All Reviews for Japan Hidden Gems: Secret Islands

The guide was kind and attentive, and despite my foot pain, I was able to keep up. It was a place I wanted to visit at least once in my lifetime, so I am very satisfied.

ガイドさんも優しく丁寧で、足の痛みを抱える私も何とか付いていくことができました。一生に一度は行きたい場所でしたので、非常に満足しています。

The scenery was of course amazing, but the tour guide was the best. They had a wealth of topics to discuss and shared them in such an interesting way that I forgot my fatigue and was able to enjoy the trekking.

絶景はもちろん最高でしたが、ツアーガイドさんが最高でした。
話題豊富でしかも面白く話してくれて、疲れを忘れてトレッキングできました。

We participated by splitting into a bus team and a free (bicycle) group. The forecast was cloudy with rain, and there was occasional light rain on Taketomi Island. I brought a raincoat but didn't need to wear it. The sea at Nishi Sanchu Bridge seemed beautiful. To visit all the highlights, you need plenty of time, and the last ferry was at 5 PM.

バスチームとフリー（自転車）に分かれての参加。曇雨予報で竹富島は時々小雨。カッパ持ってったけど着なくて大丈夫でした。西桟橋の海が綺麗だったようです。見どころを全部行くには時間がたっぷり必要で、フェリーは最後の17時でした。

On a day with cloudy and rainy forecasts, the strong winds made the ferry ride to our destination quite bumpy, causing even adults to feel seasick and scared. However, we calmed down during the mangrove tour, enjoyed a ride on an ox cart, and the kids were thrilled to see the large Papilio butterfly and the golden chrysalis at the Yufu Island Butterfly Garden. The bus tour was well-paced with informative explanations, allowing us to efficiently explore the area. It rained while we were on the boat, but elsewhere it was just cloudy, so we managed to have a fun time. It would have been perfect if it had been sunny.

曇雨予報の日、風が強く行きのフェリーが揺れまくり大人も船酔いand怖さで大変でした。その後のマングローブ遊覧で落ち着き、牛車も楽しめ、由布島蝶々園の大きなオオゴマダラと金色のサナギに子供大喜びでした。バスツアーはテンポよく説明もあり効率よく周れました。船中に雨が降りましたが、他はなんとか曇だったので楽しく周れました。晴れなら最高でした。

I slept like a baby. Staff was great getting on and getting off

Guide Mitsuhashi provided an accurate and insightful tour. He made every effort to avoid crowded times, and at Jomon Sugi and the Wilson stump, it felt almost like we had the place to ourselves. It was truly moving!

ガイドの三橋さんが的確なガイドをしてくださいました。混み合いそうなタイミングを極力避けてくださり、縄文杉やウィルソン株ではほぼ貸切なんじゃないかというくらいの空き具合、感動でした！

There were some hits and misses with the guide, and honestly, my guide wasn't very good.

Disappointments:
While the guide would stop at key points to explain things, they would immediately start walking again after finishing the explanation, leaving no time for taking photos. We arrived at the entrance before 5 PM, so we had plenty of time, and I wished there had been more time for photography.

There was no announcement about how many minutes the break would be, and the guide prioritized their own schedule, waiting until they finished their meal. While walking, the guide completely ignored the participants behind them, not noticing if anyone was lagging or even falling. They walked ahead without considering the participants' conditions, making it difficult to take water breaks.

Additionally, when using trekking poles on the stairs, it was hard to walk behind the guide because they would stick the poles out behind them.

However, there were certainly parts where having a guide was helpful, especially for pacing and knowing where the rest points were. For those who are not used to hiking, it's safer to have a guide.

ガイドによる当たり外れがあり自分のガイドは正直あまりよくはなかったです。
不満点
要所で止まって説明してくれるものの説明終わったらすぐ歩き出す為に写真撮影する時間がなかった。帰り入り口には5時前に着いており十分時間に余裕があったのでもう少し撮影する時間を取って欲しかった。
休憩時間が何分というアナウンスがなく、ガイドの食事終了までなどガイド都合優先だった。
歩いている際に後ろを全く気にしてない為に参加者が遅れていても転んでいても全く気がつかない。参加者の様子を考慮しないで歩いていくので給水しにくかった。
階段でトレッキングポールを後ろに突き出すのでガイドの真後ろだと歩きにくい。

ただしガイドがいないとペース配分や休憩ポイント等わからない部分もあるので助かった部分も当然あります。登山慣れしてない方はガイドを付けた方が無難です。

I participated in a one-day tour. I requested a pickup service, but it seems that during busy periods, the pickup may not be available the day before. Since I didn't have a rental car, I was very grateful for the pickup service.

