All Reviews for Japan Hidden Gems: Secret Islands

As a beginner, I was able to enjoy the experience thanks to the kind instruction from the instructor! Not only did we have the activity, but we also had enjoyable conversations about Okinawa in the car, creating a fun atmosphere throughout. Unfortunately, I couldn't see any sea turtles, but I was able to see various fish, and the instructor provided explanations while sharing different stories about them. It was my first time on a canoe, and I had an extraordinary experience in the magnificent nature.

初心者でしたが、インストラクターの方が優しく教えてくださったので楽しむことができました！アクティビティの体験だけでなく、車内での雑談でも沖縄についてのお話をしてくださって、終始楽しい雰囲気のなか楽しめました。残念ながらウミガメは見られませんでしたが、色々な魚を見ることができ、こちらについても様々な話を交えながら解説してくださりました。カヌーは初めて乗りましたが、雄大な自然の中、非日常的な体験ができました。

This was my second time snorkeling at SAP and Balas Island. No matter how many times I go, I'm always healed by the beautiful sea and the nature-filled jungle! The staff were very kind and took a lot of photos for us! I highly recommend it.

2回目のSAPとバラス島シュノーケリング。
何度行っても綺麗な海と自然いっぱいのジャングルに癒されます！
スタッフの方もとても優しく写真もたくさん撮ってくださいました！とてもおすすめです。

My first time in Okinawa. As I cautiously made my way down a dark road with no streetlights, I finally arrived at the meeting spot. When I turned off the car lights... there was a sky full of stars!! I even got to see a shooting star. I hadn't thought of any specific poses, so I asked for recommendations. They showed me the photos taken right there, and even unedited, the stars were clearly visible, creating a wonderful atmosphere. I can't wait to receive the data.

初めての沖縄。周りに街灯がなく真っ暗な道を、怖々と半信半疑で進むとたどり着きました。
待ち合わせ場所に到着し、車のライトを消すと…そこには満天の星空！！流れ星も見れました。
これといったポーズを考えていなかったので、おすすめを指示してもらいました。
その場で撮ったばかりの写真を見せてもらいましたが、無加工でも星がばっちりと写っていて、雰囲気も良くとてもすてきでした。データをもらうのが楽しみです。

It was my first time in Miyako Island and my first time snorkeling, and it was so much fun! At first, I accidentally drank a lot of seawater and panicked, but once I got used to it, I was able to swim smoothly. There was a note saying that you can't always see sea turtles, so I was wondering about that, but I was able to see more than I expected, which was great!

初めての宮古島で初めてのシュノーケリングでしたが楽しかったです！
はじめ海水をたくさん飲んでしまってパニックになってしまったのですが慣れたらスイスイ泳げました^ ^
海亀も必ず見れるとは限らないという注意書きがあったのでどうかな？と思っていたけれど予想以上にたくさん見ることができてよかったです！

We were picked up at the hotel around 4:30 and arrived at the trailhead shortly after 5:00. We had breakfast that we brought with us at the trailhead and started trekking around 5:50. We reached Jomon Sugi around 11:30. We returned to the trailhead after 4:00 and arrived back at the hotel around 5:30. Our guide, who grew up in Yakushima, shared various stories with us and took photos, making the trekking experience enjoyable.

It was a wonderful experience!

4:30頃ホテルにお迎えがきて、登山口には5時過ぎに到着。
登山口で持ってきた朝ごはんを食べて、5:50頃トレッキングをスタート。
縄文杉には11:30頃つきました。
登山口に戻ってきたのは16:00過ぎで、ホテルには17:30頃到着でした。
担当のガイドさんが屋久島育ちの方で色々なお話をしてくださり、写真なども撮っていただき、楽しくトレッキングができました。

とても良い経験ができました！

We decided to go on a family trip to Ishigaki for the first time and thought about visiting the outer islands. Since planning the itinerary seemed cumbersome, we opted to join a tour. We were able to make effective use of our time from early morning until 6 PM, and we thoroughly enjoyed ourselves. Thank you very much.

