All Reviews for Japan Hidden Gems: Secret Islands

It was a bit cloudy, but just barely. It was a slightly cold day for Ishigaki Island. As soon as we arrived, the shuttle bus welcomed us. We took a boat through the mangroves with the water buffalo and bus plan, stopping at points to listen to explanations about various types of plants and animals. The water buffalo seemed to enjoy listening to the sanshin music. It seems that each water buffalo has its own personality, and we enjoyed hearing various stories. Yubu Island is small, but you can explore it all during your free time. We had lunch here. On Taketomi Island, we explored by bus while listening to the guide's stories, and we learned how to collect star sand. Without the tour, I might not have known how to do that. I highly recommend this tour for anyone visiting Taketomi Island, Yubu Island, and Iriomote Island for the first time.

ちょっと曇り空でしたがギリギリ曇り
石垣島にしては少し寒い日でした
着いてすぐに送迎バスがお出迎え
水牛とバスプランでマングローブはボートに乗って
説明を聞きながらポイントでは止まっていろんな種類の説明を聞きながら…
水牛はのんびり三線を聴きながら
水牛にもいろいろ性格があるようで
いろんな話を聞きながら楽しめました
由布島は小さい島ですが
自由時間で全部回れます
こちらではランチタイムといただきました
竹富島ではバスで散策ガイドさんの話を聞きながら
星の砂の取り方も教えてもらって
ツアーでなかったらわからなかったかも
初めて竹富島由布島西表島はぜひこのツアーに参加おすすめします

I swam with turtles at Shinjo Coast. They took a lot of photos and sent them all to me. They also guided us to the coral reefs. Most snorkeling tours have a restriction for those under 65, but here there was no age limit for seniors, so I participated. However, it's quite far from the accommodation, so if you're going alone, the round-trip taxi fare might be a bit painful.

新城海岸で亀と一緒に泳ぎました。写真もいっぱい撮ってもらって、全て送ってくれました。珊瑚礁の方にも案内してくれました。ほとんどのシュノーケルツアーが65歳以下の制限がありますが、ここはシニアの年齢制限なかったので、参加しました。ただ宿泊先からは遠いので、１人参加だと、往復のタクシーがちょっと痛いかな。

I participated in a tour around the Yaeyama Islands, and at each destination, there was a guide who provided precise instructions for the next transportation, allowing us to smoothly experience a lot of activities! The mangrove cruise on Iriomote Island and the round trip water buffalo cart to Yufu Island were such precious experiences that I will never forget! The only moment I panicked was when the tour guide said the return boat was at 17:00, so I took my time writing postcards at the souvenir shop, only to find out that the departure was actually at 16:50, and I almost missed it. Thankfully, I made it in time, so it turned into a funny story. Thank you very much for such a valuable experience!

八重山諸島の島を巡るツアーで、行く先々でガイドの方がいて次の乗り物を的確に指示してもらえるので、めちゃめちゃスムーズに沢山のアクティビティを経験できました！
西表島のマングローブクルーズと由布島への往復水牛車は貴重な経験すぎて一生忘れません！
一個だけ慌てたのは帰りの船がツアー案内では17:00とあったのでお土産屋さんでハガキを書いてゆっくりしてたら実は出航が16:50で、あわや乗り遅れるところでした。間に合ったので笑い話ですが。笑
とっても貴重な経験をさせていただきありがとうございました

Thanks to the kind tour guide Kometchi's lecture and guidance, we, who are complete beginners at snorkeling, were able to swim with sea turtles together. And above all, the quality of the photos was excellent!

親切なツアコンこめっちさんのレクチャーと引率でシュノーケリングど素人の私たちが皆んなでウミガメと泳ぐことができました。そして何より写真のクオリティが高い！

It was raining on the day of the experience, but it wasn't too hot during the kayaking, making it very easy to navigate. When we went snorkeling in the Blue Cave, the rain had just stopped, and the sea was incredibly beautiful—it was the best!

This was my first time snorkeling, and I was a bit anxious, but the guide was very attentive and taught us well, allowing us to have a fun day! If I have the chance to go to Ishigaki Island again, I would love to participate!

