All Reviews for Japan Hidden Gems: Secret Islands

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。

We signed up for the rental plan as a couple. Although we changed the meeting time, they accommodated us pleasantly. We were the oldest in our party of eight, but the guide adjusted the pace to match our stamina. Sorry to the group for being late.

I had hurt my knee and haven't been exercising regularly, so every time I stepped on the ties on the return trip, I felt intense pain. I apologize for underestimating the trekking.

I thought we could get a bit closer to Jomon Sugi, but I was a bit disappointed with the view from the corridor.

Since I was able to walk 22 km round trip, I gained confidence for future hikes.

レンタルプランを夫婦で申し込んだ。打ち合わせの時間を変更したが、気持ちよく対応していただいた。1パーティ8名で我々が最高齢だったが、我々の体力に合わせてガイドの方が速度を調整してくれた。グループの方々、遅れてごめんなさい。
ひざを痛めていたため、日ごろ運動をしていないため、帰りのトロッコ道の枕木を踏むたび、激痛が走った。トレッキングをなめていて、ごめんなさい。
縄文杉のそばにもう少し近づけるのかと思っていたが、回廊からの眺望で少し残念。
往復22ｋｍを歩けたので、今後のハイキングに自信がもてた。

The raincoat was almost useless; it was a tough climb that felt like a training session with the constant rain. The journey was long and had some steep sections. However, thanks to the guide and the group, I was able to walk all the way to the end. I was glad to rent good quality gear from brands like mont-bell and Columbia. The charter bus was also very convenient. Meeting the Jomon Sugi will be a lifelong memory. Thank you very much!

レインコートも役に立たない程、本当によく降り修行のような登山でつらかったです。とにかく長くて所々険しい道のり。でもガイドさんとグループの方々のおかげで最後まで歩けました。レンタル品もmont-bellやColumbiaなど良い物で借りて良かったです。貸切バスも楽チンでした。縄文杉に会えたことは一生の思い出です。本当にありがとうございました！

They took us to the trailhead by a dedicated bus, so we could walk leisurely without worrying about time! We were able to see Yakushima monkeys up close, and we learned about various plants as well. It was amazing! ^ ^

専用バスで登山口まで行ってくれたので、時間を気にせずのんびり休憩しつつ歩けました！
屋久猿も近くで見られて、植物も色々と教えてもらえて、最高でした^ ^

It was a reward trip for my husband’s retirement. On the day of the trip, the rainy season had ended, and the sun was shining brightly. I was concerned due to my physical disability affecting my vision, but I was very satisfied with the unique experiences of the wind, scents, and sounds that could only be found in that place. I appreciated the mangrove cruise, the lunch made with delicious local ingredients served by the water buffalo cart man in Yufu, and the brother from Taketomi Island who played the sanshin for us. I am grateful to all the staff who assisted us in moving around.

夫 定年にあたりご褒美旅行でした。当日は梅雨明けとなり、日差しが強かったです。
視野や視力の悪い身体障害のため案じていましたが、その場所でしか体験出来ない風や匂いや音に大満足でした。マングローブクルーズ、由布の水牛車のおじさんと牛と美味しい島の食材を使った昼ご飯、三線を聴かせてくださった竹富島のお兄さん、いたるところで移動を助けてくださったスタッフの方々に感謝です。

This was our first trip to Taketomi Island with two families (four people). We chose this plan because we wanted to experience the water buffalo cart tour, and it was the right decision. The water buffalo, "Yumeko," who is 15 years old (equivalent to a 45-year-old human lady), was very smart and understood the route well, even asking for water in the shower booth. We had a wonderful time as we went around the course. Additionally, we were able to visit all the highlights of the island, making for a satisfying sightseeing experience. Thank you very much for your help.

二家族（４人）での初！竹富島観光でした。水牛車観光が体験したくこの企画を選び正解でした。水牛の「ユメコ」ちゃん、１５歳（人間年齢４５歳のマダム）大変賢くシャワーブースでの水のおねだりや順路をしっかり理解しコースを廻り楽しいひと時でした。また、島内観光も見どころをしっかり回っていただき満足いく観光ができました。大変お世話になりました。

I decided to participate because it was just a 10-minute boat ride from Ishigaki Island and the price was less than half of a certain travel company's optional tour.

Since we could choose the round-trip boat schedule freely, we were able to enjoy the water buffalo cart and the island at our own pace.

The locals were kind, and even though the post office was closed on Sunday, they happily accepted my request to mail a postcard, which arrived later with a Yaeyama postmark. (I paid for the postage.)

The service at the meeting point counter was also polite and good.

It became a wonderful memory.

石垣島から船で10分という気軽さと、某旅行会社のオプショナルツアーと比べて半額以下という格安料金だったので参加を決めました。
往復船便の時間を自由に選択できるので自分達のペースで水牛車も島内も楽しむことができました。
島内の方も親切で、日曜日で郵便局が閉まっていたにもかかわらず、はがきの投函をお願いしたら快く受けてくれ後日、八重山の消印で届きました。（切手代はお支払いしました）
集合場所のカウンターの対応も丁寧で良かったです。
良い想い出になりました。

I visited many famous spots, such as the banyan trees and waterfalls. I was surprised to see many deer and monkeys along the roadside on the Western Forest Road. The abundance of nature was very healing. I would like to participate again when I visit Yakushima.

