All Reviews for Japan Hidden Gems: Secret Islands

The weather was bad, so we couldn't go to the Blue Cave, but we were able to visit the mangroves, which was fun! I was really surprised by the power of nature that I normally wouldn't see. I also enjoyed hearing the little tips from our guide, which made the trip even more enjoyable. The information about local shops was very valuable, and thanks to that, I was able to enjoy delicious yakiniku and Okinawa soba. If I can come to Ishigaki Island again, I would like to try going to the Blue Cave! Thank you very much!

天候が悪く、青の洞窟にはいけませんでしたがマングローブには行けて楽しかったです！
普段じゃ絶対に見れない自然の迫力に大変驚かされました
ガイドの方のプチ情報も聞けて旅行をさらに楽しむことができました☺︎現地の方のお店の情報は、大変貴重でしたおかげさまで美味しい焼肉も沖縄そばも食べることができました
また今度石垣島に来れたら、青の洞窟も行ってみたいと思います！
本当にありがとうございました！

Every staff member was kind and it was very nice no matter which island I went to. I regret that I didn't have enough time to go around Yufu Island. I wanted to walk more in nature... The songs and dances of the old lady were amazing. The water buffalo experience was also good and fun.

どの島に行ってもスタッフの方全て親切でとても良かったです。
由布島はちょっと時間が足りず島を一周する事が出来なかったのが心残りです。もっと自然の中を歩きたかったですぅ、、
オバァの唄と踊り最高でした
水牛体験もGOOD楽しかった

I participated in snorkeling and stand-up paddleboarding (SUP). Although it was February, the weather was nice, so it wasn't as cold as I expected. During snorkeling, I was able to meet a sea turtle that was eating. The sea turtle, happily munching away, was so cute and soothing! It was also a lot of fun to swim slowly among many fish.

For SUP, we moved to a different location and experienced it in another part of the ocean. I was worried about whether I could balance on the board, but the guide carefully taught me how to ride and gave me tips, so I was able to enjoy it. It was a lot of fun to experience it while gazing at the beautiful waters of Okinawa.

It turned out to be a wonderful day filled with great memories. Thank you!

シュノーケリングとSUPに参加しました。
2月ですが天候が良かったこともあり、思ったよりも寒くなかったです。
シュノーケリングでは、ご飯中のウミガメに会うことができました。おいしそうにご飯を食べているウミガメはとってもかわいくて癒されました！
ウミガメの他にも、たくさんのお魚がいる中をゆっくりと泳ぐことができてとても楽しかったです。
SUPは場所を移動して、シュノーケリングとは違う海で体験しました。
乗れるかどうか不安でしたが、ガイドの方が乗り方やコツを丁寧に教えてくれるので楽しむことができました。
綺麗な沖縄の海を眺めながら体験することができてとても楽しかったです。
1日すごくいい思い出になりました。
ありがとうございました！

I participated alone as a 53-year-old woman. I was worried about whether I could manage without causing any trouble, but thanks to the people who climbed with me and the guide, I was able to meet Jomon Sugi safely.

53歳女子一人参加でした。
迷惑かけずに頑張れるかなと不安でしたが、一緒に登ってくださった方ガイドの方のおかげで無事に縄文杉に会うことが出来ました。

This time, I had a one-day experience with canoeing and snorkeling. The weather wasn't great and it was cold, but I had a lot of fun. I chose canoeing, but I also got to try stand-up paddleboarding, so I enjoyed both! The wind was strong, but paddling hard helped ease the cold. Snorkeling was really, really cold, but in the end, I was able to encounter a turtle, which made for a great memory despite the chill. The staff were also very polite, and they took some nice photos for us, which was great.

今回、カヌーとシュノーケルの１日体験をさせていただきました。
天候が恵まれず寒かったですが、すごく楽しかったです。
カヌーを選びましたが、サップもやらせていただき両方楽しむことができました！
風が強かったので、必死に漕いでいたら寒さは緩和されました。
シュノーケルは本当に本当に寒かったですが、最後に亀に出会うことができて、寒かったけどすごくいいい思い出なりました。
スタッフの方も丁寧で、いい感じに写真も撮っていただきよかったです。

The transfers between boats and buses were smooth, allowing us to see everything very efficiently. I think this is the advantage of the tour.

