All Reviews for Japan Hidden Gems: Secret Islands

The guide's extensive knowledge and the recent sighting of sea turtles made for a wonderful memory! Thank you!

ガイドさんのたくさんの知識と、直近でウミガメが見れてとてもいい思い出になりました！ありがとうございます！

I participated in snorkeling for the first time, and I was able to enjoy it without any worries because I received thorough instructions! The Blue Cave was beautiful, and there were plenty of fish and stunning corals further out! If you're going to snorkel in Ishigaki, I highly recommend this tour!

初めてシュノーケル参加させていだだいたんですが丁寧にレクチャーしてもらったので不安なく楽しめました！青の洞窟も綺麗で沖の方は魚もいっぱいいてサンゴもとても綺麗でした！石垣でシュノーケルするならこのツアーとてもおすすめです！

Snorkeling in the beautiful sea was amazing! There were so many fish underwater, and just watching them made the time fly by. The guide provided a lot of explanations about the fish and more, allowing me to learn a lot about Ishigaki Island. It was so much fun!

とても綺麗な海でのシュノーケリングは最高でした！
海の中にたくさんの魚がいて、その魚たちを見ているだけであっという間に時間が過ぎました。
ガイドさんが魚などの解説をたくさんしてくださり、石垣島について詳しくなることができました。
とっても楽しかったです。

We traveled by bus with a large group, but when it came time to enter the sea, we split into smaller groups of about four people. They were considerate of those of us who aren't great swimmers, allowing us to explore the Blue Cave while holding onto floaties! It was reassuring to have some time to gradually get used to the water temperature, making it a great experience for small children as well. ✨ The young and wonderful guides provided informative explanations about the surrounding terrain, history, and marine life, which was very educational. ✏️ Although we didn't see any sea turtles, we were able to observe various types of fish, and swimming over the deep trench was an exceptional experience. 🐠🫧

During the latter part of the mangrove forest SUP, the instructors kindly taught us how to paddle at a comfortable pace, allowing us to enjoy it safely. ☺️ It felt amazing to sit while paddling, and when I was able to stand and paddle, it was such a nice feeling! (One of the women from the couple we were with fell into the river but seemed to be having a great time. 😆 Haha.) We thoroughly enjoyed the quintessential Okinawan mangrove forest and learned about the Kijimunaa fairy that resides in the giant banyan trees. I definitely want to participate again!

大人数でバスで移動しましたが、海に入るときには4名前後のグループ行動になります。泳ぎが苦手な私たちにも配慮してくださり、浮き輪に捕まりながら青の洞窟を探検することができました！海の温度に少しずつ慣れる時間があるので安心感があり、小さなお子さんにもおすすめです✨若くて素敵なお兄さん、お姉さんたち（ガイドさんたち）による、周辺の地形や歴史、海の生き物などの説明は勉強になりました✏️ウミガメには会えませんでしたが、数々の種類のお魚を見られましたし、深い溝の上を泳ぐ体験は格別でした🐠🫧

後半のマングローブ林SUPでは、SUP初心者の私たちにゆっくり親切に乗り方を教えてくださり、安全に楽しめました☺️座りながら乗って、立って漕げたときはとても気持ちよかったです！（一緒だったカップルの女性は川に落ちちゃってましたが楽しそうでした😆笑）。THE沖縄感のマングローブ林を堪能して、巨大ガジュマルに宿るキジムナーの妖精についても教えてもらえてよかったです！ぜひまた参加したいです！！

It was a fulfilling day efficiently visiting three islands: Iriomote Island, Yufu Island, and Taketomi Island in just one day. I felt that 90 minutes was a bit short for both the meal and exploring Yufu Island.

1日で西表島、由布島、竹富島の3つの島を効率良く巡れて充実した1日でした。
90分の中で食事と由布島の巡るのは少し時間が足りなかったように感じました。

The tour was unique with smooth transportation. The water buffalo cart is highly recommended, but the speed varies depending on the horse you ride.

スムーズな移動でツアーならではでした。水牛車は本当におすすめですが、乗る馬によりスピードに差があります。

I had a great time visiting the three islands of Iriomote Island, Yubu Island, and Taketomi Island in just one day. In particular, the island tour by water buffalo cart was a lot of fun. The sea was also very beautiful.

西表島、由布島、竹富島の３島を、一日で回れて、とても良かったです。特に、水牛車での島巡りは、とても、楽しかったです。海も、大変綺麗でした。

It was nice to relax. I think it's perfectly fine for those who lack confidence in their legs since you can avoid walking.

It was a place worthy of being a World Natural Heritage site.

