All Reviews for Japan Hidden Gems: Secret Islands

I felt anxious and it was dark until we reached our shooting destination, but the photo session was very enjoyable. The weather also managed to improve, which was lucky. My wife and daughters were happy to have created good memories and keepsakes. ^_^

撮影の目的地に着くまでは暗くて不安でしたが
写真撮影はとても楽しくやってもらいました。
天気もなんとか持ち直してラッキーでした。
妻も娘たちも良い思い出、記念品が出来たと喜んでいました^_^

This tour is packed with the charm of three remote islands. Before participating, I thought the one-hour mangrove cruise might be long, but the guide's explanations were fascinating, making it just the right length. The stories from the bus driver guide on the way to Yubu Island and the staff accompanying us on the water buffalo cart were great insights that I wouldn't have known if I had gone on my own. The lunch on Yubu Island was a delicious bento that was already prepared, so there was zero waiting time. On Taketomi Island, I was able to visit all the places I wanted to go—Nishi Sanchu, Kondoi Beach, and Kaiji Beach—by renting a bicycle. I leisurely rode around, but I ended up getting a bit lost and didn't have time to explore the town center (laughs). So, next time, I would like to stay on Taketomi Island.

離島３島の魅力がギュッと詰まったツアーです。
参加前は１時間のマングローブ遊覧は長いのではないかと思っていましたが、ガイドさんの説明が興味深く、ちょうど良い長さでした。
由布島へ向かう際のバスのドライバーガイドさんや水牛車い同乗のスタッフさんのお話も、個人で行っていたら知り得ない良いお話でした。
由布島での昼食も美味しいお弁当がすでに用意されていて、待ち時間ゼロでした。
竹富島ではレンタサイクルで、行きたかった西桟橋、コンドイ浜、カイジ浜すべてに行くことができました。自転車でのんびりまわり、また少々道に迷ってしまい島の中心地を散策する時間がなくなってしまいました（笑）。ですので次回は竹富島に宿泊したいと思います。

I took my mother, who was experiencing snorkeling for the first time. Since we had a guide for a small group, we were able to enjoy it with peace of mind!

We were blessed with great weather and encountered so many sea turtles, it was amazing! We even received wonderful photo data, which was the best!

My mother, who was a bit scared of the ocean, seemed to have such a great time that by the end, she said she wanted to do it again. Thank you very much! ☺️

シュノーケリング初体験の母を連れて行きました。少人数でガイドしてもらえたので、安心して楽しめました！

天気にも恵まれて、こんなにいるのかってくらいたくさん海ガメに遭遇できて、素敵な写真データまでいただけて最高でした！

海怖いかもー、と言ってた母も、終わった時にはまたやりたいというくらい楽しかったようです。
ありがとうございました☺️

This time, I participated in a day trip tour of Iriomote, Yufu, and Taketomi Islands (glass boat and water buffalo cart plan).
First of all, it was really fun! (It was my first time participating.)
I had a lot of worries before joining, but on the day of the tour, staff were waiting at each location, providing thorough explanations, which made me feel at ease.
Even pregnant women could participate.
I definitely recommend you to join!

今回、西表•由布•竹富島 日帰りツアー(グラスボートと水牛車プラン)に参加しました。
まず感想として、すっごく楽しかったです。(初参加)
参加前は不安が多かったですが、当日は各地点にスタッフが待ち、しっかりした説明があり安心でした。
妊婦の方でも参加できました。
ぜひ参加してみてください。

You can see other islands from the boat even as far as Iriomote Island. The water buffalo are really cute! There was plenty of free time on Yubu Island, and I was able to circle the island. The gelato on the island was also delicious. The mangroves I saw for the first time were lovely! Since it was a half-day tour, I was able to leisurely explore Ishigaki Island afterward. The hotel shuttle service was also helpful.

