All Reviews for Japan Hidden Gems: Secret Islands

We participated as a group of six. We left at around 5 AM and returned home after 6 PM, which turned out to be harder than expected, but the sense of accomplishment was immense!

It was a long-distance walk of 22 km, but 80% of it was on a flat cart path, after which we transitioned to a proper mountain climb.

On the day of the tour, due to the influence of a typhoon, we experienced a mix of light rain and heavy downpours, and the temperature dropped. However, I was able to enjoy the walk until the end while keeping pace with the guide and other team members!

Even in the rain, the Jomon Sugi and various other Yakusugi trees looked particularly radiant, and I feel it was a very precious experience!

6人グループでの参加でした。朝5時台に出発し帰宅は18時過ぎと思ったよりハードでしたが、達成感は人一倍でした！
往復22kmの長距離歩行でしたが、8割は平坦なトロッコ道、そこからは本格的な登山に移ります。
当日は台風の影響でしとしと雨とザーザー雨の繰り返しで気温も下がる中でのツアーでしたが、ガイドさん他チームメンバーと歩調を合わせながら最後まで楽しく歩き切ることができました！
雨の中でしたが、一段と縄文杉をはじめ数々の屋久杉の姿は輝いて見え、とても貴重な経験ができたと感じています！

This is my second time taking starry sky photos in Miyako Island! The staff made sure to encourage us to relax while taking pictures, creating a fun atmosphere for the shoot! The starry sky was incredibly beautiful as well!! If you come to Miyako Island, you definitely should join a starry sky photo tour!

宮古島で星空フォトを撮るのは２回目です！写真を撮っていただく際に、リラックスできる様に声掛けしてくれたり、楽しい雰囲気で撮影出来ました！星空も最高に綺麗にみる事が出来ました！！宮古島に来たなら、絶対星空フォトツアーは参加した方がいいです！

I was busy visiting three islands in one day, but I was able to efficiently see the highlights, which made me excited for my next trip as a first-time visitor. Riding the water buffalo cart was a lot of fun since it was my first time. While traveling to Yubu Island on the water buffalo cart, I discovered a fiddler crab. I was moved to see the fiddler crab, which I had only known from songs, right in front of me! The oil miso from Yubu Island that we had on the tour was exquisite. I couldn't help but buy some at the souvenir shop. I was torn between exploring the mangroves of Iriomote Island by canoe or kayak or taking a sightseeing boat, but choosing this tour was definitely the right decision for me. It was great to ride the boat and leisurely reflect on the mangrove ecosystem while listening to the guide's explanations. The bus driver's sightseeing commentary while traveling on Iriomote Island was also outstanding. Although it was a short time, I was able to learn more about Iriomote Island than what is in the guidebooks.

一日で3つの島を回るので忙しかったです。が、見どころを効率よく見れたので初めて訪れた旅行者には次回の旅行への期待が膨らみました。水牛車に乗るのは初めてだったのでとても楽しかったです。由布島に水牛車で移動中に、シオマネキを発見。これまで歌でしか知らなかったシオマネキを目の前で見ることができ感動！ツアーで食べた由布島の油味噌は絶品でした。思わず土産物屋で買ってしまいました。西表島のマングローブをカヌーやカヤックで巡るか観光ボートにするか迷ったけどこのツアーにして私は大正解。ボートに乗り、船頭さんの解説を聞きながらゆったりとマングローブの生態系に思いを馳せれたのはよかったです。西表島を移動中のバスの運転手さんの観光案内も大変すばらしかったです。短い時間ですが西表島のことをガイドブック以上に知ることができました。

I joined a French traveler who wanted to visit Yakushima, a place I had been to before. This time, they specifically requested a guide, and I served as the interpreter. Trekking while listening to interesting explanations provided just the right short breaks, allowing us to walk at a good pace.

