All Reviews for Japan Hidden Gems: Secret Islands

Every year, I have my summer vacation in Ishigaki Island. Until now, I participated in island-hopping tours, but since I've been to all the islands, I joined a tour for the Blue Cave and snorkeling that I had been curious about. My niece, who was just starting snorkeling, was a bit awkward, but the guide was very attentive and supportive, and she said it was incredibly fun. She has completely fallen in love with snorkeling. Thank you so much for the photos and videos. I would like to participate again next year.

毎年恒例の石垣島️の夏休み。今までは離島ツアーに参加してましたが、離島は行き尽くしたので、気になっていた青の洞窟とシュノーケルのツアーに参加しました。同行の姪はシュノーケル始めたばかりでぎこちないのですが、ガイドさんが丁寧にフォローしてくださり、ものすごく楽しかったと。すっかりシュノーケルにはまってしまいました。写真や動画、たくさんありがとうございました。来年も参加したいと思っています。

I appreciated that this tour allows solo participants and provides transportation to and from the hotel, which is a rarity among many tours where participants must make their own way to the meeting point. Our guide, Mr. Kawashima, drove slowly while pointing out various creatures. During the tour, we encountered 5 to 6 Amami rabbits, observing them eating grass and fallen leaves, as well as climbing the slopes into the forest. We also saw the Ryukyu scops owl, the Ryukyu rat, the Ryukyu wild boar, and two types of frogs.

We learned about animal communication through the sounds of the rabbits and the different calls of the Ryukyu scops owl, as individuals responded to each other from a distance. Additionally, we were moved by the breathtaking starry sky when we got out of the car! Under the stars, a few fireflies were also dancing around.

Mr. Kawashima explained everything in a calm and pleasant manner, making for a very valuable and luxurious experience. It seems that reports of rabbits being killed by cars are not uncommon. I believe that the creatures and scenery we encounter can vary depending on the weather and the day's circumstances, but this tour not only allows us to be amazed by precious wildlife and beautiful starry skies but also encourages thoughts on the importance of protecting wildlife, ecosystems, and nature, while hoping for a harmonious balance with tourism and development. It’s a tour that also provides insight into the background of the area being designated as a World Heritage site!

ひとり参加ができること、集合場所に各自で向かうツアーが多いなか、宿泊しているホテルへの送迎があることが有り難かったです。
ガイドの川島さんが車をゆっくり走らせながら生き物を見つけて教えてくださいます。ツアー中、本命のアマミノクロウサギは5〜6羽に出会うことができ、草や落葉を食べる様子や山の斜面を登り森に入って行く姿、他にもリュウキュウコノハズク、ケナガネズミ、リュウキュウイノシシ、2種類のカエルも見ることができました。
ウサギの鳴き声、リュウキュウコノハズクの種類の違う鳴き声に離れた場所にいる個体同士が鳴き声に呼応し合う様子など耳からも生き物のコミュニケーションを知ることができました。
また、途中で車を降りて満天の星空にも感動！星空の下、数匹のホタルも舞っていました。
ガイドの川島さんは心地よい穏やかな語り口で丁寧に説明してくださり、そのお話も含めてとても貴重で贅沢な時間が過ごせました。ウサギが車に轢かれて死亡する報告も少なくないようです。天候やその日の縁で出会う生き物や景色も異なると思いますが、貴重な生き物やきれいな星空に感動するだけでなく、生き物や生態系・自然を守ることと、観光や開発が上手く調和してほしいなと感じたり、世界遺産に登録された背景も知ることができるツアーです！

We participated in our first stargazing photo tour as a couple. The photographer was very friendly, and we had a great time taking pictures. After the shoot, they also provided us with helpful recommendations. It became a wonderful memory of our trip to Miyako Island as a couple in our 50s. Thank you for taking such beautiful photos!

夫婦揃って初めての星空フォトツアーに参加しました。カメラマンさんは、とても気さくな方で楽しく撮影できました。撮影後、お勧め情報も教えていただき参考になりました。
50代夫婦の最高の宮古島旅行記念になりました。
素敵な写真を撮っていただき、ありがとうございました。

The rental items were easy to use, and the guide was very kind, which made me very satisfied. As a note, the Yakusugi tour the next day was canceled due to bad weather after gathering, but they refunded the entire tour fee, including the rental items.