船やバスなどの乗り換えがスムーズで、とても効率よく見て回ることができました。ツアーの良さだと思います。

This time, I participated in sea turtle snorkeling and SUP!

For the sea turtle snorkeling, there were about 15 of us, including our group, divided into family/couple teams and a young, energetic men's team, with one staff member assigned to each team. I appreciated the thoughtful arrangement of separating the groups into families and couples.

We were in the family/couple team, and the staff member assigned to us was cheerful and lively, making it enjoyable for us. They explained how to use and wear the equipment and the points of interest clearly. We were able to encounter sea turtles, which was very satisfying!

For the SUP, there were four of us, including our group, and two in a canoe, with activities at different locations. I was very happy that the staff member who handled the snorkeling was also in charge of the SUP. I was nervous since it was my first time on a SUP, but I had a great experience chatting with the staff and other participants!

Even though it was February, the water temperature wasn't cold at all. However, it was indeed chilly after getting out of the sea. It seems like having extra towels would be beneficial. The staff prepared bottles of warm water, which helped a lot for washing off sand and rinsing our feet!

They also took commemorative photos underwater and during the SUP, and sent the photo data on the same day! It might be difficult to send the data on the same day during busy periods, but I think they will send it quickly! Thank you for the wonderful memories!

今回、ウミガメシュノーケリングとSUPに参加しました！

ウミガメシュノーケリングでは私達含め約15名程いましたが、家族・カップルチームと、若い元気なメンズチーム、スタッフさんが1名ずつ各チームに付いてくれました。団体さんと家族・カップルで分けてチーム編成してくれる気配りが良かったです。

私達は家族・カップルチームで、担当してくださったスタッフさんは元気で明るい方で、一緒に楽しめました。道具の使い方や付け方、ポイント等も分かりやすく説明してくれました。
ウミガメにも遭遇することができ、満足でした！
SUPでは私達含め4名、カヌー2名で場所を変えてのアクティビティでした。シュノーケリングを担当していただいたスタッフさんがSUPでも担当ということで、とても嬉しかったです。
初めてのSUPで緊張しましたが、スタッフさん、他の参加者さんともお話ししながら楽しく体験できました！

2月でしたが、どちらも水温は冷たくなかったです。しかし、海から上がった後はさすがに寒かったです。タオルも余分にあった方が何かと良さそうです。スタッフさんがぬるま湯の入ったペットボトルを用意してくださり、砂を落としたり足を洗ったりと、とても助かりました！

海中での記念撮影、SUPの時も撮影してくださり、その日のうちに写真データを送っていただきました！繁忙期だとその日のうちにデータ送付は難しいかもしれませんが、すぐ送っていただけると思います！
素敵な思い出をありがとうございました！

The interior of the ship was very clean, and I was able to spend my time comfortably. The staff were also very pleasant and kindly guided me to my designated cabin. There were slippers provided on board, which was quite nice. It was great not having to worry about moving to the restroom or shower room, which also helped reduce the amount of luggage I had to carry. The green sleeping compartments have curtains, so I could lie down without worrying about the eyes of others. After arriving at Aokata Port, I took a short rest in the tatami nap room inside the terminal. Please note that there are no blankets or partitions, so it might be difficult to get a good sleep!

船内はとても清潔感があり、快適に過ごすことができました。スタッフさんも非常に感じがよく、指定客室までご丁寧に案内いただけます。船内では備え付けのスリッパもあり、これが結構嬉しいですね。客室からお手洗いに行ったり、シャワー室に行ったり、移動の際のわずらわしさもなく、荷物も減らせるのでありがたいです。グリーン寝台はカーテンが付いているので、周りの目を気にすることなく、横になれます。青方港到着後はターミナル内の畳の仮眠室で少し横になりました。ブランケットなどの備品はなく、仕切り等もないので、がっつり寝るのは難しいのでご注意を！

This time, we participated in a tour visiting three remote islands with two families (four adults and five children). I was worried because there were many of us, and we had a one-year-old child, but the staff was very attentive, which was great.

