All Reviews for Japan Hidden Gems: Secret Islands

First, when I arrived at Yakushima, they came to pick me up at the port and we discussed the trekking for the next day. As a beginner in mountain climbing, I was anxious about participating right away, but listening to their explanations eased my worries. On the day of the trek, the service was very attentive, from the pick-up bus to the trekking guidance, making it a very enjoyable day. Thank you very much.

まず、屋久島に着いたら港までお迎えに来てくださり次の日のトレッキングについての打ち合わせをしました。山登り初心者からすると、いきなり参加は不安だったので、お話を聞いて気が楽になりました。当日のアテンドもお迎えのバス、トレッキングの指導等とても丁寧で、とても楽しい1日でした。ありがとうございました。

The direct bus is very convenient and takes you to the Arakawa Trailhead without any stress. I was really anxious since I had no climbing experience and was out of shape, but with the help of the guide and the other members, I safely reached Jomon Sugi. I had heard that the trolley path was boring, but I enjoyed it while listening to the guide's stories and admiring the surrounding scenery. I am now filled with a sense of fulfillment; it was a wonderful experience.

直行バスはストレスなく荒川登山口まで行けてとても便利です。登山経験なし＆運動不足でとっても不安でしたが、ガイドさんやメンバーに助けられて無事に縄文杉までたどり着きました。つまらない、と聞いていたトロッコ道もガイドさんのお話や周りの景色を眺めながら楽しく進めました。今は充実感でいっぱい、素晴らしい経験でした。

On July 9th, I participated in a bus tour and water buffalo cart ride during the Diamond Princess's stop at Ishigaki Island. Riding with Yuko, each view I saw while listening to the shamisen is etched in my memory. Although it was a short time, it was a very meaningful experience. Also, I would like to thank Veltra for their kind assistance regarding the return ferry service when I made my reservation.

7月9日、ダイヤモンドプリンセスの石垣島寄港の際にバス観光と水牛車に参加しました。
ゆうこさんに乗り、三味を聴きながら回って観た景色一つ一つが頭に焼き付いて、短い時間でしたがとても有意義な経験でした。
また予約時、ベルトラさんには帰りの船便のことで色々親切に対応して頂き、ありがとうございました。

I was finally able to see the Jomon Sugi, and I was blessed with good weather, a great guide, and wonderful companions, allowing me to complete the hike safely. There are a few things I didn't get to do, so I will definitely return to enjoy the Jomon Sugi and other attractions in a different season! For now, even if you don't usually exercise much, you can manage it with just a bit of pain in your legs or knees.

待望の縄文杉、天候にもガイドさんにも同行者にも恵まれ無事完走出来ました。遣り残したことがちょこちょこあるので、季節を変えての縄文杉と他諸々を楽しむべく必ず舞い戻ります！とりあえず普段あまり運動しない感じでも足なり膝なりが痛くなる程度で行けますよ。

I found this tour because I had been wanting to visit Taketomi Island, which is only about a 10-minute trip from Ishigaki Island. It was cheaper than buying the boat and water buffalo cart separately, so I decided on this option right away. You can also choose your return boat based on the day's conditions, which I recommend.

石垣島からたった10分くらいで行けるということで、以前から竹富島に行きたいと思っていたところ、こちらのツアーを見つけました。
船、水牛車を別々に買うより安かったので、すぐにこちらに決めました。
帰りの船も当日の状況によって決めることができるし、おすすめです。

This tour includes both water buffalo carts traveling through the water on Yubu Island and those moving through the town on Taketomi Island. As previous travelers have noted, upon checking in at the remote island terminal, we received all our tickets and proceeded to our respective boarding areas on time. The coordination and guidance at each location were solid, allowing us to explore freely and comfortably while ensuring a safe and efficient visit to all three islands.

The mangrove cruise took place on a day close to high tide, but there were unique sights to see during low tide, and the captain's stories were entertaining.