レンタルグッズも使いやすく、ガイドさんもとても親切で大満足でした
補足として、翌日の屋久杉ツアーが集合後、荒天で中止になったのですが、レンタルグッズも含め、ツアー代金全てを返金してくださいました

I experienced stand-up paddleboarding (SUP) for the first time in Miyako Island. I was able to enjoy various ways of riding in the beautiful sea. I also had the chance to snorkel and see various fish and turtles. Not only was the sea of Miyako Island amazing, but Shintaro's personality made it easy to relax and enjoy. He also recommended great dining spots and places to see the stars, which made my trip even more fulfilling. I hope to have the opportunity to do this again!

初めての宮古島で初めてのSUPを体験しました。綺麗な海で色々な乗り方を楽しむことができました。シュノーケリングも色々な魚やカメにも会うことができました。宮古島の海はもちろんのこと、シンタロウさんの人柄もあり安心して楽しむことができました。おすすめのお食事何処、星空スポット等も教えていただき、より充実した旅行になりました。また機会があればよろしくお願いします！

I was moved to see Jomon Sugi. However, the guide was terrible. I wonder if there are any decent guides out there. Maybe I just had bad luck.

縄文杉を見みれ、感動しました。ただし、ガイドが最悪でした。もっと、まともなガイドはいないものか。ついていなかったのかもしれない。

I was a bit nervous since it was my first experience, but the photographer was friendly, and I was able to enjoy the shoot. Thank you very much!

初めての体験でちょっとドキドキしていましたが
カメラマンのお兄さんが気さくな方で
楽しく撮影できました
ありがとうございました

On the day of the event, it was a new moon, and it was so dark that I couldn't even see the car parked next to us, but the photographers were bright and lively, making the atmosphere enjoyable, so I was able to relax and have a great time. The music they played also added to the wonderful ambiance. The finished photos and the starry sky were amazing! I ended up with some really great memories captured in those photos. 😊

当日は新月で駐車している隣の車も見えないほど闇でしたがカメラマンの方たちが明るく盛り上げて撮影してくれたので安心して楽しい時間を過ごさせていただきました☺️
音楽を流してくれたのも雰囲気良かったです
出来上がった写真も星空も最高でした！
とても良い思い出写真が出来ました☺️

It was a hot day, but the experience of riding a water buffalo was so valuable that I forgot about the heat. The leisurely journey through Taketomi Island was the best.

暑い日でしたが、暑さを忘れるぐらい水牛の乗車の体験はとても貴重でした。
ゆっくり竹富島の中を通りに抜ける体験は最高でした。

The weather was wonderful, and I encountered a starry sky that was pouring down. It was a very lovely night with background music playing during the shoot. I haven't received the photos yet, but I'm really looking forward to them.

天候に恵まれ、降り注ぐ星空に出逢えました。
撮影中はBGMを流してとっても素敵な夜でした。
まだ、写真は届いていませんが、とっても楽しみです。

I participated with three ladies from 11:00 on July 1, 2024.
I was satisfied with all aspects, from the important notes to the local guidance and the attentive support.
Yamachan, who mentioned working 32 consecutive days, was fun.
Thank you!
The high season is just beginning.
I highly recommend Yamachan's enjoyable guidance.

2024.7.1(月)11:00からおばちゃん3人で参加しました。
諸注意から、現地案内、丁寧なサポート、写真全て満足でした。
32連勤と言っていた、やまちゃん楽しかったよ。
ありがとう
これからがハイシーズンです。
やまちゃんの楽しい案内、オススメです。

I had an incredibly satisfying experience, exceeding 120% satisfaction! Although I was a beginner in both snorkeling and canoeing, thanks to the tour staff who taught us in a casual yet thorough manner, I was able to relax and enjoy the activities with peace of mind.

The experience of being surrounded by the beautiful sea and tranquil mangroves was truly soothing. Everything I experienced was extraordinary and it was the best! Additionally, I learned many interesting topics about Ishigaki Island, which helped create wonderful memories of my trip. Thank you very much! If I visit Ishigaki Island again in the future, I would love to use your services once more.

