All Reviews for Japan Hidden Gems: Secret Islands

I was disappointed that it wasn't SUP, but I was allowed to freely operate the canoe at my own pace. I apologize for any inconvenience, but I really enjoyed it. Thank you, Macchan!

SUPじゃなかったのは残念でしたが、客のペースに合わせて自由にカヌーを操作させてくれました。ご迷惑をおかけしましたが、本当に楽しめました。まっちゃんさんありがとうございました！

I participated in a mangrove canoe tour on Iriomote Island. The river was very calm, and the time spent slowly moving through the mangrove forest was truly an extraordinary experience.

It started to rain along the way, but the mangrove forest sheltered us from the rain more than I expected, so it wasn't too bothersome. In fact, the scenery of the greenery and the water surface wet from the rain was very enchanting, creating a special atmosphere that was different from sunny days. The sound of rain echoing in the quiet forest was truly a luxurious experience.

The guide was also attentive and reassuring, and the explanations about nature and wildlife were enjoyable, allowing us to connect more deeply with Iriomote Island. This is a highly recommended experience that can be enjoyed regardless of the weather. If you visit Iriomote Island, I definitely encourage you to join this tour!

西表島でマングローブカヌーツアーに参加しました。
川はとても穏やかで、マングローブの森の中をゆっくり進む時間はまさに非日常体験でした。

途中で雨が降ってきたのですが、マングローブ林が想像以上に雨をしのいでくれて、あまり気になりませんでした。むしろ雨に濡れた緑や水面の景色がとても幻想的で、晴れの日とはまた違った特別な雰囲気を味わえたのが印象的です。静かな森に雨音が響く時間は本当に贅沢でした。

ガイドさんも丁寧で安心感があり、自然や生き物についての説明も楽しく、より深く西表島を感じることができました。
天候に関係なく楽しめる、本当におすすめの体験です。西表島に来たらぜひ参加してほしいツアーです！

This was my third visit to Yufujima, and since I visited in different seasons each time, I was able to enjoy exploring the island. There are also beachside cafes on the island, so you can spend a relaxing time there.

今回で3回目の由布島観光でしたが、それぞれ訪れた季節が違うため楽しく島内を見ることが出来ました。島内のには浜辺のカフェもあるのでゆったりした時間を過ごすことが出来ます。

My first time on Iriomote Island.

The experience of seeing the mangroves by canoe is something that's difficult to do on your own, so I definitely recommend this tour. The guide was entertaining and shared a lot of interesting information about the history, nature, and knowledge of the mangroves of Iriomote. Additionally, they provided clear instructions for canoeing, making it safe for beginners. At the end, they showed us small crabs that filled the beach, which was very satisfying. You will get wet, but on the way back, you can stop by the office to take a shower.

If you're going to Iriomote Island, I highly recommend the canoe mangrove tour!

はじめての西表島。
マングローブをカヌーで観に行く経験は、個人では難しい体験なので、是非、こちらのツアーおすすめします。ガイドのお兄さんの話も面白い。西表の歴史、自然、マングローブの知識満載です。さらに、初めてのカヌーもわかりやすく教えてくださるので、安全です。最後は、浜を埋め尽くすような小さな蟹たちもみせてくれて、大満足でした。濡れますが、帰りは、事務所によって、シャワーを浴びられます。
西表島に行く際には、是非、カヌーマングローブツアーおすすめします❗️

I participated in February, and the weather was cloudy and very cold. The other participants were dressed lightly and looked very cold. It rained during the mangrove tour, but it was still quite nice. For lunch, I thought it would have been better if there were more varieties of dessert.

2月に参加し、天気が曇り空、とても寒い日で、他の参加者さんは薄着でとても寒そうでした。ただマングローブ見学の時雨が降ってたけどそれなりに良かったです。ランチはデザートがもっと種類があればいいかなと思いました。

The pre-tour guidance was well understood, and we were able to tour efficiently without any unnecessary waiting time. Each guide provided appropriate and interesting introductions to the landmarks. One disappointing aspect was that we couldn't fully enjoy the tidal flats due to the high tide. Next time, I would like to visit during low tide. Thank you very much.