ガジュマルや滝など多くの名所を見て回りました。西部林道では、鹿や猿が道端にたくさんいて驚きました。自然が多くて癒されました。また屋久島に行った時には参加したいです。

It seems possible to climb without a guide, but having a guide helps with pacing and taking appropriate breaks, making it easier to complete long tracking sessions. It's also a nice bonus that they can point out the best photo spots. Additionally, since this tour uses a chartered bus, it's great that we can manage our pace without worrying about the last bus back.

ガイド無しでも登る事は可能なようですが
ガイドさんがいると、ペース配分や適度な休憩があり、長時間のトラッキングも何とかやり遂げる事が出来ました。
ベストフォトスポットを教えてくれるのも嬉しいポイント。
また、こちらのツアーは貸切バスの為、帰りの終バスを気にせずにペース配分してもらえるのがありがたいです。

Taketomi Island is just a 15-minute boat ride from Ishigaki Island. We arrived in no time. We spent about 30 minutes on a glass-bottom boat, where we saw various fish, but I was concerned about the decreasing number of corals. Next, we rode water buffalo to explore the village. It was very peaceful. However, it was already hot in early June, so we had to use rental bicycles to get around the village. I recommend swimming at Hoshizuna Beach. There were few people, and the water was very clear and shallow, so we could see plenty of fish swimming right in front of us. I would love to go again.

竹富島へは石垣島から船で１５分。アッという間に着いてしまいました。グラスボートで約３０分いろんな魚が泳いでいましたがただサンゴが少なくなっているのが気がかりでした。次に水牛に乗って村を散策。のどかでしたね。ただ６月初めですでに暑くむらの散策もレンタサイクルで回らないと動けません。おすすめは星砂の浜での海水浴。人も少なくまた海がとても綺麗で遠浅なので目の前で魚がいっぱい泳いでいました。また行きたいですね

Our first trip with three generations ✈️ Our first time on Taketomi Island.
I wanted to make it the best trip possible, so I was searching online and found VELTRA's page!
The round-trip ferry, glass-bottom boat, and water buffalo experience were bundled together at a great price, and it was really helpful that they provided bus transportation.
Unfortunately, it rained, but we were still able to ride the glass-bottom boat, and the staff during the water buffalo experience were very warm and accommodating, which made it really enjoyable.
I would like to ask VELTRA for help again on our next trip (^^)

初めての三世帯旅行✈️初めての竹富島
最高の旅行にしたくて、ネットで色々探していたらVELTRAさんのページが！
往復の船、グラスボード、水牛体験がセットで安くて、バスで移動してくれるので凄く助かりました。
でも残念なことに雨でしたが、グラスボードにも乗れて水牛体験ではスタッフの方が暖かい対応をしてくださり凄く楽しめました。
旅行のさいにはまたVELTRAさんにお願いしたいです(^^)

We were blessed with pleasant sunny weather that wasn't too hot or too cold.

It was the perfect timing for the Jomon Sugi hike, with not too many people around!

We also had a serious guide, which made for a wonderful experience.

Thank you!

暑すぎず寒すぎる、心地よい晴天に恵まれました。
人も多すぎない、ベストタイミングでの縄文杉登山！

まじめなガイドさんにも恵まれて、素晴らしい時間を過ごせました。

ありがとうございます。

The tour didn't have a guide accompanying us the whole time, so we were free to move around.
Cycling on sunny days requires UV protection!
For women, having a hat and UV-cut arm covers is a good idea!

添乗員さんが付きっきりというツアーでは無かったので、自由に動くことが出来ました。
晴れた時のサイクリングは紫外線対策必須です！
女性は、帽子にUVカットアームカバーがあると良し！

Yui-kun was very cute. I had a great time enjoying Taketomi Island. I would like to use this service again if I have the opportunity.

ゆいくんとてもかわいかっです。とても楽しく竹富島を満喫できました。また機会ありましたら利用したいと思います

I visited Ishigaki Island as a port of call on the Diamond Princess cruise, and I definitely wanted to ride the water buffalo cart on Taketomi Island! I made a reservation.

I was a bit worried about meeting at the location, but once I arrived at the remote island terminal, I was able to check in without getting lost. When I reached Taketomi Island, a shuttle was waiting to take me to the water buffalo cart boarding area, and I was able to board smoothly.

Since I had to return to the ship, I didn't go out for other sightseeing, but next time, I would like to take my time and explore!

ダイヤモンドプリンセスクルーズの寄港先に石垣島があり、是非とも竹富島の水牛車に乗りたい！い予約しました。

現地集合の為少し心配でしたが、離島ターミナルにつけば、迷う事無くにチェックイン出来、竹富島へ、島に着くと、水牛車乗り場までの送迎車が待っていて、スムーズに水牛車に乗る事が出来ました。
船に戻る時間があったので、他の観光は出なかったのですが、次回はゆっくりと観光してみたいです。