On Yubu Island, the water buffalo cart crosses the sea, creating a scene filled with sky, ocean, and the water buffalo cart. I had imagined it would have a more rustic charm, but it turned out to be quite touristy with a comical side, which seemed to appeal to a wide range of generations. While on land, after confirming the return time for the water buffalo cart, we were free to explore. For lunch, we went to a cafeteria where we enjoyed a bento box featuring Okinawan ingredients, including rice made from black rice from Iriomote Island. As someone visiting Okinawa for the first time, I found the unique food delicious, and I even bought some souvenirs at Ishigaki Airport on the way back, thanks to the bento from Yubu Island. We took beautiful photos of flowers and the water buffalo in the water, and while we could relax on Yubu Island, it was hot, so we took breaks in cool buildings while exploring.

On Taketomi Island, I chose the water buffalo cart and bus tour. First, we took a bus from Taketomi Port to Kaiji Beach and Kondoi Beach. Although the time at each location was short, there were cheers when we saw the beautiful shallow beaches. The water buffalo cart then leisurely moved through the streets lined with red-tiled roofs and blooming bougainvillea. (The water buffalo has a habit of stopping in the shade, which was quite charming.) With a roof overhead, we were shielded from the heat, and the 30 minutes passed quickly as the tour neared its end. The connection to the bus back to Taketomi Port was excellent, so there wasn't time to shop or have tea in town, but without this kind of tour that allows for a short visit to all three islands, I wouldn't have been able to travel to the Yaeyama Islands. The itinerary itself and the operational efficiency of the tour seemed to reflect feedback from previous travelers, showing improvements, and I thought it was a wonderfully well-organized tour. This time, I traveled alone as a reconnaissance trip, but if it’s this good, I’d like to bring my husband along next time and go again.

由布島で水の中をゆく水牛車と、竹富島の町なかをゆく水牛車の両方があるこのツアー。
先人の方が、体験談に書いておられる通り、離島ターミナルでの受付時に、すべてのチケットを受け取って、時間通りに各々乗り場へ。各場所での連携、誘導もしっかりしていて、自由で気楽
でありながら、安心で、効率良く３島を回れました。

マングローブクルーズは大潮に近い日にちでしたが、引き潮ならではの見どころがあり、
船長さんのお話も面白かった。

由布島では、海をわたってゆく水牛車。視界の中が、空と、海と、水牛車、の世界。。。
は、もうちょっといい感じに鄙びた風情かと勝手に思っておりましたが、
ツーリスティックで、コミカルな一面もあり、それはそれで、幅広い世代に受けている様子。
上陸中は、戻りの水牛車の集合時間を確認したら、自由に見学します。
お昼は、各々食堂に行き頂くのですが、
沖縄食材を散りばめたお弁当で、西表島の黒米？のごはんがついています。沖縄方面は初めての私には珍しい食べものが多くとても美味しかったので、帰りの石垣空港でお土産に買ったものもあり、由布島のお弁当のおかげと思っています。
美しい花や、水に入っている水牛さんの写真を撮ったり、由布島では結構ゆっくりできますが、
暑いので涼しい建物のなかで休憩しつつの見学という感じでした。


竹富島は、水牛車とバス観光を選びました。
まず、バスで竹富港からカイジ浜や、コンドイ浜へ。各所時間は短いですが、遠浅の美しい浜が見えた時には、歓声が上がっていました。
そして、水牛車は、ブーゲンビリアの咲く赤瓦の街並みをゆっくりと進みます。
（日陰で止まる癖のある水牛さんがご愛嬌）
屋根があるので暑さは遮られ30分は結構すぐ過ぎて、ツアーも終盤です。
帰りの竹富港までのバスへの連絡もやたら良いので、町へ出て、買い物や、お茶のみをする時間はありませんが、短い時間でも３島巡りできるこのようなツアーでなければ、八重山諸島の旅行には来られなかったでしょう。
旅程そのものも、それを実行する側の機動力もあり、以前体験談等で見かけた客の声も反映され改善されているように見えましたし、素晴らしくよくできたツアーだと思いました。
今回は、下見を兼ねての一人旅でしたが、こんなに良いなら夫も連れて、また行きたいです。

I had only done hiking before, so I was a bit anxious about my first real trekking experience. However, we started by walking along a flat trolley path, and along the way, we encountered Japanese macaques and sika deer, which made the journey feel quite relaxed. I thought, "Oh? If it's like this, it should be easy!" But that turned out to be a big mistake.