The mangrove cruise on Iriomote Island was enjoyable for the adults. The water buffalo carts on Yubu Island and Taketomi Island provided a wonderful experience for both adults and children, and I felt it was worth participating in the tour! Personally, I really liked Kaiji Beach when we did the bus tour on Taketomi Island. I had been there before but remembered not being able to find any star sand. However, this time the bus driver taught us how to search for it, and thanks to that, we were able to find a lot, and both adults and children were engrossed in the search!

Since it was a nice day, the scenery was also very good, and we were able to spend a fantastic day.

今回、２家族（大人４人、子ども５人）で、離島３島巡りのツアーに参加しました。
人数が多く、子どもは１歳の小さい子もいたので心配していましたが、丁寧に対応してくださいってとてもよかったです。

西表島のマングローブ遊覧は大人が楽しめました。由布島・竹富島の水牛車は大人も子どももよい体験ができて、ツアーに参加してよかったと思いました！
個人的には竹富島でバス観光した際に行ったカイジ浜がよかったです。以前行ったことがあったのですが、星の砂が全然見つからなかった記憶がありました。しかし今回はバスの運転手さんが探し方を教えてくれて、そのおかげでたくさん見つけることができて大人も子どもも夢中になって探しました！

天気がいい日だったこともあり、景気もとてもよく、最高の１日を過ごすことができました。

Since we were traveling with children, I thought a tour would be best for the remote islands, so I signed up.

For the tour options, I had already taken the glass-bottom boat the day before, so I chose the water buffalo cart and bus sightseeing.

The highlight for my child was definitely taking the water buffalo cart to Yubu Island. The water buffalo were cute, and there was a bathroom break along the way, which seemed to be a hit! I really enjoyed the atmosphere when the guide sang folk songs on the shamisen while we rode the water buffalo cart.

Also, the boat rocked more than anything I've experienced in my life! It felt like a roller coaster, and the kids were thrilled!

Although we were already feeling full by the time we reached Yubu Island, it was nice to take it easy again on the water buffalo cart while exploring Taketomi Island.

The time spent at each location was short, but the guides were experienced and kept a good pace, so both my child and I could keep up! We also had no issues with bathroom breaks.

子連れのため、離島はツアーが良いと思い申し込みました。
選べるツアーはグラスボートは前日に乗ったので、水牛車とバス観光をチョイス。

子供の1番のポイントは、由布島に水牛車で行ったところでした。水牛さんが可愛いのと、途中トイレタイムがあったのがヒットポイントだったようです笑
私は水牛車でガイドさんが三味線で民謡を歌ってくれたのが雰囲気があってすごく良かったです。

あと、船が人生で1番揺れました！ジェットコースターのようで、これもまた子供も大喜びでした！

由布島で既にお腹いっぱい感はありましたが、竹富島で再び水牛車でのんびり周遊しつつ休憩できたのは良かったなと思います。

各所滞在時間は短いですが、ガイドさんの皆様も手慣れた様子でテンポよく回れて子供も私もついて行けました！
トイレにも困らなかったです。

It was disappointing that the weather was bad and cold during my first island-hopping trip. There's nothing that can be done about that. I hope to have a chance to redeem myself next time.

初めての離島巡りで天気が悪く、寒かったのが残念でした。こればかりは、仕方ないですね。次回リベンジしたいと思います。

I made the best memories.
I have participated in the tour several times, and I am very satisfied with each one.
I want to invite my friends to go again.

最高の思い出ができました。
何度かツアーに参加させて頂いていますが、どのツアーも大満足です。
またお友達を誘って行きたいです。

Planning a trip to the remote islands by yourself is quite difficult, so it was great to visit three islands all at once! I was worried about lunch after reading other reviews, but I was satisfied with the meal provided on the tour.

The mangroves on Iriomote Island are amazing, and if you're considering a remote island tour from Ishigaki Island, I definitely think you should see them at least once. It was cloudy, very windy, and cold, but the early morning tour was better because the river wasn't rough, and we could see a lot of fish. (If you participate in winter, it's a good idea to bring a light down jacket or something similar, even if it becomes extra luggage.)

The optional water buffalo cart tour on Taketomi Island was very relaxing and enjoyable! If you go, be sure to ride and listen to the guide's songs and stories! The bus tour was also helpful since it was a cold day with bad weather.

