All Reviews for Japan Hidden Gems: Secret Islands

The water buffalo Akahachikun was so cute!! The guide's singing voice was wonderful, and I really enjoyed it!! We also decided to rent bicycles, and it was so much fun to pedal together! I want to do it again!

水牛のあかはちくんがとても可愛かった！！
ガイドさんの歌声も素敵で満喫できました！！
サイクリングも追加で借りることになりましたが、みんなで漕ぐのはとても楽しかったです！またやりたい！

I was able to fully enjoy a packed one-day schedule. I thought it was strange to have both the water buffalo ride from Iriomote Island to Yufu Island and the water buffalo cart in Taketomi, but both offered different experiences, and I understood why they were both included! I would like to use this service again.

１日スケジュールの詰まった予定を満喫出来ました。
西表島から由布島への水牛と竹富での水牛車の何で二回と思っていたのですが、どちらも違う体験ができて、なるほどと納得でした❗
又利用したいです。

On the day I participated, it was raining from the morning, but in the forest, the trees acted like umbrellas, so I didn't feel it much. The guide was considerate and tried to show us good views, but in the end, we couldn't see anything from Taiko Rock due to the fog. However, it felt like we got to see a rare sight, and it was a lot of fun. The Shiratani Unsuikyo in the rain was nice too, with clear air, but I want to come back for a revenge visit on a sunny day next time.

参加した日は朝から雨が降っていましたが、森の中では木が傘の役割を果たしてくれてあまり感じませんでした。ガイドさんは良い景色を見せようと配慮してくださって、結局太鼓岩からは霧で何も見えませんでしたが、逆にレアな景色が見れたようでとても楽しかったです。雨の白谷雲水峡も空気が澄んでいて良かったですが、次は晴れている日にリベンジしたいです。

The Jomon Sugi, which has been a dream of mine since Yakushima became a World Heritage site, was finally within reach for us this time. However, my husband and I are already in our 50s, and the thought of a 22 km, 11-hour trek was daunting, especially since we don't have a regular exercise routine. But when I inquired by phone beforehand, the woman from the tour company was incredibly kind and friendly, which gave me confidence that this tour was the right choice.

On the day of the tour, our guide, Komano, was attentive to all the members, regardless of their age or physical ability. Each of the eight members felt safe and relaxed, allowing us to enjoy the long and challenging journey. I am truly grateful to Komano, our strong and reliable guide, as well as to the younger participants. Their cheerful conversations and singing encouraged us, helping us to overcome the tough parts of the trek. I believe that if even one of them had been missing, my husband and I would not have been able to meet our long-awaited Jomon Sugi. I would like to take this opportunity to express my heartfelt thanks.

屋久島が世界遺産になった当初から憧れだった縄文杉。今回ご縁があってやっと訪れる機会ができましたが、私達夫婦はすでに50代。普段特に運動の習慣もない私たちに22㎞、11時間の行程は不安だらけでしたが、事前に電話で問い合わせた際に対応してくださったツアー会社の女性は、たいへん親切でフレンドリーな方で、“このツアーで間違いない”と確信ができました。当日のツアーでは、ガイドの駒野さんが、年齢も身体能力もバラバラのメンバーにまんべんなく気遣いをしてくださり、８人のメンバーそれぞれが安心し、リラックスしてつらく長い行程を楽しんでいることを常時感じることができました。屈強で頼もしいガイドの駒野さんはもとより、ツアー参加者の若い皆さんに、心より感謝しています。みなさんの楽しいおしゃべりや、歌声によって勇気づけられ、つらい行程をなんとか乗り越えることができました。みなさんのうちの誰一人が欠けても、中年の私たちが念願の縄文杉に会うことはできなかったと思います。この場をお借りし、心よりお礼申し上げます。

After reading the reviews, my expectations were raised. It was good, but nothing more and nothing less. Also, I went at the end of September, and the sunlight was very strong, so women especially need to take sun protection measures.