過去にも訪れた屋久島に行きたかったフランス人に同行する形で参加しました。今回は是非ガイドさんを頼んで欲しいと言われて、私がその通訳を。
興味深い説明を聞きながらのトレッキングは、時々ちょうど良い短い休憩にもなってテンポ感よく歩けました。

I was worried that the tour of the three islands would be hectic, but overall, it was a well-organized and incredibly smooth experience! The staff were friendly, and the guide was experienced and easy to understand, making it enjoyable even for first-timers. I felt that the free time on Taketomi Island went by too quickly, and it would have been nice to have a bit more time, but it was still a very enjoyable tour!

3島を回るツアーで慌ただしくないか心配でしたが、全体的に流れに無駄がなく、凄くスムーズで完成されたツアーでした！スタッフの方も親切で、ガイドの方もベテランでわかりやすく、初めてでも最高に楽しめます👍竹富島のフリータイムがあっという間でもう少し長いと良かったと感じましたが、それでもとても楽しめるツアーでした！！

I participated with my grandchild for their first snorkeling experience. The kind guidance from the instructor, Matsuura, and the chance to see sea turtles and Nemo made my grandchild very happy. We would like to participate again.

初めてのシュノーケルを体験する孫と3人で参加しました。インストラクターの松浦さんの親切な指導とウミガメとニモが見られたことで、孫は、大変喜んでいました。
また、参加したいです。

Due to the approaching typhoon, we couldn't go snorkeling, but we enjoyed the canoe experience! While canoeing, the staff was nearby, providing advice on paddling and assisting us when getting on and off the canoe, so I think even beginners can feel at ease. During our travels, they also recommended great places, and we had a wonderful time! I hope the weather will be nice enough for snorkeling next time..☆

台風が近付いていたため、シュノーケルはできず
カヌー体験のみでしたが楽しめました！
カヌーしている際もスタッフの方が近くで見てくれて
漕ぎ方のアドバイスや
カヌーに乗る時や降りるときも手助けしてくださるので
初心者の方でも安心してできると思います(^^)
移動中もおすすめのお店など教えていただき
楽しい時間を過ごせました！
次はシュノーケルも出来る天気になりますように・・☆

Despite the strong winds caused by the typhoon, my experience was amazing from start to finish thanks to our guide, Abe-chan! Since it was high tide, we were also guided to the hard course, allowing us to have a unique experience that can only be done here. On the way back, Abe-chan spotted a "crowned eagle" and created an opportunity for the tour participants to observe it, making it an incredible experience all around! Next time I visit Iriomote Island, I want to challenge myself with a SUP tour here.

台風の影響で風が強い中の参加でしたが、担当のあべちゃん（担当者さん）のおかげで最初から最後まで最高でした！ちょうど満潮とのこともあり、ハードコースにも案内してくれてここでしかできない貴重な体験をすることができました。また、帰りの車であべちゃんが「カンムリワシ」を見つけてくれ、ツアー参加者と見学する機会も作ってくれて何から何まで最高の体験ができました！
今度西表島へ行った際は、ここのツアーでサップにチャレンジしたいと思います。

The time allocation was very good, and I had a great time! The guides for the water buffalo, bus, and boat were also fun.

時間の配分もとても良く楽しく過ごせました♪
水牛、バス、船のガイドさんたちのトークも楽しかったです。

I thoroughly enjoyed Iriomote Island and Yufu Island. I had experienced them once during my student days, but experiencing them again as an adult made me see things differently, and my sensibilities have changed, so it felt fresh again. The staff provided interesting explanations and I got to listen to Okinawan folk songs, so I was glad to have such a variety of experiences!