I thought it would be nice if we could choose whether to take photos with the water buffalo. (I had already purchased photos with the water buffalo on Yubu Island.) I expected to have a bit more free time on Taketomi Island, so the bus to the port was a little early, and I couldn't shop or do anything, which was a bit disappointing.

Overall, the guidance was smooth, and the guides were friendly, making it a very comfortable tour, so I was very satisfied.

自分で離島巡りを計画するのはかなり難しいので、一気に三島をまわれてよかったです！
お昼ご飯は他のクチコミを見て心配してましたが、ツアーのご飯としては満足できました。

西表島のマングローブは素晴らしく石垣島からの離島ツアーを考えているならぜひ一度は見た方がいいと思います。
曇りでとても風が強く寒かったですが、朝早い時間のツアーの方が川が荒れてなくて魚もたくさん見れました。（冬に参加する場合荷物になったとしても薄めのダウン等は持っておいた方がいいです）



竹富島のオプションの水牛車観光はのんびりできてとてもよかったです！！
行ったら是非乗ってガイドさんの歌とお話を聞いてください！
バスのツアーも天気が悪く寒い日だったので助かりました。

水牛の写真のは撮るかどうか選ばせていただけるといいかな？と思いました。（由布島で水牛との写真を購入してた為)
竹富島でもう少し自由時間があると思っていたので港までのバスが少し早く、買い物したりできなくバタバタしたのが残念でした。

全体としては案内もスムーズでガイドさんたちの感じも良くとっても快適なツアーだったので大満足です。

I appreciated the attention to detail, and I was able to build good relationships with my fellow tour members. The weather was also great, making it an enjoyable tour. Thank you very much!

細かなことまで気を使ってもらい、ツアーの仲間達とも良い関係ができ、お天気にもあたり、楽しいツアーでした。ありがとうございました

Although it was mid-February, I participated in a SUP and snorkeling tour. It was a bit chilly for marine sports, but to put it simply, it was amazing! The guide was friendly and approachable, and I was able to bond easily with the other participants, making it enjoyable for everyone. Since the SUP and snorkeling take place in different locations, there is a lunch break in between where we regroup, and the great thing is that I could go to a restaurant I wanted to visit during that break! I highly recommend this experience as you get to try two marine sports in one day!

2月中旬ではありますが、SUPとシュノーケリングツアーに参加させて頂きました。
ある程度肌寒い中でのマリンスポーツ体験でしたが、単刀直入に最高でした！ガイドの方は親切で親しみ安く一緒に参加した方とも打ち解け安くみんなで楽しめました。SUPとシュノーケリングは行う場所が異なるので間にお昼休憩を挟み再度集合という形なのですが、お昼休憩に自分の行きたかったお店に行けるのでそれも魅力のひとつです！
一日のふたつのマリンスポーツを体験することができるのでとてもオススメです！

The explanation about the mangroves was clear and interesting.
The water buffalo cart was strong and comfortable even with a large number of people.
The boat ride was spacious and comfortable, and it swayed less than I expected.
I would definitely like to participate if I have the opportunity.

マングローブでの説明がわかりやすくて面白い
水牛車に大人数が乗っても力強くて快適
船の移動が大型で快適で思ったより揺れが小さかった
機会があればぜひ参加したい

I was worried about my elderly mother using a wheelchair and the potential inconvenience it might cause to others when getting on and off the bus, boarding and disembarking from the boat, and using the water buffalo cart. However, the boat staff, the female bus driver, and the elderly man with the water buffalo cart were all very kind and always offered their assistance. My mother was very happy, and it turned out to be a wonderful trip. Thank you very much for your help.

母が高齢で車椅子利用でバスの乗り降り、ボートの乗下船、水牛車と他の方に迷惑をかける心配がありましたが、ボートのスタッフ、バスの女性ドライバー、水牛車のお爺と皆さんとても親切で、いつも手を差し伸べてくれました。母もとても喜び楽しい旅行となりました。お世話になり、本当に有難うございました。

I took my 90-year-old grandfather and a 0-year-old child, but we were able to get around easily with all the bus transfers and charter services. It rained, but we had a great time. I don't think we could have managed biking around, so I'm glad we signed up for this tour.