事前のガイダンスもよく理解でき、無駄な待ち時間もなく効率的に周遊できました。各ガイド案内も適切かつ面白く名所等を紹介していただきました。一つ残念なことは満潮と重なったため干潟を十分に楽しめませんでした。今度は干潮時に訪れたいと思います。ありがとうございました。

It was a bit cloudy, but the blue of the water was even more beautiful than I imagined! The guide provided calm instructions, which made me feel safe while swimming. The photos turned out great, and I was really excited!

少し曇っていたけど、水中の青さが想像以上にきれいだった！　ガイドさんが落ち着いた声で案内してくれて、安心して泳げた。写真もバッチリでテンション上がった！

I was moved by the mystical scenery of the Blue Cave! The guide provided detailed support, so I was able to enjoy it with peace of mind. The snorkeling experience was also very satisfying!

青の洞窟の神秘的な光景に感動しました！ガイドさんが細かくサポートしてくれたので、安心して楽しめました。シュノーケリングも大満足の体験でした！

I traveled between Yubu Island and Iriomote Island and rode a water buffalo cart on Taketomi Island. The water buffalo were adorable and it was the best experience.

Also, while moving around Iriomote Island by bus, the driver was entertaining and had a clear voice, making it a great experience as well.

由布島と西表島の間の移動と竹富島内で水牛車に乗りました。水牛も可愛らしく最高でした。
また西表島内はバスでの移動でしたが、その際の運転手の方が話も面白く声も聞きやすく最高でした。

The weather was nice, and the mangrove tour and water buffalo cart experience became great memories. I rented a bicycle on Taketomi Island, but I felt a bit unsatisfied.

天気も良くマングローブ遊覧、水牛車体験と良い思い出になりました。竹富島はレンタサイクルを借りましたが、少し物足りなさを感じました。

Although we couldn't go snorkeling at Barasu Island due to strong winds, the alternative option of canyoning was a lot of fun! There was certainly some fear when jumping in, but I was able to enjoy it while chatting and laughing with the guides and other participants! The mangroves were filled with the scent of nature, providing an extraordinary experience that became an unforgettable memory. One request I would appreciate is if those going to Yufu Island in the afternoon could be transported in a separate vehicle from those doing canyoning, as this would eliminate the waiting time for the shower for those heading to Yufu Island.

強風でバラス島でのシュノーケルは叶いませんでしたが、代替案のキャニオニングがとても楽しかったです！飛び込む時の怖さはもちろんありましたが、ガイドさんや参加者の方々とわいわいしながらでしたので楽しむことができました！マングローブの中は自然の匂いでいっぱいで非日常体験をすることができ、一生忘れられない思い出となりました。ひとつお願いできれば嬉しいのは、午後に由布島へ行く方とキャニオニングをする方で別の車で行動させていただけると由布島に行く方のシャワーを待つ時間がなくなるのでありがたいです。

I went to Yubu Island by water buffalo cart. The buffaloes were so cute. On the way there, an older man played the shamisen and sang, and on the way back, a woman did the same. Taketomi Island was free to explore. I rode an electric assist bicycle and enjoyed the view of the sea. We went to a café and had lychee juice and guava juice. The café was run by a French woman. I took pictures with the buffaloes on Yubu Island, and I got some really nice photos. On Iriomote Island, we saw a lot of mangroves from a cruise ship.

水牛車で由布島に行きました。牛さんが可愛いね。行きはおじさん、帰りは女性が三味線と歌を聴きました。竹富島はフリーでした。電動アシスト自転車に乗り海を見ました。カフェに行き、ライチジュースとグアバジュースを飲みました。カフェはフランス🇫🇷人の奥様がいましたね。由布島で牛さんと写真撮りました。とても良い写真が撮れました。西表島はクルーズ船でマングローブを沢山見ました。

I was surprised by the clarity beyond my imagination! The blue glow I saw underwater was truly beautiful. The guide said, "It's shining the most beautifully right now!" and I was able to take pictures at the best timing!