After a while, it turned into real mountain climbing, and there were tough moments. Thankfully, our guide took breaks at just the right times and stopped to explain various things, which helped me manage to complete the trek. Looking back now, climbing the corridor to see the Jomon Sugi was really tough on my knees. But it was worth the effort, as I finally got to see the Jomon Sugi, which I had longed to see.

By the way, this tour had a direct bus to the trailhead, so I was able to rest a bit on the bus, which helped conserve my energy. If you go on your own, you would have to take a local bus, and depending on the time of year, like in July, there seemed to be quite a line at the bus stop. Not everyone waiting could get on the bus when it arrived, so there might be some waiting time. I think it's easier for first-timers to go with a tour.

今までハイキング程度しか行ったことがなく、初の本格的なトレッキングだったんで最初は不安だったんですが、まずはず～っと平坦なトロッコ道を歩きつつ、途中にはヤクザルやヤクシカも出てきて、穏やかに進んでいったので「あれ？こんな感じだったら全然余裕やん！。」って思っていたんですがこれが大きな間違いでした。。。途中から本当の[山登り]になっていき、しんどい時もありましたが、ガイドさんが絶妙のタイミングで休憩をとってくれたり、また立ち止まっていろいろな説明をしてくれたので、なんとか歩き切ることができました。今、思い返してみると最後の縄文杉を見るための回廊を上るのが膝がガクガクで本当に大変でした。でも頑張った甲斐があり、念願だった縄文杉を見ることができました。ちなみのこのツアーは登山口まで直行のバスだったので、睡眠もバスの中で若干できて体力温存にはなりました。自分達で行くとなると路線バスに乗るしかなく、７月という時期にもよるかもしれませんがバス停の前を通るとかなり並んでいてバスが来たからといって並んでる人全員が乗り切れてるわけじゃなく、待ち時間も多少あったみたいでした。初めての人は無難にツアーで行った方が楽だと思います。

I participated with my family and friends. Since I don't have a regular exercise routine, I honestly found it tough at first, but with the guide's assistance, I was able to complete the journey safely. I was moved by the sight of Jomon Sugi, which is completely different from what I see on TV, and I felt a sense of awe.

This is an activity that I believe everyone should experience at least once in their lifetime.

家族と友人と参加しました。
日頃運動の習慣が無いため、正直初めは辛く感じましたが、ガイドさんのアシストで無事に旅を終えることができました。
テレビで見るのとは全く違う縄文杉の姿に感動し、畏怖の感情を覚えました。

一生に一度は体験していただきたいアクティビティです。

I participated with two friends.
In other tours, there is usually a bus transfer, so we chose this tour.
You can go directly to the trailhead, allowing for an early start to the trekking.
There were many small but thoughtful gestures, such as the miso soup service during lunch and the rental of simple cushions.
Thank you very much.

友人と三人で参加しました。
他のツアーだと、一度バスの乗り換えなどがあるので、のちらのツアーに参加させていただきました。
そのまま登山口に入れるので、早めにトレッキングに臨めます。
お弁当の時のおみそしるのサービスや、簡易ザブトンのレンタルなど、小さいけれども嬉しい心遣いが沢山ありました。
ありがとうございます。

I participated in a cycling course on Taketomi Island. It was hot, but the kids really enjoyed collecting star sand at Star Sand Beach, playing on the beach as much as they wanted, and visiting the village. It was also nice to be able to choose the time for the return ferry.

竹富島でのサイクリングコースに参加しました
暑かったですが、星砂海岸で星砂集めたり、ビーチで好きなだけ遊んだり、集落にお邪魔したりで、子供たちはとても楽しんでいました
帰りのフェリーの時間が選べるのも良かったです

On the day of the tour, there was a tremendous thunderstorm, but the guide was very careful and took us to our destination, Taiko Rock. I was really happy because I only had one chance to do this. This tour offers rentals for shoes, raincoats, and backpacks, which are all items that would be a waste to buy since they are only used once, so I appreciated that. At the port where we arrived, they helped us with sizing for the shoes and saved us the trouble of going to the rental shop.

