All Reviews for Japan Hidden Gems: Secret Islands

We had to change our snorkeling plans to Waiwai Beach due to high waves and winds at Shinjo Coast, but we were able to see adorable sea turtles right in front of us, and the beautiful fish swimming around the coral reefs exceeded our expectations. Our instructor, So-chan, was very reliable, allowing us to focus on observing underwater with peace of mind. He was also great at taking photos and videos, making it a truly memorable and valuable experience that we were very satisfied with.

新城海岸が波風高く急遽わいわいビーチに変更してのシュノーケリングでしたが、可愛いウミガメを目の前で見ることが出来、珊瑚礁に泳ぐ綺麗な魚たちも期待以上に楽しめました。インストラクターのそうちゃんは、とても頼りになる方で安心して海の中の観察に集中出来ました。また写真や動画を撮るのもお上手で、思い出に残る貴重な体験にとても満足です。

The sea was calm. I was able to swim close enough to the turtles that it felt like we could bump into each other, and I got to watch them munching on seaweed up close! Thank you, Yamachan and Sou-kun. Even when my mask slipped and seawater got into my nose... 😱 you quickly fixed it, so thank you, Yamachan! ✨

穏やかな海でした。ぶつかりそうなくらいの近さで亀と泳ぎ、海藻をモグモグ食べる姿をじっくりと見ることができました！やまちゃん、そう君、ありがとうございました。水中マスクがズレて鼻に海水が…😱の時も、すぐに直してくれてやまちゃんありがとう✨

The flow was easy to understand, and I was able to act calmly both in the cave and in the sea. I was surprised by the abundance of fish, and my anticipation for seeing sea turtles grew.

流れが分かりやすく、洞窟でも海でも落ち着いて行動できました。魚の多さに驚き、ウミガメへの期待も高まりました。

The first sea turtle I saw was eating in the clear ocean. I was healed by the beauty of nature and its adorable appearance. Thank you for providing such a wonderful experience! ✨

初めて見た海亀は、透き通った海の中で食事中。自然の美しさと愛らしい姿に心癒されました✨素敵な体験をさせていただきありがとうございました✨

We participated as a group of 12, and the schedule was nicely balanced, allowing for some free time while we were able to explore the three islands in one day. The lunch was a buffet style, and we were able to enjoy a lot of Okinawan cuisine. It turned out to be a very fulfilling day!

12人の大所帯での参加でしたがタイムスケジュールが程よく自由時間もありつつ1日で離島三島を回れました。昼食もバイキング形式で沖縄料理をたくさん食べることができました。大変充実した1日になりました！

We participated in snorkeling for the first time with our 5 and 7-year-old children. Yamachan was very kind and taught the kids, and they were thrilled to see sea turtles and fish. 😊 Since Yamachan stayed with the kids the whole time, my husband and I were able to relax and enjoy snorkeling together. We created the best memories as a family! ✨

初めてのシュノーケリング、5歳と7歳の子どもと参加させていただきました。やまちゃんがとっても優しく子ども達にも教えてくださり、海亀やお魚が見れて大喜びでした☺️やまちゃんが子ども達とずっと一緒にいてくださったので、安心して夫婦でゆっくりシュノーケリングを楽しむこともできました♩
家族で最高の思い出が作れました✨

I participated in a snorkeling and SUP tour in early April. I was worried about whether my 7-year-old (who was swimming in the ocean for the first time) would enjoy it, but thanks to the bright and kind guide who took great care of us, we had a fantastic time. My child seemed to really enjoy chatting with the SUP guide, Peach Princess from Miyako Island, and was smiling the whole time. We received a lot of wonderful photos, and they even provided transportation to our hotel (thank you, Hiro), making it a very appreciated tour.

