All Reviews for Japan Hidden Gems: Secret Islands

I had a wonderful experience riding the water buffalo cart on Iriomote Island, which I had wanted to try after seeing it featured on TV and in magazines. Unfortunately, the weather was rainy and not very good, but the day flew by as we traveled between three islands by ferry and bus from the morning. Next time I go, I would like to stay overnight on each island.

以前よりテレビや雑誌で紹介されてる西表島の水牛車に乗ってみたかったのでたいへん良い思い出になりました。
あいにく天気は雨模様であまり良くなかったですが朝からフェリーやバス移動で3島巡りがあっという間に1日が過ぎた感じです。今度行くときは各島々に1泊しながら行ってみたいです

I was amazed by the sheer number of fish I've never seen before, all so colorful! I was also thrilled to see Nemo in person, something I've only seen in videos before.

これまで見たことないくらいたくさんのお魚と、色鮮やかな魚ばかりで感動しました！
初動画でしか見たことないニモも生で見れて感動

I had a very pleasant time crossing to the island on a water buffalo while listening to island songs. The mangrove cruise was also well explained and enjoyable. Exploring Taketomi Island on foot was challenging due to the heat, so I recommend renting a bicycle.

水牛でゆったりと島へ渡り　島唄も聴きながらとても気持ちの良い時間が過ごせました。マングローブのクルーズも上手に説明して頂き楽しかったです。竹富島は歩きでしたが、暑さもあり大変でした。　レンタサイクルがおすすめです。

Although the chance of rain was 80%, it was beautifully sunny, and we were able to experience everything without getting wet. The mangroves offered a breathtaking panorama that felt like something out of a dream. While paddleboarding, the waves were gentle, making it easy to ride. The maneuverability was great, so I highly recommend it. Meeting the Ryukyu Kingfisher was a highlight, and the guide's insights were unique to this place, making it a wonderful memory. In the Blue Cave, the sea, coral reefs, and colorful fish of all sizes were stunning. I did feel a bit unwell at one point, but the kind words from the staff helped me get through it. Everyone else on the tour was lovely too, and we waved goodbye with big smiles as we parted ways.

降水確率80%でしたが、しっかり晴れて雨にあたることなく、体験できました。
マングローブでは、日本と思えないパノラマが広がり感動しました。サップでは、波も少なく簡単に乗ることができました。小回りもきくので、とてもおすすめです。リュウキュウアカショウビンに出会えて、ガイドさんの案内も、ここならでは！と言うことばかりで、とても、いい思い出になりました。青の洞窟では、海と珊瑚礁、大小のカラフルな魚達、美しかったです。途中、気分が悪くなってしまいましたが、優しい声かけをしていただき、無事すごせました。また、同じツアーに参加した皆さんも、素敵な方で別れ際は大きく手を振って笑顔でわかれました。

It’s difficult to explore Mishima in a day on your own, so I joined a tour. Since it was my husband's first time in Ishigaki Island, he was satisfied with this packed tour, and I was also pleased that I signed up for it.

個人では三島を一日で回るのは難しいので、ツアーに参加しました。
夫は初めての石垣島なので、ギュっと詰め込んだこのツアーに満足してくれて申し込んだ私も満足でした。

I participated in the mangrove canoeing and snorkeling activities.

Honestly, both activities were amazing! I spent the entire day with them, experiencing mangrove canoeing in the morning and snorkeling in the afternoon. The guides were incredibly kind and attentive, which made it easy to relax and enjoy. Both guides had extensive knowledge and experience, allowing us to learn while having fun, making it the best day ever.

I was worried about the weather, but they made sure we could enjoy ourselves no matter what the conditions were, so I was very satisfied!

マングローブカヌーandシュノーケリングに参加させていただきました。

率直にどちらのアクティビティも最高でした♪
午前はマングローブカヌー体験、午後はシュノーケリング体験と丸一日お世話になりましたが、とにかくガイドさんが親切丁寧で安心して楽しめた上に、どちらのガイドさんも経験知識が豊富で楽しみながら学ぶ事ができ最高の1日でした。

天候の心配もありましたが、どんな天気でも楽しめるよう対応していただいたので大満足です！

The guide's explanations were easy to understand, which was great. Mirai-kun the water buffalo also did a great job. My father's sanshin performance was very good as well. They even sang the tortoise and the hare for my grandchild, who was very happy and danced along. I made wonderful memories.