想像以上の透明度でびっくり！　水中で見る青の輝きが本当に美しかった。ガイドさんが「今が一番きれいに光ってます！」って声をかけてくれて、ベストタイミングで撮影できた！

I had an amazing experience at both Yufuin Island and the mangroves (canoeing)! At Yufuin Island, I was able to enjoy the unique atmosphere that you can't find in the city while being gently rocked by the water buffalo in a relaxed setting. The mangroves offered a sense of adventure in nature that was truly enjoyable! I was a bit anxious about operating the canoe, but the staff provided such careful support that I had no problems at all. The staff members were consistently very kind, and I am grateful for that. I would definitely recommend this tour to anyone who is unsure!

由布島とマングローブ（カヌー）、どちらも最高の体験をすることができました！
由布島には水牛に揺られ、ゆったりとした時間の中で都会には無い空気を味わうことができました。
マングローブでは、大自然の冒険感覚で堪能できました！
カヌーの操作は不安でしたが、とても丁寧にサポートいただき全く問題ありませんでした。
スタッフの方々は終始とても親切で感謝です。
迷っとる方にはぜひおすすめしたいツアーでした！

It was my first time canoeing, and I was initially anxious, but I was able to enjoy canoeing safely. I was relieved that I didn't capsize, haha.

Although it was cloudy, the mangroves were enchanting, and I was able to fully enjoy nature! I would love to experience mangrove canoeing again when it's sunny!

初めてのカヌーで、最初は不安でしたが、安全にカヌーを楽しむことができました。転覆しなくてホッとしました笑
曇ってはいましたが、マングローブは幻想的で、自然を満喫することができました！
また晴れているときにもマングローブカヌーを楽しみたいと思いました！

It was raining heavily, but that added to the charm, and it was great. You can rent bicycles if you pay, and they sell rain gear too, so there were no problems at all!

大雨だったけど、それもまた味が出ていて、良かった、自転車もお金払えば借りれるし、雨具も売ってるし、何も問題ナッシんギュー！

Thank you, guide Sugi-chan and Hina-chan. It was a very satisfying tour.

It was my first time canoeing, but you taught us carefully, so I was able to participate with peace of mind. Additionally, I enjoyed the time spent learning about corals and mangroves.

During snorkeling, I was able to see clownfish and touch sea cucumbers, allowing me to connect with the natural beauty of Ishigaki. I felt tired and anxious in the second half, but you checked on me multiple times, which helped me swim confidently until the end.

The weather forecast was bad, and I received a call the day before to change the time, but thanks to that, I was able to fully enjoy both activities.

ガイドのすぎちゃん、ひなちゃんありがとう。大満足のツアーになりました。
初めてのカヌーでしたが、丁寧に教えていただいたので、安心して参加することができました。また、サンゴやマングローブに関する話をしていただいて、楽しい時間を過ごすことができました。
シュノーケリングでは、カクレクマノミを見れたり、ナマコを触ったり、石垣の自然にたくさん触れることができました。後半疲れて不安でしたが、何度も声をかけてくれて、安心して泳ぎきることができました。

予報が悪く、前日に電話をいただき、時間変更をしての参加でしたが、おかげさまで両方のアクティビティを満喫することができました。

When I consulted over the phone about things I didn't understand, they kindly explained everything to me. I was very grateful. On the day of the canoe experience, they kept the atmosphere lively and I had a great time 😆 The view of the mangroves was mystical and I felt a sense of power! They also helped by recommending delicious local restaurants from a local perspective, which was very helpful 😋 I definitely want to introduce this to my other friends! Thank you very much!

わからないことを電話で相談した際、丁寧に教えてくださいました。とてもありがたかったです。当日もカヌー体験でワイワイ盛り上げていただきながら、楽しく過ごすことができました😆マングローブの景色が神秘的でパワーを感じました！地元の方目線で近くの美味しいお店も教えてくれたので助かりました😋是非他の友達にも紹介したいと思います！ありがとうございました！

I participated with a friend. I was grateful for the pick-up and drop-off from the port. Since there were three of us, I was a bit nervous about the possibility of capsizing, but thanks to the thorough orientation, I felt safe while paddling. It was a great refreshment to leisurely row through the greenery of the mangroves!

