All Reviews for Japan Hidden Gems: Secret Islands

We participated as a family of four. We brought our 1-year-old and 3-year-old children, and the photographer, Mr. Amane, was very kind, allowing the kids to enjoy the shoot. The weather was nice, and we were able to gaze at the stars, making it a wonderful memory.

家族4人で参加しました。
1歳と3歳の子どもを連れて行きましたが、カメラマンの天靖さんがとても親切で、子どもも楽しんで撮影できました。
天気も良く星も眺めることができ、最高の思い出になりました。

First of all, it was absolutely amazing! Around the time we started shooting, clouds began to cover the sky and we couldn't see the stars, but TenTen was very supportive and said they wanted to keep shooting even after the time had passed! Just when I was about to give up, the clouds gradually cleared, and we were able to capture the starry sky! TenTen made the shooting experience so enjoyable that time flew by! It became the best memory of my birthday trip! Thank you so much!!!

まず初めに最高すぎました！
撮影開始くらいに雲がかかり出して星空が見えてなかったのですが、てんてんさんが時間過ぎても撮りたいと言ってくださりとても親身になってくれました！
自分の時間では諦めようかとしてたらだんだんと雲がすぎていき星空で撮影することができました！
てんてんさんの撮影がとても楽しくあっという間に時間が過ぎてしまいました！
誕生日旅行で最高の思い出になりました！
ありがとうございました！！！

We participated in a tour of Iriomote Island and Yubu Island with our family of four, including our 1-year-old and 4-year-old children. I appreciated the kindness towards families, as one child per adult could join for free. On the day of the tour, we were picked up at 7:15 AM at Fusaki Beach Resort, which was perfectly timed since breakfast started at 6:30 AM. After boarding the bus, we arrived at the port around 7:50 AM, where we received our tickets and an explanation of the day's tour. We departed at 8:15 AM and arrived at Iriomote Island around 9:00 AM. After using the restroom, we quickly boarded a boat for a mangrove exploration. Upon arriving at the port, we swiftly moved by bus to the water buffalo cart station for Yubu Island, reaching there around 11:00 AM. After having lunch at a restaurant, we took photos with the water buffalo and toured the island. We returned to Iriomote Island by water buffalo cart at 12:30 PM and then moved to the port by bus. We quickly boarded the ferry for Ishigaki Island, which took about an hour (arriving at Ishigaki Port around 2:15 PM). The tour provided all the buses, boats, and water buffalo carts, resulting in very short waiting times and minimal waste, allowing even small children to participate comfortably without long waits. The staff on the bus and boat were also very kind to the children, which was touching. Our little one was able to nap in the air-conditioned ferry (with the 4-year-old in a stroller and the 1-year-old in a carrier), making the afternoon activities smooth.

夫婦、1歳、4歳の子供と4人で西表島、由布島ツアーに参加しました。幼児は大人1人あたり1名まで無料ということで、子連れへの優しさを感じました。当日はフサキビーチリゾートへ朝7時15分バスまでお迎え、朝食6時30分からのため絶妙な時間と感心しました。バスに乗り込み、7時50分ごろ港に到着、各種チケットの配布と当日のツアーの説明があり、8時15分に出港、9時ごろ西表島に到着し、トイレを済ませ、すぐにボートに乗り込みマングローブ散策。港に着くとバスで、由布島への水牛車乗り場へ速やかに移動、11時ごろには由布島へ到着し、レストランで食事を済ませたあと、水牛と記念撮影&島内観光、12時30分に水牛車で西表島へ戻り、バスで港へ移動。すぐにフェリーに乗り込み石垣島へ1時間ほどの移動でした（14時15分ごろ石垣港到着）。バスも船も水牛車もツアーで用意されており、待ち時間が非常に短く、無駄が全くと言っていいほど少ないため、小さい子でも待たされることなく快適に参加することができました。バスやボートのスタッフの方々も子供たちに優しい声かけをしてくれ感動しました。お昼寝はエアコンの効いたフェリーの中で（4歳ベビーカーと1歳抱っこ紐）することができたので午後の活動もスムーズでした。

Both instructors were kind, and I felt safe participating! It seemed like the instructors were friends with the sea turtles, and we got some wonderful photos. I had plenty of time and had a very satisfying experience!