体験の日は雨が降っていて、カヤックの時は暑すぎず非常に周りやすく、青の洞窟でのシュノーケリング時はちょうど雨が上がり海もすごく綺麗で最高でし！

今回初めてのシュノーケリングで少し不安でしたが、
ガイドさんも丁寧に教えてくださり楽しい1日を過ごすことができました！
また石垣島に行く機会があれば参加したいと思いました！

I wasn't confident in my swimming skills or physical strength, but the person in charge, Kometchi, was very kind, and I had a fun experience! There were many photos taken, and they were all wonderful, so I am very satisfied⭐︎ I plan to ask for your services again when I travel to Miyako Island! Thank you!

泳ぎが苦手で、体力にも自信がなかったですが、担当してくださったこめっちさんがとても優しくて、楽しく体験できました！撮ってくださった写真もたくさんあり、どれも素敵な写真で大満足です⭐︎また宮古島に旅行に来るときはこちらでお願いしようと思います！ありがとうございました！

I participated with a friend because I wanted to see sea turtles. On the day of the tour, I was able to meet many sea turtles, swim with them, and take wonderful photos. I've used various tours before, but this one had the most beautiful photos and was the best I've experienced! The staff was friendly, kind, and provided thorough guidance. When I come back to Miyako Island, I definitely want to use this service again. Thank you! ♡

ウミガメを見たくて、友人と2人で参加させていただきました。
当日は、たくさんのウミガメに会えて、一緒に泳いだり、素敵な写真を撮ってもらうことができました。様々なツアーを利用したことがあるのですが、
写真がとても綺麗で今までで一番良かったです！
担当スタッフさんも、気さくで優しく、丁寧に案内してくださいました。
また宮古島に来た時は、ぜひ！利用させていただきたいです。
ありがとうございました♡

This is my impression from participating in snorkeling tours in Miyako Island several times. I think it's a safe and enjoyable tour for beginners and families with children, as you can encounter sea turtles and clownfish shortly after entering the beach. The instructor, Komecchi, was also kind and attentive, making the experience enjoyable. I would love to join again if the opportunity arises.

宮古島でのシュノーケリングツアーに何回か参加したことがある中での感想です。
ビーチエントリーから間もなく海ガメに出会えたり、カクレクマノミに会えたりできて、シュノーケリング初心者やお子様連れの方にも安心で楽しいツアーだと思います。
インストラクターのこめっち君も親切丁寧に引率して下さり、楽しく過ごさせて頂きました。
また機会がありましたらお願いいたします。

I had a lot of free time and enjoyed swimming as I pleased. It was amazing to see sea turtles so easily. They were very friendly and incredibly cute.

自由時間も多くて好きなように泳がせてもらって楽しかったです
ウミガメがこんな簡単に見れるなんて不思議でした
人慣れしていて凄く可愛かったです

The guide was very skilled at entertaining us.

We were able to see about four sea turtles, and they taught us how to take great photos, so we got some wonderful pictures with the sea turtles! Not only the sea turtles, but the starfish photos were also cute.

We came here for our honeymoon, and it became a great memory!

案内してくれた方はとても楽しませるのが上手でした。

海ガメは4匹くらい見れて、ちゃんと写真の撮り方を教えてもらえたので海ガメと素敵な写真が撮れました！
海ガメだけじゃなく、ヒトデの写真も可愛かったです。

新婚旅行できたのですがいい思い出になりました！

I used this service for a trip with three women. They explained the canoeing and snorkeling clearly, so I felt safe participating! During the activities, they provided various stories and explanations. All the guides were kind and funny, it was the best experience!! If I have the chance to go again, I would definitely like to request them.

女子3人旅で利用させていただきました。
カヌーもシュノーケルも分かりやすく説明してくれるので安心して参加出来ました！
アクティビティ中も色んな話や説明もしっかりしてくれます。
ガイドさん達みんな優しいし面白いし最高でした！！
また行く事があればぜひお願いしたいです。

My time in Miyako Island became my most enjoyable memory! I was able to swim with sea turtles and received wonderful photos, creating the best memories! The staff member, Kometchi, was kind and friendly! Thank you so much!

宮古島に来て1番楽しい思い出になりました！
ウミガメと一緒に泳ぐことができ素敵なお写真も頂き最高な思い出です！
担当のこめっちさんは優しく親切に接してくださいました！本当にありがとうございました！

When you think of Miyako Island, you might imagine the ocean, but the stars were just as amazing. I was able to see a night sky that far exceeded my expectations. The staff were friendly and pleasant, making the experience enjoyable for taking photos. The images were sent to me the next day. This became my favorite memory from the trip. I was also happy that my friends who went with me enjoyed it so much. I highly recommend it!