体験談を読んでから行ったせいか、期待値が上がってしまっていました。
良かったです。ただそれ以上でもそれ以下でもありません。
また、9月末に行ったのですが日差しがとても強く、女性は特に日焼け対策はマストです。

Despite the heavy rain, I was grateful that the tour went ahead as planned. I was able to participate in the tour. The raincoat I brought as a backup was a lifesaver. The guide on the mangrove cruise mentioned that it had been five years since visibility was this poor. In such conditions, we visited Iriomote, Yufu, and Taketomi. The round trip from Iriomote to Yufu was by water buffalo cart. I was surprised at how smart the buffalo are! It seems they are more energetic in the rain, and they were faster than I expected. The Taketomi tour was a scenic ride around the island in the water buffalo cart. I thought it would have been even better if the weather had been nice, but it was still very beautiful (о´∀`о). My husband seemed to enjoy the Taketomi tour by water buffalo cart the most. I want to try the glass-bottom boat and the water buffalo cart again. I hope the weather is nice next time. I will participate in the tour again, so please take care of us then.

あいにくの大雨でしたが、雨天決行だったのがありがたい。ツアーに参加する事ができました。予備で持っていたレインコートは大活躍。マングローブクルーズのガイドさんは、こんなに視界が悪いのは5年ぶり。と言っていました。そんな中、西表観光、由布観光、竹富観光。西表から由布の行き帰りは水牛車。牛さんの頭の良い事にびっくり‼牛さんは、雨の方が元気らしく、思ってたより早かったです。竹富観光は水牛車で島めぐり。天気が良かったらもっと最高だろーなーとかいいながらも、とってもキレイでした(о´∀`о)うちの旦那は水牛車での竹富観光が一番良かったみたいです。グラスボートも水牛車も、またリベンジしたいです。次は天気になるといーな。その時はまたツアーに参加しますのでよろしくお願いします。

The water buffalo had a name, and I rode "Tomi-kun" on Taketomi Island. It was relaxing to be pulled around the island by the buffalo. The stories from the buffalo handler were interesting, and it was a very nice time.

水牛には、名前がついていて、私は、竹富島の『富くん』に乗車。のんびりと牛に引かれて島をぐるりと。牛使いさんのお話も面白かったし、とてもいい時間でした。

I relaxed and enjoyed cycling around various places on a mama-chari. Kondoi Beach was an incredibly spacious and beautiful location.

のんびりして、ままチャリのサイクリングでいろいろな場所をまわり楽しみました。コンドイビーチはとてつもなく広くて綺麗な場所でした。

While there were points of explanation, it was disappointing that we couldn't stop to take in the surrounding scenery and had to walk in a line of eight without pause. However, I understood that if we didn't do this, we wouldn't have enough time at Jomon Sugi and wouldn't make it back in time for the bus. Our feet, which were not used to walking, were crying out, and we ended up taking too many breaks. If we had gone individually, I definitely think we would have missed the last bus!

ポイントで説明はあるものの、周辺の景色を立ち止まって見ることは叶わず黙々と8人一列で歩くのが残念でした。でも、そうしなければせっかくの縄文杉の所で時間をとれなくなったり、バスの時間に間に合うように戻って来れないんだとわかりましたが。歩く習慣がない悲鳴をあげていた足の私達は休み過ぎてしまい、個人で行ってたら絶対、最終バスに乗れなかったと思います！

Since this was my second time on Taketomi Island, I was looking for a budget-friendly plan that included bike rentals and ferry fees, and I found this plan. The staff were very helpful, and there was a free shuttle bus for the return trip, which was really convenient! I would definitely like to use this service again if I have the chance!

今回が、竹富島2回目だったのでレンタサイクルとフェリー代で安いプランをと考えていたらこのプランがありました。
スタッフの対応もよく帰りは無料の送迎バスもあり本当に助かりました‼︎
また機会があれば使用したいと思います‼︎

Since both my friend and I were beginners at trekking, we decided to join a tour this time, and it was definitely the right choice. Trekking while listening to the guide's explanations was incredibly beneficial, and although it was tough, I think I would have given up if I had gone alone (laughs). We also took a lot of photos, making it a valuable experience.