インストラクターの2人も優しく、安心して参加出来ました！
インストラクターさんはウミガメとも友達みたいで素敵な写真が出来ました
(っ ॑꒳ ॑c)
時間もたっぷりで、大満足な体験をさせてもらいました♡

The weather was perfect, and I was truly moved by how clearly I could see the Milky Way! This tour was my main goal, and it has undoubtedly become a lifelong memory! I was grateful for how you listened to my requests and suggested various poses. ^ ^

天候にも恵まれ、天の川も鮮明に見えて本当に感動しました！今回、このツアーを一番の目的にしていましたが、間違いなく一生の思い出になりました！
こちらの要望も聞いていただきながら様々なポーズを提案していただき、ありがたかったです^ ^

A time and space where you can forget about work amidst the hustle and bustle of work fatigue. However, the humidity was tough on the body, but overall it was fantastic.

仕事疲れのバタバタとした時間から、仕事を忘れられる時間と空間。
ただ、蒸し暑いのが体には厳しく困りましてが、総じて最高でした。

I went on a canoe tour this time. It was my first time in a canoe, and since we were riding together, I was a bit anxious about whether we could manage it, but our guide, Uk-kun, taught us patiently, and we got used to it quickly!

Spending time surrounded by nature while looking at the mangroves was very pleasant. The course we paddled through was comfortable, and I really enjoyed the canoeing itself!

Next time I come to Iriomote Island, I want to go canoeing again, but there are so many interesting tours for SUP and trekking that it's a tough decision!

However, if I can request a guide, I would like to ask for Uk-kun!

今回カヌーツアーに行ってきました
カヌーは初めてで2人で乗るので、乗れるか不安でしたがガイドさんのうっくんに丁寧に教えてもらうとすぐに慣れました！

マングローブを見ながら自然に触れて過ごした時間はとても気持ちよかったです。
カヌーで通ったコースも快適でカヌー自体もすごく楽しめました！

次また西表島来るか時はカヌーしたいなと思いますがSUPやトレッキングも気になるツアーがたくさんで悩ましいです！

でもガイドさんは指名できるならうっくんにお願いしたいです！

There are no activities, so you can't have a memorable experience, but it's a great spot for island hopping! The mangrove cruise in Iriomote Island and the water buffalo cart to Yufu Island were nice.

アクティビティが無いので、心に残る体験は味わえないが、アイランドホッピングとしてはいいとこ取り！
西表島のマングローブクルーズ、由布島への水牛車は良かったですよ

The cruise while listening to the explanation of mangroves, riding a water buffalo to Yufuin Island, and exploring Taketomi Island by renting a bicycle were all fantastic experiences. In the second half, we had the freedom to explore, and I felt it was efficient in covering the key spots, so I think participating was the right choice. The water buffalo was very smart and cute. It was so endearing to see it pulling the cart.

マングローブの説明を聞きながらのクルーズ、水牛に乗って由布島行ったり、竹富島ではレンタサイクルでの島巡り。後半は自由にできて、効率的に要所を押さえられ、参加して正解だと思いました。
水牛がとても賢く、可愛かったです。荷車を引っ張ってる姿だとても健気でした。

I had a great time taking photos and feeding the water buffalo. By the end, the grandma cow that started last had made it to the top.

水牛と一緒に写真とエサやり、楽しかったです。
最後にスタートしたお婆ちゃん牛が、降りる頃にはトップになってました。

The photographer really helped to create a lively atmosphere, and we got some wonderful photos! We also saw shooting stars, and the night sky was incredibly beautiful!

カメラマンさんが盛り上げてくれてとても素敵な写真が撮れました！
流れ星も見れてとても綺麗な星空でした！

On the reserved day, there were clouds, so I rescheduled for the next day. The conditions were perfect the following day, and I was able to capture an amazing starry sky. It was my first time photographing the stars, and I left the poses up to the photographer, but I had a great time taking pictures. Thank you, Tensei.

予約日には雲がかかっていて、次の日に予約をずらして頂きました。
次の日はコンディションも最高で圧巻されるほどの星空で撮影できました。
初めての星空撮影でポーズなどもおまかせでしたが、楽しく撮ることができました。
てんせいさんありがとうございました。

During this trip to Miyako Island, my long-awaited dream of a stargazing tour came true! Thanks to the photographer, Tenten, I was able to end my journey with the best memories in my heart!

As it was our first time having a proper photo shoot, we were very grateful for the various posing and angle suggestions he provided, allowing us to fully immerse ourselves in the experience. His bright and friendly personality made the shoot feel like it flew by, and we had such a fun and fulfilling time as a family!