西表島までも船から他の島も見えます。水牛が本当に可愛い！由布島での自由時間も十分にあり島一周出来ました。島内でのジェラートも美味しかった。初めて見たマングローブも素敵！
半日なのでツアー後も石垣島をゆっくり観光できました。ホテルの送迎も助かりました。

We weren't blessed with good weather, so we could only use the SUP, but I was overwhelmed by the guide's attentiveness, extensive knowledge, and the grandeur of the mangroves. I was able to enjoy the SUP at a comfortable level of freedom, and the guide provided reassurance, making it a very satisfying activity. I want to do it again! Thank you!

天候に恵まれず、SUPのみの利用になってしまったのですが、ガイドさんの丁寧さ、知識の豊富さ、マングローブの雄大さに圧倒されました。
適度に自由にSUPを楽しむことができ、でも不安にならないように声をかけていただけて、非常に満足のいくアクティビティでした。
またやりたいな、と思ってます！
ありがとうございました！

It was convenient that there was a shuttle service to the hotel since I was traveling with children. The tour mixed customers who booked directly with those from major travel agencies, but we were able to participate without confusion thanks to color-coded stickers. I was worried about getting seasick during the nearly one-hour boat ride from Ishigaki to Iriomote Island, but there were designated seats for those prone to motion sickness, and I managed to avoid feeling sick. We could also choose the bus time back to the hotel, which felt like a free plan with transportation and meals included. I enjoyed the stories from the bus driver and guide, as well as the boatman during the mangrove tour.

The only downside was that the shuttle service from the hotel to the port was quite careless; mispronouncing names was common, the driving was rough like being in a local acquaintance's car, and during the pickup, they almost left without confirming the customers. It felt a bit off.

子連れで参加したので、ホテルまで送迎があったのは楽でした。
ツアーは、直接申し込んだお客さんと大手旅行会社のツアーのお客さんと混載でしたが、色分けしたシールなどで間違う事なく参加できました。
石垣から西表島までの1時間弱の船酔いが心配でしたが、船酔いしやすい人向けのシートなども示してあって酔わずに終われました。
帰りのホテルまでのバスの時間も選べて、フリープランに移動と食事のついたイメージです。
バスの運転手さん兼ガイドさんや、マングローブ下りの船頭さんのお話など楽しく過ごせました。
一点だけ残念だったのは、ホテルから港までの送迎がかなり雑で、名前の読み間違えは当たり前、運転も地元の知り合いの車に乗せられたような荒さ、行きのピックアップではお客さんを確認せずに出発しようとしたり、ちょっと…な感じでした。

The ox cart in Taketomi Town was quite busy, so I should have chosen the bus tour, but overall, the weather was nice and it was a good trip.

竹富町の牛車が慌ただしかったので、バス観光を選択するべきだったが、全体的には天気も良くいい旅でした。

The bus roll call on Taketomi Island was the worst! I almost got left behind! I managed to catch the last boat, but...

After that, it was the best memory.

竹富島のバスの点呼が最悪！
置いて行かれる始末！
なんとか最終の船に間に合ったけど…

後は最高の思い出です。

We were able to efficiently visit three islands. My grandchildren were very happy. It would have been nice to have a bit more time to explore Yufu Island and Taketomi Island.

効率よく3島巡りができました。
孫たちも大変喜んでいました。
由布島　竹富島もう少し観光する時間があったら良かったです

Thank you, Wataru!
You considered the crowds and the children's health, making it an exceptional tour.
The kids were thrilled to see the sea turtles up close and swim with them, making for an unforgettable day.
You also sent us many beautiful photos and fun videos, creating the best memories.
If the opportunity arises, I would definitely like to ask you again!
Thank you so much!

わたるさん、ありがとうございました！
混雑や子供たちの体調まで考えて下さり、至れり尽くせりのツアーでした。
子供たちも間近でウミガメを見て、一緒に泳げて、興奮冷めやらぬ一日になりました
綺麗な写真や楽しい動画も沢山送っていただいて、最高の思い出になりました
機会があれば、またわたるさんにぜひお願いしたいです！
本当にありがとうございました！

It was a bit rough, but I was able to see the sea turtles perfectly! The photos were dynamic and amazing. I would like to use this service again if I have the chance.

