All Reviews for Japan Hidden Gems: Secret Islands

It was a tougher 10 hours than I expected, but the sense of achievement when I reached the top was incredible! The tour provided clothes and shoes, so I was able to go with minimal luggage, which was really helpful.

思った以上に辛い10時間でしたが、登りきったときの達成感が最高でした！
ツアーで服やシューズも用意してもらったので、荷物は最小限で行くことができ助かりました。

It was very fun! I was able to have various experiences, and I was happy. I want to go to Ishigaki again and participate! I will do my best at work from now on and look forward to enjoying even better trips.

とても、楽しく！
色々な体験をすることができました、幸せでしたまた石垣に行き参加したいです！
ぜび、これから仕事がんばってもっといい旅行を楽しみにしてます

#Three Generation Trip# On my first visit to a remote island, I took the Dream Ferry from Ishigaki Island Terminal to Taketomi Island, where I enjoyed a glass-bottom boat ride, searched for star sand, and even rode a cart pulled by oxen. The sea was beautiful, the air was fresh, and I had a wonderfully relaxing time. I would love to visit Taketomi Island again someday. I want to ride the glass-bottom boat one more time. ٩(๑❛ᴗ❛๑)۶
I highly recommend this remote island. (^ -^)

#三世代旅#初めての離島で、石垣島ターミナルから竹富島までにドリームフェリー乗って、グラスボートや星の砂を探しや牛車にも乗りました。海も綺麗ですし、空気も綺麗ですし、大変のんびり楽しみました。またいつか竹富島に行きたいです。グラスボートにももう一回乗りたいです。٩(๑❛ᴗ❛๑)۶
大変おすすめできる離島です。(^-^)

Thank you for your support in September. I had some concerns about my physical strength after the typhoon, but I was able to participate safely. You provided timely reminders for hydration and stretching, which helped me avoid fatigue and discomfort, allowing me to enjoy the experience throughout. It was truly a well-organized tour. Thank you very much.

9月にお世話になりました。
台風の後で体力面にも不安がありましたが無事に体験する事が出来ました。
水分補給やストレッチの声かけをタイミング良くして下さり、殆どバテる事も身体が痛くなる事もなくずっと楽しい気持ちで過ごせました。本当に至れり尽くせりのツアーでした。
ありがとうございました。

Visiting Taketomi Island with my 5-year-old and 1-year-old was fantastic. I believe the round-trip ferry fare, water buffalo ride, and one-day rental bike price is unbeatable! It was a great help that we could rent a family bicycle. Since we didn't have a rental car, the hotel pick-up service was especially convenient! Everyone was very kind, and it turned out to be a fun trip! I would love to use this service again. Thank you!

5歳、1歳の子供を連れての竹富島。往復の乗船料、水牛、一日レンタサイクルでこの値段は他には絶対ないと思います！レンタサイクルも親子自転車が借りられて助かりました。我が家はレンタカーをつけてなかったので、ホテルへの送迎付きが何より助かりました！みなさんとても親切で、楽しい旅になりました！また利用したいです。ありがとうございました！

It was interesting to experience various things, but the lunch was cold and not good. Is there any way to improve that...?

いろいろ体験できておもしろかったんですが、ランチは冷たいし、まずいし、あれはどうにかならないものですかねぇ・・・？

I was a little disappointed because the guide seemed more like a resident, and I wanted to hear more about the local Okinawan dialect and accent. However, I had a great time and really enjoyed myself.

少し期待外れだったのは
ガイドさんがほぼ移住の方のようで
現地の沖縄の方言とか訛りの話し方が聞いてみたかったなぁと思ってたのでちょっと残念。
でもとても楽しかったですよ。満喫できました。

After the passage of Typhoon No. 18, there were concerns about the itinerary, but we were able to depart safely by reversing the schedule. We enjoyed a leisurely trip under the blue sky, riding the water buffalo carts on both Taketomi Island and Yubu Island. The lunch bento we had on Yubu Island was also delicious.

台風18号の通過後で履行が危ぶまれましたが、スケジュールを逆周りにするということで無事に出発できました。
竹富島と由布島のどちらの水牛車にも乗り、青空の下ゆったりのんびりとした旅を満喫出来ました。
由布島で食べたお昼のお弁当も美味しかったです。

- It was a tour involving multiple operators, including a ferry to the remote islands, a boat on Iriomote Island, a bus, a water buffalo cart to Yubu Island, lunch, and rental bicycles on Taketomi Island. Everything was very well coordinated, allowing for smooth sightseeing without any confusion.
- It was also great that the boat captain on Iriomote Island, the bus driver, and the water buffalo cart operator provided explanations.
- Contrary to the weather forecast, we were blessed with good weather for three days and were able to enjoy very beautiful scenery. Even the photos I took look stunning!

・3つの離島を巡るため、離島へ渡る船、西表島でのボート、バス、由布島へ渡る水牛車、ランチ、竹富島でのレンタサイクル等、複数の業者が関わるツアーでしたが、非常に良くコーディネートされていて、迷うことなくスムーズに観光出来ました。
・西表島でのボートの操縦士さんやバスの運転手さん、水牛車の操者の方が解説をしてくださるのも良かったです。
・事前の天気予報と変わって、3日間天気に恵まれ、とても美しい景色を堪能出来ました。自分で撮った写真ですら美しいと思える景色です！

We participated in a Jomon Sugi trekking tour as a couple, and we were blessed with good weather. It was quite warm for October, and we were able to experience the overwhelming nature of Yakushima, which made us forget our daily lives and return to our childhood spirit. However, due to our usual lack of exercise, both our physical and mental limits were pushed beyond what we expected. Thanks to the generous support and extensive knowledge of our guide, Ishigawa, we were able to have a moving experience at Jomon Sugi and safely return home, for which we are truly grateful.

