All Reviews for Bus Tours

I wanted to make the most of my half day upon arriving in Okinawa, so I participated in this tour. It was my first time at the Gangala Valley, and I was overwhelmed by the magnificent nature. I had a wonderful experience entering the caves with a lantern! Although it was July, it wasn't too hot because of the lush trees around, and I appreciated that they lent us insect repellent spray and prepared Sanpin tea for us. I felt reassured as the bus and tourist spots seemed to have solid COVID-19 measures in place. The guide, Bise, at Gangala Valley shared some great stories.

沖縄到着の日の半日を有効に使いたいと思い参加しました。
初めてのガンガラーの谷でしたが、壮大な自然に圧倒され、ランタンを持って洞窟に入ったりと素敵な体験をさせてもらいました！
７月でしたが、木々が生い茂っている中なので、そこまで暑くはなく、虫除けスプレーを貸してくれたりサンピン茶を準備してくださったりと、助かりました。
バスの中や観光先もコロナ対策がしっかりとされている印象で安心できました！
ガンガラーの谷でのガイドのビセさんのお話とても良かったです。

Perhaps it became too formulaic. I think it would have been more enjoyable to explore at my own pace.

あまりにパターン化されてしまったからでしょうか。これなら自分のペースでゆったり回る方が、魅力を味わえたと思います。

It was very nice and spacious. However, I think it's better to have a clear purpose for your stay at Nago Pineapple Park, even if your visit is short.

空いていてとても良かった。
ただ、名護パイナップルパークは滞在が短くてもいいし、滞在する目的を明確にした方がいいと思います。

It was a tour during the COVID-19 pandemic, but the seating arrangement and alcohol disinfection measures were well considered, allowing us to enjoy it with peace of mind. We had plenty of time at the Churaumi Aquarium, which was great. However, the last stop, Pineapple Park, was not what I expected. Is it a place to enjoy a botanical garden? There were several souvenir shops, and I was worried about not finding the exit and being late for the meeting time. I was hoping to eat delicious, freshly picked pineapples at Pineapple Park, but I was disappointed by the unclear layout. Other than that, everything was enjoyable, the guide's stories were interesting, and it turned out to be a fulfilling day with safe driving.

コロナ禍でのツアーでしたが、座席配列やアルコール消毒に配慮されていて、安心して楽しめました。美ら海水族館もたっぷり時間があり、よかったです。ただ、最後のパイナップルパークが、思っていたものではありませんでした。植物園を楽しむ場所でしょうか？お土産もの屋さんが何軒もあり、出口が分からず、集合時間に遅れるかと、不安になってしまいました。パイナップルパークでは、美味しい獲れたてのパイナップルが食べれるかと期待していたのですが、よく分からない作りにガッカリしました。あとは、どこも楽しく、ガイドさんのお話しも面白く、安全運転で、充実した1日になりました。

It was supposed to rain, but it cleared up in the second half, making for a wonderful tour! They also took infection prevention seriously, with mandatory hand sanitizer and mask-wearing, which was reassuring.

雨予報でしたが後半なんとか晴れてとっても素敵なツアーでした！
感染予防もきっちりしていてアルコール消毒とマスク着用は必須で安心です。

I wanted to go to the Churaumi Aquarium, and since I thought driving a rental car would be tiring, I decided to join a tour.

We were picked up in front of the prefectural office, and there were four participants on the trip. I was worried about the weather, but it turned out to be cloudy, and I was satisfied that we could visit the places we wanted to go.

The bridge to Kouri Island must have been really beautiful if the weather had been nice. Maybe I'll try again for a revenge trip!

美ら海水族館に行きたくて、レンタカーだと気疲れしそうだったので、ツアーに参加する事にしました。

県庁前ピックアップ、参加者4人の旅でした。
天気が心配だったけど、なんとか曇り空で、
行きたいところいけて、満足しました。

古宇利島の橋は、天気が良ければむっちゃ綺麗だったんだろうな。
またリベンジするか！

Unfortunately, the weather was bad, so we decided to return by glass boat and water buffalo. Since it was a 2:30 tour, we didn't have much time, but it was nice to experience the townscape with the water buffalo. However, I feel like once is enough. I think it would be better to enjoy it more leisurely with just adults.

