All Reviews for Japan Hidden Gems: Secret Islands

It was a very fulfilling tour. I had a lot of fun experiencing things that would be difficult to arrange on my own. Although there were many participants, it was great that there was also free time for exploration.

非常に充実したツアーでした。個人では手配するのが難しい体験がツアーを通してたくさんできて楽しかったです。参加人数は多かったですが、自由散策の時間もあるため良かったです。

The weather was quite stormy with rain and wind for February 💦. However, I had such a fun time that I forgot about it 🥹💕. I experienced mangrove canoeing, where they carefully taught me how to operate the canoe, explained the plants, and I felt a sense of healing from nature, detoxifying both my mind and body 🫶🏼. For snorkeling, they chose a location less affected by the rain and wind, ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience even for beginners 🐠. Thanks to that, I had a very enjoyable and fulfilling snorkeling experience, and I felt so happy ✨🤿. The staff who taught us were all very friendly and warm, making me want to come back again 😌✨.

天候は2月のため雨風が強い状況でした💦
でもそんなことを忘れるくらい楽しい時間を過ごせました🥹💕
マングローブカヌーを体験してカヌーの操作方法を丁寧に教えてくださったり、草木の説明や自然からの癒しを感じれて心も体もデトックスされました🫶🏼
シュノーケリングも雨風の影響を受けにくい場所を選び初心者の方でも安全に楽しめる場所を選んでくれました🐠
そのおかげでとても楽しく、充実したシュノーケリングを体験できて幸せでした✨🤿
教えてくださるスタッフの方が皆さんすごく気さくで温かくまた行きたいと思えました😌✨

During our 3-day, 2-night trip, we experienced snorkeling and SUP through Beltora! Miraculously, we were able to see a sea turtle while snorkeling, which was a very precious experience! Unfortunately, due to bad weather, we couldn't go to the Blue Cave, so I want to take revenge on that next time I travel!

During the SUP in the mangroves, we were able to experience a mysterious world that we usually can't see. Also, the instructor took some great photos, which became wonderful memories.

I would like to rely on your services again next time!

2泊3日の中日にベルトラさん経由でシュノーケリングとSUPを体験させていただきました！シュノーケリングでは奇跡的にウミガメを見ることができ、とても貴重な体験ができました！天候が悪く、残念ながら青の洞窟には行けなかったので、また旅行に行った際にリベンジしたいです！
マングローブでのサップでは、普段見ることのできない不思議な世界を体験することができました。また、インストラクターの方が撮ってくれる写真がとても上手で、とてもいい思い出になりました。
次回いく際もお世話になりたいと思います！

This was my first time in Ishigaki Island, and I considered going to more remote islands on my own, but I became anxious about the possibility of not being able to secure a ferry reservation, especially given the recent over-tourism I’ve been experiencing in the area. So, I decided to join a tour.

As a result, I was able to efficiently visit three islands and get a glimpse of their charm. The guides were all unique and had their own styles, and they were very good at communicating, which made it a lot of fun.

I think I could have managed to visit each island on my own, but the tour included lunch and transportation with the guide, which felt like a great deal. I realized that starting with a guided tour to explore the highlights and then diving deeper into the places that interest me as a repeat visitor might be the best approach.

Unfortunately, the weather was cloudy with occasional light rain, so I was glad I opted for a bus tour instead of walking or biking around Taketomi Island. However, since we traveled by car to the sightseeing spots, the time spent on the island felt a bit short, and I wished I could have stayed longer. I didn’t have a chance to buy souvenirs except on Yubu Island.

The guide for the jungle cruise was positive, saying that even though it was raining, there were still good things about it, which I appreciated. When the guide expressed disappointment about the weather multiple times, I thought that the most disappointed people were the guests who traveled from afar, and I couldn’t help but think they should offer a discount (though not specifically for this tour).