当日はすごい雷雨でしたが、慎重にガイド下さり、目的地の太鼓岩までも連れていってもらえました。
１日しかチャンスがなかったので本当に嬉しかったです。
このツアーは靴、合羽、リュックがレンタルできるのですが、どれも一度きりの利用で買うのは値段的に勿体無いものなので、それも有り難かったです。
到着した港で靴などサイズ合わせしてもらえ、レンタルショップに行く手間も省けました。

The trekking started with a mix of tension and excitement! From the long trolley path to the steep mountain trails, there were moments when it was tough and I felt like giving up, but the emotion I felt when I saw the Jomon Sugi at the final destination is unforgettable. I was deeply healed by the mystical natural scenery and air! Being able to visit the long-desired Yakushima has become a lifelong memory.

緊張とワクワクで始まったトレッキング‼️
長いトロッコ道から、アップダウンの激しい山道。キツくて、心が折れそうになる瞬間もあったけど、最終目的地の縄文杉を見た時の感動は忘れられません☺️
それから、神秘的な自然の景色や空気にとてもとても癒されました‼️
憧れの屋久島にこれて、一生の思い出になりました^^/

It was my first time visiting the three islands, and it was full of highlights with a smooth itinerary. The activities were enjoyable for the kids as well, making for a fun experience.

初めての3島めぐりでしたが見所満載で時間もスムーズな行程で、子供も楽しめる内容で楽しく過ごせました。

I was able to smoothly enjoy the ferry, water buffalo, and rental bicycles, and fully experience the sightseeing. Thank you very much!!

フェリー、水牛、レンタサイクルとすごくスムーズに利用出来て、観光を満喫することが出来まし^_^
ありがとうございました！！

I saw the Jomon Sugi, which I had been longing to see, on my first trekking experience. The guide was very kind and considerate. There were some quite challenging parts, but we were blessed with good weather, and the tour lasted for 11 hours as planned, from early morning until evening. I was a bit tired, but I am grateful for the memorable encounters with the many Yakusugi trees. Thank you!

初めてのトレッキングで念願であった縄文杉を見てきました。
ガイドはとても親切な方で、色々気遣っていただきました。
かなりきつい所もありましたが、天候にも恵まれ早朝から夕刻まで予定通り11時間のツアーでした。少々疲れましたが思い出に残る屋久杉の数々との遭遇、ありがとうございました。

It was a tour that covered three islands in one day, each filled with its own charm. On Iriomote Island, we explored the mangrove forest by boat. We leisurely crossed to Yubu Island on a water buffalo, and the guide's sanshin performance was also captivating. We strolled through the botanical garden. The lunch bento was delicious too. Finally, on Taketomi Island, we took a relaxing tour around the village on a water buffalo, and the pace of life was wonderfully slow. I highly recommend this tour!

1日で3島を巡り、それぞれの島の魅力満載のツアーでした。西表島ではマングローブの森を船で観光。由布島へは、水牛でゆったりと渡りガイドさんの三線も魅力的でした。植物園内を散策。昼食のお弁当も美味しかったですよ。最後の竹富島は、村の中を水牛でのんびり回り時の流れがゆったりとして最高でした‼️とってもオススメのツアーですよ。

Since this is my first time visiting Ishigaki Island, I applied for a tour around the islands. The staff were kind, and I had a great time. Thank you very much.

今回初めて石垣島に行くので離党巡りもしたいと思い申し込みました。スタッフの方も親切で気分よく楽しめました。ありがとうございました。

At every destination, the guide is waiting for you, so you can enjoy yourself without any prior research. If you think about going on your own, visiting three islands in one day would be impossible, so I recommend it for those who want to go to various places even if time is limited! I took my 1 year and 7-month-old child, and since there isn't much walking involved, they seemed to have a great time. I think it's a plan that works perfectly even with small children.

行く先々でガイドさんが待ってくれているので、何の下調べをしなくても楽しめる。自分たちだけて行こうと思うと1日に3島もめぐるのは無理だと思うので、時間はないけど色々行きたい！って人にはオススメ。1歳7ヶ月の子供を連れて行ったが、そんなに長時間歩くこともないので楽しそうにしていた。小さな子供がいても全く問題ないプランだと思う。

Iriomote Island's mangrove tour was cut short due to the low tide, which was disappointing. On Taketomi Island, I previously experienced a glass-bottom boat, but this time it was a bus tour and a stroll in an ox cart, so I finally feel like I understood some of the charm of Taketomi Island. Next time, I want to consider not just a day trip but also an overnight stay.