The beautiful starry sky of Miyako Island, with the Milky Way and the fantastical shapes of the clouds, and the smiles of my family... I was truly happy to capture this moment! I was able to preserve the emotions of my mother and sister, who were visiting Miyako Island for the first time. I plan to revisit these special travel memories many times in my mind by looking back at these photos!

I had an unforgettable and amazing experience.

　今回の宮古島旅行では念願だった星空ツアーの夢が叶いました！カメラマンのてんてんさんのおかげで最高の思い出を胸に、旅を終えることができました！
ちゃんとした写真撮影が初めてだった私たちに、色んなポージングや画角の提案をしてくださり身を任せて臨めたのでとても助かりました。お人柄も明るくて気さくで、撮影があっという間に感じるほどとにかく楽しく充実した時間を家族で過ごすことができました！
天の川と雲の形が幻想的な雰囲気の宮古島の美しい星空、家族の笑顔、、、この瞬間を収めることができて本当に嬉しかった！宮古島が初めてだった、母と姉の感動を残すことができました。この写真を見返すことで特別な旅行の思い出を今後何度も、脳内再生する予定でいます！！
忘れられない、最高な体験をすることができました。

I experienced mangrove SUP and snorkeling during my trip to Okinawa. While paddling quietly down the mangrove river, the guide shared stories about the plants and creatures, making it not just about paddling but also a fun learning experience about nature. The atmosphere of the guides varied by location, which was another charm of the experience. During snorkeling, I was surrounded by colorful fish in the crystal-clear sea, and I even encountered a sea turtle! It was an emotional experience, feeling as if I was swimming alongside it, and it became an unforgettable time. It was the best experience to fully feel the richness of nature.

沖縄旅行でマングローブサップとシュノーケリングを体験しました。サップは静かなマングローブの川を進み、ガイドさんが植物や生き物の話をしてくれるので、ただ漕ぐだけでなく自然のことも学べてとても楽しかったです。場所ごとにガイドの雰囲気が違い、それも魅力のひとつでした。シュノーケリングでは透明度の高い海の中でカラフルな魚たちに囲まれ、なんと海亀にも出会えました！一緒に泳いでいるような感覚に感動し、忘れられない時間になりました。自然の豊かさを体全体で感じられる最高の体験でした。

It was my first time on Iriomote Island, so I decided to join a tour. I was a bit anxious about experiencing activities in places I couldn't go on my own, but the guides were kind and reliable, allowing me to enjoy myself with peace of mind.

初めての西表島だったので、ツアーに思い切って参加しました。自分ではいけない場所で体験するアクティビティは不安かと思いましたが、ガイドの皆さん親切で頼りがいがあり、安心して楽しむことができました。

Since it was the last slot of the day, they took their time and let me shoot until I was satisfied. The price included retouching. Initially, they mentioned it would take three days for the retouching and delivery, but they sent it to me in about two days.

その日の最後の枠だったため、のんびり気が済むまで撮影してくださった。
価格はレタッチ込みの価格。当初は3日でレタッチし送られてくるとのことだったが2日ほどで送ってくださった。

My 20-year-old daughter, who is not good at swimming, was having a blast like an elementary school student, wildly chasing after turtles! I was amazed by the number of sea turtles.

泳ぎが苦手な２０歳すぎの娘が小学生のようにはしゃいでカメを追ってめちゃくちゃ泳いでました！海ガメの多さに感動。

I participated at the end of September. I've been to Miyako Island several times, but I was amazed the moment I arrived to find a place where I could see such a stunning starry sky. Since I can rarely take photos of the night sky myself, it became a wonderful memory. Thank you very much.

9月末に参加しました。宮古島は何度か来ていますが、こんなに満点の星空が見れる所があるとは知らず現地に着いた瞬間に感動しました。星空の写真は自分ではなかなか撮れないのでとてもいい思い出になりました。ありがとうございました。

I participated in the mangrove experience on a leisurely canoe! The natural beauty of the mangroves, which I had never seen before, was truly stunning, and witnessing such nature that I can't see in the city made my heart race! I thought that with a stand-up paddleboard (SUP), I might be too focused on not falling to enjoy the scenery, so choosing the canoe was the right decision, haha. Of course, I think you can have plenty of fun with a SUP too!

As for snorkeling, I was incredibly lucky to encounter a sea turtle!! I was so happy! It's apparently quite rare, so I was fortunate. Although it was just for a short time (the sea turtle swam too fast), it was a very happy moment swimming alongside it.