宮古島というと海のイメージですが、それと同じくらい星もとても最高でした。私の想像をはるかに超えた星空を見ることができました。担当の方は気さくで感じが良く、楽しく撮影することができました。画像は翌日に送ってもらえました。今回の旅で一番な思い出になりました。一緒に行った友人達にもとてと喜んでもらえたのでうれしかったです。かなりオススメです！

It was a perfect day with great conditions, and the photographer was very particular about the shoot! They were kind and their skills were top-notch! It became the best memory!

コンディションも最高の日でカメラマンさんもこだわって撮影してくれました！
親切だし技術も一流！
最高の思い出になりました！

First of all, I want to say that I highly recommend this!
This was my first trip to Miyako Island with my boyfriend, and it was also a birthday trip for me.
The starry night photo session was one of my birthday presents from him, and he was really looking forward to it as well.
The moment we got out of the car at the spot, I was captivated by the sky, realizing this is what a star-filled sky looks like.
The photographer who assisted us said, "Today is truly the best starry sky," and that alone moved me so much.
Seeing the photos he took made me even more emotional.
"How beautiful..." It's not often that I say such things about myself in photos, but he captured me so beautifully.
It's rare to have someone take photos of me, so I was nervous, but he kindly guided me, and I had a lot of fun during the shoot.
I got into the mood and asked him to take photos in a certain way, and he happily agreed, capturing some wonderful shots.
It became a really great memory.
Thank you, Ryota!

もう、最初に言いたい。とってもおすすめです！
今回彼との初めての宮古島旅行でわたしの誕生日旅行でもありました。
こちらの星空ナイトフォトは彼からの誕生日プレゼントのひとつで、彼自身もとても楽しみにしてくれていました。
スポットについて車を降りた瞬間。満天の星空ってこういうのを言うんだな、と空に釘付けになりました。
担当してくださったカメラマンさんにも今日は本当に最高の星空ですよ、と言ってただけてそれだけでもとても感動したのですが。
撮っていただいた写真を見てまたさらに感動。
『綺麗、、。』自分が写っていてそんなことを言うなんてなかなかないですが、本当にとても綺麗に撮っていただきました。
カメラマンさんに撮ってもらうことなんてそうそうないので緊張もしましたが、優しくリードしてくださり撮影中もとても楽しかったです。
気分が乗ってきて自分からこういう風に撮って欲しいですとお願いもしたのですが快くOKしてくださりとても素敵に撮ってくださいました。
とてもいい思い出になりました。
りょーたさんありがとうございました！

At Shinjo Coast, I encountered two sea turtles in the shallow beach where I could touch the bottom. I was able to swim right next to them and got some great photos, which made for wonderful memories.

However, we finished in one hour instead of the planned two hours. I did see some beautiful small fish, but if I could wish for more, I would have liked to see a larger school of small fish in a coral-rich area during the remaining time.

新城海岸は、遠浅のビーチで、底に手がつくほどのところで、２頭のウミガメに出会えました。すぐそばで泳ぐことができ、写真もバッチリ撮ってもらえて、良い思い出になりました。
時間的には予定の2時間ではなく、１時間で終了。
綺麗な小魚も少し見れましたが、欲を言えば、残りの時間で、サンゴの多いところで、もっとたくさんの小魚の群れも見れたら良かったなあと思いました。

At first, I was anxious because it was mostly young people and we had to stay still for 10 seconds, but thanks to Ryota's excellent assistance, we ended up with some really wonderful photos that became great memories for our 10th wedding anniversary. ⭐︎ Next time, I would like to bring other family members as well. Thank you very much!

最初は若いかたばかりだったのと10秒間じっとしていなきゃならいのが不安でしたが、りょーたさんの上手なアシストで、とっても素敵な写真が出来上がり、結婚10年のいい思い出になりました⭐︎
次回は、他の家族も連れてお願いしたいです。
本当にありがとうございました。

A few years ago, my sister requested this service here and said it was great, so I made a reservation. The meeting time was at 12:30 AM, which felt a bit late, and the meeting place was down a dark road according to Google Maps, so I was a little anxious. However, the moment I arrived, I was amazed by the beautiful starry sky! The photographer, Ryota, was friendly and talked to us, and he played music, which helped us relax during the shoot. He asked us about the poses we wanted, so I recommend thinking about what you want if you have specific ideas (*^^*). We didn't have anything in mind, so we took the photos while following his directions, and they turned out wonderful! I would definitely like to request this again when I visit Miyako Island.