おじいちゃん90歳と0歳の子供を連れて行きましたが、全てバスでの送り迎えや、チャーターで連れて行ってもらい、難なく過ごせました。雨でしたが、とても楽しめました。自転車で周遊するなどは決して出来なかったと思うので、このツアーに申し込んで良かったです。

The water buffalo cart driver was really good at explaining things and even sang for us, which was fun. I wish we had more time on the beach during the bus tour; I wanted to play a bit longer.

水牛車のお兄さんが凄く説明が上手で歌も歌ってくれて楽しかったです。
バスツアーは時間がなかったのかもう少し浜辺で遊びたかったです。

The bento from Yubu Island was very delicious. The water buffalo cart was also charming and enjoyable. I think it was better to explore Taketomi Island by bicycle as it allowed for more sightseeing.

由布島のお弁当がとてもおいしかった。水牛車も趣がありよかった。竹富島は自転車の方がいろいろ回れてよかったと思う。

I wanted to engage in activities in Goto from early morning, so I used this service for the first time. Since it was my first time, I opted for the Green Sleeper. While I could hear some noise, there were roll-up blinds that provided privacy. When I closed the wooden door, the onboard Wi-Fi was disconnected, but I was able to connect in other areas. There were times when the TV couldn't connect to terrestrial channels due to the sea area.

I was worried about feeling the sway of the boat, but I hardly felt it and was able to sleep soundly. The onboard shower and restroom were clean, and when I had questions for the crew, they responded promptly and courteously. I would like to use this service again.

朝一から五島で活動したくて初めて利用しました。初めてという事で今回はグリーン寝台を利用。音は聞こえてしまいますが、ブラインドロールカーテン？があるので、プライバシーは守られます。木のドアを閉まると船内Wi-Fiが入らなくなりましたが、他の場所では繋がりました。テレビは地上波は海域により繋がらない事もありました。
心配していた揺れはほぼ感じず、ぐっすり眠れました。船内シャワー室やお手洗いも綺麗でしたし、船員の方に分からない事を質問してもすぐに丁寧に対応して頂けました。また利用したいです。

I participated in a tour for the first time on Iriomote Island. The guide was kind, and I became friends with the other participants, making it a wonderful memory!

I enjoyed learning about plants, Okinawa's history, recommended restaurants, and many fun stories.

I would love to come back with the same group again! ✨

初めて西表島に来てツアーに参加しました。
ガイドのお兄さんも優しく、ツアーの参加者の皆さんとも仲良くなり最高の思い出になりました!

植物のこと、沖縄の歴史、おすすめのごはんやさん、楽しいお話たくさん楽しませていただきました

また同じメンバーで来たいくらいです✨

I'm glad I was able to visit various islands. It might be a good idea to think carefully about the season when participating in the tour. I had a great time.

とりあえずいろんな島を回れてよかったです。ツアーに参加する季節はよく考えたほうがいいかもしれません。楽しめました。

- I was satisfied with the package full of activities.
- We knew in advance that we would get seasick, so we were fine, but I think it would be good to announce to guests who are not used to being on boats to take motion sickness medication.

・アクティビティはてんこ盛りのパッケージで満足でした。
・船酔いすることは事前に分かっていたので、私たちは大丈夫でしたが、船に乗り慣れていないお客さんには酔い止め薬を飲むことをアナウンスした方がいいと思います。

I participated in the full plan that included the water buffalo cart, bus tour, and glass-bottom boat. I am very satisfied! I highly recommend it! You can efficiently enjoy sightseeing from morning until evening in just one day. Although you switch between various modes of transportation like boats and buses several times, the local staff were smooth and easy to understand in their assistance.

水牛車とバス観光とグラスボートプランのフルプランに参加しました。
大満足です‼︎
おすすめです‼︎
朝から夕方まで1日で効率よく観光ができます。
船やバスなど何回か乗り物に乗り換えるのですが、現地の係の方の対応がスムーズでわかりやすかったです。

We participated as a family with three infants. There was no wasted time at all; in fact, the schedule felt a bit rushed, but we were able to enjoy it without delays even with the kids. I was most worried about diaper changes and breastfeeding, but there were facilities set up in various places, so we didn't have any issues. Other families with toddlers brought strollers and followed the same course, but since it involved transferring between rides, it might not be necessary. We managed without one. There were moments when the kids got sleepy and fussy, but we got through it by carrying them around and letting them take short naps while on the rides.