The two experiences were led by different guides, but both were very kind and made me feel at ease to enjoy the activities! I definitely want to use this activity again!

マングローブ体験はゆったりカヌーで参加しました！初めて見るマングローブの自然はとても美しく、普段都会では見れない自然の姿を目の当たりにして、心躍りました！
supだと、落ちないように必死で景色を楽しめないかも、、と思ったのでカヌーにして正解でした笑笑もちろんsupでも十分楽しめると思います！！
シュノーケリングはまさかまさかの！！ウミガメに会えましたぁぁ！！嬉しすぎる！なかなかレアらしいので、運が良くてよかったです。
少しの時間だけでしたが(ウミガメの泳ぎが速すぎて)ウミガメと一緒におよげてとても幸せな時間でした。
2つの体験はそれぞれ別のガイドの方が担当してくださいましたが、お二方ともとても親切に案内してくださり、安心してアクティビティを楽しむことができました！！
是非またこちらのアクティビティを利用したいです！

I had a photoshoot with Afro. The weather was uncertain due to the approaching typhoon, but we were able to take beautiful photos under the starry sky! During the shoot, there were reactions like "Nice!" and "Great!" and they played music through a speaker, which helped create soft expressions for the subjects. The shooting time flew by. I received the data a week later, and I am satisfied with the results! It would have been even better if the meeting place had been communicated a bit earlier. Since the ground is dark, participants should be careful and bring minimal belongings!

アフロさんに撮影いただきました。台風前で天候が不安だったのですが、無事綺麗な星空と共に写真を撮ることができました！撮影中も「いいね！」や「ナイス！」などリアクションいただいたり、スピーカーで音楽をかけて下さるなど、被写体が柔らかい表情になる工夫を凝らしており、撮影時間があっという間でした。1週間後にデータをいただき、仕上がりも満足です！
集合場所をもう少し事前にお伝えいただけると尚良かったです！足場が暗いので参加される方は持ち物は最小限でお気をつけて！

Although I made a reservation the day before, I was blessed with good weather and was able to see a wonderful starry sky. When I was unsure about poses, they made suggestions, and I was able to take various photos, creating the best memories. I would love to request this again when I visit Miyako Island.

前日予約でしたが、天気にも恵まれて素敵な星空を見ることができました。
ポーズに悩んだ時に提案していただき、いろんな写真を撮っていただけて最高の思い出になりました。
また宮古島に来た際はお願いしたいなと思いました。

I have visited Miyako Island many times, but I had never been fortunate enough to see the starry sky until this day. I was amazed to see so many beautiful stars for the first time in my life! I asked for a starry sky photo for the first time, and the person in charge, Tenten, made excellent choices for the location and had fantastic photography skills, creating the best memories that have become my treasures! I was also able to see the Milky Way and shooting stars, which made for a very happy time. Tenten is a wonderful person, so I would love to ask for their help again next time. I highly recommend it to anyone who is considering a photo shoot!

宮古島へは何度も来ていますが、なかなか天候に恵まれず星空をみることができなかったのですが、この日は人生で初めてこんなにも星があるの！？ってゆうくらい綺麗な星を見せてもらいました！！初めて、星空フォトをお願いしたのですが、担当して下さったてんてんさんの場所のチョイスや、写真撮影の技術が素晴らしく最高の思い出を作ってくださり私の宝物になりました！！天の川も流れ星も見ることができとても幸せな時間でした。とても人柄も良い方なので次回も、またお願いしたいと思いました。
撮影を迷ってる方はぜひおすすめ致します！！

The Milky Way was incredibly beautiful, and the photos turned out wonderful, creating a great memory! The staff were friendly, and we had a fun time during the shoot. Thank you very much!

天の川がとってもきれいで写真も素敵に撮っていただきとても良い思い出ができました！スタッフの方が気さくな方で楽しく撮影をすることができました♪ありがとうございました

Thank you very much! Thank you very much! Thank you very much! Thank you very much! Thank you very much!

ありがとうございました！ありがとうございました！ありがとうございました！ありがとうございました！ありがとうございました！

I received precise pose instructions from photographer Mr. Amane, and the photos turned out beautifully! He was friendly and engaging, making not just the photos but the entire shoot a wonderful memory. ^ ^

カメラマンの天靖さんに的確にポーズのご指示をいただき、とても素敵な写真になりました！
気さくにお話しいただき、写真だけでなく、この撮影そのものが良い思い出になりました^ ^

Yama-chan and Hikaru-chan were very kind and guided us, making it a precious and enjoyable lifelong memory! Thank you very much.