ガイドさんの説明も分かりやすくてよかったです
水牛のミライ君も頑張ってくれでした　お父さんの三線もとても良かったです　また孫の為にうさぎと亀まで歌っていただいてとても喜んで踊ってました
素敵な思い出ができました

I signed up for a free plan on Taketomi Island, rented a bicycle, and went to the star sand beach. It was during the rainy season, but the weather was clear during the tour, making it very pleasant for cycling. We were able to reach the beach in a short amount of time, making effective use of our time, and I highly recommend it. I enjoyed exploring and experiencing various things around the three islands.

竹富島はフリープランに申し込み、レンタサイクルして、星の砂浜に行きました。梅雨でしたが、ツアー中は、天気も晴れ、とても気持ち良く、サイクリングでき、時間も短時間で、浜にいけて、時間を有効に使い、オススメです。
3島周り、色々見て、体験してインジョイできました。

Iriomote Island and Yufu Island were great, but when I chose the bus tour plan for Taketomi Island, it turned out to be a very rushed experience, lasting only about an hour. We spent 15 minutes at Kaiji Beach and another 15 minutes for walking around the island. Additionally, we were forced to return by boat, so for those who want to fully enjoy Taketomi Island, I recommend the water buffalo cart plan or the free plan. I also think it would be better if the bus tour plan allowed us to choose the return boat schedule.

西表島、由布島は良かったのですが、竹富島のバス観光プランを選択したところ、竹富島を約1時間でものすごくバタバタした観光でした。カイジ浜は15分、島内の徒歩観光も15分程度です。そして強制的に船で帰らされるため、竹富島を堪能したい人は、水牛車プランかフリープランをお勧めします。バス観光プランも、帰りの船便を選択できるといいと思います。

I was disappointed that I couldn't see the water buffalo because I was in the last row. I wish there was a guarantee for the front row!

It was hot in Taketomi Island in May, and I gave up on going to the beach. I returned to the port early, but I had quite a bit of time left.

水牛は一番後ろの席だったので、水牛が見えず残念でした。
前列確約があればいいのにー

5月の竹富島は暑く、浜辺まで行くのを断念しました。
早めに港に戻りましたがかなり時間が余りました

I participated in a local tour for the first time, and it was a wonderful experience. We enjoyed a mangrove cruise, explored Yubu Island by water buffalo cart, and had a free walk on Taketomi Island. Despite the many transfers, the guidance was excellent, and I had a fun day without getting lost. Thank you very much!

現地ツアーに初めて参加させて頂きました、
マングローブクルーズや水牛車での由布島散策、竹富島フリーウォークと移動が多いのに、しっかり誘導して頂き迷う事なく楽しい1日でした。ありがとうございました。

There was a rain forecast and some wind. During the water buffalo cart experience tour, it did rain, but the cart had a roof, and the rain was temporary, stopping quickly.

The guide shared stories about the water buffalo and Taketomi Island, and even played the sanshin while singing. If you take the afternoon ferry, there isn’t much time after the water buffalo cart experience, so a walk to the West Pier and back is just about right.

On the return bus from the Taketomi Island tourist center or the ferry to Ishigaki Island, there were likely some people from the morning ferry, so the morning ferry allows for a more leisurely sightseeing experience on Taketomi Island.

I actually wanted to book for the arrival day or the afternoon of the last day, but I couldn’t get a reservation. I also couldn’t book the morning ferries on the second and third days, so I reluctantly participated in the afternoon ferry on the second day when I could get a reservation.

On the second day, I woke up leisurely, enjoyed a buffet breakfast at the hotel, relaxed in the large public bath, and then went out to the city to see Euglena Mall before joining the tour.

As a result, the hotel buffet and large public bath seemed crowded early in the morning, but I was able to enjoy myself even after taking my time in the morning and sightseeing before joining the afternoon ferry.

I boarded the Super Dream bus from Dream Tourism between Ishigaki Island and Taketomi Island, and it seemed that we were the only participants for the afternoon ferry that day, allowing us the luxurious experience of having the 195-person capacity boat all to ourselves.

Although it was a plan without a tour guide, the staff at Dream Tourism explained everything to us and even put a sticky note on the map of Taketomi Island to ensure we wouldn’t get the bus time wrong.

After returning to Ishigaki Island, we were taken back to the hotel from the Dream Tourism meeting point, so we were able to enjoy the day even with the rain forecast.