As others have mentioned, I think the lunch box menu might not be appealing to children. They hardly ate anything, and we ended up ordering soba separately (the adults enjoyed it, though). We felt that we didn't have enough time at Yufujima and the star sand beach, but there were so many attractions one after another that the kids were able to spend the whole day without getting bored. I truly believe we wouldn't have been able to cover this itinerary on our own in just one day, so we are extremely satisfied. Thank you very much!

乳幼児3人を連れて家族での参加でした。
無駄な時間が一切無く、むしろ少し追われるくらいの行程でしたが、子連れでも遅れることなく楽しめました。
一番心配していたおむつ替えや授乳も、所々に設置されていたので、困ることはありませんでした。
他の幼児連れのご家族がベビーカーを持参で同じコースを回っておられましたが、乗り物を乗り継ぎ乗り継ぎ…という感じなので、無くてもいいかもしれません。実際私達は無しで回りました。途中眠くなってグズグズしていましたが、抱っこで見学したり、乗り物に乗っている間に少しお昼寝したりで乗り切れました。
他の方も書かれておりましたが、昼食のお弁当が子供は好まないメニューかと思います。殆ど食べられず、別でそばなどを頼みました。（大人は美味しくいただきました。）
由布島、星の砂浜は時間が足りないくらいでしたが、次から次へと見所があり、子供も飽きずに一日過ごせたと思います(^o^)
この行程を自分達では絶対一日では回れなかったと思うので、大大大満足です。
ありがとうございましたm(_ _)m

It was more cost-effective and enjoyable than organizing everything myself. The transportation was smooth and efficient. The bus driver on Iriomote Island was great and shared fun stories. The lunch on Yufu Island was a bit lacking, so I thought about eating on Taketomi Island, but many places close early.

自分で段取りするよりお得で楽でした。
スムーズに移動ができ効率がよかった。
西表島のバスの運転手さんが楽しくお話ししてくださるのが良かった。
由布島での昼食は少し物たらなかったので竹富島で食べようと思ったら閉店時間が早い店が多い。

Upon arriving at Taketomi Island, there is a bus waiting to take you to the water buffalo cart location in about 10 minutes. After that, you can board the water buffalo cart for a journey of just under 30 minutes. During the ride, you can enjoy Okinawan folk music, immersing yourself in the Okinawan atmosphere. The island feels like time moves at a much slower pace, with most places closing around 5 PM, which is hard to imagine in a city.

竹富島につくとバスのお迎えがあり10分程度で水牛車の場所に行けます。その後、水牛車に乗り込んで30分弱の行程。水牛車の中では沖縄民謡の演奏があり沖縄ムードを楽しめます。
島は、17時頃にはほとんど閉まってしまうという感じで都会では考えられないほど時間がゆっくり進んでいる感じを実感できます。

This was my first time on Ishigaki Island, and I definitely wanted to visit some different islands, so I chose three! I also got to ride the water buffalo cart twice! The weather was great, and it turned out to be a wonderful day tour.

今回、初めての石垣島だったし、
絶対違う離島も行ってみたかったから
3個の島をチョイス！
そして、水牛車も2度も乗れました！
お天気も良く、素敵な一日のツアーとなりました。

During the bus ride after landing on Iriomote Island, the driver's commentary had a subtle wit that made me laugh. On Yubu Island, I was able to take a photo with a water buffalo, and if the weather had been good, it would have been the perfect location.

On Taketomi Island, the strong winds made it difficult to ride a bicycle, which honestly limited my activities quite a bit.

That said, it was generally a fun experience. However, in bad weather, the boat tends to rock a lot, so be sure to check the weather forecast before participating. Also, it might be due to the season, but it was quite cold. A jacket is a must in January!

西表島に上陸してのバス移動時、運転手さんの解説が地味に毒があって笑えました。
由布島では水牛とツーショットも撮れましたし、天候さえ良ければ最高のロケーションでしたね。
竹富島では自転車の走行が困難なほどの強風で、正直かなり行動に制限がかかってしまいまね。

とはいえ、おおむね楽しい体験でした。
ただし、悪天候だと船が兎に角揺れるので、参加の際には天気予報にご注意を。
あと、季節的になのかも知れませんが、結構寒いです。
１月中はジャケット必須！