満足度120パーセントの大満足な体験ができました！
シュノーケリングやカヌー共に初心者だったのですが、
カジュアルな雰囲気かつ丁寧に分かりやすく教えていただけるツアースタッフの方々のおかげで、心もほぐれつつを安心してアクティビティを楽しむことができました。
きれいな海と穏やかなマングローブに包まれる安らぎの体験。体感すること全て非日常な体験の連続で最高でした！
アクティビティ以外でもたくさんの石垣島トピックスを教えていただけたので、素敵な旅行の思い出をつくることができました。ありがとうございました！
今後もし石垣島を訪れる際には、また利用させていただきたいと思います。

I made a reservation here because the photographer is an award-winning one from a photo contest. The service was polite and extremely kind. I truly felt happy to experience the miracle of taking photos with the Milky Way. They played music while taking pictures, and even after the session, they offered advice on sightseeing and dining. When I got lost on my way to the 17 End that they recommended, they kindly helped me. I am really grateful for everything and it has become the best memory. I will cherish the photos by putting them in a photo album.

フォトコンテスト受賞のカメラマンということでこちらを予約させて頂きました。対応も丁寧で、非常に親切でした。天の川との写真が撮れる奇跡を体験して本当に幸せです。音楽をかけながら撮影して下さったり、終わった後も観光や食事のことも相談にのって下さり、教えて頂いた１７エンドに行った時に道に迷ってしまったらご親切に助けて下さいました。本当に何から何までお世話になり最高の思い出になりました。お写真はフォトアルバムにして大切にさせて頂きます。

It was my first time doing starry sky photography, and the photographer was very nice. We were a family of four, but I was really glad that we could also get photos of just the kids and just the couple.

初めての星空フォト撮影、カメラマンさんもとても良い方でした。家族4人でしたが、子供達だけと夫婦だけの写真も撮っていただけて本当によかったです。

In the morning, I went snorkeling at the much-anticipated Barasu Island. The guide was very thorough in his explanations, and even though it was my first time, I was able to dive into the sea without fear. I had the opportunity to see the precious corals and colorful fish of Iriomote Island up close, which made me appreciate the beauty and importance of nature. It was a memorable experience that I will never forget.

In the afternoon, we went canoeing on the Urauchi River. This was also my first time, but as we continued, I became more adept at paddling, and my husband and I were able to leisurely navigate through the mangroves at our own pace. The river was much more beautiful than I had imagined, and we had a wonderful time. After the tour, I was very happy to receive many photos taken during the tour right away. It was an amazing tour that made me want to come back again.

午前中は楽しみにしていたバラス島でのシュノーケリング。ガイドのお兄さんが丁寧に説明して下さり、初めてでしたが怖がらずに海へダイブできました。西表島の貴重な珊瑚や色とりどりの魚達を間近に見る事ができ、自然の美しさと大切さを心に刻む時間となり、忘れられないものになりました。

午後からは浦内川でカヌーです。これもまた初めてでしたが、やっていく中でどんどん漕げるようになり、主人と２人マングローブの中をゆったりとマイペースに回る事ができました。川も想像よりずっとずっと綺麗で、心地よい時間を過ごす事ができました。
ツアー終了後、すぐにツアー中に撮ってくださった沢山の写真を送って頂き、とっても嬉しかったです。また来たいと思わせてくれる最高のツアーでした。

The photographer was very kind and friendly, which made it easy for us to relax during the shoot. The photos taken with my son under the perfect starry sky are treasures for a lifetime. Additionally, I was taught techniques for capturing beautiful starry skies with my smartphone, so five stars isn't enough! I highly recommend this tour.

とっても親切で気さくなカメラマンさんで、緊張せずに撮影していただくことができました。
満点の星空の下、息子と一緒に撮った写真は一生の宝物です。
また、スマホで星空を綺麗に撮影するテクニックまで教えていただき、星五つじゃ足りないくらいです！とってもオススメのツアーです。

I signed up for the "Jomon Sugi Tracking Tour" yesterday, but I received a cancellation notice from the tour company in the evening due to bad weather. However, they also suggested an alternative tour, the "Shiratani Unsuikyo," and I switched to that. The guide and the other participants were friendly, making it a very enjoyable tour. I was informed that there would be a reduction in fees, so please process that as soon as possible.