初石垣島、自力でさらに離島に行くことも考えましたが船の予約が取れないこともあると見て、昨今のオーバーツーリズムを日々実感する地域から行くこともあって不安になりツアーに申し込むことに。
結果三島を効率よく巡って魅力の一端を感じることが出来ました。登場したガイドさんも三者三様で個性的で、皆さんお話がお上手でとても楽しかったです。
それぞれの島に行くだけなら自力でも行けたかなとは思いますが、昼食まで付いてガイドさんも送迎も付いてとてもお得感はあり、やはり最初は解説付きで巡って気になるところをリピーターとして深掘りするのが良いのかなと思いました。
あいにく曇り空に時々小雨といった天気だったので竹富島はフリー歩きや自転車にせずバスツアーにしておいて良かったなと思いますが、見どころ地点に車で行く分？時間が短いのでもう少し島内にいたかったなあとは思いました。由布島以外ではお土産を買うチャンスはありませんでした。
ジャングルクルーズのガイドさんは雨だけど逆に良いこともあると前向きに話して下さってありがたかったです。
ガイドさんに何度もお天気を残念がられると一番残念なのは遠方から来る客の方だしじゃあ値引きしてくれと思っちゃうので(こちらのツアーのことではないです)。

In the morning, I participated in a stand-up paddleboarding (SUP) session, and in the afternoon, I joined a snorkeling experience. The day before had been rainy, but we were blessed with good weather on the day itself, allowing us to fully enjoy the great nature of Ishigaki.

During the mangrove SUP tour, we entered the mangroves and encountered various plants and creatures. The guide provided a lot of information about Ishigaki's natural environment, which was very educational.

On the snorkeling tour, I was thrilled to finally meet a sea turtle in the beautiful ocean and swim alongside it. It was an emotional experience.

My family of five had a completely satisfying experience, creating the best memories!

午前中はサップ、午後からはシュノーケル体験で参加しました。
前日までは雨続きでしたが、当日は天気にも恵まれ石垣の大自然を思う存分満喫できました。
マングローブサップツアーではマングローブの中に入って色々な植物や生物に出会い、ガイドさんも石垣の大自然の説明をたくさんしてくれてとても勉強になりました。
シュノーケルツアーではキレイな海の中で念願のウミガメに出会えて一緒に泳ぐことができて、感動でした。
家族5人大満足の体験ができていちばんの思い出ができました！

I was able to take a photo with a sea turtle. It was cold and rainy, but I got to experience the beautiful sea of Miyako, which made me want to come back during the best season. However, it was a significant drawback that although I confirmed the meeting time as 10:30 AM through the voucher and a phone call the day before, it was set for 10:00 AM on the day itself.

ウミガメにもあえて一緒に写真とれました。雨で寒かったですが、宮古のきれいな海を体感することができ、次はベストシーズンに来たいと思わせてくれました。ただ、バウチャーや前日の電話で集合時間が10時半と確認したが、当日10時になっていたことが大きな減点です。

The weather wasn't great, but I was able to experience everything I wanted without getting caught in heavy rain, making it a satisfying trip. Since we were visiting various places in a day, it was more about seeing and experiencing different islands compactly rather than taking our time to explore. It was wonderful for that kind of travel. However, there were some inconsistencies in the instructions regarding the restrooms at the port, as they said not to go because it would be crowded, yet others were using them. Given that it was a busy trip, it would have been better if they had provided explanations in advance about where to find restrooms.

天気は良くありませんでしたが、大雨に降られることなく、コンパクトにみたいものが、体験したいことができ、満足の旅でした。日帰りで色んなところを回るので、じっくり色々見たいというよりは、コンパクトに色んな島を見てみたい、体験したいという旅としては素晴らしいです。トイレを港では、混むので行ってはいけないと言いながら、他の方は行っていたりと指示がチグハグなところがありましたので、忙しい旅であるが故に、トイレはどこで行っておく等、事前に説明をしてくれた方が良かったです。

I was able to efficiently visit three islands. I also enjoyed having a little bit of Okinawan cuisine for lunch, which was great.

効率よく3島行くことが出来ました。
お昼ご飯も沖縄料理を少しずつ食べることができたのでよかったです。

I participated in stand-up paddleboarding and snorkeling in February. During the paddleboarding, they provided a detailed explanation about the mangroves, which was interesting. In snorkeling, I was able to take pictures with turtles and pufferfish. I also got to see colorful fish. The water was clear and very beautiful.

２月にサップとシュノーケリングに参加しました。サップではマングローブの説明などを丁寧にしていただき、面白かったです。シュノーケリングではカメやフグと写真を撮れました。色とりどりな魚も見ることができました。海の中は澄んでいてとても綺麗でした。

I was impressed that the water buffalo on Yubu Island are considered family by the locals, and that they live in mutual trust. The village on Taketomi Island gave me a comforting impression of a good old Japan. It was a nice, leisurely day of sightseeing.