西表島、由布島をとても満喫できました。
学生の頃にも、一度経験しているのですが
再度、大人になってから経験すると
見るところが違ったり、感性も変わってるので
また新鮮に感じました。
スタッフさんの、豆知識的な解説もあったり
沖縄民謡？も聴かせていただいたり
いろんな経験をできてよかったです！

When I came to Ishigaki, I thought I had to go snorkeling, and even though I'm not a great swimmer, I had a wonderful time. The weather was sunny that day, and the beautiful location touched my heart. Once I dove in, I was healed by the stunning sea and the fish I kept watching, which led me to decide to extend my stay in Ishigaki, haha. It's high season, but if I could wish for anything, I would have liked a bit more time.

石垣に来たらやはりシュノーケリングをしないとと思い、あまり泳げない自分でも楽しい時間を過ごせました。
当日晴れていたのもあり、素敵なロケーションで心打たれ、さらに潜ると綺麗な海、魚達を眺め続ける事で心が癒され、石垣に延泊を決めました笑
ハイシーズンなのもありますが、欲を言えばもう少し時間が欲しいなと思いました。

We participated as a family of four, with two daughters (one in 4th grade and the other in 2nd grade). From the departure point, we went through the turnaround point to the goal, and it was a solid distance. We enjoyed the experience together, feeling excited and returning to our childhood! Personally, the sunlight filtering through the mangrove forest was incredibly beautiful and became an unforgettable experience. My 2nd-grade daughter was able to paddle with an adult paddle all the way to the end, so I think elementary school students have no problem physically. The experience of maneuvering the canoe together while struggling was very rewarding. The guide provided slow and careful support, and shared stories about the nature and lifestyle of Iriomote Island at various points, making it a very enjoyable and educational time.

夫婦、子供二人(小4、小2ともに女の子)で参加させていただきました。
出発から折り返し地点を経由してゴールまで、しっかりと距離もあって、子供と一緒にドキドキしながら童心に帰って楽しめました！！個人的には、マングローブの森の中で見た木漏れ日がとても綺麗で忘れられない体験になりました。
小2の娘も大人用パドルで、最後まで漕げたので、小学生であれば十分体力的にも問題ないと思います。四苦八苦しながら一緒に協力しあってカヌーを操縦する体験はとてもいい経験になりました。
ガイドの方も、ゆっくり丁寧にサポートいただき、また随所随所で西表島の自然や生活面のお話しをいただき、とても楽しい時間を過ごせて、勉強にもなりました。

The boarding time is long, but it's easier to access Fukuoka than transferring by bus or train within Nagasaki Prefecture. Onboard, there are food, drinks, shower rooms, and a relaxing space available. Before boarding, I was worried if I could board just with the voucher screen on my smartphone from Veltra, so I inquired at the counter, and they provided me with a paper boarding ticket.

乗船時間は長いけど長崎県内でバスや電車に乗り継ぐよりもラクに福岡にアクセスできます。
船内は食べ物、飲み物、シャワールーム、リラックスできる空間など一通り揃っています。
乗船前、ベルトラのスマホのバウチャー画面だけで乗船できるのか不安だったので窓口に申し出ると紙の乗船券を出してくれました。

Due to the rain the previous day, I wasn't sure how far we could go, but I was glad we were able to see the mossy forest safely. Although it was raining at first, the sun peeked through, and the forest after the rain sparkled and was very beautiful.

Since rain was forecasted again from the afternoon, we walked quickly, but the guide pointed out the small insects, budding plants, and changes in the forest, which was enjoyable. We also encountered a hornet and a pit viper along the way, but the guide responded quickly, which was reassuring.

By the way, the guide had an impressive, almost sage-like way of moving! I'm not used to mountain trails, but the guide taught me where to be careful, so I was able to walk without any problems until the end!