雨予報で風もありました。水牛車体験ツアー中には雨も降りましたが、水牛車には屋根があり、雨も一時的ですぐに止みました。
ガイドのお姉さんから、水牛さんや竹富島のお話を聞いたり、三線を弾きながら歌ってもらえます。
午後発の便だと水牛車体験後はあまり時間がないので、西桟橋まで歩いて行って戻って来るくらいでちょうどいいくらいでした。
竹富島の観光センターからの帰りのバスや石垣島までの船では、恐らく午前便の方もいらっしゃったので、午前便の方が竹富島をゆっくり観光出来ます。
本当は到着日か最終日の午後に予約したかったのですが予約が取れず、また2日目と3日目の午前便も予約が取れず、仕方なく予約が取れた2日目の午後便で参加しました。
2日目の朝ゆっくり起きて、ホテルで朝食バイキングをのんびり食べて、大浴場でゆったりしてから、市街地に出てユーグレナモールを見た後、ツアーに参加しました。
結果的にホテルのバイキングや大浴場は早い時間は混雑している様子でしたが、朝のんびりして、ゆっくり観光してから午後便に参加してもそれなりに楽しめるものでした。
石垣島と竹富島間は、ドリーム観光のスーパードリーム号に乗船したのですが、その日の午後便参加者は私たち1組だけだったようで、195名定員の船内を2人で貸切にするという贅沢な体験も出来ました。
添乗員の同行しないプランでしたが、ドリーム観光の窓口のお姉さんから説明を聞いて、帰りのバス時間も間違えないように竹富島の地図に付箋を貼って下さいました。
石垣島に戻ってから、ドリーム観光前集合でホテルまで送ってもらえたので、1日雨予報の日でも充分に楽しむことが出来ました。

The sightseeing boat and water buffalo cart were both amazing experiences. The scenery was absolutely stunning, truly reminiscent of a tropical island. The transportation was efficient, taking us smoothly to Iriomote, Yufu, and Taketomi Islands, which made the travel stress-free. The lunch buffet was delicious, featuring ingredients from Okinawa.

遊覧船も水牛車も感動の体験でした。とにかく南国の島らしい景色が最高。
手際よく、西表・由布・竹富島へ送り届けてくれるので移動のストレスが無くて良い。
ランチブッフェも沖縄食材で美味しくいただきました。

This was my second time using the service, following two years ago, and I was fortunate with the weather. It was great to efficiently visit the highlights. I recommend it to those planning to explore unfamiliar remote islands.

2年前に続いて2回目の利用でしたが、天候にも恵まれ、見所を効率良くまわれて良かったです。不慣れな離島巡りを計画している方にお薦めです。

I was very satisfied to see the colorful fish and beautiful corals of the tropical region! The guide's attention to safety was thorough, allowing me to enjoy the tour with peace of mind!

南国のカラフルな魚たちと綺麗なサンゴが見れて大満足でした！ガイドの人の安全配慮も行き届いていて、安心してツアーを過ごせました！

The mangrove tour in Iriomote Island was great, especially with the boatman's stories that were both educational and enjoyable. We also rode a water buffalo cart to Yubu Island 🐂, and it was wonderful when they sang Okinawan folk songs while we were on the cart! On Taketomi Island, we explored on bicycles 🚲, enjoying the beautiful sea, and I had a very fulfilling time. As a side note, an electric bicycle would have been even better 💦. I think first-time visitors will have a fantastic time participating in these activities! 😃

西表島のマングローブ観光（船頭さんのお話が勉強にもなり良かった）、由布島迄水牛車🐂に乗ったり（水牛車に乗ってる時に沖縄民謡？を歌ってくださったのがとても良かった！）竹富島では自転車🚲であちこち回り綺麗な海を見たり、すごく充実した時間を過ごしました。余談ですが、電動自転車なら尚良かった💦
初めて行く方は参加されるとすごく楽しめると思います😃

Without local options like these, I would have been wondering where to go! I was very grateful for them! The water buffalo cart and mangrove exploration were great, and the tropical, old-fashioned atmosphere of Taketomi Island was wonderful!

こういう現地オプションがないと、何処行こうか⁉️ってなってしまうので、大変ありがたかったです‼️水牛車やマングローブ探検とか竹富島の南国古風なたたずまい良かったです‼️

I was able to enjoy Taketomi Island while riding a water buffalo and listening to the performance of the sanshin. As mentioned in other reviews, there wasn't much time for strolling. It was less than an hour, so it was just enough time to walk to the Nishi Sanchu and return to the bus stop.