あいにくの天気だったので、グラスボートと水牛で帰る事にしました。
2時半のツアーだったので、時間ももともとなく水牛で街並みを体験できたのでとりあえず良かったかな。
でも、一度行けばいいかなという感じです。大人だけでのんびりという方がいいかなと感じました。

It was a combination of a bus tour and a water buffalo cart tour. The guide shared a lot of information about Taketomi Island. I was the only person, but they kindly offered, "Shall I take your picture?"

バス観光と水牛車観光のセットでした。どちらもガイドさんが沢山竹富島のことを教えてくれました。お一人様は私だけでしたが、「お写真お撮りしましょうか？」など声をかけていただき親切でした。

I had planned to visit four islands, but due to COVID, I couldn't go to one island and changed my plan to visit three islands instead. Fortunately, the weather was great, and the tour was very fulfilling, making it a wonderful memory. I participated alone, but it was not a problem at all. I would like to use this service again.

４島巡りを予定していましたが、コロナのため、１島行けず、３島巡りに予定変更しました。幸いにも天候に恵まれ、またツアーの中身も中身も充実していて、とても良い思い出となりました。一人で参加でしたが、全く問題ありません。また利用したいと思います。

Riding a water buffalo and cycling around the island was amazing! It was a truly island-like experience, different from Ishigaki! You can play forever at the beach!

水牛に乗りレンタサイクルで島を回り最高でした！
石垣とはまた違う、離島らしい離島でした！
ビーチにいると永遠に遊べます！

I participated in a popular tour that covers tourist spots in the northern region. There are often cases where the distance from the parking lot to the facilities is considerable, so it's necessary to take measures against the heat.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the dolphin shows and manatee learning experiences at the Churaumi Aquarium have been canceled, and the shows at Ryukyu Village were shortened in both time and content, so I recommend checking their website in advance.

However, all facilities have implemented thorough infection prevention measures, including temperature checks and alcohol disinfection (including awamori disinfection) upon entry, and we were able to enjoy sightseeing and meals while maintaining social distance. The buses also ensured disinfection upon boarding, which made me feel safe participating.

北部の観光地を網羅している人気のツアーに参加しました。駐車場から施設までの距離があったりするケースが多く暑さ対策必要です。
コロナ禍で美ら海水族館のイルカショーやマナティ学習体験などは中止されており、琉球村のショーは時間も内容も短縮されていたので、事前にHPで確認するのをお勧めします。
ただどの施設も感染予防対策が徹底されており、入館時は検温、アルコール消毒(泡盛消毒も)あり、ソーシャルディスタンスで見学や食事を楽しむことが出来ました。バスも乗車時にも必ず消毒していたので安心して参加出来ました。

I was worried about my feet when it rained, but I had a great time! The explanations were very interesting and engaging! The sanpincha was also appreciated!

雨が降ると足元が心配ですが、とても楽しかった！説明もとても興味深く聞き応えがありました！さんぴんちゃも有り難かったです！

The sea was beautiful, and the whale sharks at the Churaumi Aquarium were impressive and great. The tour guide was also entertaining.

海もキレイだったし、美ら海水族館のジンベエサメも迫力があって良かったです。
添乗員の方も面白かったです。

Due to heavy rain, we couldn't enter Shurijo Castle, which we arrived at by 9:00. As a result, we got to Okinawa World early and were able to enjoy the Eisa show starting at 10:30, as well as various experiences like the cave exploration and dressing up! Even if you can visit Shurijo Castle, I recommend watching the Eisa show first at Okinawa World before the cave exploration!