少し荒れ模様だったがウミガメがバッチリ見れた！写真も躍動感があり最高でした。また機会があれば利用したいです

We participated in a tour for our honeymoon. Although I was a bit anxious about snorkeling and stand-up paddleboarding for the first time, we both had a great experience! The meeting location was different from what was mentioned in the email, but they were accommodating and drove us, which was nice.

新婚旅行でツアーに参加しました。
はじめてのシュノーケリング、サップで少し不安
でしたが、夫婦共に楽しく体験できました！
集合場所がメール内容と違ったのでそこだけ、、
しかし、車で送っていただいたり、臨機応変に対応して頂けたのでよかったです。

I participated with my mother. It was my 67-year-old mother's first experience not only with snorkeling but also swimming in the ocean. Perhaps because the wind was strong, the waves were high, so she seemed scared and found it difficult to swim alone, but the instructor kindly helped her. We were able to encounter a sea turtle and take pictures together, creating the best memories. The couple who participated with us were also kind, and despite causing them some trouble, they treated us with warmth. I am filled with gratitude for everyone's kindness! Thank you very much!

母と2人で参加させて頂きました。
67歳の母はシュノーケリングはもちろん、海で泳ぐのも初めての体験でした。
風が強かった為か、波が高かったので、やっぱり怖かったみたいで1人で泳いで行くことが難しかったのですが、インストラクターのお兄さんが引っ張ってくださいました。
ウミガメと遭遇もできて、無事に写真も一緒に撮ることができて最高の思い出ができました(^-^)
一緒に参加したカップルさんも優しい方でたくさんご迷惑をかけてしまったにも関わらず優しくしてくださり、皆さんの温かさに感謝の気持ちでいっぱいです！
ありがとうございましたm(_ _)m

I was able to go out to the ocean and see sea turtles. The sea was calm, and I enjoyed snorkeling safely. The water was so clear that I felt like I was walking or swimming in the sky as I could see the deep seabed clearly. Since life jackets are provided, there's no need to dive, so even those who are not good at swimming can enjoy it with peace of mind. If you are prone to motion sickness in the car, it might be a good idea to take some anti-nausea medication, as you might feel a bit queasy from the waves.

沖の方まで出てウミガメを見ることが出来ました。
海も穏やかで安全にシュノーケリングが楽しめました。
海が透き通っているため底深い海底まではっきり見えるので空を歩いたり泳いでるような感覚になりました。
ライフジャケットを着用用するので海に潜る必要もなく、泳ぎが苦手な方でも安心して楽しめると思います。
車に酔いやすい方は波で少し酔う可能性があるので酔い止めを飲んでおいた方が良いかもしれません。

The water buffalo was so cute! I took a picture with it, and even though I didn't plan to buy anything, after seeing the photo, I ended up purchasing it. There was no smell at all, and the guide's stories were interesting, which made it really enjoyable. The bus guide was also very entertaining, and a crowned eagle appeared by chance and he told us about it. I highly recommend it!

水牛可愛かったー
写真を一緒に撮って、買うつもり無かったけど
出来た写真見たらとても良く買ってしまった
匂いも全然無くガイドさんの話も面白くとても良い
バスのガイドさんもとっても話が面白く冠ワシも偶然現れて教えてくれた
とってもオススメ

I went at the beginning of March. It was still a bit cold, but I was able to see sea turtles right away. They also took me to the coral, where I had an experience that I usually wouldn't get to enjoy, with many fish swimming right in front of me. I was able to take a lot of wonderful photos, and I am very satisfied. Thank you!