友達とお互いトレッキングは初心者だったので
今回はツアーに参加しましたが大正解でした。
ｶﾞｲﾄﾞさんの説明を聞きながらのトレッキングはすごいためになったし
こまめに休憩など配分もしてくれてきつかったけど個人でいったらリタイアしてたかなっておもいます笑
写真もたくさん撮っていただき貴重な体験ができました

My first solo trip. I chose a bus tour plan. The weather was perfect, and seeing the blue ocean was incredibly soothing. I had unique experiences like the mangrove cruise and the water buffalo cart ride, and it was so good that I would love to participate again, even alone. I'll definitely come back!

初めてのひとり旅。バス観光プランにしました。天気も最高に良く、青い海が見れて最高に癒されました。マングローブクルーズや水牛車の体験ここでしかできない体験させてもらい、また一人でも参加したいくらい良かったです^ ^
また来ます☆

The weather was great, and it was a very enjoyable tour. The lunch was a bit disappointing, but... I recommend this tour as you can enjoy each of the three islands.

天気にも恵まれてとても楽しいツアーでした。昼食がいまいちだったが残念ですが…３島それぞれ楽しめるツアーでおすすめです。

I was torn about which option to choose, but this time I selected the water buffalo cart and bus tour plan on Taketomi Island. I picked up all the tickets and received an explanation at the remote island terminal, and then we set off. There were staff members at each location, and everything was well coordinated, so there was no confusion. The water buffalo cart on Iriomote Island slowly crossed the water to the island, while the cart on Taketomi Island leisurely moved through a small village. The water buffalo seem to enjoy taking breaks, as they only move slowly both in the water and on land, but I think that's part of the charm. Since I went in August, it was very hot, so I would like to visit again when it's cooler.

どのオプションにしようか悩みましたが、今回は竹富島で水牛車とバス観光プランを選びました。
離島ターミナルで全てのチケットを受取り説明を受けいざ出発 各箇所に係りの人が居て連携もバッチリ迷う事なく行けました。 西表島の水牛車は水の中をゆっくりゆっくり島に渡り竹富島の水牛車は小さな集落をのんびりのんびり進む 水牛達は、休憩が好きなようで水の中でも陸の上でも少しづつしか進みませんがそれがいいんだと思います。 今回は、8月に行ったのでとても暑かったのでまた来る時は涼しい時に行きたいと思います。

I participated in a Jomon Sugi trekking tour. While it's possible to go on your own, I signed up for the tour because the guide shared various stories along the monotonous trolley path, making the trekking experience enjoyable. However, this guide, while providing explanations at key points, was clearly different from other tour guides I observed. His explanations were brief, and he remained silent while we walked. He did take some photos, but it felt somewhat casual. Other guides seemed to have much more fun tours, while ours was just a quiet walk. I regretted not going on my own. Since you can't choose your guide, I don't think I'll rely on this company again.

縄文杉トレッキングツアーに参加しました。
個人でも行けるけど、単調なトロッコ道をガイドさんがいろいろな話しをしてくれて、飽きることなくトレッキングができるということで、ツアーに申し込みました。
しかし、このガイドさん、一応要所要所で説明はしてくれたのですが、他のツアーのガイドさんを見てると明らかに違うんです。説明も短いし歩いている時はもちろん無言。写真撮影もしてはくれますが、なんとなく適当。他のガイドさんのツアーはすごく楽しそうなのに、私達のツアーは黙々と歩くだけ。
個人で行けば良かったと後悔したツアーでした。
ガイドさんは選べないので、ここに頼むことは、二度とないと思います。

Thanks to our guide's humorous stories and encouragement, we were able to complete the 11-hour tour safely. Of course, I was tired, but the sense of achievement is something you can only understand by taking on the challenge. It became an unforgettable memory. We were blessed with good weather, and it was great that all team members returned safely, but I did think that having eight people in the team was a bit much. I felt the charm of Yakushima and became interested in other tours and activities, so I returned hoping to visit Yakushima again. The direct bus was very convenient, especially on the way back. Thank you!

ガイドさんのユーモアあるお話と励ましで、無事に１１時間におよぶツアーも終えることができました。もちろん疲れましたが、その達成感はチャレンジしてみないとわかりません。一生忘れられない思い出となりした。お天気にも恵まれ、チームメンバー全員無事で大変よかったのですが、ただ８人のチーム編成は多いのでは？と思います。屋久島の魅力を感じ、ほかのツアーやアクティビティにも興味があり、ぜひ再び屋久島へ行けたらと思いつつ帰ってきました。直行バスはとても便利で、特に帰りは助かりました。ありがとうございました！

The transportation to the accommodation is included, making it easy to get around. We were picked up at 4 o'clock, and I was able to sleep for about an hour until we arrived at the trailhead. The veteran guide managed our pace and time effectively.