のんびりして良かったです。
歩かずに済みますので足に自信の無い方でも全然大丈夫かと思います。

世界自然遺産に相応しい場所でしたね。

It was a very well-thought-out schedule. I was able to visit three islands, and I gained a good understanding of the geographical relationships in the Yaeyama Islands. The guide's explanations were also educational. The performance of the sanshin on the water buffalo cart was great. The lunch exceeded my expectations, and I got to enjoy various Okinawan dishes. Although it was cloudy with light rain seasonally, I was satisfied. Thank you.

とてもよく考えられたスケジューリングです。3つの島に行け、八重山諸島の地理的な位置関係が良くわかりました。
ガイドさんのお話も勉強になった。
水牛車の三線演奏が良かった。
お昼ご飯も期待以上。沖縄料理をいろいろいただけました。
季節的に曇りと小雨でしたが、満足できました。ありがとう。

The water buffalo was amazing! The lunch at Yufushima was also very delicious. It was great to see mangroves for the first time.

水牛最高でした🐃　由布島でのランチもとても美味しかったです🍽️ 初めて見るマングローブも良かったです。

The three-island tour was very good. I was impressed by the water buffalo cart I rode for the first time. At Yufu Island, I spent too much time taking photos and eating, so I was disappointed that I couldn't explore the island much. I chose the free walk plan for Taketomi Island, but the limited number of buses made the schedule tight.

3島巡りとても良かったです。
初めて乗った水牛車は感動しました。
由布島では、写真と食事に時間をとりすぎて島内の散策があまり出来なくて残念でした。
竹富島はフリーウォークプランを選択しましたが、バスの本数が少なめだった為タイトなスケジュールになってしまいました。

Exploring Mishima while riding on a ferry, bus, sightseeing boat, and ox cart was a delightful experience. The lunch was delicious, and I was able to enjoy the wonderful spots in Mishima✨ The drivers (and the person guiding the oxen?) were entertaining, making the time enjoyable! Thank you, Yumemi-chan, Kojiro-kun, Kaiji-kun, and Rui-kun. I also learned that the water buffalo have distinct personalities and are all quite different!

フェリー・バス・観光船・牛車に乗りながら三島巡り。お昼ごはんもおいしく三島のいいとこ巡りができました✨運転手の皆さんも（牛を誘導する人？）話が面白く楽しく過ごせました！ゆめみちゃん　こじろうくん　カイジくん　ルイくん　ありがとう。　水牛も個性豊かでいろいろ違うことがわかりました!

It's really disappointing that the sightseeing on Taketomi Island was abbreviated. We should have opted for a free sightseeing choice. Was it because someone couldn't keep the meeting time that the boat schedule got delayed? It seems that we couldn't change the return boat because there was no tour guide present. The bus tour on Taketomi Island was disappointing. It was good up to Iriomote Island and Yufu Island, so it's a shame. I should have negotiated with the local staff about changing the return boat.

竹富島の観光省略されとても残念
フリーの観光選択すべきでしたね
集合時間守れない人のせい？で船の時間がずれた？らしいです
スルーの添乗員がいないために帰りの船の変更不可？竹富島バス観光残念でした。
西表島由布島までは良かったので残念でした。現地スタッフのかたに帰路船の変更掛け合うべきである

Despite the unfortunate weather forecast, it only drizzled occasionally. This timing allowed us to enjoy our time even more comfortably, and the activities were enjoyable whether it was sunny or rainy.

◯ Iriomote Island
We explored the mangroves on a covered boat. The weather didn't affect this experience. Navigating through the mangrove forest is something that is quite difficult to do on your own.

◯ Yubu Island
Riding a water buffalo to cross from one island to another was a unique experience. The water buffalo cart is also not affected by the weather. On Yubu Island, we had time for a meal and free time in the botanical garden. Even those who aren't interested in the botanical garden can enjoy it as a meal and relaxation time. At the back of the botanical garden, there is actually a beach. Enjoying the scenery here is also an option.

◯ Taketomi Island
If you don't have a specific store or destination in mind, you might find yourself at a loss on how to spend your time in the village. It's certainly possible to arrange rental bicycles or water buffalo carts on your own. However, considering the round-trip travel from each island and moving around the island, it's wise to think about combining a water buffalo or bicycle rental. The only activity here that is affected by the weather is the village tour by water buffalo cart. It's recommended as it allows for a cool experience without getting wet.

