to have such sunny weather throughout the year on Yufu Island. The staff on the boat were very kind and helped with the wheelchair boarding, which was really appreciated.

On Yufu Island, although I rode the water buffalo, I realized I had left my child's baby food on the bus (^ - ^;). The young lady at the dining hall kindly listened to my situation and contacted the person in charge of the water buffalo without any unpleasant expressions, which was truly helpful. Thank you very much.

The tour guides were all very polite, and the islands were so wonderful that I felt like I wanted to stay there forever. I hope to take this tour again someday and explore the islands at a more leisurely pace.

西表島も、竹富島も、由布島も、天気が良くて最高でした！由布島では、年間通してこんなに晴れているのはかなり珍しい！と言ってました。船への車椅子の乗車も、乗務員さんが丁寧に手伝いしてくれて、ほんとに、助かりました。
由布島では、水牛に乗り渡ったものの、バスに子供の離乳食を置いてきてしまったことが判明(^-^;食堂のお姉さんから、水牛の担当の方への連絡等、一切嫌な顔なさらずに事情を聞いてくれ、対応してくれて本当に助かりました。ありがとうございました。
観光の案内は皆さんとても丁寧で、このまま島に居残りたいくらい、素敵な島々でした。
またいつか、このツアーで、今度はもう少しゆっくりじっくり島々を巡りたいです。

The hotel was supposed to provide a shuttle bus, but when the designated time came on the day of, it did not arrive. After calling, I was instructed to take a taxi to the port and that they would cover the cost. If I hadn't contacted them, I probably would have been forgotten, and my chance to enjoy the sightseeing in Taketomi Island would have been wasted.

The sightseeing tour in Taketomi Island was well-coordinated and very fulfilling; I had a great time. However, it seems that the management is lacking, so I recommend that when using this service, you should not take their word for it and instead call the company the day before to confirm.

ホテルに送迎バスが来ることになっていたのですが、当日指定された時間になっても到着しないため、電話連絡したところ、お金を払うからタクシーで港まで向かうように指示されました。もし連絡しなければ、たぶん忘れられてしまい、せっかくの竹富島観光はパーになってしまったと思います。
竹富島観光のツアーはそれぞれ連携がとれていてとても充実して楽しかったです。管理がずさんだと思われますので、ここを利用する際は来るものと鵜呑みにせず、あらかじめ前日に会社に電話連絡しておくとよいと思います。

On the day of our visit, I was worried because rain was in the forecast, but the prediction turned out to be wrong, and we had beautiful clear skies! We rode on a water buffalo cart in such lovely weather. The water buffalo that was in charge of us was very laid-back and took many breaks, but because of that, we were able to enjoy the surrounding scenery at a leisurely pace. (laughs) I was surprised to find that the water buffalo cart could hold more people than I had imagined! The water buffalo worked really hard. Along the way, a staff member played the sanshin and sang Okinawan folk songs, which was wonderful to listen to while enjoying the scenery of Taketomi Island. We were able to spend a very relaxing and soothing time!

当日、雨予報だったので心配していたのですが、予報は外れ見事な快晴!!
とっても良いお天気の中、水牛車に乗りました。わたしたちを担当してくれた水牛さんは、凄くマイペースで休憩タイムが多かったですが、その分ゆっくり周りの景色を楽しむことができました。笑
水牛車の定員が想像してたより多くてびっくり！
水牛さん、大変頑張ってました。
途中でスタッフの方が、三線を弾きながら沖縄民謡を歌ってくださったのですが、竹富島の風景を堪能しながら聴く民謡にすごく良かったです。
まーったりゆーったりとても癒しのひときを過ごすことができました！

I thought the early bus pickup might be a bit tough, but I ended up enjoying myself a lot. The procedures at the terminal were quick, and we boarded a ship that was more impressive and comfortable than I expected. The arrangements for the transfer were efficient, with hardly any time wasted. It was a shame we couldn't go further into Iriomote Island due to low tide, but I had fun discovering rare birds. The lunch on Yubu Island, though small, was filled with homemade local dishes that made me feel the essence of Okinawa. Taketomi Island truly looked like something out of a poster, and time seemed to flow slowly there. The return trip was also by bus, and the transfer procedures were quick, which was great. Overall, I really felt I got my money's worth with this experience. I highly recommend it. Dorikan-kun was super cute.

バスの迎えが早くて少し辛いかなと思いましたが、そんな心配もよそにとても満喫できました。ターミナルでの手続きも早く終わり船に乗り込みましたが思っていたより立派な船で快適でした。移動の段取りは手早くて時間ロスはほとんどありませんでした。西表島では干潮で奥まで行けなかったのは残念でしたが珍しい鳥を発見したりして楽しかったです。由布島でのお弁当は、小さいながらも中には手作りの郷土料理がいっぱい入っていて沖縄を感じられました。竹富島はほんとにポスターで見るようで、時間がゆっくり流れていました。帰りもバスでしたが乗り継ぎの手続きも早くてとても良かった。全体的にこのお値段で本当に満喫できたと思います。おすすめです。ドリカン君がとってもキュート。

The tour itself was enjoyable without any issues. However, I think there is a problem with the bus transfers. Since there are no assigned seats, those who return to the bus early get to choose their seats, and those who arrive late end up separated from their families on different buses. It seemed difficult for those with small children. There are two bus transfers.

ツアー自体は問題無く楽しめました。
しかし途中のバス移動に問題があると思います。
座席が指定されていないので早くバスに戻った人から座るようで、遅れて来た方は、家族で離れて別のバスになっていました。小さいお子様連れの方は、大変そうでした。バス移動は2回あります。

I was skeptical about visiting three islands in one day, but the schedule for each island was just right, and I was able to have a meaningful day.

１日で３島をまわるのはどうなのかと疑問を感じていましたが、各島でのスケジュール感もほどよく、有意義な一日を過ごすことができました。

You can relax and spend time on Yufu Island. The mangrove cruise was also easy to understand thanks to the friendly guide. Considering transportation and efficiency, I think an optional tour is a good choice for island sightseeing.

由布島でゆっくり過ごせます。マングローブクルーズもガイドさんが親切でわかりやすかったです。交通の便や効率性を考えると離島観光はＯＰツアーが良いと思います。

Participating alone
Since I rarely acted in a group, it was quite relaxed for me.
It might be good for beginners to easily experience various things.

一人で参加
特に団体で行動する事が少なかったので
自分的には気楽であった
初心者には簡単に色々と経験出来ていいかも