由布島の水牛は地元の方々にとって家族であり、お互いが信頼し合って生活していることに感銘を受けました。竹富島の集落は何かほっとできる昔の良き日本といった印象でした。のんびりした1日観光で、良かったです。

I was honestly indifferent about riding a water buffalo by myself, but I ended up having a surprisingly fun and meaningful relaxing time. I was satisfied with the tour content and I'm glad I participated.

1人参加で、正直水牛に乗るのはどっちでもいいかな、、と考えていましたが、想像以上に楽しく有意義なまったり時間を過ごせました。ツアー内容も満足で、参加して良かったです。

The weather was unfortunate, but I was glad to see Nakama River with the boat cover removed. The bus on Iriomote Island is more of a means of transportation than a tourist experience. I think incorporating the Wildlife Conservation Center would increase satisfaction even in the rain. Lunch allowed us to feel the essence of Yaeyama, and the portion was ample. The water buffalo was adorable, and we saw many butterflies.

Since I rode a water buffalo cart in Taketomi in the past, I opted for a rental bicycle, but we were in a rush because the return boat was already scheduled. We quickly visited three places: Nishi Sanbashi, Kondoi Beach, and Kaiji Beach. There was no time to go to a café. I thought it was nice that those walking could choose the last boat. I wish the rental bicycle was available for at least two hours.

あいにくの天気でしたが、仲間川はなんとか船のカバーを外して見れて良かったです。西表島バスは観光というより単なる移動手段。野生生物保護センターも組み込むと雨でも満足度が上がると思います。ランチは八重山を感じられ、量も十分でした。水牛が可愛かったです。蝶々もたくさん見れました。
竹富は昔水牛車に乗ったのでレンタサイクルにしましたが、帰りの船が決まっており、時間がなくてバタバタで、西桟橋、コンドイビーチ、カイジ浜の三ヶ所回っておわりでした。カフェに行く時間は皆無。歩きの人は最終便も選択できたので、いいなあと思いました。レンタサイクルもせめて2時間は欲しいです。

I was moved to meet sea turtles! The instructor, Yamachan, was great at finding them, and we were able to encounter many sea turtles! He has a wealth of knowledge and taught us a lot about sea turtles, so I also fell in love with them. Thank you very much! ^ ^

ウミガメに会えて感動しました！
インストラクターのやまちゃんは、ウミガメを見つけるのが上手でたくさんのウミガメに遭遇することができました！知識も豊富で、ウミガメのことをたくさん教えてくれるので、私もウミガメが大好きになりました♪
ありがとうございました^ ^

Overall, it was great for me. This course is quite fast-paced, but it's very difficult to book and complete this itinerary on your own within this time and budget. The explanation of the mangroves, along with the shamisen and singing while riding on the cow, was flavorful and enjoyable. If you find a place you like, there are boats available to each of the surrounding islands, so I think it would be nice to revisit the next day for a more leisurely experience. I think it would be easier to rent a bicycle to get to the beach on Taketomi Island.

全部ありで自分には良かったです。このコースはかなりの駆け足ですが、自分で全部これだけの行程を　この時間と予算で予約してこなすのはたいへん難しい　マングローブの解説も牛さんに乗って聞く三味線と歌も味があってよかったです。気に入った場所があったら各離島への船は出ているので　今回は一回ざっとのおさらい経験として翌日再度ふらっと行けばいいかと思います。竹富島で浜の方に行くにはレンタサイクルあると楽かなと思います。

I participated in a tour in early February! The instructor, Yamachan, was very friendly and knowledgeable about sea turtles. They taught us how to breathe while snorkeling and did warm-up exercises in the shallow water, ensuring the children's safety during the tour. We were able to encounter about five sea turtles and swim quite close to them. They also took many wonderful photos, so I highly recommend this experience!

2月初旬にツアーに参加させていただきました！
インストラクターのやまちゃんは凄く親しみやすく、ウミガメにもかなり詳しい方です。
事前に浅瀬でシュノーケリングの呼吸方法や準備運動を教えて頂き、子供の安全にも配慮されたツアーでした。
実際にウミガメにも5匹くらい出会うことができ、かなり近距離で泳ぐことができました。
素敵な写真も何枚も撮って頂けたので本当にオススメです！！

I was able to paddle through the mangrove tunnel I had always dreamed of. They accommodated my last-minute reservation, which was a great help. The guide's management of the tour was smooth and enjoyable.