やまちゃんとひかるちゃんが大変優しく誘導してくれて、貴重な楽しい一生の思い出になりました！ありがとうございました。

I went with my child, but since they are prone to motion sickness, even though we lined up at the very front, we were told to sit at the very back. As a result, we ended up being the last to get off the bus and the last to line up for the boat and the water buffalo. We were always put at the back, in the hottest seats and the ones with no view, which made for a terrible experience.

I had participated about ten years ago as a repeat customer, but I will never join again and I won't recommend it to anyone.

子連れで行きましたが、バス酔いしやすいので1番前に並んだにも関わらず子どもは1番後ろに乗ってくださいといわれた。必然的にバスから降りるのも最後になり、船や水牛に並ぶのも最後になりました。　なんでも1番後回しにされ1番暑い席や景色の見えない席に案内されて最悪な体験になりました。

10年ほど前に参加したことのあるリピーターでしたが2度と参加しないし人にも勧めませー

I believe that the beauty of nature and the clarity of the sea can only be experienced by coming here. The water buffalo were also cute, and I had a great experience. It was fun!

自然の美しさ海の綺麗さはこに来なければ体験出来ない事だと思います　水牛も可愛くいい経験させていたたきました　楽しかった

Snorkeling was amazing! I was worried about the typhoon, but the weather was clear! The ocean was incredibly beautiful, and I was so excited the whole time. I encountered a sea turtle, and its sleeping姿 was so cute! I was healed by the sight of it sleeping peacefully. The staff were kind, and I was able to enjoy it safely, making it the best memory. I definitely want to go again!

シュノーケリングめっちゃ良かった！
台風が心配だったけど天気は快晴！
海はめちゃくちゃキレイで、テンション上がりっぱなしでした。ウミガメに出会えたんだけど、ウミガメの寝てる姿、すごくかわいかった！ゆっくり気持ちよさそうに睡眠してる姿に癒されました。スタッフも優しくて、安全に楽しめたし、最高の思い出になった。
また絶対行きたい！

The meeting place was in front of the vending machine at Uehara Port, and I confirmed this by phone the day before, which made it easy to find on the day of the tour. I was accompanied by Yume-san, who was friendly and very cute!

Unfortunately, we couldn't land on Barasu Island due to the sea conditions, but I hope to have a chance to try again someday. The snorkeling was incredibly beautiful! I heard that after a typhoon, the visibility is even clearer, and I was lucky to experience that!

The waves were higher than usual, making it a bit challenging to swim, but Yume-san was keeping a close eye on us, which made me feel safe while swimming. It was fun to touch a large sea cucumber and see a sea snake!

After a lunch break, we went for a mangrove canoeing experience. Yume-san taught us various interesting facts, which was educational! The canoe was for two people. I was worried about whether I could paddle properly, but surprisingly, I picked it up quickly!

The scenery was fantastically beautiful, and I encountered a hermit crab of a size I had never seen before. Overall, it was a lot of fun. At the end, there was a place to take a shower as well. I had the best experience on this tour with Yume-san. Her photography skills were also outstanding, which was impressive! Thank you very much!

集合場所は上原港の自販機の前と前日にお電話確認あり、当日も分かりやすかったです。
今回ツアーは夢さんに同行させて頂きましたが気さくでとっても可愛い方でした☆
バラス島は海の状況で足をついての上陸は出来ず残念でしたがまたいつかリベンジ出来たらと思います。
シュノーケリングはとにかく綺麗でした☆
台風後はよりクリアに見えるとのこと！
ラッキーでした☆
波がいつもより高くて泳ぐのに少し苦労しついていくのが大変でしたが、夢さんがしっかり見てくれていて安心して泳ぐ事が出来ました。
大きなナマコを触らせてくれたりウミヘビ見れたりと楽しかったです♪
お昼休憩を挟み、午後はマングローブカヌーさ。
色々な知識を教えてくれて、勉強になりました‼︎
カヌーは2人乗り。ちゃんと漕げるか不安でしたが、意外と早く習得出来ました！
幻想的な綺麗な景色で、見た事ない大きさのヤドカリに出会えたり、とにかく楽しかったです。
終わりにシャワーも浴びれる所もありました。夢さんと一緒に同行させてもらえて最高のツアーを体験させて頂きました。
写真センスも抜群に良くて感激です☆
ありがとうございました♪