初めての石垣家族旅行で離島にいってみようということになり、日程をくむのが面倒なのでツアー参加することにしました。朝早くから18じまで、時間を有効に使え、大変満喫することができました。どうもありがとうございました。

I was worried about the rain forecast from the previous day, but I'm glad that the weather forecast for Ishigaki Island was unreliable. The weather was great, and I had a lot of fun. Additionally, it was inexpensive due to the ongoing campaign. I missed the free pickup bus, but I managed to board the boat on my own. I almost ended up having to cancel.

前日の雨予報でどうなるかと思いましたが、石垣島の天気予報はあてにならなくて良かったです。天気も良く、とても楽しかったです、また、キャンペーン中で安かった。無料のピックアップのバスに乗り遅れましたが、なんとか自力で乗船できました。危うくキャンセルになるところでした。

I used this service for my first trip to Miyako Island! It became the best memory! Thank you so much! I'm looking forward to the data! When I come to Miyako Island again, I would like to request your services! Thank you for your consistently kind and courteous support!

はじめての宮古島旅行で利用させて頂きました！最高の思い出になりました！本当にありがとうございます！データが楽しみです！また宮古島に来た時はお願いしたいと思いました！終始ご親切丁寧な対応ありがとうございました！

My first snorkeling experience!
I was a bit anxious because of the cloudy sky, but once I dove in, it was incredibly beautiful and I was moved.

The staff were very friendly, and I had a great time! It became a wonderful memory! The drone footage was also beautiful, and I was very satisfied! I was glad to encounter a sea turtle too.

Thank you for your kindness! When I go snorkeling in Miyako Island again, I look forward to it!

初めてのシュノーケリング！
あいにくの曇り空だったので不安だったのですが、
潜ってみるととっても綺麗で感動しました。

スタッフの方もとっても気さくで、
楽しく過ごせました(^^)♬
かなりいい思い出になりました!
ドローン撮影も綺麗で大満足です！
ウミガメにも遭遇できてよかったです(^^)

ご親切にしていただき、ありがとうございました！
また宮古島でシュノーケリングをするときは、
宜しくお願いいたします！

It was my first time in Miyako Island. I decided to join a one-day tour for SUP and snorkeling because I wanted to feel the island up close. During the morning SUP session, I was a beginner, but the guide was kind and taught me carefully. I started off paddling while sitting, but soon I was able to stand and paddle, which felt amazing. Unfortunately, during the afternoon snorkeling, I didn't get to see any sea turtles, but I was able to observe various fish in the coral reefs, which was a lot of fun. Overall, it was a very valuable experience throughout the day.

初めての宮古島でした。島を肌で感じたいと言うことで、SUP＋シュノーケリングの1日ツアーに参加を決めました。午前のSUPでは初心者でしたがガイドの方が優しく丁寧に教えてくださり、最初は座って漕いでいましたが、すぐに立って漕ぐことができるようになりとても気持ちよかったです。午後のシュノーケリングでは残念ながら海亀に会うことはできませんでしたが、サンゴ礁で様々なお魚を観察することができとても楽しかったです。1日を通してとても貴重な体験ができました。

This was a group tour with seven people, and thanks to our knowledgeable guide, we all became very close during the leisurely climb. The purpose was to see Jomon Sugi, but it was also a hike where we walked a solid distance. As someone who loves the mountains, I felt it was worth it on the bus ride back.

今回は7人のグループツアーでしたが、知的なガイドさんのおかげで、ゆっくり登れ知らない7人が凄く仲良くなったツアーでした。
縄文杉を見る目的ですが、しっかりとした距離を歩くハイクでもあり、山が好きな私としては行って良かったと帰りのバスでかましてます。

The guide's explanations, pacing, photography techniques, and group management exceeded my expectations, and I had a great time going back and forth.

ガイドの方の説明、ペース配分、写真撮影テクニック、グループの仕切り
期待以上で、とても楽しく往復できました。

The instructor was kind, and I had a lot of fun! The weather was great, and I encountered about six sea turtles. It turned out to be the best day. Thank you!

インストラクターの方も優しくとても楽しめました！
天候にも恵まれウミガメも6匹くらい出会えました。
最高の一日になりました。ありがとうございました。

The weather wasn't very good, but the high-speed boat was fast and had little sway. It's great that you can step on Iriomote Island and see all the islands in one day! The water buffalo is cute.