大雨で9:00に着いた斎場御嶽は入場出来ませんでした。そのためおきなわワールドに早く着きましたが10:30からのエイサーショーも見られて玉泉洞も着付け体験も色々楽しめました❗️斎場御嶽に行けてもおきなわワールドでは鍾乳洞よりエイサーショーを先に見るのをオススメします❗️

I only went to courses that included the Churaumi Aquarium...
I plan to buy souvenirs on the last day of the trip or at the airport...
I didn't intend to shop, so I had a plan without lunch, but I decided to order lunch at the last minute.
It would be nice if there were courses that go to less mainstream, hidden spots.

美ら海水族館に行くコースばっかり…
お土産は旅行の最後の日か空港で買うから…
買い物する気が無かったので昼食無しのプランだったが､急遽昼食を頼むことにした。
もっとメジャーでは無く穴場的な所に行くコースがあればいい。

The guide was very kind. I am a foreigner, and I truly appreciate your thoughtfulness. I also received souvenirs, and it was a really enjoyable trip.

ガイドさん　優しかったです。私は外国人なんですが、お気遣い本当にありがとうございました。お土産もいただいてますし、すごく楽しい旅行でした。

Since it's a tourist spot, I underestimated it and participated in heel sandals, but it turned out to be more of an adventure than I expected. I think I would have enjoyed it even more if I had worn shoes that were less slippery and easier to walk in. Everything else was great!

観光スポットなので、甘くみてヒールのサンダルで参加してしまいましたが、思った以上にアドベンチャーでした。滑りずらく歩き安い靴を履いていたら、更に楽しめたと思います。それ以外は最高でしたした！

I participated in a tour for the first time. We visited three islands starting in the morning, and I think we were able to explore at a leisurely pace. The lunch was also delicious. I would like to use this service again when I go to Ishigaki Island.

初めてツアーに参加しました。
朝からで3島巡りましたがゆっくり
回れたと思います。
お弁当も美味しかったです。
又石垣島にいくときは利用したいです。

I think it's a fulfilling plan that allows you to visit various places in one day at a low price. The cool bus rides were comfortable.

一日かけて移動して色んなところに行けて価格も安いので充実したプランだと思います。
涼しいバス移動が快適でした。

Following my visit to Okinawa in November 2018 (two months ago), I experienced my first New Year's celebration in Okinawa and participated in my first island sightseeing bus tour. Although I have visited these places many times by rental car, traveling by bus allowed for a leisurely pace. I highly recommend this tour as it covers many attractions in one day, including Kouri Island, the Churaumi Aquarium, Manza Beach, and Ryukyu Village.

2018年11月（2ヵ月前）の訪問に続いての沖縄訪問。沖縄で初めての年越しで、初めての島内観光バスツアーに参加しました。レンタカーで幾度となく訪問した場所ですが、バスでゆっくりと移動でき、一日で古宇利島、美ら海水族館、万座毛、琉球村などなど、訪問できるのでお勧めです。

The boat from Ishigaki Island is quite fast and can sway due to the waves, so those who are prone to motion sickness should be cautious. The water buffalo pulling the cart is adorable, and it's enjoyable to stroll around the island at a leisurely pace.

石垣島からの船が結構早くて波で揺れるので酔い易い人は注意です。
水牛車の牛が可愛く、島をゆっくり散策できて楽しいです。

I spent a meaningful half day riding on a glass-bottom boat, touring major attractions by bus, and finally leisurely exploring the village on a water buffalo cart while enjoying the soothing sounds of the sanshin. You can also rent bicycles, allowing you to fully enjoy the island at a relaxed pace.

半日間でグラスボードに乗り、バスで主要な観光地を回ってもらい、最後は水牛車でゆっくりと村を回り、三線でほっこりとさせて頂き有意義な半日でした。またレンタサイクルも借りれますので、島をゆっくりと満喫できます。

Kouri Island
- The stay felt a bit short.

Okashi Goten
- It might be related to the bag margin, but it was a waste of time.

Manzamo
- The facilities were under construction, which was a bit disappointing.

Bus guide
- Very kind and good.