In the morning, we did SUP at Ingyā, and in the afternoon, we went snorkeling at Turtle Bay, which was packed with activities. Our tour guide, Yume-chan, was very kind, and my child was able to participate with peace of mind!

The underwater scenery was truly beautiful, and we were able to see turtles up close, which was very cute. Thank you very much!

１日ツアーに参加しました。
送迎付きをお願いしましたが、混んでいる時期だと前日に送迎不可になることもあるようです。レンタカー無しだったので、送迎していただけて大変ありがたかったです。
午前中にインギャーでSUP、午後からタートルベイでシュノーケリングと盛りだくさんでしたが、ツアーガイドのゆめちゃんには親切にしていただき、子どもも安心して参加できました！
海の中は本当に綺麗で、カメさんも近くで見る事ができて、とても可愛かったです。
ありがとうございました。

The weather was nice, and our guide was very cheerful and fun. Every moment from the talks inside the tour until it ended was enjoyable! There are other tours available, and I'm looking forward to participating in those as well! Even those who can't swim are well taken care of, so anyone can join with peace of mind!

天気も良くて担当ガイドの方もすごく明るく楽しい社内の中のトークからツアーが終わるまでの全ての時間が楽しかったです！
また違うツアーがありますので、そちらの方も参加するのが楽しみです！
泳げない方でもしっかり対応してくださるので誰でも安心して参加できます！

In the morning, the weather was nice, and while cruising through the mangroves in Iriomote Island and crossing to Yubu Island by water buffalo cart, a pleasant breeze was blowing, making it a very enjoyable experience. Riding the water buffalo cart was a first for me, and the sound of the boatman's shamisen added a charming touch, allowing me to savor a relaxed atmosphere.

When we took the ferry to Taketomi Island, it started to rain, and since I had signed up for a cycling course on the island, I was worried. However, the rain stopped partway through, and I was glad I could cycle around the island. I was able to reach the sea, so I felt it was a good choice to go with the cycling course.

I definitely want to visit again when the weather and climate are nice.

午前中は天気も良く、西表島でのマングローブを船で周る時と、由布島へ水牛車で渡る時は、心地いい風も吹いててとても気持ちよく過ごせました。水牛車も初めての体験で、船頭さんの三味線も情緒があって、ゆったりとした雰囲気を味わえて良かったです。
竹富島へフェリーで渡る時に雨が降ってきて、島でサイクリングのコースを申し込んでいたので、心配してましたが、途中から雨も止み、自転車で島をまわれて良かったです。海の方まで行けたので、サイクリングのコースにして良かったと思いました。
またぜひ、気候と天気の良い時に訪れたいなと思いました。

I had some anxiety due to lack of exercise, but I challenged myself because I wanted to see it at least once. The guide, **san, said, "If you only look through the lens, it's a waste! I want you to engrave it in your memory," and that love for Yakushima really came through in those words. I completely agreed with that. The guide was incredibly thorough, even teaching us about aftercare for muscle soreness.

I was fortunate to have great companions on the climb, and we had a lot of fun and were able to descend safely. The sense of accomplishment was immense✨️.

I've gained another unforgettable experience.

Thank you very much🙏.

運動不足で不安はありましたが、一度は見てみたいとチャレンジしました。
ガイドのき**さん、レンズを通してばかりだと、勿体ない！目に焼き付けて帰って欲しいと、屋久島愛が伝わる一言。まさに、その通りだと思いました。凄く丁寧にガイドは勿論のこと、筋肉痛のアフターケアまで教えてくださいました。
一緒に登った仲間にも恵まれ、とても楽しく、無事下山することができました。達成感は物凄かった✨️
心に残る体験が1つ増えました。
本当に、
ありがとう御座いました🙏

The guide was worried because the ages in this group were varied, but we all started walking with the goal of completing the course together. I was encouraged by the sight of older participants walking energetically, which helped me finish the course. Thanks to the guide and everyone in the group. Great job, everyone! ✨

ガイドさんがこのグループは年齢がばらばらなので、と心配されてましたが、とにかく全員で完歩をめあてに歩きはじめました。私よりご高齢の方が元気に歩いている姿に、励まされ完歩できました。ガイドさん、グループの皆さんのおかげです。お疲れ様でした。✨

The snorkeling guides were Makocchan and Soutakun! Both were cheerful and friendly, and their explanations were easy to understand, making it enjoyable and reassuring even for first-timers.