昨日の「縄文杉トラッキングツアー」に申込みましたが前日の夕方頃ツアー会社から天気不順により中止の連絡がありました。が、同時に別ツアー「白谷雲水峡」の提案をいただき、そちらに変更しました。ガイドさん同行した方とも気さくで大変楽しいツアーになりました。減額されるとのことなので早目よ手続きをお願いします。

I discovered a tour that combines stand-up paddleboarding (SUP) in the mangroves and snorkeling at the power spot, the Blue Cave, during my first trip to Ishigaki Island, not knowing anything about the area.

I quickly signed up, and although there was a slight mistake with the time in the reservation confirmation, the application was completed without any major issues.

On the day of the tour, we gathered in front of the hotel at 5:45 AM, which meant an extremely early wake-up call. However, since it was a sunrise tour, I enjoyed waking up early, hurriedly got ready, and headed out.

The SUP in the mangroves was enveloped in the morning's tranquility, with no artificial sounds at all, allowing us to leisurely float down the river while enjoying the sounds of nature.

It was truly a wonderful morning activity.

After a brief break, we moved on to the snorkeling tour. They picked us up in front of the hotel and transported us to the snorkeling spot, where we waded into the sea up to our chests to reach the Blue Cave.

The entrance to the cave was a jump dive spot, and with a shout, we made a splash.

After touching the natural amethyst in the Blue Cave and praying for an increase in fortune, we finally went snorkeling.

We encountered colorful fish and sea snakes, enjoying a natural aquarium experience.

The guide shared a lot of information during our travels, which was very educational.

With a packed half-day tour, we had plenty of time in the afternoon, making it a great value tour.

初めての石垣島旅行で何も分からず、マングローブでのSUPとパワースポットである青の洞窟シュノーケリングがセットになったツアーを発見

すぐに申し込み、予約確認で若干時間の間違いがあったものの、特に問題なく申し込み完了。

当日は05:45ホテル前集合と、超早起きでしたが、サンライズツアーなので早起き自体を楽しみ、バタバタと支度してお出かけ。

マングローブでのSUPは早朝の静寂に包まれ人工的な音が一切せず、自然の音だけを楽しみながらゆったりと川をフロート。

本当に良い朝活ができました。


一旦解散してからのシュノーケリングツアー
ホテル前に迎えに来てくれて、シュノーケリングスポットまで移動し、青の洞窟は胸まで海に浸かっての移動。

洞窟入り口がジャンプダイブスポットになっていて、掛け声と共にスプラッシュ

青の洞窟で天然の紫水晶に触れ、金運上昇を祈願したあとは、いよいよシュノーケリング

色とりどりの魚や海蛇にも遭遇し天然の水族館を楽しみました。

ガイドさんは移動中たくさん話を聞かせてくれてとても勉強になりました。

半日モリモリで午後もタップリ時間が使えるのでお得なツアーだと思います。

I participated on the first night of my honeymoon!
The path to the meeting place was dark and a bit unsettling, but my satisfaction was high enough that it didn't matter.
I got to see the best starry sky of my life, and I'm very happy to have taken photos as well!

新婚旅行初日の夜に参加しました！
集合場所までの道は暗くて不安でしたが、気にならないくらいの満足度でした。
人生でいちばんの星空がみれて、また写真が残せて大満足です！

There are various starry sky photo tours, and I made a reservation after seeing a photo and thinking, "I want to have a picture taken like this." It's amazing to be able to take photos under a starry sky that feels like it's about to spill over, with the stars, the sea, and ourselves.

From the moment I made the reservation, they quickly communicated the date and time, so I had no worries heading to the meeting place on the day. I arrived earlier than planned, but they were already waiting for us. They fulfilled our wishes for how we wanted the photos to be taken, and the photographer was bright, easy to talk to, and incredibly kind. My husband and I had a wonderfully satisfying time, and we were very happy. I highly recommend this tour to anyone who is considering it!!!

星空フォトのツアーは、色々ありますが写真をみて『この写真みたいに撮ってもらいたいな』と予約しました。
星と海と、自分達。こぼれ落ちそうな星空の下で写真が撮れるなんて最高です。
予約時から、日にちや時間の連絡もすぐに下さり、当日まで何も心配なく集合場所へ。
予定より早く向かいましたが、すでに待ってて下さりました。
写真もこういう風に撮ってみたいという希望も叶えてくださり、明るくて話しやすくて、それでもってすごく優しいカメラマンさんで夫婦で大満足の時間になり、とっても嬉しかったです。ツアー迷ってる方には、ぜひおすすめしたいツアーです！！！

Upon arriving at Yakushima, they helped me adjust the shoe size during the rental item handover at the airport, and even though my hotel was different, they assisted with luggage storage and transportation to another hotel, which was very helpful.