After all, it's a round trip of about 10 hours, approximately 40,000 steps, with an elevation difference of 680 meters, in mid-August, so we need to be cautious of heatstroke, especially since we are beginners. The guide took many photos at various points, explained the history and flora and fauna of Yakushima, and kept our spirits up with plenty of humor.

We were also able to listen to the launch sound of Michibiki 3. The miso soup for lunch was delicious. Additionally, it wasn't just fun; the guide shared profound thoughts like, "Please face Jomon Sugi properly and feel and think about it," and "Being efficient doesn't mean cutting corners."

On the way back, we had a private bus, so I could sleep on the way home. The guide taught us how to care for our tired feet, and I was able to recover from muscle soreness in just two days. I'm grateful.

宿泊先までの送迎付きなので、らくらく移動。4時にピックアップしてもらい、登山口に到着するまで約1時間寝ていけます。
ベテランのガイドさんが、ペース配分、時間配分をしてくれます。
何と言っても、往復正味10時間、約4万歩、高低差680m、8月中旬、熱中症注意、こちらは初心者、ですからね。
ポイントポイントで写真をたくさん撮ってくださり、屋久島の歴史や動植物の解説してくれたり、私たちがくじけないようにユーモアたっぷりに話をしてくれたり。
みちびき3号の打ち上げ音に耳を傾けることもできました。
お昼のお味噌汁もおいしかったです。
また、ただ楽しいだけじゃなく、「縄文杉としっかり向き合って、感じたり考えたりしてくださいね」「要領良くというのは、手抜きをすることじゃないですよ」など、ぼっそと呟く言葉も深くて。
帰りも、専用バスですから、寝て帰れます。
歩き疲れた足のケアの仕方を教えてくださったので、筋肉痛も2日で取れました。
感謝です。

It was really hot, and everyone in the rental bike group looked like they were struggling with the heat. The water buffaloes also seemed to be feeling the heat... The Taketomi Island I wanted to visit was just as lovely as I imagined it would be. ♡

とにかく暑くて、レンタサイクル組はみんな暑そうでした。水牛たちも暑そうでした…
行きたかった竹富島はイメージ通りに素敵なところでした♡

I chose this tour because it includes a private shuttle bus and rental services. I'm usually not very active, so I was worried about being able to walk the whole way, but the guide made sure to take regular breaks and shared tips on how to walk, which made the trekking enjoyable! Thank you very much!!

貸切の送迎バスであること、レンタルがついてることからこのツアーに決めました。普段特に運動をしていないので歩ききれるか不安でしたが、ガイドさんがこまめに休憩を入れてくださったり、歩き方のコツなど教えていただき、楽しくトレッキングできました！ありがとうございました！！

One child got seasick during the first 45 minutes of the boat ride. When we immediately informed the guide for the mangrove cruise about the seasickness, they quickly changed us to a boat with a restroom, allowing us to enjoy the cruise with peace of mind. After that, the child who had been seasick regained their energy when it was time to ride the water buffalo cart and was able to have a lot of fun.

There were no restroom breaks from the time we arrived at Iriomote Island until we reached the lunch venue. It's also a good idea to bring your own drinks.

子ども1人は最初の45分の乗船で船酔いをしてしまいました。
その後すぐに乗船するマングローブクルーズのガイドさんに船酔いしていることを伝えると、トイレ付きの船に急遽変更してもらえ安心してクルーズできました。
その後船酔いした子どもは、水牛車に乗る時には元気が戻りその後はとても楽しむ事ができました。

西表島についてから昼食会場まで特にトイレ休憩時間はありませんでした。また飲み物も持参したほうがいいです。

There were various weather conditions to consider, including whether Typhoon No. 13 would turn into a tropical depression. The forecast still indicated rain, and there were whitecaps on the sea in front of us. However, the local company gave the go-ahead, and my family was eager to proceed! As a mother with children, I struggled with the decision to cancel until the last moment. When we boarded the ship, heavy rain created a sense of unease inside.