カヌーで、憧れのマングローブのトンネルをくぐることができました。直前の予約にも対応していただき、助かりました。担当の方の進行もスムーズで良かったです。

I think it was the best course. If I had a little more time on Taketomi Island, it would have been even better. I think a bicycle is necessary for efficient movement. There are several places where you can rent bicycles, but I think it would have been better to know this before going. Iriomote Island and the water buffalo were also amazing. Be careful about the time of the last bus on the way back.

一番良いコ−スだったと思います。竹富島は、もう少し時間があるともっと良かったです。効率良く行動するには自転車が必要かと思います。レンタル自転車の借りれる所は数カ所ありますが、行く前に把握しておいた方がよかったと思いました。西表島や水牛も最高でした。
帰りの最終バスの時間は気を付けた方がいいですよ。

I usually live in the city and signed up for this tour in search of nature. Unfortunately, I couldn't go to Barasu Island during the winter, but I had a great time participating in the tour. I was able to experience the beauty and vastness of nature that videos and photos can't convey, which made me fall in love with Iriomote Island.

普段は都会に住んでおり、自然を求めてこのツアーに申し込みました。
あいにく、冬場でバラス島には行けませんでしたが、ツアーに参加して楽しい時間を過ごせました。
動画や写真では伝わらない自然の良さや大きさを体感することができ、西表島を好きになるきっかけとなりました。

I was worried about the weather on the day, but the local driver and the ox cart guide were very friendly, and it turned out to be a fun day.

当日は天気が悪くどうなるか？と思いましたが　現地のドライバーさん、牛車のガイドさん　大変気さくで楽しい一日になりました。

Extraordinary. Time flows slowly. Everything was fantastic.
The scenery of Taketomi Island is unique to Taketomi Island. I wouldn't have known that such views cannot be seen on Ishigaki Island unless I went there.

非日常。ゆっくりと流れる時間。全てがサイコーでした。
竹富島の風景は竹富島独自のものなんですね。石垣島であの風景は見られないと、行かなければわからないままでした。

My first time on Iriomote Island. Unfortunately, the weather was not great, but since I had signed up for a tour, I was able to enjoy a visit to Yubu Island to see the mangroves without any worries.

初めての西表島。あいにくの天気でしたがツアーに申込んでいたので、由布島にマングローブ見学に、安心して楽しめました。

I was very satisfied with my trip to the three islands: Iriomote Island, Yubu Island, and Taketomi Island, as I was able to do everything I wanted. I read on other sites that the food wasn't good, but I found it quite tasty. The guide on the cruise in Iriomote Island was entertaining, and I was able to take cute photos with the water buffalo on Yubu Island. I also rode a water buffalo cart on Taketomi Island, but the conversations with the guide, the shamisen music, and the scenery were completely different, making each experience enjoyable. Since I had planned my route in advance with a rental bicycle, I was able to efficiently explore the entire island.

西表島、由布島、竹富島と3島めぐりで全てやりたい事ができて大満足です。他サイトで食事が美味しくなかったと書かれていましたが、私には十分美味しかったです。西表島のクルージングでお兄さんのガイドが面白く、由布島でかわいい水牛との写真が撮れました。竹富島でも水牛車に乗りましたが、ガイドさんの会話・三味線や風景が全く違うので、それぞれ楽しかったです。レンタルサイクルで予めルートを決めていたので、効率よく島全体を周る事ができました。

Unfortunately, it was rainy and cold. But the water was beautiful! Sadly, I couldn't see any sea turtles, but I did see Nemo! I hope to participate on a sunny and warm day next time. Thank you very much.

あいにくの雨と寒さ。でも海の中は綺麗でした！残念ながら海亀はみれず。でもニモは見れました！
次は晴れてあったかい日に参加できたらなと思います。ありがとうございました。

Unfortunately, the blue cave snorkeling was canceled due to the weather, and we had to change to a snorkeling plan in Osaki, but both the morning mangrove canoeing & SUP and the afternoon snorkeling were fantastic and thoroughly enjoyable! The instructor was kind and easy to talk to, which was very helpful! I was healed by the nature of Okinawa, and it turned out to be a fulfilling day!