４月上旬にシュノーケリングとSUPのツアーに参加しました。7歳（海で泳ぐのは初）が楽しめるか不安でしたが、明るく優しいガイドさんが丁寧にケアしてくださったおかげで、満喫できました。SUPのガイドをしてくださった宮古島のピーチ姫とのお喋りがとても楽しかったようで、7歳は終始ニコニコでした。素敵な写真を沢山いただけて、ホテルまでの送迎もしていただき（ヒロさん、ありがとうございました）、とてもありがたいツアーでした。

This is my second time participating in this tour. Although there are many tour guests moving at once, the group is divided at each destination, allowing for smooth sightseeing without confusion.

On Yubu Island and Taketomi Island, you can explore freely and take your time visiting the places you want to see. The mangrove cruise on Iriomote Island was guided by a knowledgeable guide, and I learned a lot about mangroves.

On the water buffalo cart ride to Yubu Island, the guide played the sanshin and performed island songs for us. On Taketomi Island, I chose the free option this time, and when we arrived at Taketomi Port, there was a rental bicycle shop where I could borrow an electric bike.

During my first visit, I explored on foot, but there are many hilly paths, so having a bicycle makes it easier and gives you more time to enjoy. Lunch was a buffet featuring local island specialties.

このツアーに参加するのは2回目です。
大勢のツアー客が一度に動きますが、行く先々でグループ分けがされていて、迷う事なくスムーズに観光出来ます。
由布島、竹富島での島内観光は自由に回る事が出来、行きたいところをゆっくり観光出来ます。
西表島のマングローブクルーズは、案内人さんのガイドが分かり易く、マングローブの事を沢山知りました。
由布島までの水牛車では、案内人さんが三線を弾いて島唄を披露してくれます。
竹富島では、今回はフリーを選択しましたが、竹富港に着いた際にレンタサイクルのお店の方いて、電動自転車を借りる事が出来ました。
一度目は歩いての観光でしたが、起伏のある道も多く、自転車があると楽ですし、時間にも余裕が持てます。
ランチは島名物が中心のバイキングでした。

I didn't expect to be able to visit three islands in a single day, so I was really excited when I found this tour.

The weather on the day was cloudy with occasional sunshine ☀️, but it was a bit chilly. I had a light jacket with me, so the cold wasn't too much of a problem.

First, we took a ferry to Iriomote Island. From Iriomote Island, we boarded a boat to see the unique mangroves. Then, we crossed over to Yufu Island riding on a water buffalo, which was a valuable experience.

日帰りで3島も巡ることが出来ると思ってなかったので､このツアーを見つけたときは､とてもワクワクしました。

当日は曇りときどき晴れ☀️みたいな天気だったんですが､少し肌寒く一枚薄いジャンパーを持っていたので､あまり寒さは苦にはなりませんでした。

まず、フェリーに乗って西表島へ
西表島から船に乗って珍しいマングローブ
それから西表島から由布島へ水牛に乗って渡ったのが貴重な経験が出来ました。

Arrived in Ishigaki via a transfer in Naha from Tokyo. Had lunch at Ishigaki Airport, and then went to Taketomi Island on this tour. I was able to enjoy it without wasting any time and felt satisfied. Thanks to that, the next day I had a full day of activities in Miyako Island. Instead of rushing through sightseeing, I was able to take my time and enjoy it thoroughly.

東京から那覇で乗り継ぎ石垣に到着。ランチを石垣空港で、その後このツアーで竹富島へ。
無駄なくで楽しめ満足できました。おかげで次の日は1日かけて宮古島へアクティビティ。早足の観光でなくゆっくり十分楽しめました。

It was my first time in Ishigaki and my first time visiting an outer island. I recommend it for those who want to explore efficiently. Since there is a lot of travel by vehicle, it’s enjoyable for both elderly people and those with small children. The explanations from the guides at each stop were fun. Since I have an elementary school student, I signed up for a free walk on Taketomi Island and rented a bicycle on-site. Biking around was very pleasant.