数年前に妹がここでお願いし、とても良かったとの事で予約しました。
集合時間は00時半と遅く、集合場所もGoogleMAPを参考に暗い道を進んで行くため少し不安でしたが、着いた瞬間に綺麗な星空が広がり感動しました！
カメラマンのりょうたさんには気さくに話しかけていただき、音楽もかけてくださりリラックスして撮影出来ました。やりたいポーズを聞いていただいたのでこだわりのある方などは考えておくのをおすすめします(*^^*)私たちは、考えていなかったので、指示してもらいながら撮りましたが素敵な写真になりました！
また宮古島を訪れた際は是非お願いしたいです。

Wow, I never expected to meet so many sea turtles up close like this! It was a tour that greatly exceeded my expectations, and I was absolutely, incredibly satisfied! I'll leave the details of the tour to the photos and other reviews, but here’s some information about the departure point (Shinjō Coast).

■ Meeting Time
Depending on the sea conditions on the day of the tour, you might receive a call the day before requesting a change. I had my time changed from 11:00 to 09:00.
■ Meeting Place
The meeting place is the light van parked in the parking lot.
■ Parking
There are both free and paid options (2,000 yen/day), but the free parking was full by 08:30.
■ Changing Rooms
There are three changing rooms each for men and women, which are public shower rooms as well. Since the storage shelves are high up, it's convenient to bring a waterproof bag (a plastic bag is fine) and a hook.
■ Shower Room
This is shared with the changing rooms. You can use the shower (only water?) for 100 yen for 5 minutes.
■ Toilet
The toilet is in the same building as the changing room/shower room.

To make the most of your time, I recommend wearing your swimsuit when heading to the tour departure point.

I received over 50 photos via LINE. I will definitely participate again next time!

いやー、こんなに近くで、しかも何匹ものウミガメさん達に会えるとは。。。
参加前の期待値を大幅に超えた、大大大満足のツアーでした！
ツアーの内容は写真と他のレビューにお任せするとして、ここではツアー出発地（新城海岸）の情報を少しお伝えします。

■集合時間
ツアー実施日の海の状況によって、変更を依頼する電話が前日にかかってくることがあります。
自分は11:00→09:00に変更になりました。
■集合場所
駐車場に駐車している軽のバンが集合場所です。
■駐車場
無料と有料（2,000円/日）がありますが、無料駐車場は08:30の時点で満車でした。
■更衣室
公設？のシャワー室兼用の更衣室が男性用、女性用とも3室ずつあります。
物置き用の網棚が高い位置にあるので、防水バック（レジ袋でOK）とフックを持っていくと便利です。
■シャワー室
更衣室と兼用です。
100円で5分間シャワー（水のみ？）が使えます。
■トイレ
更衣室/シャワー室と同じ建物にあります。

時間を有効に使うためにも、参加時は水着を着てツアー出発地に向かうことをお勧めします。

LINEで送っていただいた写真はなんと50枚以上。
次回も絶対参加しまーす！！

The stars were incredibly beautiful!! The staff was very kind and attentive! It seems like they offer other activities as well, and I thought I would like to try them next time I visit Miyako Island!! I definitely recommend everyone to give it a try ^_^

めちゃくちゃ星が綺麗でした！！お兄さんもすごく優しくて対応もよかったです！
星以外にもやってるみたいで、次に宮古島きたらお願いしたいなとおもいました！！
ぜひみなさんやってみてください^_^

We were able to relax and take photos while being guided on posing, all while our favorite music was playing!

たまたま私達がよく聞く音楽が流れる中、ポージングの指定もしてくださり、リラックスして撮影できました！

I'm satisfied with the wonderful photos that became great memories. The photographer was also interesting, and we had a fun time during the shoot. The stars were beautiful, and I enjoyed them even with the naked eye.