青の洞窟シュノーケリングは残念ながら天候により中止になってしまい大崎でのシュノーケリングのプランに変更となってしまいましたが、午前中のマングローブカヌー＆SUP、そして午後のシュノーケリング両方とも大満喫できて最高でした！！インストラクターの方も親切で話しやすくて助かりました！
沖縄の自然に癒されて充実の一日になりました！

Due to strong winds, we couldn't go to the originally planned location, but we still had a great time. The instructor takes photos at key moments, so participants can just enjoy the experience! It was a bit cold, but you can still fully enjoy marine activities even in winter.

強風のため、当初予定していた場所には行けませんでしたが、それでも十分に楽しめました。インストラクターさんが要所で写真を撮ってくれるので、参加者はただその場を楽しめばｏｋ！　ちょっと寒いけど、冬でもマリンアクティビティーを満喫できます。

You can efficiently visit three islands in one day. The mangrove tour, water buffalo cart ride, and cycling on Taketomi Island were all enjoyable. There was also hotel pickup, which made transportation easy. Thank you for a wonderful time.

１日で効率よく3島まわれます。マングローブ遊覧、水牛車、竹富島でのサイクリング、どれも楽しかったです。ホテル送迎もあったので楽に移動が出来ました。楽しい時間をありがとうございました。

I was very worried about the rain since yesterday, but contrary to my worries, the sun came out and it was clear! There was some wind and it was a bit chilly, but under the enthusiastic explanation of our guide, we had so much fun that it blew away the cold! Canoeing under the mangroves allowed us to see caves and explore places that are not easily accessible, and it was a lot of fun!

昨日からの雨の影響で、とても心配でしたが心配とは裏腹に太陽も出て晴れました！
風はあり少し肌寒かったですが、ガイドさんの熱心な解説のもと寒さを吹き飛ばすくらい楽しかったです！
マングローブの下に潜ったら洞窟を見たりとなかなか見れない場所をカヌーで巡れてとても楽しかったです！

I participated with my first-grade child. The instructor was very friendly, cheerful, and kind, and my child quickly warmed up to them.

My child, who has four years of swimming experience, was worried because it was their first time snorkeling and going to a place in the ocean where they couldn't touch the bottom. However, the instructor kept a close eye on them, and at times, they held my child to help them breathe through their nose and take breaks. With the presence of a float, my child felt secure. Thanks to that, I was also able to enjoy snorkeling!

This is a tour I can recommend for families with children!

On the way back, the instructor also shared recommendations for restaurants and sightseeing spots, which was very helpful.

My child became a big fan of the instructor, so we will definitely participate again next time!

小学校１年生の子どもと参加しました。
インストラクターさんはとても気さくで明るくまた優しくしてくださり、子どももすぐに懐いていました。

子ども(スイミング歴4年)はシュノーケリングが初めて且つ海で足のつかないところに行くのは初めてだったので心配していましたが、インストラクターさんがしっかりと見ていてくださり途中で何度も鼻呼吸ができるように抱き抱えて休憩させてくださったり、浮き輪もあったので安心できました。
お陰様で私もシュノーケリングを楽しむことができました！！

子連れの方にもおすすめできるツアーです！！

帰りの車内ではオススメのご飯屋さんやオススメの観光スポットなども教えてくださり、ありがたかったです。

子どもはインストラクターのお姉さんが大のお気に入りになったので、次回も必ず参加させていただきます！！

The guide's explanations were interesting and enjoyable, making for a quick yet content-rich day. I was worried about the restrooms, but there were plenty on the high-speed boat, at the port, and a few others, which was reassuring. We opted for a bus tour on Taketomi Island, and that was the right choice. Since we had to take an unfamiliar boat and there was a lot of moving around from the morning, it allowed us to enjoy without feeling rushed. If I have the chance again, I would like to take my time exploring each island.

ガイドさんの説明が興味深く、楽しいのであっという間の、しかし内容の濃い一日でした。
トイレが心配でしたが高速船内、港や他にもいくつかあり安心でした。
竹富島ではバス観光にしましたが正解でした。朝からなれない船に乗ったり移動が多かったので無理なく楽しめました。
また機会があれば今度は一つ一つの島をゆっくり見てみたい。

I had a great time even with the afternoon flight. Since the cycling is available for a full day rental, I think it's necessary to go in the morning. However, if that's not possible, you can still enjoy a lovely tour by walking around the island or participating in a cart tour.

お昼着の便でも十分楽しめました。
サイクリングは1日レンタルなので、午前から行く必要があるかと思いますが
そうでないなら、島内を徒歩で散歩・牛車ツアー参加ができるので
十分楽しめる素敵なツアーだと思います。