前日の雨でどこまで行けるかわからない状況でしたが、無事苔むす森を見ることができてよかったです。
最初は雨が降っていたものの晴れ間が見えて、雨上がりの森はきらきらしてとてもきれいでした。
お昼からまた雨の予報だったので急ぎ足で歩く中でも、ガイドさんが森の小さな虫や芽吹き、変化に気づいてお話してくださって楽しかったです。
また、途中スズメバチやマムシにも出会ってしまったのですが、ガイドさんがすばやく対応してくださって心強かったです。

余談ですが、ガイドさんは流石の仙人のような足取りですごかったです！
私は山道慣れていないですが、ガイドさんが気をつけるところなど教えてくださったので、問題なく最後まで歩けました！

This time, my husband and my second-grade daughter participated in snorkeling for the first time (I observed). It was pouring rain from the morning, and I was filled with anxiety about whether we could actually do it in such weather.

Before the start time, I received a call saying that there was a bit of thunder, but it should stop by the time we begin. I was secretly very skeptical, sorry about that!

Just as Yamachan predicted, the thunder and rain stopped by the start time, and there was even a little bit of sunshine! It seems that through daily experience, he can somehow understand the flow of the weather based on the direction of the wind—truly amazing!

I was worried about whether my daughter, who isn't a strong swimmer, would be able to breathe properly, but she was able to enjoy it without panicking until the end.

Yamachan was also great at teaching how to use the equipment! My daughter and husband praised him highly! I highly recommend Yamachan!

今回、初シュノーケリングの小２娘と夫が参加。（母見学）
この日は朝から凄い大雨で、こんな中出来るのだろうかと
不安いっぱいで現地に向かいました。
開始時間前にお電話頂き、
今は若干雷も鳴っているけど、開始時間には止むハズと。
内心メチャメチャ疑っていましたゴメンナサイww
やまちゃんの予言!?通り、開始時刻には雷も雨も止み若干の晴れ間が！
日々の経験値で、風の向き等からなんとなく天候の流れが分かるそうで
まさに神！！
泳ぎもままならない娘なので、呼吸が出来るか心配していましたが
パニックになることもなく最後まで楽しむことが出来ました。
道具の使い方の教え方も上手い！と、娘と夫は絶賛していました☆
やまちゃんイチオシです☆☆☆

This was a half-day canoe experience. Our guide, Mr. Seki, was truly wonderful and provided accurate guidance, allowing us to enjoy the activity safely throughout. We learned a lot, including recommendations for shops and explanations about the mangroves. I definitely want to go again. Thank you very much.

今回半日のカヌー体験でした。
担当ガイドの関さんが本当に素晴らしく的確なガイドをしてくださり、終始安全にアクティビティを楽しむことができました。
おすすめのお店や、マングローブの説明など学びも多かったです。
ぜひまた行きたいと思えました。
ありがとうございました。

We used this service to visit three remote islands in one day, as arranging it ourselves would have taken too much time! Other than the transportation, we had basically free time and were able to enjoy it at our own pace.

1日で離島３つ回るには個人手配では、時間もかかるため利用しました！
移動以外は基本的に自由行動で、自分たちのペースでゆっくり楽しめました。

I don't think I could have visited so many places on my own from morning until evening, so I really enjoyed being taken around on the tour.

個人では朝から夕方までの間でこんなにたくさんまわれなかったと思うので、ツアーで連れて行ってもらえてとても満喫できました。

I was taught with care. I encountered a sea turtle and received the photos taken that night. Yama-chan was easy to understand and easy to talk to! I look forward to working with you again!

丁寧に教えていただきました。
ウミガメにも遭遇して、撮った写真を体験した夜に送ってくれました。
わかりやすくて、話しやすいやまちゃん！
またよろしくお願いします！

As a person in my 60s traveling alone, I was initially worried about the meeting point, bus station, and restrooms, but everything was taken into consideration. The water buffalo cart that I was looking forward to was wonderful, and what exceeded my expectations was the bus tour of Iriomote Island with the driver's guidance. I was also able to see the butterflies I wanted to see during my free time on Yubu Island. Although the ferry ride between Ishigaki and Iriomote Islands was long, I enjoyed it, and I'm dreaming of a trip where I can stay on Iriomote Island next time.