However, as we left the port, the clouds moved quickly, and we were greeted with clear skies. It was the largest ship, so the rocking was within expected limits. During the bus tour, we experienced a downpour, surprising even our guide, but we managed to continue without umbrellas until the end. The sightseeing was leisurely and fulfilling, allowing us to fully enjoy nature. The female guide on the large bus in Iriomote Island left a very good impression on me.

The ox cart and cycling were especially enjoyable in the sunshine, which supported our journey! However, the return ship was small and a high-speed vessel, and some passengers experienced nausea due to the strong winds.

台風13号が熱帯低気圧に変わるか？等、様々な天候条件と睨み合いでした。
予報マークは相変わらず雨でしたし、目の前の海にも白波が・・・。それでも現地社が
ゴーサインなら行こう！との家族の意見でした。子供連れでしたので母親としてギリギリまで
キャンセル悩みました。船に乗り込んだ際は豪雨で船内にも不安感が漂っていました。
しかし雲の流れが速く港をでると晴れ間が。一番の大型船とのことで揺れも想像範囲でした。
バス観光のみスコールで案内人の方も驚くほどに傘なして最後までまわれました。
観光の内容ものんびり、充実しており自然を満喫できました。西表島の大型バスの女性案内人
の方が　とても良い印象に残っています。
牛車やサイクリングは特に晴で旅を応援してくれていました！
ただ帰りの船は小さく高速船でもあり強い風の中　嘔吐される方もいました。

I was picked up at the inn at 4:30 AM and took a private bus to the Arakawa trailhead. Since there was no need to transfer to a shuttle bus, I was able to take a nap. We had breakfast at the trailhead, did some stretching, and then started our hike. I was really anxious about my first trekking experience at Jomon Sugi, but the guide helped with pacing and timing, and taught us stretching methods, so I just had to do my best to keep up, and I was able to reach Jomon Sugi safely. The miso soup we had for lunch was very delicious.

Taking a break by dipping my feet in the river on the way back was truly refreshing and felt great. My legs were sore for a few days, but I got to see Jomon Sugi, Yakushima monkeys, and Yakushima deer, making it a wonderful memory for my summer vacation. Thank you, guide Ide!

朝四時半に宿に迎えに来ていただいて専用バスで荒川登山口へ。シャトルバスに乗り換える必要がないので仮眠できました。登山口で朝食をとり、ストレッチをして登山開始です。人生初のトレッキングが縄文杉で本当に行ってこれるのか不安でしたが、ガイドさんがペース配分、時間配分してくれるし、ストレッチの方法なども教えて下さるので頑張ってついていくだけで、無事縄文杉にたどりつけました。昼食に出していただいたお味噌汁はとってもおいしかったです。
帰り道での川に足をつけての休憩はホントにリフレッシュでき、気持ちよかったです。
足は筋肉痛になって数日大変でしたが、縄文杉や屋久猿、屋久鹿もみれたし、夏休みのいい思い出になりました。ガイドの井手さんありがとうございました！

I always wanted to see Jomon Sugi✨
Even with my lack of exercise, I was able to make it there safely.
Thanks to the guide.
Thank you!

一度は見てみたかった縄文杉✨
運動不足の私でも無事に行けました。
ガイドさんのおかげです。
ありがとうございました

The guide shared a lot of knowledge, making the trekking experience very enjoyable. It was great to be taken to places we wouldn't have known about or been able to go to on our own.

ガイドさんが色々な知識を教えてくださりとても楽しくトレッキングができました(^^)
自分達では知ることの出来ないこと、行くことの出来ない場所に連れて行ってくださりとても良かったです✳︎

The dynamism of the Yakusugi, the refreshing feeling of the hiking trail, and the fatigue were as expected, but I was pleasantly surprised by the deliciousness of the miso soup that the guide generously provided to the participants. It was a day filled with gratitude for such wonderful hospitality.