西表島は引き潮の関係でマングローブのツアーが途中までだったので残念でした。
竹富島は前回はグラスボートでしたが、今回はバス見学と牛車での散策だったので、やっと竹富島の良さの一部が判った気がします。次回は日帰りツアーだけで無く宿泊も考えたいです。

I think it's great for first-time island hopping as it allows you to efficiently visit each island. The water buffalo cart experience was delightful, as the buffalo's face was so charming and soothing. On Taketomi Island, we explored various places by renting bicycles. It's recommended because you can go wherever you want and at your own pace.

各離島に効率よくまわれて、初めての離島めぐりには良いと思いました。
水牛車体験は水牛の顔が愛らしくて、とても癒されました。
竹富島ではレンタルサイクルで各地をまわりました、自分の行きたいところに行けるし、自分たちのペース配分で行けるのでオススメです。

The maintenance of the rental bicycle was lacking, and the tires were too deflated, making it very difficult to ride on the sandy road.

レンタルサイクルの自転車のメンテナンスが今一つで、タイヤの空気が抜け過ぎていたため、道路が砂地なので、とても乗りにくかった。

This was my second time, and the staff at Tomori Cycle were very helpful. I would like to use Tomori Cycle again next time.

2度目でしたが、友利サイクルスタッフ全員の対応がとても良かった。
次回も友利サイクル指定で利用したいと思います。

At the designated time, I received an explanation at the booth of the operator at the remote island terminal and picked up my tickets (for the round trip boat and water buffalo cart). I boarded the boat to Taketomi Island. Perhaps the delay was charming. After arriving, I took the designated bus to the water buffalo cart operator. After receiving my return bus ticket at the reception, I headed to the water buffalo cart. It was fun to leisurely explore the town while listening to the guide. From there, I rented a bicycle from the same operator as an option and went to see the ocean. The weather was clear, so I encountered the best scenery. I also picked up star sand for an hour and a half. After returning the bicycle, I had lunch, took the bus, and then the boat back to Ishigaki. The guidance was easy to understand, so I was able to enjoy myself freely.

指定された時間に離島ターミナルの業者さんのブースで説明を受けチケット（行き帰りの船と水牛車の３つ）を受け取って、竹富島行きの業者さんの船に乗りました。時間がすぎたのは愛嬌でしょうか。着いてから指定のバスに乗り、水牛車の業者さんのところへ。受付で帰りのバスのチケットをもらってから、水牛車へ。ガイドを聞きながらのんびり街中をまわれて楽しかったです＾＾　そこからはオプションで同じ業者さんのレンタサイクルを借りて、海を見に行きました。晴れていたので最高の景色に出会えました＾＾　　星砂も拾って、1時間半。自転車を返してランチを食べ、バスに乗って、船に乗って石垣に戻りました。案内がわかりやすいので自由に楽しめてよかったです＾＾

The weather was great, and it was a very enjoyable tour. I think it was a great value tour with various experiences like the mangrove cruise, water buffalo cart ride, and cycling.

天気にも恵まれ、とても楽しいツアーでした。
マングローブクルーズ、水牛車、サイクリングと色々な体験が出来、とてもお得なツアーだと思います。

It was smoother than I expected, and I was able to take my time at each point, which was very nice. The mangrove cruise left a particularly strong impression on me. I thought it would be good to experience it at least once, as there are detailed explanations provided.

思ったよりスムーズにしかも各ポイントではゆっくりと過ごせてとても良かったです。マングローブクルーズが特に印象に残ってます。丁寧な説明があるので一度は体験すると良いと思いました。

I received a prior notice from Dream Tourism Company that the boat might be canceled due to an approaching typhoon on the tour date, so I quickly changed the date. On the new tour date, the weather was perfect, and I was able to see the most amazing scenery. The female bus driver on Iriomote Island provided a thorough explanation, which was very pleasant. The water buffalo cart on Yufu Island and the blue sea of Taketomi Island were both fantastic, and next time I would like to stay on Taketomi Island.