However, the guide was quite unresponsive, and the rental raincoat did not protect against the rain at all, leaving my T-shirt completely soaked. It was at a level where I couldn't understand why I even rented it.

屋久島到着日の空港でレンタル品の受け渡しで靴のサイズを合わせてくれたり、送り迎えでホテルが違うにも関わらず、荷物の預かりと別ホテルへの送迎もしていただけてとても助かった。

ただ、ガイドさんは塩対応だし、レンタルのレインコートは全く雨を凌げず中のTシャツまでべったべた。
さすがに何のためにレンタルしたのか分からないレベルでした。

It was my first time seeing Jomon Sugi. I had heard that the round trip distance was 22 kilometers horizontally and 750 meters vertically, which sounded quite challenging, so I trained to build my stamina. If you have the stamina to comfortably run about 10 kilometers in an hour, you should have no problem climbing. There were five people in my party besides the guide and myself, but unfortunately, one person had to retire midway due to a cramp (possibly a muscle strain?), so I recommend preparing yourself physically to some extent.

I brought my own clothes and towels, but I rented a backpack, hiking boots, and a raincoat from the tour, which was sufficient. If you prepare everything yourself, light gear should probably be fine, but the ground is very slippery, so hiking boots are a must. I also requested a lunch box from the tour, and while I think it was just ordinary in taste, the scenery made it taste better. I prepared for cold and insect protection, but those might not have been necessary. I climbed at the end of June, and the raincoat was sufficient for warmth; there were hardly any bugs, and there were no leeches (I was quite worried about that...).

Considering the time of year, it was miraculous to have good weather, and it was truly an emotional experience. (The guide and the party were great too!) Seeing it with my own eyes and feeling the impact of the experience is irreplaceable compared to images online. I highly recommend it!

初の縄文杉でした。水平距離往復22キロ、垂直距離750メートル、結構過酷な行程と聞いていたので、走り込みで体力つけて備えました。1時間で10キロ程度を楽に走れる程度の体力なら問題なく登れます。同行のパーティーはガイドさんと自分を除いて5人居ましたが、そのうち1人は残念ながら足が攣って（肉離れかも？）途中リタイアだったので、折角ならある程度体力つけて備える事をオススメします。
装備は服とかタオルだけ自分で持っていき、レンタルでリュックと登山靴とレインコートをツアーで借りましたが十分でした。全て自前で用意する場合も軽装で多分大丈夫ですが、足元は非常に滑るので、登山靴はマストです。お弁当もツアーでお願いしましたが、本当は普通の味だと思うのですが景色の分美味しく感じました。他にも防寒や防虫等備えましたが、要らなかったかも。6月末に登りましたが、防寒はレインコートで十分、虫もほとんど居らず、ヒルは出てきませんでした。（大分、心配してたんだけど。。。）
天気に恵まれたのは時期を考えると奇跡的でしたが、本当に感動的な体験でした。（ガイドさんもパーティーも良かった！）ネットの画像ではなく、自分の目で見て、迫力を感じる経験は他に代えがたいと感じました。是非オススメします！

I participated with my 5-year-old son.

This was my child's second time snorkeling. I had the impression that he didn't do well the first time, but perhaps because he had some experience, he was able to swim even better than I expected this time!

Snorkeling with the sea turtles was absolutely amazing! ♡♡

They were surprisingly close, and we were able to take pictures. The guide, Matsuura, was very kind to the children, which was greatly appreciated as a parent.

It was a tour I would love to join again if the opportunity arises.

5歳児の息子と一緒に参加。

シュノーケルは2回目の子で、
初回は上手くできてなかったイメージだったけど、経験済だからか、今回は思っていた以上に泳げていた！

で、ウミガメとのシュノーケルはすっごく良かった♡♡

びっくりするほど、近い距離にいて写真も撮れたし、担当してくれた松浦さんが、子供にも優しくて、子連れとしてはありがたかった♪

また機会があればお願いしたいツアーでした。

Unfortunately, it rained on the day of the tour. I think it's just one of those things in nature, so I participated anyway, and the tour content was wonderfully well thought out! If it had been sunny, the scenery and colors would have been different. I want to try again!