思い出になる素敵な写真が撮れて満足です。
カメラマンさんも面白く、楽しく撮影出来ました。
星も素敵な場所で肉眼でも楽しめました。

When I rode the water buffalo cart in Yufu, I was able to spend a very relaxed and peaceful time swaying gently in the slowly moving cart. I was impressed by how the water buffalo skillfully turned without colliding on the narrow paths of Taketomi Island.

由布・竹富島での水牛車に乗った際は、ゆっくりと進んでいく水牛車に揺られながらとてもゆったりとした穏やかな時間を過ごすことができました。
竹富島では細い道もぶつかることなく上手に曲がる水牛はすごいと感動しました。

I thought it might be hectic, but it was nothing like that at all; I was able to fully enjoy the island for the first time. The food was delicious too!

バタバタかなぁと思いましたが全くそんなことは無く、初めての島を満喫できました^ ^
ご飯も美味しくてよかったです！

I was able to swim with sea turtles! My friend, who was a bit anxious about swimming, seemed to really enjoy it as well. The instructor was friendly and cool, and he took a lot of photos that I couldn't have captured myself.

ウミガメと一緒に泳げました！
泳ぎに不安のあった友人もとっても楽しめたようで良かったです。
インストラクターのお兄さんも気さくでかっこよく、自分では撮れない写真をたくさん撮っていただきました◎

Although the weather was unfortunately sometimes pouring rain, the guide's explanations and songs were enjoyable. There were many water buffalo, each with their own personality, and the veteran, Rekio, that I rode was very cute with his silly antics, making me laugh several times along the way. I think if the weather had been better, I could have enjoyed the scenery even more, but I was more than satisfied just riding the water buffalo cart. Is there a possibility of a repeat to ride different water buffalo carts?

時折土砂降りのあいにくの天候ではありましたが、
ガイドさんの説明や歌が楽しかったです。
水牛は何頭もいて、それぞれ個性があるらしく、
私が乗ったベテランのレキオくんは、おとぼけぶりがとても
かわいく、道中何度も笑わせてくれました。
天気がよければ、もっと景色が楽しめたとは
思いますが、水牛車に乗るだけでも十分満足しました。
いろんな水牛車に乗るためにリピートもあり？？

It was great that we could efficiently visit the main islands and major tourist spots. Since there isn't much to see on the islands, I think it's better to do a tour and cover everything at once.

主要な島を、主要な観光スポットを効率よく回れたので、すごく良かった。島の観光に時間をかけても、特に見るところがないので、ツアーで一気に回ってしまった方が良いと思う。

I couldn't take nice photos with my own camera, so asking for help was definitely the right choice! I'm really satisfied with how beautifully the photos turned out!

自分のカメラでは綺麗に撮れないので、お願いして大正解でした！
ほんとに素敵に撮ってもらえて大満足です！

The weather was great, and I was impressed by the beauty of the sea in Miyako Island. I saw many blue fish and the vibrant colors of the fish were amazing. I also got to see a sea turtle. I had a great time thanks to the handsome instructor! I will definitely make a reservation the next time I come to Miyako Island. Don't forget to swim energetically again!

天候にも恵まれ
宮古島の海の綺麗さには感動です。
青い魚などたくさんみれました
魚たちの色鮮やかさ、ウミガメにもしっかり会えました。
楽しめたのはイケメンインストラクターさんのおかげです！
また宮古島に来る時、予約しますね~
また元気な泳ぐで~忘れないでね。

I participated with my sister during the middle of our 3-night, 4-day trip. My goal on Ishigaki Island was to ride a water buffalo cart. I rode twice, once with the buffalo from Yubu Island and once with the buffalo from Taketomi Island. It was my first time learning that the types of buffalo were different. I was fortunate to encounter gentle buffalo in both cases.

Additionally, the guide was wonderful and let us listen to Okinawan folk songs. The colors of the sea visible from the boat to the island were stunning. It became the best memory.

３泊４日の中日に姉と参加しました。石垣島での私の目的は水牛車に乗ることです。由布島の牛と竹富島の牛の２回乗車しました。それぞれ牛の種類が違うのは初めて知りました。どちらも穏やかな牛に当たったのでよかったです。
また、ガイドさんもいい方で沖縄民謡も聞かせてくれました。
島に渡る船から見える海の色がいろいろな色に見えます。最高の思い出となりました。