60代、1人参加なので集合場所やバス乗り場、お手洗いなど不安でしたが全てに配慮されていました。
楽しみにしていた水牛車はもちろん、予想以上に良かったのは西表島のバス観光で運転手さんのガイド。由布島での自由時間に見たかった蝶を見れた事。
石垣と西表島の船の時間が長いことも楽しみながら、次は西表島に滞在する旅も夢見ています。

It was my first time snorkeling in the ocean and stand-up paddleboarding in the mangroves, but thanks to the friendly guide and my friends, I had a great time! Playing in the water felt wonderful, and I made many memorable memories. Thank you very much! I hope to have the opportunity to do it again!

海でシュノーケリングをしたりマングローブでSUPするのも初めてでしたが、優しいガイドさんや友達のおかげで楽しめました！
水で遊ぶの気持ちよかったし、心に残る思い出がたくさんできました。
ありがとうございました！また機会があればよろしくお願いします！

I was amazed by the 17.5 km mangrove and felt inspired! Thank you, Yuka the water buffalo, for doing such a great job transporting us! The plants and food on Yubu Island were delicious. I also enjoyed Taketomi Island; all of it became wonderful memories.

17.5kmもあるマングローブに驚きパワーをいただき感動しました！
水牛のゆうかちゃん、よく頑張って私たちを運んでくれて有難う！
由布島の植物、お食事もおいしかったです。竹富島も満喫、いずれもいい思い出になりました。

I misunderstood the date and ended up being quite late, but they greeted me with a smile. The weather was great, and the photographer was nice too. ( . .)

日を勘違いしてて、予定時間よりだいぶ遅れてしまいましたが笑顔で対応して頂けました。
天気も写真のお兄さんも良かったです( . .)"

Taiwan is the best. You can efficiently enjoy the charm of places like Ibusuki and Taketomi Island all in one go. In each area, there is plenty of free time to explore at your own pace. You can also have lunch whenever you like. The group feel is minimal. I recommend it.

タイパ最高です。色表・由布・竹富島の魅力を凝縮して効率的に楽しめます。
各地では、自分達のペースで回れ自由な時間も多いです。ランチも自分達のタイミングで食べられます。団体感は薄いです。
お薦めです。

I was able to focus on trekking with peace of mind since I could leave all the time management to them. Above all, it was great that the guide took photos of us at the best spots, allowing us to create memories smoothly without worrying about where to take pictures. They also prepared miso soup for lunch, which helped alleviate our fatigue. I enjoyed the conversations with the other participants, and I'm glad I joined the tour!

時間配分も全てお任せできるので安心してトレッキングに集中できました。
何よりベストショットの位置でガイドさんに写真を撮っていただけるので場所選びに迷うことなくスムーズに思い出作りができて良かったです。お昼のお味噌汁もご用意してくださり疲れも軽減されました。
ご一緒した方々との会話も楽しくツアーに参加して良かったです♪

My first time in Ishigaki Island, and I felt reassured with the hotel pick-up service. Sebastian was very cheerful and introduced us to recommended restaurants during the transfer, along with some perks outside of the tour.

Canoeing was a first for me, but they taught me very carefully and were always watching over me, so I could participate with peace of mind.

Even on a cloudy day, snorkeling allowed us to see beautiful corals and fish, which was very satisfying.

Hiroki, our guide, was very pleasant, and we were able to enjoy the day thoroughly.

You can't experience this kind of reassurance without being on a tour!