当日は、残念ながら雨。
自然の事なので仕方ないと思い参加したが、ツアー内容は、良く考えられた素晴らしかった！
晴れていたら、景色・色合いもまた違うんだろうな。
又、チャレンジしたい！！

We participated as a family of three. Matsuura, who was in charge, provided thorough explanations, and we could feel their desire for us to enjoy the experience throughout. In the latter half, my wife got "seasick" and started feeling unwell, but even while on the water, they took care of her and simultaneously took many photos. Not only were there wonderful images, but the support was also full of hospitality. Thank you very much.

家族3人で参加しました。
担当いただいた松浦さん、説明も丁寧で私たちに楽しんでもらいたい、という気持ちが終始感じられました。
後半家内が“海酔い”して気分が悪くなったのですが、海上にも関わらず家内の介抱もしていただきながら、同時に写真もたくさん撮影していただきました。
素敵なたくさん画像もさることながら、ホスピタリティ満点のサポートでした。
ありがとうございました。

I had a great time kayaking for the first time! They announced the areas to avoid, like rocky spots, and I finished the kayaking safely. They kindly provided recommendations for sightseeing spots and were very accommodating beyond just their duties. Although it rained a bit during the kayaking, they remained cheerful regardless of the weather. The photos they provided were beautiful, and there were enough of them that I didn't even need to bring my own smartphone! Some people added options to take their own photos, but it was more than sufficient! I would love to request their services again.

はじめてのカヤック楽しかったです！
岩場など避けて通る場所をアナウンスしてもらい、安全にカヤックを終わりました。
おすすめの観光地を教えて頂き業務以外のことも優しく対応してくださいました^ ^
カヤックの時多少雨が多かったですが、天候に関わらず明るく接してくださいました⭐︎
頂いた写真の画像が綺麗で自分でスマホを持っていかなくても充分な枚数でした！オプションをつけて自分で写真を撮っている方もいましたが、充分でした！
またこちらにお願いしたいです。

I participated on June 28, right after the end of the rainy season. The Milky Way was perfectly captured, making it an amazing memory! My reservation was for June 27, but when I arrived at the shooting location, there were too many clouds, and the Milky Way wasn't visible, so they kindly changed the schedule for me to the next day (since there was availability).

I was quite indecisive among many starry sky photo tours, but I'm really glad I chose "Tabiwaku Miyakojima." The photos turned out just like those on their website, and I'm very satisfied. Of course, it depends on the weather, but I believe this shop has solid photography skills if it's sunny. The photographer who assisted us was friendly and kind, which made the experience very enjoyable. Thank you very much! (≧∀≦)

梅雨明けしてすぐの6月28日に参加しました。
天の川がバッチリ写って最高にいい思い出になりました！
予約は6月27日だったのですが実際撮影場所に着くと雲が多く天の川が見えなかったので次の日に予定を変更してくださいました。（スケジュールの空きがあったので）
予約をする時に沢山の星空フォトツアーの中でかなり迷いましたが「タビワク宮古島」さんに決めて本当に良かったです。
写真の出来上がりがホームページの写真どおりで大満足です。もちろん天候によるのでしょうが晴れれば写真のウデは確かなショップだと思います。
担当して下さったカメラマンの方が気さくで親切だったのでとても楽しかったです。
ありがとうございました(≧∀≦)

Yamachan, I had a great time! ☺️ Thank you for teaching me about sea turtles and for sharing all your recommendations about the beaches in Miyako! Everyone, definitely go see sea turtles with Yamachan!

やまちゃん、楽しかったよーーん☺️
海亀のことも教えてくれて、おすすめビーチも宮古のこと何でも教えてくれてありがとうございました！
みなさん、是非やまちゃんと海亀見てください

I arrived at Ishigaki Airport at 12:30, rented a car, and reached the Ishigaki Port Ferry Terminal around 13:30. I had reserved a half-day course starting at 14:30, but I had plenty of time.

There are shops and small eateries inside the Ishigaki Port Terminal, but I thought it would have been nice to eat outside beforehand. Several tour companies are located within the terminal, and when I went to the one I had booked and told them my name, they guided me. Since I went before checking into the hotel, I was also able to leave my luggage at the counter!