初めての石垣、初めての離島でした。効率よく回りたい方におすすめします。
乗り物での移動が多いので、高齢の方も小さいお子さん連れも楽しめる内容です。
その時々のガイドさんからの解説が楽しかったです。
小学生がいるので竹富島はフリーウォークで申し込み、現地で自転車を借りました。
自転車観光、とても気持ちよかったです。

This was my second tour of the three islands: Iriomote Island, Yubu Island, and Taketomi Island. Unfortunately, we weren't blessed with good weather again, and like last time, it was a cold tour... But to be honest, everyone should go on this tour!!

This time, the bus driver on Iriomote Island was a great storyteller, making the ride really enjoyable. We were laughing a lot. On the other hand, the boatman for the water buffalo cart on Yubu Island, who was very entertaining last time, seemed to be doing a half-hearted job this time, possibly because it was raining, which was disappointing.

I also think there’s room for improvement regarding the lunch we had on Yubu Island. However, the convenience of having hotel pick-up and drop-off, along with the fact that the boat didn’t rock, made it a great experience overall. Above all, I believe this tour is so engaging that you won’t have a moment to feel bored.

2度目の西表島、由布島、竹富島の3島めぐりツアーでした。
今回もお天気には恵まれず、前回同様寒いツアーにはなりましたが・・・
はっきり言ってこれはみなさん行くべきです！！
今回は西表島のバス移動の運転手さんがお話上手でとっても楽しかった。ウケまくりでした。
逆に由布島の水牛車の船頭さん(？)は、前回はとてもお話上手の方の楽しい方だったのですが、今回は雨も降っていたこともあってやっつけ仕事っぽく残念でした。
あとは由布島でいただく昼食も改善の余地があると思います。
ですがホテルへの送迎付きで便利だし船も揺れないし、なにより退屈する暇は無いほど充実しているツアーだと思います。

The morning ferry rocked like a roller coaster, making my heart race with excitement! I was healed by the water buffaloes on Iriomote Island and Yufu Island, enjoyed a fun guide on Taketomi Island while searching for star sand. It was a healing journey!

朝のフェリーは、ジェットコースターなみ揺れて、ハラハラドキドキ！
西表島、由布島の水牛に癒されて、竹富島でガイドさんの楽しいガイドで、星砂探して、
癒される旅でしたー！

I received polite advice at SUP and had a fun experience. Although we couldn't go to the Blue Cave for snorkeling, the weather was nice, and I got to see sea turtles, which made for a delightful time.

ＳＵＰでは丁寧にアドバイスをいただき、楽しく体験できました。
シュノーケリングは青の洞窟には行けませんでしたが、お天気も良く、ウミガメにも会えて楽しい時間を過ごさせていただきました。

We were blessed with good weather and had a great time enjoying the ox cart and the guide's folk songs, surrounded by blooming bougainvillea and deigo flowers. The timing was perfect.

お天気にも恵まれ、牛車もガイドさんの民謡も楽しみながら、ブーゲンビリア、デイゴの花も盛りの中、良い時間を過ごせました。時期的に良かったです。

Even though it's late March, is it scorching hot in Taketomi Island?! For Tokyoites who are still not used to the heat, riding in a covered water buffalo cart while listening to the guide's stories and the sound of the sanshin was the best experience for a leisurely island tour.

This tour, which includes transportation between Ishigaki Port and Taketomi Port, as well as a shuttle bus and water buffalo cart sightseeing, is a great deal. We took the ferry departing from Ishigaki at 2:30 PM and returning from Taketomi at 5:00 PM, which was just the right timing.

3月下旬とはいえ、竹富島は猛暑？！　まだ暑さに慣れていない東京人にとっては、屋根付きの水牛車に乗って、案内人の話や三線の音色を聞きながらゆっくり島巡りができて最高の経験でした。
石垣港⇔竹富港⇔送迎バス+水牛車観光のこのツアーはおトクです。私達は午後14:30石垣発＆竹富発17:00のフェリーで、時間的にちょうどよかったです。

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 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。

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。

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！

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。

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。