The snorkeling location changed due to sea conditions, but it turned out to be a great decision! I was thrilled to swim with sea turtles, which was a dream come true 🐢✨✨ I got so excited that I almost drowned... haha.

And for my first time on a SUP, we went into the mangroves. The quiet and surreal scenery was breathtaking... it was incredibly healing!! ✨✨

I did fall off the SUP a few times, but that just added to the fun, and I made some amazing memories. ☺️

Thank you so much, Makocchan and Soutakun! I definitely want to go again! When I do, I hope to have you as my guides again! 🤘

シュノーケリングのガイドはまこっちゃんSUPはそうたくん！
どちらも明るくて気さくで説明もわかりやすく、初めてでも安心して楽しめました。

海の状況でシュノーケリングの場所は変更になりましたがそれが大当たり！！
念願の海亀と一緒に泳げて感動🐢✨✨
興奮しすぎてあわや溺れるかと…笑

そして初めてのSUPはマングローブの中へ。
静かで幻想的な景色が広がって…
めっちゃ癒されたーーーッ！！✨✨

しっかりSUPから落ち、掴みは👍
それも含めて楽しくて最高の思い出ができました。☺️

まこっちゃん、そうたくん
本当にありがとうございました😊
また絶対行きたいです！
その時はまたガイドよろしくーー🤘

This was an activity I wanted to experience at least once. The water buffalo crossing the sea is really cute. I had a wonderful experience on Yufujima as well. The jungle cruise on Nakama River was also fantastic.

１度は体験したいアクテビティでした。海を渡る水牛はホントに可愛いです。由布島でも素晴らしい体験出来ました。
仲間川のジャングルクルーズも最高でした。

We were probably grouped by age, and there were eight people from the same generation. We spent 10 hours together, got to know each other, and I saw them a few times the next day and had conversations with them. The guide paid close attention to everyone, which allowed us to trek with peace of mind. I'm glad I was able to accomplish one of the things I want to do before I die.

たぶん年代別にグループ分けされていて、同世代8人でした。10時間も一緒に過ごして、顔見知りになり、次の日も何回かお見かけして話をしたりしました。
ガイドの方はみんなの様子をよくみてくださって、安心してトレッキングをすることができました。
死ぬまでにやりたいことの１つを実行できて良かったです。

The guide, who was a water buffalo driver, was skilled and made the experience enjoyable. They explained the island's traditional events and culture, as well as current issues and challenges, which provided a great experience.

水牛運転手な方のガイドが
上手で楽しめました。
島の伝統行事や文化、
現在の問題点や課題まで説明して
くれて良い経験が出来ました。

It was a wonderful island-hopping experience! I was worried about getting seasick on the boat from Ishigaki Island to Iriomote Island, but that was not a problem at all. The tour was conducted on time for everything, and we had enough time to look at souvenirs. On Taketomi Island, you can choose the return boat at either 4 PM or 5 PM, but I definitely recommend the 5 PM option. If you take the 4 PM boat, you won't have enough time for sightseeing. I feel like there are more star sands than there were 20 years ago!

とても素晴らしい離島巡りでした！石垣島〜西表島までの船に酔わないか心配でしたが、そこは全く問題なかったです。
ツアーは全て時間通りに行われました。お土産を見る時間もちゃんと取れました。
竹富島では帰る船を16時or17時で選べますが、絶対17時がいいです。16時だと観光時間が足りません。20年前より星砂が増えた気がします！

I had a photo shoot on the 17th! Despite the last-minute reservation, they responded quickly, which was a great help. It was my first time having my picture taken, and I was nervous, but they explained everything thoroughly and suggested poses, allowing me to enjoy the shoot! The photos I received are also very beautiful, and I am extremely satisfied! Thank you very much!