The boat was fast but not so much that it made me feel seasick. We arrived at Taketomi Island in about 15 minutes, and from there, it seemed to be a 15-minute walk to the water buffalo experience location, but with kids in the heat, taking the bus was a good choice. We were quickly guided to the water buffalo experience and set off. We had a relaxing time, learning about Taketomi Island and the water buffalo, and at the end, they played the sanshin and sang for us, making for a wonderful experience. We took commemorative photos at 15:40.

After that, I could choose to return to the Ishigaki Port Terminal at either 16:00 or 17:00, so I thought about staying until 17:00 to rent a bicycle. However, it seemed they only rented until 16:00, so I aimed to walk to Kaiji Beach and Kondoi Beach. But with a 4-year-old in the blazing sun, it was quite tough. I decided to just go to Kaiji Beach, took a quick photo, and hurried back to the water buffalo area, barely catching the 16:45 bus and returning to Ishigaki Port Terminal on the 17:00 ferry.

It's important to check the rental bicycle hours, and for those who want to take their time at the beach, I recommend a morning or full-day course. Drinks were also available for purchase at Taketomi Port.

Since the water buffalo experience was the main plan, it was great, but I also wanted to see Kondoi Beach. The sea isn’t immediately visible; you have to walk quite a distance to see it.

I wrote this hoping it might be helpful to someone. It truly became a wonderful memory! I recommend it for families with children.

12時半に石垣空港着で、レンタカー借りて13時半頃には石垣港離島ターミナルに着けていました。14時半〜の半日コースを予約してましたが、時間には余裕がありました。
石垣港ターミナル内にも売店や小さな食堂はありますが、外で食べてきてからでも良かったなと思います。
石垣港ターミナル内にいくつか観光会社が入っていて、予約したところに行って名前を伝えると案内してもらえました。またホテルチェックイン前に行ったので手荷物も窓口で預かって貰えました！
船は速さもあり酔うほどではなかったです。15分程度で竹富島に到着して、そこからバスで水牛体験の場所へ歩いても15分程の距離みたいですが子連れで暑い中だったのでバスでよかったです。水牛体験もすぐに案内されて出発。ゆったりした時間を過ごせました。竹富島の事、水牛の事、いろんなお話を聞かせていただき最後には三線演奏と歌も歌ってくださりとても良い時間を過ごせました。記念撮影もして15時40分。
そのあと16時と17時の石垣港ターミナルへ戻る時間を選べたため、17時まで滞在して自転車を借りようと思いましたが、16時までしか貸し出ししてないようで徒歩でカイジ浜とコンドイ浜を目指しましたが4歳の足で炎天下の中無理がありかなりしんどかったです。カイジ浜だけにして到着してもサッと写真撮影してすぐに水牛の所へ戻って16時45分発のバスにギリギリ乗り込み、17時の便で石垣港ターミナルへ戻りました。
レンタサイクルの時間の確認が必要なのと、ゆっくりビーチの時間も取りたい人は午前中か1日コースがオススメです。
ドリンクは竹富港でも購入出来ました。
水牛体験がメインの予定だったので良かったですが、コンドイ浜も見てみたかったです。海はすぐ見えるわけではなくかなり道を進まないと見えないです>_<
誰かの参考になればなと思い書きました。
ただ本当にとても良い思い出にはなりました！子連れにもオススメです。

I participated in snorkeling and mangrove SUP at Barasu Island.

The staff were very kind, and I had a great time even as a beginner!

They taught us various things about Iriomote Island, and we enjoyed ourselves during the boat and bus rides.

It was my first time doing SUP, but they helped me when I struggled to paddle, making it a comfortable experience.

If you ever visit Iriomote Island, I definitely recommend trying this out.

I will be making a reservation again for next time!

バラス島シュノーケリングとマングローブsupに参加しました。

スタッフの皆さん優しくて初めてでも楽しめました！

西表島のいろんなことを都度教えていただき
船移動、バス移動の最中も楽しく過ごせました。

私自信supは初めてでしたが上手く進めない時も手助けをしていただいて快適に回ることができました。

是非西表島行かれる際はみなさんも使ってみてください。

また次回も予約させていただきます！