てんこうはあまりよくなかったが、高速艇は早く揺れも少ない。一日で西表を踏めてすべての島を遠望できるのでGOOD！
水牛がかわいいぞ。

We were fortunate with the weather and were able to take some wonderful starry sky photos! I thought it might be difficult since we had a one-year-old child, but Ryota, who was in charge, guided us through the composition and poses with care and smoothness, so we managed to finish the shoot! The data was processed and sent back quickly, allowing us to enjoy the photos sooner than we expected! If anyone is going to Miyako Island, I will definitely recommend this! Thank you very much!

天候にも運良く恵まれ、とても素敵な星空フォトを撮っていただきました！1歳の子供がいたのでなかなか難しいかな‥と思いましたが、担当してくれた、りょーたさんが、丁寧且つスムーズに構図やポーズを誘導してくださったので、なんとか撮り終わる事が出来ました！！データも迅速に処理し送ってくださったので、思っていたよりも早く写真を楽しむことが出来ました！！宮古島に行かれる方がいらっしゃったら紹介しようと思います！ありがとうございました！！

The photographer was funny, and the stars were beautiful; I was very moved. Thank you for the wonderful time!

写真を撮ってくれるお兄さんが面白くて
星も綺麗でとても感動しました。
楽しい時間をありがとうございました！

It was a comfortable tour with a good pace and just the right amount of explanation. My mother was happy that she could walk 22 kilometers! Thank you very much.

良いペース配分と程よい解説で快適なツアーでした。
22キロ歩けた！と母が嬉しそうでした。
ありがとうございました。

I was a bit anxious since it was my first time doing SUP and snorkeling, but the guide was very attentive and I had a great time! Even though I was the only one participating among many pairs, I had no issues at all. During the SUP, we were taken to a waterfall basin, which was deep enough that I couldn't touch the bottom, but I could swim and enjoy the waterfall experience! I was nervous about snorkeling for the first time, but I was able to get used to it while holding onto the guide's float board.

Bara Island was a bit painful to walk on due to the heels, but it was a stunning island made of rare coral, with only two in the world! The view was breathtaking! There were plenty of fish and coral, and the deep trenches expanded the underwater world for sure. I was really glad to participate, especially since it had been 3 to 4 weeks since the last landing! The guide took lots of photos and videos, so I could safely leave my smartphone in the car.

Next time, I’d like to try the limestone caves and sea turtle snorkeling as well! Thank you for your thoughtful care; I enjoyed every moment!

初SUP&初シュノーケリングだったので不安な気持ちがありましたが、ガイドさんが丁寧に教えてくださり楽しめました！
お二人組が多い中1人参加でしたが全く問題なく参加できました◎
SUPの途中滝壺に案内して下さり、足がつかないほど深いところでしたが泳いで滝行もできます！
初シュノーケリングで不安だったのでガイドさんの浮輪ボードにつかまりながら馴らせていけました！
バラス島は途中歩くところがかかとが痛いですが世界に二つしかない貴重な珊瑚でできた島とのことで絶景でした！お魚や珊瑚はもちろん深い海溝もあり世界観が広がること間違いなしだと思います。3〜4週間振りの上陸とのことで本当に参加できて良かったです！！
ガイドさんが沢山お写真や動画を撮って下さったのでスマホも安心して車内に置いていけます◎
次回は鍾乳洞や海亀シュノーケリング等も行ってみたいです！
細やかな気遣いをしてくださり終始楽しめましたありがとうございました！！

From Shiratani Unsuikyo to Taiko Rock, the weather was cloudy, and there was a forecast for light rain around noon. Thanks to our guide's accurate judgment to go to Taiko Rock before lunch, we were able to enjoy the wonderful view from Taiko Rock! Additionally, we were grateful to have miso soup prepared for us during lunchtime. While walking and during short breaks, we learned a lot about Yakushima's environment, plants, and the lives of its people, for which I am thankful! In the end, the rain we were worried about never came. It was the best day, guided by an amazing guide.