水牛で街を回りながら、三線の演奏を聴くことができて、竹富島を堪能することができました。他の方の口コミにもあるように、散策時間はあまりありませんでした。１時間もないくらいだったので、歩いて西桟橋行ってバス乗り場まで戻ってきて、ちょうどいいぐらいでした。

I had a wonderful time on Iriomote Island and Yubu Island. The mangrove tour was relaxing as we slowly made our way down the river, with the guide explaining various things along the way. It was very soothing to see the mangroves and birds.

The time spent riding a water buffalo to Yubu Island was enjoyable while listening to the sound of the sanshin. It felt extraordinary! On Yubu Island, I was able to touch the water buffalo and take commemorative photos, which was great.

The staff's guidance was smooth, and the reception and the bus driver's (guide's) responses were excellent, allowing me to enjoy the experience from start to finish.

西表島、由布島をとても満喫できました。
マングローブツアーは、ゆっくり川を進みながら、ガイドさんが色々と説明してくれます。 マングローブや鳥などを見ながらとても癒されます。
水牛に乗って由布島へ行く時間は、三線の音色を聴きながら楽しく過ごしました。非日常！ 由布島では、水牛に触ることができて、記念写真も撮れて良かった。

スタッフさんの案内の流れがスムーズで、受付やバス車内の運転手(ガイドさん)の対応が良く、最初から最後まで楽しめた。

I participated with two elementary school students (4th grade and 1st grade). The round-trip bus from the port made it convenient. Even though it was during Golden Week, we were able to ride the water buffalo cart with almost no wait. There wasn't enough time to explore everything, but it was nice to be able to return without too much stress, especially with kids.

小学生2人(4年、1年)と参加しました。港からのバスも往復ついていて、楽でした。GWでしたが、水牛車にもほぼ待たずに乗れました。あれもこれも散策するには時間が足りませんが、子連れならあまり無理せず帰れて良かったです。

I went on an island-hopping tour from Ishigaki Island. The route included Iriomote Island, Yubu Island, and Taketomi Island.

On Iriomote Island, I was amazed by the mangroves we saw from the boat. After that, we crossed to Yubu Island by water buffalo cart and enjoyed lunch before visiting the botanical garden. Going further in, the gelato at Yubu Island Tea House on Manta Beach was fantastic!

On the way back, we rode the water buffalo cart again to return to Iriomote Island, where we took a boat to Taketomi Island.

In Taketomi Island, we enjoyed a village tour while being rocked by the water buffalo cart. It was a full-day tour, and that relaxed atmosphere is definitely worth repeating!

石垣島発離島巡りに行ってきました。
西表島〜由布島〜竹富島のルート。
西表島では船でマングローブを見学して圧巻され、水牛車で由布島に渡って昼食後に植物園見学。奥に行ってマンタビーチにある由布島茶屋のジェラートも最高！
帰りはまた水牛車に揺られながら西表島に戻って船に乗り竹富島へ。
竹富島では水牛車に揺られながら村内観光。
ほぼ1日がかりのツアーでした。
あのゆったり感はリピート必須です。

On Iriomote Island, we took a mangrove tour by boat. It was fascinating. We crossed to Yubu Island on a water buffalo, and there were various types of water buffalo, which was enjoyable. On Taketomi Island, we could explore the town by bicycle, which was also fun. But the best experience was definitely riding the water buffalo.

西表島ではマングローブツアーを船でします。興味深かったです。由布島へ水牛でわたるのですが、いろいろなタイプの水牛がいて楽しかったです。竹富島は自転車で町を回れて楽しかったです。やっぱり一番は水牛に乗る体験でした。

The water buffalo was very smart, and sometimes luck comes your way! Listening to the sanshin while being blown by the wind, swaying in the ox cart on the way to Yufu Island! It was the best, thank you, water buffalo!

水牛さんは大変お利口でした、運がつく事もあります！風に吹かれながら三線を聴き、牛車に揺られ由布島へ向かう！最高でした、ありがとう水牛さん！

Although the sky was unfortunately cloudy and there was a bit of rain, I had a very enjoyable time. The experience of swaying on a water buffalo cart while crossing to Yufushima became a wonderful memory. Next time, I would like to go again on a sunny day!