あいにくの悪天候予報でしたが、降っても時折 小雨が降る程度。
そんなタイミングだったので余計に快適に過ごすことができましたが、晴天でも雨天でも楽しめるアクティビティでした。

◯西表島
屋根付きのボートでマングローブ散策。
天気に左右されません。
マングローブ林の中を進むのはなかなか個人ではできない体験です。

◯由布島
水牛に乗って島から島へ渡るのは貴重な体験でした。
こちらの水牛車も天気に左右されません。
由布島では植物園内で食事＆自由時間が。
植物園に興味のない方も、食事兼休憩時間として過ごせます。
植物園の奥には実はビーチが。ここで景色を楽しむのもアリです。

◯竹富島
集落での過ごし方は、目的のお店等が無い方は意外と持て余すかも。
個人手配でレンタサイクルや水牛車の手配ももちろん可能。
ただ、各島からの往復移動や島内の移動を考えると、セットで水牛or自転車を考えておくと吉です。
唯一ここでの過ごし方だけ天気に左右されます。
水牛車での集落回遊は避暑＆濡れないのでおすすめ。

I visited in early May and was worried about the rainy season, but it only rained while I was on the ferry and bus. By the time I arrived at Iriomote Island, Yufu Island, and Taketomi Island, the weather was clear, and I had the best sightseeing experience. Cycling on Taketomi Island was refreshing, and the botanical garden on Yufu Island was more enjoyable than I expected, so I highly recommend it!

5月前半に行き梅雨が心配だったのですが、フェリーやバスに乗っている間だけ雨が降ったのみで、西表島や由布島、竹富島に着く頃には晴れ、最高の観光ができました。竹富島でのサイクリングは気持ちがよかったのと、由布島の植物園が想像より楽しかったのでおすすめしたいです！

I thought a plan that allows visiting three islands in one day would be great, so I joined. There was plenty of free time, and I liked that I could participate in my own way.

1日で3島回れるプランがよいと思い参加しました。自由時間も多く、思い思いに参加できるのがよかったです。

I recommend it because there are many islands around Ishigaki Island, and you can efficiently explore them even with limited time. The itinerary and efficiency are things you can't achieve when planning on your own, and it's also cost-effective! The guides at each sightseeing spot were enjoyable and great as well.

石垣島の離島がたくさんあって時間が限られる中で効率よく周れるので、おすすめです。
自分たちでスケジュール組むと出来ない行程と効率性、またお得さでした！
それぞれの観光スポットでのガイドも楽しくて良かったです。

The weather was unfortunately bad, but I still had a good time. On Taketomi Island, perhaps because it was right after the holiday, most shops were closed, and the few that were open had almost sold out of everything I wanted to eat, which was disappointing.

あいにくの天気でしたが楽しめました。竹富島では、連休明けだからかどこのお店もお休みで、やっと空いてた店もほとんど売り切れで食べたいものがなかったのは残念でした。

The transfer from the boat to the bus to the water buffalo and back to the bus and then the boat can be quite a journey. I think it's better to avoid walking to the water buffalo riding area, especially on hot days, due to the elevation changes. I'm glad I went with a tour.

船→バスの送迎→水牛→バスの送迎→船
水牛乗り場まで、徒歩で行くのは高低差もあり、暑い日はやめた方が良いと思います。ツアーで良かったと思いました

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

Hat an interesting tour! While I speak some Japanese the rest of my family does not. I did my best to translate what I could, but I know we missed out on a lot of the interesting facts about the water buffalo and the tradition and origin story of this interesting mode of transport. We wished we had also understood more about the mangroves.

Thank you for allowing me to participate in this tour 😊 I was healed by the adorable Maekun, and all my daily fatigue disappeared. It was so much fun! If there's another opportunity, I would love to join again 🥺 Thank you, Maekun!

今回ツアーに参加させて頂いてありがとうございます😊
可愛い真栄君に癒されて　日頃の疲れも飛びました　楽しかったです♪
また　機会がありましたらよろしくお願いします🥺
真栄君ありがとーー

The designated hotel shuttle service is available, and the transportation on the remote islands is well thought out, making it very convenient. On Iriomote Island, I was able to see the mangrove forests up close, and on Yubu Island and Taketomi Island, I enjoyed a leisurely pace of sightseeing while riding on water buffalo carts. The local guide's commentary was also entertaining. On Taketomi Island, if you want to get around and visit the highlights, it seems necessary to make a reservation for a rental bicycle in advance.

指定ホテル送迎もあり、離島での移動も効率よく考えられていて楽チンです。西表島ではマングローブ林をしっかり見ることができ、由布島と竹富島ではそれぞれ水牛車に乗って、のんびりしたペースで観光を楽しむことができました。現地ガイドさんのトークも面白かったです。竹富島では、島内を移動して見どころを回るならレンタサイクルの事前予約がないと厳しそうです。

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。