白谷雲水峡から太鼓岩へ　天気は曇り、昼あたりから小雨かの予報が出ていました。昼ごはんを食べる前に太鼓岩まで行こうという、ガイドさんの的確な判断のおかげで、太鼓岩からの素晴らしい眺めをみることができました！また、昼ごはん時には味噌汁も用意していただき、ありがたい限りでした。歩きながら、そして小休憩の時に屋久島の環境、植物、人々の暮らしなどなどいろいろ教えていただき、感謝！
結局心配してた雨も降らずでした。
すばらしいガイドさんに案内してもらえて最高の一日でした。

I experienced SUP for the first time, and it was so much fun!!! The guide's stories were interesting, and the weather was nice, allowing us to see the mangroves beautifully, making it a wonderful memory!

During the snorkeling in the afternoon, the sea was beautiful, and we saw many coral reefs and fish! Barasu Island was also incredibly beautiful!!

This is a recommended tour if you come to Iriomote Island!

初めてSUPを体験しましたが，めちゃ楽しめました！！！ガイドさんの話も面白く，晴れていてマングローブも綺麗に見れて最高の思い出になりました！
また午後に行ったシュノーケリングでは，海が綺麗でサンゴ礁や魚がたくさん見れました！バラス島も最高に綺麗でした！！
西表島に来たらオススメのツアーです！

Since the tour to Balas Island was canceled, I only participated in the morning mangrove canoeing. There were quite a few guests, and at first, I wondered if it would be okay, but the guides worked together efficiently and made sure that each guide team could rotate in an orderly manner. The transportation to the port was smooth, and all the guests were cooperative, making it a fun experience.

Guide R-kun constantly entertained the guests with interesting stories, ranging from jokes to serious jungle tales. At various points, he took photos of each guest, and when we managed to strike a good pose, everyone applauded, which was a lot of fun!

I intended to bring my waterproof camera, but I was told to leave it behind, so I complied. However, there were guests from other teams who brought their cameras, so I thought it would be even better if there was some consistency regarding that. Although I couldn't bring my camera, I was able to take many photos, and I received them via LINE at the end, which was great!

バラス島が催行されなくなったため、午前のマングローブカヌーのみ参加しました。
ゲストが結構な大人数で、最初は大丈夫かな〜と思ったのですが、ガイドのみなさんが仲良くテキパキ連携して、それぞれのガイドチームが順序よくまわれるよう工夫されていました。港への送迎もスムーズで、ゲストのみなさんも協力的で楽しくすごせました。
ガイドのRっくんは常にゲストを楽しませようとおもしろい話（ジョークから真面目なジャングルの話まで笑）をたくさんしてくれました。ポイントポイントで各ゲストごとに写真を撮ってくれて、良いポーズが撮れるとみんなで拍手したり、楽しかったです！
自分の防水カメラを持っていこうと思ったら置いていってほしいと言われたので、従ったのですが、持ってきてるチームのゲストもいたので、その辺り統一していただけるとさらに良いなぁと思いました。自分のカメラは持っていけませんでしたが、写真はたくさん撮って最期にLINEでもらえたので、よかったです！

This is my second time with the water buffalo tour, and this time it was with the Taketomi Tourism Center. The laid-back water buffalo "Mae" stopped several times along the way to take breaks, and we enjoyed the path lined with bougainvillea. There is also a photo service available.

水牛観光は二度目ですが、
今回は竹富観光センターさんでした。
のんびりマイペースの水牛「真栄」君、
途中何度も立ち止まり、休憩しながら、
ブーゲンビリアの道をすすみ、
和みました。
写真サービスも、あります。

Thanks to our guide, who was incredibly knowledgeable about Yakushima, we were able to hear fascinating stories and visit scenic spots, making our round trip around Yakushima enjoyable.

屋久島を知り尽くしておられるガイドさんならではの、お話も聞けて、景勝地にも連れて行って下さり、楽しく屋久島を一周できました。

I was able to enjoy everything I wanted to see and do on this tour. I do not recommend doing the island hopping on your own. After landing on the island by ferry, there is a distance to travel to the sightseeing spots, so you'll need transportation.

見たいところやってみたいこと、全部このツアーで楽しめました。
離島巡りは個人でやるのはお勧めしません。
フェリーで離島上陸後、観光スポットまで行くのに距離があるので足が必要になります。

My first trip to the three islands was enjoyable, as I was able to efficiently visit places that would be difficult to cover on my own. The only downside was at the Takeubushima Water Buffalo Cart stop, where I felt a bit uncomfortable being asked to buy photos that I didn't want. In this age of smartphones, I think such commemorative photos are unnecessary. I also thought it would be better if we could choose at the beginning whether or not to include a commemorative photo.