3月頭に行きました。まだ少し寒かったですが、ウミガメはすぐに見れました。サンゴの方にも連れて行ってくれて、目の前には沢山の魚が泳いでいるという普段では味わえない体験ができました。素敵な写真を沢山撮っていただいて、満足です。ありがとうございました！

My 86-year-old father also participated. The boat from Ishigaki Island to Iriomote Island was beautiful. We were able to see plenty of mangroves, and the guide, who was also the bus driver from the port to Yubu Island, was entertaining, making it one of my memorable experiences on Iriomote Island. We rode on water buffalo, and we had enough free time to explore Yubu Island, so I was very satisfied.

86歳の父も参加しました。石垣島から西表島までの船も綺麗。マングローブも思う存分見れたし、船着場から由布島までのバスの運転手さん兼ガイドの方のガイドが面白おかしくて西表島の思い出の一つになりました。水牛に乗ったり、由布島も自由行動で十分見れましたし、大満足です。

I used this service as a memento from my first visit to Miyako Island. The starry sky was incredibly beautiful, and I was happy to see shooting stars. During the photo session, I received guidance on poses, which made me feel at ease while taking pictures. I would like to use this service again the next time I visit Miyako Island. Thank you!

初めて宮古島に訪れた際に旅の記念として利用しました。
星空もすごく綺麗で流れ星も見れたので嬉しかったです。
撮影の際に、ポーズとかも指示して頂けたり安心して撮影もできました。
また、次に宮古島行った際にも利用したいです。
ありがとうございました！

I had a stand-up paddleboarding experience and went snorkeling at Balas Island! It was my first time on a SUP, but we moved slowly together, making it a fun experience! They also shared knowledge about the Iriomote wildcat and nature, allowing us to really connect with the environment!

While snorkeling, I was amazed to swim near a completely white island made of coral and in deeper waters, where I could see so many fish in the crystal-clear sea! I even got to take photos from underwater, which made me very satisfied! Thank you very much!

Sup体験とバラス島でシュノーケリングをしました！
初めてのsupでしたが、みんなでゆっくり進めたので楽しく体験できました！
イリオモテヤマネコや自然についての知識も教えてくださって、自然をいっぱい感じることができました！
シュノーケリングは、サンゴだけでできた真っ白な島の近くと、深いところで泳ぐことできて透明な海で魚をいっぱい見れて感動しました！海の中から写真も撮ってもらえて大満足です！
ありがとうございました！

The area without streetlights leading to the meeting point becomes really dark, and I felt scared for the first time in a while, but the starry sky was beautiful and moving. The weather wasn't very good, and I was wondering how it would turn out, but the island's weather changes quickly. I was able to time it just right to capture the starry sky peeking through the clouds and take some wonderful photos! I also received the data, which made for a great memory!!

集合場所まで街灯が無いエリアは本当に真っ暗になるので、久しぶりに怖いと思いましたが、星空が綺麗に見えて感動しました。
あまり天気が良くなくて、どうなるかと思いましたが、島のお天気は変わるのも早くて、雲から星空が出るタイミングをはかって、素敵な写真を撮っていただけました！
データも貰えて、とても良い思い出になりました!!

I used this tour for my graduation trip from university. Due to weather conditions, the Blue Cave tour was changed to the Phantom Island, but it was a very fulfilling activity where I could fully enjoy the nature of Ishigaki Island. Since we received the photos taken by the guide during the tour, we were able to capture plenty of memories without needing to bring a waterproof camera. Since I participated in March, the temperature wasn't very warm, and it was a bit chilly on the boat, so I think it would be comfortable to bring a long-sleeved jacket that you don't mind getting wet if you participate around March.

大学の卒業旅行で本ツアーを利用しました。
天候の都合で青の洞窟ツアーから幻の島に変更になりましたが、石垣島の自然を満喫することができるとても充実したアクティビティでした。
ツアー中ガイドの方が撮影した写真をデータを受け取る事ができるため防水カメラなどを持参しなくても、十分に思い出を写真に残す事ができました。
今回3月に参加したこともあり気温はそこまで暖かくなかったため、船の上は少し肌寒かったので、3月ごろに参加される際は濡れてもいい長袖の上着等を持っていくと快適に過ごせるかと思います。

I was able to ride in a leisurely cart pulled by a water buffalo, and along the way, I listened to the music of the sanshin, which refreshed my spirit. I want to go again.