ツアー日に台風接近で船が欠航になるかもしれないとドリーム観光会社から事前連絡ありすぐに日にち変更して頂きツアー日は最高の天気で最高の景色が見る事ができました。西表島の観光バスの女性運転手さんは丁寧に説明して頂き心地良かったです。由布島の水牛車も竹富島の海の青さも最高で、次回は竹富島に宿泊してみたいです。

I was anxious since it was my first time, but our guide, Kawahara, was very considerate and made the trekking enjoyable!

We spent about 11 hours on the mountain trails in the vast nature of Yakushima. I was able to chat with both the guide and the other participants, and the time flew by!

There were various spots to see before reaching Jomon Sugi, and the explanations were thorough, which made me very satisfied.

Of course, I was also moved the moment I encountered Jomon Sugi! I definitely want to come back again!

初めて尽くしで不安だったのですが、
ガイドの川原さんがいろいろと気を使ってくださり、楽しくトレッキングできました！

屋久島の広大な自然の中11時間ほどの山道、ガイドさんはもちろん、ツアー参加者ともいろいろ話せてあっという間に時間が過ぎました！

縄文杉に出会うまでもいろいろなスポットがあり、丁寧に説明してくださり非常に満足です。

もちろん縄文杉に出会った瞬間も感動しました！
また是非遊びに来たいと思います！

At first, I planned to explore Mishima on my own in one day, but it was impossible due to time constraints... That's when I found this tour and decided to join. This tour covers everything I wanted to do, so I was very satisfied! I was able to enjoy it even as a solo traveler.

最初は自分で三島を1日で回ろうと思って計画したけど時間的に無理でした…そんな時にこのツアーを見つけて参加。このツアーはやりたい事全部網羅してるので大満足❗️また1人旅でも十分に楽しめました。

We were blessed with good weather and were able to enjoy a leisurely water buffalo cart tour. The white sandy paths, tropical flowers, and the roof's shisa were all wonderful.

良い天気にも恵まれ、のんびり水牛車観光できました。白い砂の道も、トロピカルな花も、屋根のシーサーも全て素晴らしいものでした。

I participated with my mother in her 60s.
Since it was after the rainy season, the weather was nice and the heat was intense.

The hotel provided transportation, which made it very convenient.

On Iriomote Island, we enjoyed a mangrove cruise on the Nakama River and admired the Sakishima Suo tree.
The tour included explanations, which allowed us to appreciate everything more deeply.

We rode a water buffalo cart to Yubu Island.
Due to the high tide, the water level was quite close, which was a bit nerve-wracking, but it was an interesting experience that you can't have every day.
We had lunch here, and since we had a little extra time, we strolled through the botanical garden.

On Taketomi Island, we opted for a water buffalo cart and bus tour.
Given the heat, the bus tour that took us to the sightseeing spots was efficient.
However, for those who want to explore Taketomi Island at a leisurely pace, I think cycling, despite the heat, would be better.
You would be able to appreciate the charm of Taketomi Island even more.

The water buffalo cart took us along a path lined with bougainvillea.
It was wonderful to slowly tour the traditional streets of Taketomi Island while the guide played the sanshin and sang.

60代の母と参加しました。
梅雨明けということもあり、お天気もよくじりじりとくる暑さでした。

ホテルに送迎してくれたのでとても楽ちんでした。

西表島では仲間川のマングローブクルーズと、サキシマスオウノキを観賞。
説明しながらのツアーなのでなるほどと思いながら見ることができました。

水牛車に乗り、由布島へ。
満潮時間によってなのか
水位がギリギリでハラハラしましたが、
これも普段体験できることではないので面白かったです。
ここでランチタイムですが、すこし時間に余裕があるので植物園を散策。

竹富島では水牛車とバス観光にしました。
暑いので観光スポットに連れていってくれるバスツアーは効率よかったです。
ただし、ゆっくり竹富島を散策したい方は、暑いけれどサイクリングの方がいいと思います。
竹富島の良さをさらに感じることができると思います。

水牛車はブーゲンビリアの小道の方でした。
ガイドさんが三線を弾きながら歌ってくれる中でゆっくり竹富島の伝統的な町並みを巡り、とても良かったです。