初めての3島巡りは、個人では周りきれないスケジュールを効率よく周る事ができ楽しめました。
唯一残念なのは、竹生島水牛車下車庫　欲しくも無い写真を撮られ買わないか？と言うよくあるパターンを断るのにちょっと嫌な気分になりました。
スマホ普及のご時世なのでその様な記念写真はいらないと思います。又最初から記念写真付きか付きじゃ無いか選べたら良いとも思いました。

It was a tour with two middle-aged men, but I was able to participate feeling great. I think it would be better if there were a bit more time for restroom breaks along the way. The mothers with children seemed to have a tough time.

初老のオヤジ二人のツアー参加でしたが、ただただ気分良く参加出来ました。
途中でのトイレ休憩にもう少し余裕があれば良いのではと思われます。
子ども連れのお母さんが大変そうでした。

Thanks to our very attentive guide and everyone I met during this once-in-a-lifetime experience, I was able to enjoy a safe and wonderful visit to Jomon Sugi. I am grateful! The photos were taken at just the right moments, making for great memories. Thank you very much!

とても気配りのきくガイドさん、そして一期一会でご一緒した皆様のおかげで、楽しく、無事に縄文杉に会いに行くことができました。
感謝です！写真もポイントポイントで、タイミングよく撮っていただいて、よい記念になりました。ありがとうございました

I participated alone, but I was able to enjoy seeing Jomon Sugi with a friendly group of four people. The guide was from Yakushima and shared many interesting stories about the differences between the past and present, as well as local customs, making for a fun tour. All four participants happened to be physically fit, and since we had some time before the bus, we were introduced to some hidden spots that are not part of the usual course. I was definitely sore the next day, but it became a wonderful memory.

1人での参加でしたが、計4人のグループで和気あいあいと縄文杉を見ることができました。ガイドさんは屋久島出身の方で、昔と今の違いや地元の風習など、多くのエピソードを交えながらの楽しいツアーでした。参加者4人が偶然にも体力がある方で、バスの時間まで余裕があった為に、普段のコースでは無い穴場スポットまで紹介して頂きました。翌日は流石に筋肉痛になりましたが、とても良い思い出になりました。

I participated in the New Year event. It was a tour that left my children, who are in 7th grade, 5th grade, and 1st grade, very satisfied. I would like to invite my parents next time. Thank you very much.

お正月に参加しました。
中1、小5、小1の子供達も大満足のツアーでした。
次回は両親も誘いたいと思ってます。
ありがとうございました。

- Sup
I was a bit anxious since it was my first time, but they taught me patiently, and I was able to ride smoothly. They also taught me some tricks, and I tried them, but they were indeed difficult... However, the sea was warm even at this time of year, and it felt nice to fall in, haha. Everyone who participated with me was kind, and I had a great time!

- Snorkeling
The guide took us to the spot, and in addition to the colorful fish typical of Okinawa, I was lucky enough to see 3 or 4 sea turtles, which was a rare experience. I learned for the first time that sea turtles need to come up for air... Their eyes were round and very cute. We took a lot of pictures, and it became a wonderful memory!

All the guides were warm and friendly, and I had a very fulfilling day. I would love to participate again when I visit Miyako Island!

・sup
初めてだったのでうまくできるか不安でしたが、丁寧に教えていただけ、スイスイと乗ることができました。
ちょっとした技も教えてもらい、挑戦しましたがやはり難しく…でも海はこの時期でも暖かくて、落ちても気持ちよかったです笑笑
一緒に参加した方たちも皆優しく、楽しい時間が過ごせました！

・シュノーケリング
ガイドさんがスポットに案内してくれて、沖縄っぽいカラフルな魚に加え、運良く海亀を3、4匹見れて貴重な体験ができました。海亀は息継ぎをするというのをここで初知り…目がつぶらでとても可愛かったです。
沢山写真も撮ってもらえ、良い思い出になりました！

ガイドさんはどの方も温かみがあって、とても充実した1日を過ごせました。
また宮古島に伺った時は参加したいです！