のんびりした水牛が引く車に乗せていただき、途中サンシン（？）の音楽を聴かせていただきながら、心を洗わせていただきました。
また、行きたいです。

I was able to ride the water buffalo cart twice! It was great to enjoy the atmosphere of the southern island while listening to the shamisen. Personally, I really liked Yufu Island. The water buffalo I got to touch was so cute!

水牛車に2回も乗れました！
三味線聞きながら、南の島の雰囲気があじわえてよかったです。個人的には由布島が良かったです。触れる水牛さんが可愛いかった！

The first half of the canoeing was with university students who were doing stand-up paddleboarding (SUP). It had been a while since I last went canoeing, but they took a lot of photos and provided various explanations about nature, making it a very valuable experience.

For lunch, we were dropped off near Euglena Mall and had the freedom to eat until the designated time.

During the second half, we headed to the Blue Cave, and I was worried about whether we could experience it due to the heavy rain on the way there. However, by the time we arrived, it had turned into light rain, and although it was cold, we were able to enjoy the experience. They also took many photos here.

If I had to mention something, I was a bit disappointed that there weren't as many fish as I expected, possibly due to the season or the rain. But since this is nature, it can't be helped.

Overall, it was a fun experience.

前半のカヌーは、SUPの大学生と一緒でした。
久しぶりのカヌーでしたが、写真もいっぱい撮ってくださり
自然の説明も色々してもらったりで、大変貴重な体験となりました。

お昼は、ユーグレナモール近辺で降ろしてもらい、時間まで自由に食事を
とってくださいというスタイルでした。

後半の青の洞窟は、向かう最中が、めちゃくちゃ豪雨だったため
体験できるか心配でしたが、現地に着くころは小雨になっており
寒い中でしたが、体験することができました。
ここでも写真をいっぱい撮っていただきました。

しいていえば、時期的なものか、雨が降ったからかはわかりませんが
思ったより、魚がいなかったのが残念でした。
こればっかりは自然のものなので、仕方ありません。

トータルとしても、楽しかったです。

I was lucky to be the only participant that day, so I received one-on-one instruction from the instructor, Komecchi-kun, and was able to swim at my own pace. I got to take lots of photos and videos swimming with sea turtles! ♡

It was my first time in Miyako Island, and I was very satisfied to see so many sea turtles. There were about seven, and at one point, I was able to see three at once, which surprised me!

It was also my first time swimming at Shinjo Beach, but since it was shallow, I could enjoy it without fear. There were also cute fish, making it perfect for snorkeling beginners. The availability of a simple shower was great too. I think it was 100 yen for four minutes? You can change there, which is nice for women. I’m thinking of bringing shampoo and body soap next time.

I will definitely go swimming at Shinjo Beach again! ♡

たまたま参加者が私だけの日だったので、インストラクターのこめっちくんにマンツーマンで教えてもらいながら自分のペースで泳がせてもらえて、ウミガメと一緒に泳いでる写真や動画を沢山撮ってもらえてラッキーでした♡

初めての宮古島で沢山のウミガメに会えて大満足です。7匹くらいいて一度に3匹見れるタイミングもあって、こんなにいるの！と驚きました。

新城海岸で泳ぐのも初めてでしたが、浅いので恐怖心なく楽しめたし、可愛いお魚もいたのでシュノーケリング初心者には最高でした。
簡易シャワーがあるのも良かったです。100円で4分だったかな？そこで着替えられるし女性には嬉しい。今度シャンプーとかボディソープ持って行っちゃおうと思いました。

絶対また新城海岸に泳ぎに行きます♡

I was pulled by a water buffalo across the shallow sea from Iriomote Island to Yufu Island. It was my first time on a water buffalo cart! Although the buffalo was large, I worried if it would be okay with about 18 people on the cart. However, it pulled us strongly, and according to the guide and driver, the buffalo loves to move in the water the most.