あいにくの曇り空と、少し雨もパラつきましたが、とても楽しく過ごせました。水牛車でゆらゆら揺られ由布島に渡った経験はよい思い出になりました。今度は晴れた日にまた行ってみたいです！！

The water buffalo cart to Yubu Island was really great. I was also healed by the driver's (guide's) sanshin performance. The mangrove tour, bus, and ferry, and the stories from each guide were enjoyable too!

由布島への水牛車はすごく良かったです。
運転手（ガイド）さんの三線演奏にも癒されました。
マングローブ遊覧、バス、フェリー、それぞれのガイドさんの話も楽しかったです！

It was a smooth experience during the Golden Week. I checked in at the counter at the remote island terminal before the scheduled time and boarded the boat. It took about 15 minutes to get to Taketomi Island. From there, we transferred to several cars and headed to the waiting area for the water buffalo. We were guided in order. The water buffalo guide was very good at talking, and we leisurely progressed while listening to her play the sanshin. They also took free photos, and if you liked them, there were paid versions with a frame available. The quality of the photos with data was good, so we purchased them for our family. There wasn't much time for free exploration, so we returned to the meeting point early and just relaxed afterward. From start to finish, all the staff we encountered were very pleasant. Thank you for the wonderful memories!

GWでしたが大変スムーズでした。離島ターミナルのカウンターで時間までに受付し、船に乗船。竹富島まで15分ほど。そこから数台の車に分かれて乗り換え、水牛の待つ場所へ。順番に案内されます。水牛ガイドのお姉さんがとても話し上手で、三線の弾き語りを聴きながらのんびり進みます。無料の写真も撮っていただき、気に入れば台紙付きの有料タイプも。データ付きで仕上がりが良かったので我が家は購入しました。フリータイムで巡れる時間はあまりなかったので早めに集合場所まで戻り、あとはまったり。スタートから最後まで、出会うスタッフの方々とても感じが良かったです。素敵な思い出をありがとうございました！

I rode in an ox cart for the first time! It was a graceful moment while listening to the shamisen! I didn't rent a bicycle on Taketomi Island, but I think those with good stamina can enjoy a walk.

初めて牛車にのりましたー。
三味線聴きながら、優雅なひと時でしたよ！
竹富島では自転車をレンタルしませんでしたが、体力ある方ならお散歩で楽しめると思います。

I was concerned that spending one day on three islands would mean less time on each island, but in reality, I was able to have an enjoyable experience on each one. For lunch, I had "karasoba," a soul food from the Yaeyama Islands, where you can choose toppings in a buffet style.

On Taketomi Island, there was a free walk plan, but thanks to a rental service at the port that accommodated us without a reservation, I was able to rent a bicycle on-site. I recommend renting a bicycle for those who want to visit multiple spots.

This plan is highly recommended for those who want to casually visit various islands and for beginners exploring the Yaeyama Islands.

1日で3島ということで、1島あたりの時間が少なくなることを懸念していましたが、実際はどの島でも魅力的な体験ができました。
昼ごはんは「からそば」という八重山諸島のソウルフードで、トッピングをバイキング形式で選ぶものでした。
竹富島ではフリーウォークプランでしたが、予約なしでも対応してくださる業者さんが港にいてくれたおかげで、現地で自転車をレンタルすることができました。行きたいスポットが複数ある方は自転車レンタルをおすすめします。
いろんな島に気軽に訪れたい行きたいという方、八重山諸島初心者の方にはとてもおすすめのプランです。

This is a tour that takes about 6 hours to explore Iriomote Island and Yufu Island, allowing you to efficiently see the sightseeing spots within a short time that would be difficult to achieve with individual arrangements. I truly felt that participating in this tour was a great decision. Another positive aspect was the round-trip shuttle service between the hotel and the remote island terminal.

西表島及び由布島を約6時間で巡るツアーですが、個人手配では実現できない短時間の中で効率よく観光名所を見ることができるツアーです。参加して良かったと心から思えるツアーでした。
ホテルと離島ターミナルの往復送迎対応があることも良い点でした。

I traveled from Hokkaido to the southernmost Yaeyama Islands. Even within Japan, I noticed differences in lifestyle and customs. Thank you for a wonderful trip.

北海道から最南端の八重山諸島に行きました。同じ日本でも生活用式、習慣の違いがわかりました。楽しい旅をありがとうございました。