17日に撮影をしました！
直前の予約にもかかわらず、すぐに対応していただき助かりました。
写真を撮ってもらうのは初めてで緊張していましたが、丁寧に説明してくださり、ポーズも提案していただけたので、楽しみながら撮影することができました！
届いた写真もとても素敵で、大満足です！
ありがとうございました！

I participated alone and joined a group of five, including our guide.

Our guide, Kiyota, made jokes and engaged each of us in conversation, creating a friendly atmosphere throughout the tour.

Additionally, at various points, he took photos for each group, paying attention to posing and angles, and he did a great job. I really appreciate it! 🙏

Unfortunately, the weather was rainy, but it turned out to be a fun trekking experience. ✨

Thank you very much!

私は１人での参加で
ガイドさん含め５人で回りました。

ガイドの清田さんが、
冗談を交えながら
皆さんそれぞれに話を
振ってくださったりして
和やかな雰囲気で
回ることができました。

あと、ポイントポイントで
各グループごとに
写真を撮ってくださったのですが
ポージングや角度までこだわって
上手に撮っていただき、感謝です🙏

天気はあいにくの雨でしたが、
楽しいトレッキングになりました✨

ありがとうございました。

This was my second time participating, and I definitely recommend joining if you travel to Ishigaki Island. You can explore efficiently without wasting time, and it's easy since there's no driving involved.

二度目の参加でしたが、石垣島に旅行したら是非とも参加をおすすめします。
無駄なく効率良く回れますし運転もないから楽です。

At first, I was a bit anxious about the 22-kilometer journey, but once I participated, I found that the combination of the flat trolley path and trekking made it challenging yet achievable. We set off early in the morning, and although we needed flashlights, it turned out to be a great experience. The sunrise we saw along the trolley path was incredibly beautiful.

Our guide shared humorous anecdotes while explaining the history and knowledge of Yakushima and the Yakusugi trees, making the trekking enjoyable. I also appreciated the explanations of various cedars and plants beyond the famous sites.

With appropriate breaks and adjustments to our walking order based on the guide's experience, our team, which had older members, was able to reach the goal without difficulty. We thoroughly enjoyed seeing Wilson Cedar, the Great Cedar, and Jomon Cedar, and this time we also got to see the trolleys working on the trolley path, as well as wild monkeys and deer, which left me very satisfied.

初めは22キロの道のりに不安もありましたが、実際に参加してみると平坦なトロッコ道とトレッキングの組み合わせで、楽ではないですが完歩することが出来ました。
出発は朝早く、懐中電灯が必要でしたが、それも良い経験で、トロッコ道の途中で見る朝日も非常に綺麗でした。
ガイドの方もユーモアを交えながら屋久島、屋久杉の歴史や知識を解説してくれて、楽しくトレッキング出来ました。
名所の他にも色々な杉や植物の説明も楽しかったです。
適度な休憩とチーム内の歩く順番の調整などガイドの方の経験値で年齢層の高いチームで
したが、無理なくゴール出来ました。
ウィルソン杉や大王杉、そして縄文杉と十分に堪能で出来、今回はトロッコ道で作業するトロッコや野生の猿や鹿も見ることが出来て、非常に満足しています。

My third-grade son loves guides. We thoroughly enjoyed the history of Yakushima and the fun of the forest. I want to go to Yakushima again in the summer.

小学校三年生の息子はガイド大好きです。屋久島の歴史、森の楽しさを十分感じました。まだ夏の時、屋久島へ行きたいです。

Crossing the island by water buffalo cart was a charming and wonderful experience. I was also impressed by the extensive mangroves. The bus driver's stories on Iriomote Island were very informative as well. Thank you very much. It was a bit disappointing that the weather was gloomy.

水牛車での島渡り、趣があり、素敵な体験ができました。
広範囲のマングローブも感動しました。
西表島のバスの運転手さんのお話もとても参考になりました。
ありがとうございまました。
天気がぐずついていたのがちょっと残念でした。

The weather is up to chance, so there's nothing we can do about it.
The magnificent scenery and mangroves were beautiful.
The kayaking experience was fun.
There are fewer photos.
The sense of style is a bit questionable.
🔰 Keep it up, Ryoma-kun!