The guide shared recommendations for lunch and provided information about the island, which made me like the island a little more. It had been a while since I last went canoeing, but I had a lot of fun and I would love to come back again!

友人と参加しました。港からの送り迎えもありがたかったです。
3名乗りの場合、転倒のおそれもあるということで緊張しながら乗りましたが、オリエンテーションでしっかり教えてもらえたおかげで安心して乗れました。ゆったりとオールを漕いで、マングローブの緑の中を抜けていく、良いリフレッシュができました！
ガイドの方にはおすすめのランチをはじめ、島の情報を教えてもらい、島のことが少し好きになりました。久しぶりのカヌーでしたが、とっても楽しむことができ、また来たいなと思いました！！

I participated in a mangrove canoe tour with five other men. We traveled from the longest river in Okinawa deep into the mangroves, enjoying the magnificent nature and refreshing negative ions. We joined the tour in the morning, and the weather was cloudy with light rain, which made it cool and comfortable—perfect conditions. Our guide was friendly and reliable, and he had an interesting way of talking. He also recommended some great restaurants at the end, making it a very satisfying experience.

男6人旅でマングローブカヌーツアーに参加しました。沖縄で一番長い川からマングローブの奥地まで進み、壮大な自然と心地よいマイナスイオンを満喫できました。午前中に参加しましたが、曇り〜小雨という天候も涼しく快適で、最高のコンディションでした。ガイドさんは気さくで頼りになり、トークも面白く、最後におすすめの飲食店も教えてくれて大満足の体験でした。

I participated in an island-hopping tour from Ishigaki Island to Iriomote Island, Yubu Island, and Taketomi Island.

On Iriomote Island, the bus ride was enjoyable thanks to the fun island guide provided by the bus driver. We took a water buffalo cart to Yubu Island, where I strolled around and felt my heart healed by the relaxing nature.

During the mangrove cruise, we happened to catch the beginning of low tide, allowing us to see the mangroves in their natural state, which was very nice. On Taketomi Island, I explored the village and was moved by the feeling of Okinawa.

石垣島から西表島、由布島、竹富島への離島巡りに参加しました
西表島でのバス移動は、ばすのドライバーの楽しい島の案内、水牛車に乗って由布島へ、由布島での散策は、のんびり自然とに触れて心が癒されました。
マングローブ遊覧では、丁度干潮が始まり、マングローブの本来の姿を観ることができ、とても良かったです。竹富島では、集落をみて、沖縄を感じ感動したした。

It was an efficiently packed tour for the whole day. The photo is a commemorative shot with a water buffalo on Taketomi Island. It became a wonderful memory.

1日盛りだくさんのツアーで効率的に回れました。写真は竹富島での水牛さんとの記念撮影。良い思い出となりました。

I experienced snorkeling with four friends, making a total of five of us. The weather on the day was cloudy, which made me a bit anxious, but the sea was clear, and we could see the bottom beautifully. Moreover, we were able to see a sea turtle right after we started snorkeling. With the guidance of a kind young man with black hair, it turned into a fun activity.

友人と一緒に5人でシュノーケリングを体験させていただきました。当日の天気は曇りで少しの不安がありましたが、海は透き通っていて底まで綺麗に見えていました。また、シュノーケリングが始まってすぐウミガメを見ることができました。黒髪ガイドの優しいお兄さんに先導していただいて、楽しいアクティビティとなりました。

I participated in a snorkeling tour! Due to the weather, I received a call the day before informing me that the tour would be held at a different location instead of the Blue Cave. I felt that the explanation was thorough and I was able to participate with understanding, which showed a very polite and sincere response.

On the day of the tour, there were two staff members for six participants, and since we wore life jackets, I felt safe and was able to enjoy myself. During snorkeling, I appreciated the staff's careful attention as they watched over the entire group and checked in with each individual. They provided a lot of support, like letting us pick up shells and taking pictures of us!

In the sea, I was able to see fish and coral, which I think was a rare experience that I wouldn't normally have. Although it was a bit disappointing not to go to the Blue Cave, I had such a fun and fulfilling time that I forgot all about it.