今回夫婦で縄文杉トレッキングツアーに参加させて頂きましたが、天候にも恵まれ10月としては暑いぐらいの陽気の中、屋久島の圧倒的な大自然に触れ、日常を忘れて童心に帰った気がしました。とは言え普段の運動不足から気力・体力ともに限界を超え、満身創痍になる中、添乗員の石我さんの手厚いサポートと博識に支えられ何とか縄文杉にも感動的な体面を果たし、無事に帰宅することが出来ましたので、心より感謝しております。

It's easier than going on your own, and I think the package price is a good deal. I was surprised by the intelligence of the water buffalo as they turned while considering their turning radius. The sea was beautiful, and I was captivated by it.

自分で行くより楽だし、セット料金もお得だと思います。
水牛は内輪差を考えながら曲がったりしてるので、その賢さにびっくりしました。
海は綺麗で見惚れました。

I participated alone, but it was a tour that I could enjoy even by myself. I was the only solo participant on the same tour.
On Taketomi Island, I chose cycling, and it was great to have the time to freely cycle around the island and choose my return ferry time at my convenience.

1人で参加しましたが、十分1人でも楽しめるツアーでした。同じツアーでの1人参加は私だけでした。
竹富島では、サイクリングを選択し自由に島1週できる時間はあり帰りのフェリーの時間も自由に選べてよかったです。

A tour that captures the best parts of Iriomote Island, Yubu Island, and Taketomi Island. The time allocation was just right, with no waiting times or idle moments, making it a very good tour. The mangrove cruise on Iriomote Island was especially enjoyable. On the ox cart ride to Yubu Island, the guide treated us to a beautiful song! I didn't have high expectations for the lunch since it was a bento box, but it turned out to be delicious, featuring several local Okinawan specialties. I couldn't finish the rice, so I wish I had gone with a bigger appetite!

西表島、由布島、竹富島のいいところだけを切り取ったツアー。時間配分もちょうどよく、特に待ち時間や暇な時間、あるいは足りない時間などがなかった、とてもよいツアーでした。西表島のマングローブクルーズが特に楽しかったです。由布島までの牛車では、ガイドさんが綺麗な歌声を披露してくださいました！昼食はお弁当ということであまり期待していませんでしたが、沖縄の名物が何種類も入った美味しいお弁当でした。お米が食べ切れなかったので、もっとお腹を空かせてから行けばよかったと思います笑

We set off from the lodge in the early hours before dawn, and the tour began with us having breakfast while still half-asleep. I was anxious about my first trekking experience, but the guide frequently checked in with us and carefully considered our pace, making it easy for beginners to climb with confidence. Along the way, we took breaks to hydrate at a spring and, if we had time on the way down, we could go down to the river to ice our feet, providing a truly unique experience. Trekking while enjoying the scenery from "Princess Mononoke" took a total of 11 hours round trip, but it felt like no time at all! When I saw Jomon Sugi, I felt an indescribable sense of accomplishment!

夜も明けきらぬ時間帯に宿を出発し、寝ぼけ眼で朝食を食べることからツアーが始まりました。はじめてのトレッキングで不安でしたが、ガイドさんがこまめに声をかけてきてくれて、ペース配分もしっかり考えてくれるので、はじめての方は安心して登ることができます。途中、水が湧いているスポットで水分補給したり、下山途中に時間がある場合は川に降りて足をアイシングするなど、非日常的な体験をすることができました。「もののけ姫」の風景を楽しみながらのトレッキングは往復で11時間かかったけれど、あっという間でした！縄文杉を見たときは、なんとも言えない達成感でしたね！

I arrived in Osaka on Peach Aviation on September 29. Since I had some time before checking into the hotel, I joined this tour. It's more economical than purchasing the ferry fare and water buffalo cart tickets separately. After the tour, I strolled around the island, but even though it's the end of September, it was over 30°C and blazing hot. Walking around is quite difficult. I definitely recommend renting a bicycle as well. However, the village has coral sand laid out, which can be slippery; I saw several people slip and fall. It's best to explore the outer roads by bicycle and walk around the village.

9月29日にピーチ航空で大阪から到着。ホテルにチェックインするまで時間があるのでこちらのツアーに参加しました。フェリー代と水牛車のチケットを別々に購入するよりお得です(^^)ツアー終了後は徒歩で島を散策しましたが、9月の終わりとは言え30℃越えのカンカン照り。徒歩で回るには無理があります。是非レンタサイクルもつけましょう。ただし集落内はサンゴ砂が敷き詰めてあるため、よく滑るようで、何人も滑ったり転んだりする人を見ました。外周道路は自転車で、集落内は徒歩で散策するのがオススメです。

The shuttle service from the hotel was very helpful. I was able to smoothly arrange for the boat, water buffalo, and cycling. I paid 300 yen for an hour to upgrade to an electric bike on-site, which was a good decision since the roads were sandy and had unexpected ups and downs. Taketomi Island is a wonderful place. You can walk around the village, but definitely try to bike to Nishizaki Pier and Kondoi Beach. You'll be amazed!

ホテルからの送迎があり、とても助かりました。船、水牛、サイクリングとスムーズに手続きできました。自転車は一時間300円を現地で払って電動にしましたが、道が砂地で案外アップダウンがあるので正解でした。竹富島は素敵な島です。集落は歩いても回れますが、西桟橋やコンドイ浜へもぜひ自転車で行ってみて下さい。感動します！

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。