古宇利島
・滞在時間が、少し短く感じた。
御菓子御殿
・バッグマージンの関係もあるかもしれないが、時間の無駄。
万座毛
・施設が工事中で、少しガッカリ。
バスガイド
・大変親切で良かった。

I was able to efficiently visit Iriomote Island, Yufu Island, and Taketomi Island in one day, which was great. The weather was nice, so cycling around the islands felt refreshing and enjoyable. The water buffalo were cute and smart, and I enjoyed leisurely watching the village on Taketomi Island, which gave me a sense of being in a different world. It might be a bit more expensive than going individually, but with the hotel pick-up service, it was very efficient and satisfying. The staff were also kind. Actually, I left something at the Taketomi Island tourist center, but when I contacted them, they promptly sent it to me by mail. Thank you very much.

西表島、由布島、竹富島を１日で効率よく回る事ができて、とても良かったです。良い気候だったので自転車で島内を回るのは気持ち良く楽しかったです、水牛も可愛くて賢くのんびりと竹富島の集落を眺めて、非日常感を楽しめました。個人で行くより割高かもしれませんがホテル送迎もあるので、とても効率よく満足でした。スタッフの方も親切でした。実は竹富島の観光センターに忘れ物をしたのですが、連絡をしたらすぐに郵送してくださいました、ありがとうございました。

It was a fun tour. We efficiently explored Ishigaki Island, surrounded by beautiful seas, in a short amount of time and enjoyed taking photos at the scenic spots. The local guide, known for his humor, kept us entertained with his fluent explanations until the end. While island hopping is nice, I recommend this tour for those who want to fully enjoy Ishigaki Island itself.

楽しいツアーでした。美しい海に囲まれた石垣島を短い時間で効率的に回り、絶景ポイントでは写真撮影を楽しみました。名物のおじさんガイドは、笑いを誘う流暢な説明で最後まで飽きさせません。離島巡りも良いですが、石垣島自体を堪能したい方にはお勧めのツアーです。

Taketomi Island was very beautiful and pleasant. It seemed that the village had architectural standards, and all the buildings had that Okinawa vibe. The houses, stone walls, trees, flowers, sky, and sea were all lovely.

The tour itself was excellent, but I was a bit disappointed with the service from the rental bike staff at the tourist center. It wasn't particularly cheap, around 1,300 yen per person, so I wanted to consider walking or taking the bus and ask about how long it would take to get to the beach before deciding. However, as soon as I approached the counter, I was somewhat forced into a contract with comments like, "Okay, we don't have time, so I'll explain everything at once. Please pay for the ferry tickets (to prevent anyone from skipping out) and your money first. Buses are a no-go, we don't have time, hurry up and gather!"

Additionally, the bike saddle was too high, and the girls struggled for a few minutes trying to adjust it, but the male staff member just kept saying, "Usually, everyone adjusts it themselves," and didn't help at all. I understand there are rules for the rental bikes, and it can be tedious to hear complaints about saddle adjustments, but in this day and age where participant feedback is easily shared, wouldn't it be safer to show a little kindness?

竹富島はとてもきれいで気持ちよかったです。村は全て建築基準があるようで、すべての建物がThe 沖縄という感じで雰囲気がでてました。家も石垣も木も花も空も海もきれいでした。
ツアー自体は最高だったのですが、観光センター内のレンタサイクルの方たちの対応が少し残念でした。確か一人1300円程と安いものではなかったため、歩きやバスも候補に入れており、ビーチまでどのくらい時間等がかかるか色々話を聞いてから決めたかったのですが、カウンターに近づくなり、「はい、時間無いからみんなまとめて説明するので先にフェリーのチケット（乗り逃げされないように）とお金払ってくださいね～バスなんてダメダメ～時間無いよ、はいはい、早く集まって～」という様に半強制的に契約させられました。また、自転車のサドルが高くて調節しようと女子だけで数分四苦八苦してたのですが、担当の男性の方は「普段調節は皆さま各自でされてますので～」の一点張りで何もしてくれませんでした。そこのレンタサイクルの規則はもちろんあるでしょうし、いちいちサドル調節が固いと言われてもかったるいのだとは思いますが、この参加者の意見が筒抜けな時代、少しの親切心でも見せた方が無難なのでは？と思いました。

I explored by rental bicycle. If I were alone, I would have taken my time, but my friend was getting bored, so we just breezed through. On the way to Nishizanshi, Nagomi Tower, Kondoi Beach, Kaiji Beach, and Taketomi Port, I was able to see the bright red flowers of the Deigo tree.