Along the way, the guide played "Asadoya Yunta" on the sanshin, which made me feel very warm and happy as I swayed in the water buffalo cart. Yufu Island is a cute island with a somewhat ruined and rough feel, but I accepted it as it is, and I was thrilled by the sign for the yellow Iriomote wildcat!

I was also delighted to see many unique mangrove forests during the mangrove tour. The lunch bento was filled with Okinawan-style side dishes, which made me very satisfied.

I think it was great to participate in this tour where I could see various places.

Next time, I would like to try trekking on Iriomote Island.

海の浅瀬を水牛に引いてもらって西表島から由布島へ渡りました。初めての水牛車‼️大きな水牛ではありましたが車に乗るのが18人ほどで本当に牛さんは大丈夫なのだろうかと心配になりました。しかし力強く引いてくれ、ガイド兼運転手のおじさんの話では水牛は水の中で動くのが一番好きなんだとか。
途中からおじさんが三線で「安里屋ゆんた」を弾いてくれ、とても優しい気持ちになりながら水牛車に揺られ楽しかったです。
由布島はかわいい島でやや廃墟がかった感じと雑な感じもありますが、それはそう言うものだと納得し、黄色のイリオモテヤマネコの看板に感激しました❣️
マングローブ遊覧も変わったマングローブの林をたくさん見れて嬉しかったです。
お昼のお弁当も沖縄らしいおかずがいっぱいで満足でした。

いろいろなところが見れて盛りだくさんのツアーで参加して良かったと思います。

次回は西表島でトレッキングもやってみたいです。

As a beginner, I was able to enjoy the experience thanks to the kind instruction from the instructor! Not only did we have the activity, but we also had enjoyable conversations about Okinawa in the car, creating a fun atmosphere throughout. Unfortunately, I couldn't see any sea turtles, but I was able to see various fish, and the instructor provided explanations while sharing different stories about them. It was my first time on a canoe, and I had an extraordinary experience in the magnificent nature.

初心者でしたが、インストラクターの方が優しく教えてくださったので楽しむことができました！アクティビティの体験だけでなく、車内での雑談でも沖縄についてのお話をしてくださって、終始楽しい雰囲気のなか楽しめました。残念ながらウミガメは見られませんでしたが、色々な魚を見ることができ、こちらについても様々な話を交えながら解説してくださりました。カヌーは初めて乗りましたが、雄大な自然の中、非日常的な体験ができました。

This was my second time snorkeling at SAP and Balas Island. No matter how many times I go, I'm always healed by the beautiful sea and the nature-filled jungle! The staff were very kind and took a lot of photos for us! I highly recommend it.

2回目のSAPとバラス島シュノーケリング。
何度行っても綺麗な海と自然いっぱいのジャングルに癒されます！
スタッフの方もとても優しく写真もたくさん撮ってくださいました！とてもおすすめです。

My first time in Okinawa. As I cautiously made my way down a dark road with no streetlights, I finally arrived at the meeting spot. When I turned off the car lights... there was a sky full of stars!! I even got to see a shooting star. I hadn't thought of any specific poses, so I asked for recommendations. They showed me the photos taken right there, and even unedited, the stars were clearly visible, creating a wonderful atmosphere. I can't wait to receive the data.

初めての沖縄。周りに街灯がなく真っ暗な道を、怖々と半信半疑で進むとたどり着きました。
待ち合わせ場所に到着し、車のライトを消すと…そこには満天の星空！！流れ星も見れました。
これといったポーズを考えていなかったので、おすすめを指示してもらいました。
その場で撮ったばかりの写真を見せてもらいましたが、無加工でも星がばっちりと写っていて、雰囲気も良くとてもすてきでした。データをもらうのが楽しみです。