シュノーケリングツアーに参加しました！
天候の影響で前日に青の洞窟ではなく別の場所での開催になるとお電話をいただきました。事前にきちんと説明があり、納得したうえで参加できたので、とても丁寧で誠実な対応だと感じました。

当日は6人の参加者に対してスタッフの方が2名ついてくださり、ライフジャケットも着用だったので安心して楽しめました。シュノーケリング中もグループ全体を見守りながら、一人ひとりに声をかけてくださる細やかな気配りが嬉しかったです。貝を拾って持たせてくれたり、その写真を撮ってくれたりと、たくさんサポートしてくれました！

海の中では魚や珊瑚を見ることができ、普段なかなかできない貴重な体験ができたと思います。
青の洞窟に行けなかったのは少し残念でしたが、それを忘れてしまうほど楽しく充実した時間を過ごすことができました。

On the day of our trip, due to weather conditions, the planned SUP and landing on Barasu Island were canceled. However, we appreciated the flexible response that allowed us to choose canyoning and canoeing as alternatives. We opted for canyoning, and since we were the only participants, it turned into a private tour by chance, allowing us to enjoy ourselves without any worries. The progression of the tour was smooth, and it was impressive that we were able to go all the way down to the boundary between the river and the sea. The transportation to the port was convenient, and the guide helped us arrange tickets for Yufu Island and the water buffalo cart, which was a great help. We were initially concerned about the weather, but thanks to the adaptable suggestions, we had a fulfilling sightseeing experience and were very satisfied with the day.

当日は天候の影響で、西表島で予定していたSUPとバラス島上陸が中止となりましたが、代替としてキャニオニングとカヌーを選べる柔軟な対応があり安心できました。私たちはキャニオニングを選択。参加者が私たちだけで偶然プライベートツアーのようになり、気を遣わず思いきり楽しめました。進行もスムーズで、川と海の境目まで下らせてもらえたのが印象的です。港までの送迎付きで移動も楽、由布島や水牛車のチケット手配もガイドさんがまとめて行ってくれて助かりました。天候を心配していましたが、臨機応変な提案のおかげで充実した観光ができ、大満足の一日でした。

The mangrove kayaking was amazing for the first time!!

Thanks to Kokkō-san's wonderful guidance, I had a great time!!

I felt so relaxed!!

初めてのマングローブカヤック最高でした！！

こっこーさんの素敵なアテンドで、楽しめました！！

癒されました！！

The weather was great, and I had a lot of fun. The islands had their own unique characteristics, and the rural feel was also very appealing.

It would be amazing to see the Iriomote cat.

天気に恵まれてとても楽しかったです
その島々の特徴があり田舎感がまた魅力がありました


イリオモテヤマネコが見れたら最高です

The beaches of Taketomi Island are so beautiful that they seem unreal. The bus guide on Iriomote Island was interesting and great!

竹富島のビーチがこの世のものとは思えないほどキレイ。西表島のバスガイドさん、話が面白く良かったです！

It was February, but we had the best temperature and enjoyed a relaxing mangrove canoe tour! The staff were kind, and we were able to enjoy it at our own pace, which was great! We made some wonderful memories, thank you very much! ^_^

2月でしたが最高の気温で、穏やかなマングローブカヌーツアーができました！スタッフさんも優しく、自分達のペースで楽しむことが出来たので良かったです！とても楽しい思い出が出来ました、ありがとうございました^_^

It was very nice to cross to Yufu Island by water buffalo cart. The water buffalo were cute, and the explanations were easy to understand. It was a bit disappointing that there were few flowers since it wasn't the season for them, but I was able to take my time exploring places like the butterfly house. I think it would have been even better if I could have done some sightseeing on Iriomote Island as well.

水牛車で由布島へ渡るのがとても良かったです。
水牛も可愛いし、説明も分かりやすかったです。
由布島も季節ではなかったので花が少なかったのは残念でしたが、蝶々のハウスなどゆっくり見学する事が出来ました。
西表島の観光もできればもっとよかったと思いました。