As we passed by some houses, we also saw some cows. I wondered what some of the islanders were doing while we tourists were staying there. Even though it is a touristy place, it still retains a certain simplicity.

However, it's unfortunate that such a small island is facing resort hotel development; I saw several signs opposing the development.

In the past, when I received sand from Taketomi Island as a souvenir, it evoked images of dreams and romance, but I think if I had visited when I was younger, my feelings would have been different.

But it's a place you can easily visit from Ishigaki Island.

I hope to revisit Taketomi Island, filled with nostalgic memories, someday.

レンタサイクルで回りました。1人ならじっくりみましたが、友人は、退屈してたので、さらりと。西桟橋、なごみの塔、コンドイビーチ、カイジ浜、竹富港に向かう時、真っ赤なデイゴの花も見ることができました。
民家の前を通りながら、牛さんも見ることができました。
わたしたち観光客が、滞在しているあいだ、島の人の一部は、どうしてるのかと、思いました。観光化されていても、素朴さが残る場所です。
ただ残念なことは、こんな小さな島なのに、また、リゾートホテルの開発が、、開発反対の看板をいくつかみました。

昔、竹富島の☆砂をお土産に、もらった時に、夢とかロマンスとかのイメージでしたが、若い時に、訪れていたら、感動もまた違うだろうと。

でも、石垣島から、ふらっといける場所です。

懐かしさが残る、竹富島の想い出またいつか。

It seems that other tours had private arrangements, but this one was quite lively with about 20 people sharing a single vehicle.

My elderly mother, who visited Taketomi Island for the first time, was delighted to see the townscape comfortably without having to walk. The way the water buffalo skillfully navigated the narrow corners was wonderful!

Unfortunately, the weather wasn't great, so I would like to visit again on a clear day.

The round-trip ferry ticket between Ishigaki Island and Taketomi Island, along with the water buffalo tour and a gift of a Cheki photo at the end, made it a fantastic deal!

他社のツアーは貸切状態のところもあったようですが、こちらは１台に２０名ほど同乗で盛況でした。

竹富島が初めての高齢の母も、歩かずにゆったりと街並みが見られて喜んでいました。
狭い曲がり角も巧みに進む牛さんが素晴らしい！

残念ながらお天気が今ひとつだったので、今度は快晴の時に伺いたいと思います。

石垣島ー竹富島の往復乗船券と、水牛観光、最後はチェキの写真のプレゼントもあり、とってもお得でした！

I chose the bus tour and the water buffalo tour. The content of the tour left a neutral impression. Considering the size of the island and the time allocated for sightseeing, I think it was reasonable. However, after the water buffalo tour, we were almost forced to take a group photo, and we had to wait about 10 minutes until it was our turn. The atmosphere made it difficult to decline purchasing the commemorative photo, which I didn't want, and I didn't like that business approach.

バス観光と水牛観光を選択した。
ツアーの内容は可もなく不可もなくといった印象。
島の大きさと、観光の時間を考えたら妥当な内容だと思う。
ただ、水牛観光終了後にほぼ強制的にグループごとに記念撮影をさせられ、自分たちの順番が来るまで10分くらい待たされた挙句に、写真の購入を断りにくい雰囲気で欲しくもない記念写真を購入させられる商いのやり方は、好きになれない。

Pineapple fields decorating the train window.
The shimmering blue-green of Kabira Bay.
The simple taste of sata andagi.
The lovely smile of the female bus guide.
Luxurious use of spare time!

車窓を彩る　パイナップル畑。
青緑色に輝く　川平湾。
素朴な味わい　サーターアンダギー。
素敵な笑顔　女性バスガイドさん。
スキマ時間　贅沢すぎる活用！