初めての石垣島、ホテルまで送迎してもらえて安心でした　セバスチャンがとても明るく送迎中、オススメの飲食店を紹介してくれてツアー外の特典あり
カヌーは初めてでしたが、とても丁寧に教えてもらえて常に見守ってくれていたので安心して参加できました
シュノーケリングは曇りの日でもキレイな珊瑚やお魚が見れて大満足
担当のひろきさんがとても感じがよくて、1日楽しく過ごすことができました
ツアーでないと安心して、この体験は味わえない！

This time, I participated in the VELTRA tour program "Mangrove SUP or Canoe Plan" with my family. Unlike the recent heat, it was pleasantly cool due to the typhoon's influence. We took photos together in the Yaeyama mangrove forest. Before getting on the kayak, we were lucky enough to spot a crab. It looked delicious, but I was a bit disappointed that we couldn't take it home, so we let it go. ^_^

Since it was my first time kayaking, I initially struggled and spun around in the river. However, with the guidance of our instructor, Aoi, I gradually got the hang of it. I heard that there are over 100 different types of plants in the Yaeyama mangrove. The water there is a mix of river and seawater, which has a high salt content, making it toxic to regular plants. I learned for the first time that these plants have survived for hundreds of years by collecting the toxins in specific leaves and dropping them. We spotted various animals living there. On the way back, it was wonderful to see the surrounding plants and hear the birds while progressing through the river, enjoying the scenery.

今度は家族を連れてVELTRAのツアープログラム「マングローブSUPorカヌー付きプラン」を参加しました。先日の暑さと違って台風の影響で涼しくなり気持ち良かったです。ヤエヤマヒルギの林にで家族と一緒に写真を取りました。カヤックに乗る前に運よくガニを見つけました。おいしそうに見えるけど持ち帰れないので逃がしたのは少し残念でした。^_^
カヤックを漕ぐのがはじめてなので最初はコンビーならず川の中でぐるぐる回りましたが。ガイドのAOIさんの指導があって段々なれるようになりました。ヤエヤマヒルギにいろんな植物があり100種以上と聞きました。そこの水は川と海水を混じった物で塩分が高いため、通常の植物に毒になり生存することができないが。そこの植物がその毒を特定の葉に集めて落すことで何百年も行き続けたのをはじめて聞きました。そこに生息する色んな動物を見つかりました。帰りには周囲の植物を見たり、鳥の声を聞いたりしながら川の中に進んでいく周りの風景を見るのが最高です。
　

The guide's talk was interesting, but the lunch was just okay. Everything else was great! The guide was really good, though.

ガイドさんのトークもおもしろかったけど、お昼ご飯がイマイチ。それ以外は全部よかったです！ガイドさんは本当によかったのになぁ

I was able to experience both the SUP tour and the snorkeling tour in one day! They pick you up by car, so it was fun to hear stories about Ishigaki Island during the ride. Even if you're a beginner, they teach you how to ride and paddle on the SUP. During snorkeling, they told us the names of the fish, and it was really enjoyable in the beautiful sea. Thank you very much!

1日で、supツアーとシュノーケルツアーを体験できました！
車で迎えにきてくれるので、車中での石垣島の話も楽しかったです
初めてでも、supの乗り方とこぎかたも教えてくれます
シュノーケル中はお魚の名前を教えてくれたり、きれいな海ですごく楽しかったです
ありがとうございました

I signed up for the stargazing night photo tour on short notice, and it became the best memory! I was able to see many beautiful stars, the Milky Way, and shooting stars that I can't see from where I usually live. Even now, after returning from the trip, I find myself reminiscing and feeling healed by those memories. The guide who assisted us was very kind and not only explained the flow of the shooting, points, and poses but also shared recommended spots in Miyako Island. I highly recommend this tour for anyone traveling to Miyako Island! Thank you for the wonderful experience!＾＾

急遽申し込ませていただいた星空ナイトフォトツアーでしたが、最高の思い出になりました！
普段住んでいるところからは見ることのできないたくさんの綺麗な星、天の川、流れ星を見ることができ、旅行から帰ってきた今でも思い返しては癒されています。
担当してくださったガイドさんがとても親切で、撮影の流れやポイント、ポーズ等はもちろん、宮古島でのおすすめスポットも教えてくださいました。
宮古島旅行に行かれる際にはぜひおすすめしたいツアーです！
素敵な体験をありがとうございました＾＾