天気は運次第だから仕方ない
雄大な景色、マングローブ
カヤック体験は楽しかった
写真少なめ
センス微妙
🔰リョーマくん頑張って！

I initially planned for my grandchildren to ride the water buffalo cart, but I felt like I wanted to ride a little longer! The waiting time was quite long, and by the time we boarded the boat, there wasn't enough time to explore the island. That was how I felt. Other than that, I didn't have any particular complaints. If I have the opportunity again, I think I would like to try activities on Yufu Island and Iriomote Island. Thank you very much.

取り敢えず孫たちを水牛車に乗らしたくて計画しましたが、もう少しだけ長く乗りたかったかなぁ！？という感じです。待たされた時間が長くて、船の乗船時間には、中途半端島内巡りしようと思っても時間がない。そう感じでした。後は、特に不満は、ありませんでした。また機会があれば、由布島、西表島のアクティビティに挑戦しようかなぁと思います。ありがとう御座いました。

Everything really clean and efficient. Room comfy and big

I received my ticket at the counter of the island terminal and boarded the ship. With transportation to and from the port, I was able to take a stroll around the island during the extra time I had!

I was able to make good use of my time from lunch until the evening (^^).

離島ターミナルのカウンターでチケットをもらい乗船
港から送り迎え付きで、余った時間で島内のお散歩にも行けました！

ランチしてから夜までのいい時間の使い方ができました(^^)

This is a classic course for island hopping around Ishigaki Island, including a round trip on a water buffalo cart to Yubu Island, a mangrove tour on the Nakama River, and free time on Taketomi Island. We were able to efficiently explore all three islands.

On the water buffalo cart, the guide played the sanshin and sang Okinawan songs, and the bus driver shared interesting stories about the island!

西表島〜由布島へ水牛車で往復、マングローブ群生の仲間川遊覧、竹富島でのフリータイムという石垣島周辺の離島巡りの定番コースのですが、3島を効率よく観光できました。
水牛車ではガイドの方が三線を弾きながら沖縄の歌を歌ってくださり、バスでは運転手の方の島のお話も面白かったです！

This time we took a course around the three islands, and it was very well received by my family. The schedule was just right, and we had a great time. Thank you for your assistance. If there is another opportunity, I will definitely use your services again.

今回はま3島をめぐるコースでしたが、家族にも大好評でした。時間割りもちょうど良く、大変楽しむ事が出来ました。
お世話になりました。又、機会が有れば利用させて頂きます。

Since it was the change of seasons, I wasn't expecting much, but the weather was so nice that I thought the sea would look beautiful! So, I made a reservation the day before. In the morning, we went canoeing on the Urauchi River, and in the afternoon, we did snorkeling at Barasu and another spot. The snorkeling had an unbelievably high level of clarity, and we were able to see clownfish, butterflyfish, and many other types of fish. Our guide in the morning was Teru, and in the afternoon, it was Kengo. Both guides were very knowledgeable, kind, and made us feel safe. When I expressed my lack of confidence in swimming, they took various considerations into account, which allowed us to fully enjoy both the morning and afternoon activities.

Both of them had a deep love for Iriomote Island and shared many interesting things with us, including the beauty and enjoyment of rainy days. I highly recommend this tour for those visiting Iriomote Island for the first time! Make sure to experience this tour at the beginning of your stay on Iriomote Island. You will definitely fall in love with Iriomote Island!

季節の変わり目なので期待していなかったのですが、あまりに天気が良いので、海が綺麗そう！と思い前日に予約しました。午前中は浦内川でのカヌー、午後はバラスともう一つ別のポイントでのシュノーケリングです。シュノーケリングは信じられないほど透明度が高くクマノミ、チョウチョウウオ、その他沢山の魚を見る事ができました。午前のガイドはテルさん、午後のガイドはケンゴさんでした。どちらのガイドさんも視野が広く、親切で安心です。泳力に自信が無い事を伝えると色々と配慮してくれました。おかけで午前も午後も満喫できました。
お二人共、西表島愛があり色々な事を教えてくれました。
雨の日の美しさ、楽しみなども。
西表島初めての方にはこちらのツアーお勧めです！西表島に泊まって最初にこのツアーを体験してください。西表島が大好きになること間違い無しです！