屋久杉の躍動感、登山道の爽快感、そして疲労感、予想通りでしたが ガイドの方が無料で参加者に配布してくれた 味噌汁の美味しさは 予想外の美味しさと ありがたい おもてなしに感謝した1日でした。

I thought it might be impossible, but I'm glad I was able to go without any issues. At first, I thought there might be too few breaks, but later I realized it was good to go at the pace set by the guide. This tour is highly recommended as it uses a chartered bus without needing to transfer at the Nature Museum. Our guide, Mr. Oki, was excellent. I would like to request him again if I come back to Yakushima.

無理かもと思っていたけど無事に行けてよかったです。休憩少ないかもと最初は思ったけど、ガイドさんまかせのペースでよかったと後で思いました。このツアーは自然館で乗り換えることなく貸切バスなので、本当にオススメです。ガイドの大木さんはとても良いガイドさんでした。また屋久島に来たらお願いしたいです。

We used this service with our family during Obon. This is my second time in Ishigaki Island, but when combined with Naha, I've visited Okinawa about ten times every year. I always enjoy snorkeling tours and option menus on the remote islands, but I realized I hadn't done any sightseeing on the islands? This was my first time participating. The hotel shuttle was convenient, and the bus was large and comfortable. Although the schedule was a bit tight, we were able to see all the highlights and I was very satisfied with the sightseeing. The boat to the remote islands was also very impressive and comfortable. The tour company staff were very friendly, which made me feel secure participating. This year, I have more wonderful memories. Thank you very much.

お盆中家族で利用しました。石垣島は2度目ですが那覇とあわせると10回程度沖縄には毎年訪れています。いつも離島シュノーケルツアーやらオプションメニューで楽しんでばかりで離島観光に行っていない事に気ずき？初めて参加しました。ホテルの送迎も便利でバスも大きなバスでゆったり出来ました。少し時間は忙しかったですが見どころはきちんと押さえた観光が出来て大変満足です。離島に渡る船もとても立派な船でゆったり出来ました。ツアー会社の方も大変感じが良く安心して参加できました。今年もまた良い思い出が増えました。ありがとうございました。

The weather was favorable, and I was able to enjoy it in a relaxed atmosphere. The discussions about the various trees and plants of Yakushima were also fascinating.

天候にも恵まれ、リラックスした雰囲気の中で楽しめました。屋久島の様々な木や植物などの話も興味深かったです。

It was my first time visiting Taketomi Island, and I'm glad I had such a fun time. I also went into the sea, but since it was the day I was leaving, I was disappointed that I couldn't stay long. The scenery was similar everywhere, and I felt like I might get lost, so I would have appreciated a more detailed map of the island's shops and such.

竹富島に行くのは、初めてでしたがとても楽しい時間を過ごすことができてよかったです。
海にも入りましたが、当日、帰る日だったので、長居できなくて残念でした。
風景がどこもにていて、道がわからなくなりそうだったので、島の店などのもう少し詳しい地図があったらありがたかったです。

On my first trip to Yakushima, I finally went trekking to Jomon Sugi, which I had been longing to do. I thought it was early when I had a 4:10 AM pickup, but I was so happy to be going to Jomon Sugi that I managed to wake up early.

Before departure, I had a breakfast bento and did some stretching! Walking along the tramway while watching the sunrise and surrounded by beautiful green nature, I enjoyed delicious spring water along the way. After about five and a half hours, I finally reached the long-awaited Jomon Sugi!

Trekking surrounded by many Yakusugi trees was filled with emotions that I can't fully express here. The power of Jomon Sugi is incredible! Thank you to the guide from the Yakushima Guide Association.

初めての屋久島で、念願の縄文杉トレッキングに行きました。朝、4:10のピックアップで、早い〜って思ってましたが、縄文杉に行けることが嬉しく、頑張って早起きしました。
出発前に朝のお弁当を食べ、ストレッチをして出発！
トロッコ道を歩きながら朝日を見て、キレイな緑の自然の中を歩き、途中で美味しい湧き水を飲みながら、約5時間半かけて、やっと念願の縄文杉に辿り着きました！
沢山の屋久杉に囲まれながらのトレッキングは、ここには書ききれないほどの感動がいっぱいでした。縄文杉のパワー、すごいです！
屋久島ガイド協会のガイドさん、ありがとうございました。