All Reviews for Japan Hidden Gems: Secret Islands

I had a great time. It was a full day with a relaxed schedule. The mangroves, water buffalo, and island tour were fulfilling. I recommend it!

満喫しました　余裕あるスケジュールで一日満喫でした　マングローブ、水牛、離島ツアー充実してます　おすすめです

Since it was the New Year after the end of COVID-19, the tour was busy due to the large number of people. We participated this time with three generations because the last time was so enjoyable, but unlike before, our stay on Yufu Island was too short, and we couldn't explore the island leisurely at all. The lunch break was also too short.

コロナ明け年始という事もあり
大勢いた為ツアーが忙しかった。
前回が楽しかったので今回は3世代で参加しましたが前と違って由布島の滞在が短すぎて全然島内をゆっくり回れませんでした。お昼ご飯の時間も短すぎでした。

I visited Iriomote Island for the first time. I was able to explore efficiently in a short amount of time. The mangroves were high due to the tide, so I couldn't see much of them. The weather was cloudy, so it was disappointing not to see the beautiful sea of Iriomote Island.

The water buffalo cart was fun, different from Taketomi Island. The sanshin and singing were quite lovely as well. Lunch was just normally delicious. Yubu Island was more enjoyable than I had imagined.

Since there was no staff accompanying the tour, I had to wander around each time to find out which boat to transfer to after getting off the ship, which bus to take, and where to line up for the water buffalo ride, constantly asking anyone who looked like a staff member.

Since there were other tours as well, I was guided to different dining locations, which I understand, but I did feel a bit of inefficiency. Overall, I was satisfied.

初めて西表島を訪問しました。短い時間で効率良く回る事が出来ました。
マングローブは満潮で水位が高くあまり見れませんでした。お天気も曇りだったので、せっかくの西表島のキレイな海が見れず残念。
水牛車は竹富島とまた違って楽しかったです。三線と歌もなかなか素敵でした。
お昼ご飯も普通に美味しかったです。由布島は想像以上に楽しかったです。
ツアーに同行する係員がいないので、船を降りてからどのボートに乗り換えるのか、バスはどれに乗るのか、水牛に乗るにはどこに並ぶのか、毎回ウロウロして係員らしき人を見つけては聞きまくりました。
他のツアーも一緒なので、食事場所も別の所に案内されたり、仕方ないとは思いますが、ちょっと効率の悪さを感じました。
全体的には満足です。

Almost everyone was trying stand-up paddleboarding (SUP) and snorkeling for the first time! The instructors were very thorough, so I was able to enjoy it to the fullest without any worries, even as a beginner! Thanks to the many wonderful photos taken with the GoPro, I'm reminiscing while looking back at the pictures 😊 It was such a fun experience!!!

At the end, they also recommended a lot of great restaurants for our last bus ride, so I’m looking forward to enjoying the rest of my trip in Ishigaki! ✈️

ほぼ全員初めてのsupとシュノーケリングでした！
丁寧に教えていただけたので初めてでも心配なく全力で楽しめました！
素敵な写真もたくさんGoProで撮っていただいたおかげで写真を見返して余韻に浸っています😊とても楽しい体験でした！！！

最後のバスでおすすめのご飯屋さんもたくさん教えていただいて残りの石垣旅行も楽しめそうです✈️

We had the pleasure of having Sebastian as our snorkeling tour guide, and he truly made the experience unforgettable. His friendly and accommodating nature put us at ease right away. He spoke great English and shared a wealth of knowledge about the island, even offering us fantastic recommendations for local dining spots.

Taro was our guide for the stand-up paddleboarding tour, and he was equally wonderful. Although we were informed in advance that he didn't speak English, we managed to communicate quite well with my limited Japanese and he also made a genuine effort to engage with us in the little English he knew. Taro's warm demeanor and friendly personality shone through, and he kept us entertained with some light-hearted jokes along the way. If you have the chance to be guided by either of these amazing individuals, you can rest assured that you'll be in great hands!

We had the pleasure of having Sebastian as our snorkeling tour guide, and he truly made the experience unforgettable. His friendly and accommodating nature put us at ease right away. He spoke great English and shared a wealth of knowledge about the island, even offering us fantastic recommendations for local dining spots.

Taro was our guide for the stand-up paddleboarding tour, and he was equally wonderful. Although we were informed in advance that he didn't speak English, we managed to communicate quite well with my limited Japanese and he also made a genuine effort to engage with us in the little English he knew. Taro's warm demeanor and friendly personality shone through, and he kept us entertained with some light-hearted jokes along the way. If you have the chance to be guided by either of these amazing individuals, you can rest assured that you'll be in great hands!

There is a direct bus from the airport to the remote island bus terminal every 30 minutes. After this tour, there are shuttle buses from the ANA Hotel and the former JAL Hotel to the remote island bus terminal. It's recommended for sightseeing on the first day. After a stroll pulled by a water buffalo, you can go cycling with the map you received. You can enjoy a fulfilling afternoon.

空港から集合場所の離島バスターミナルまでは30分毎に直行バスがあります。またこのツアーが終わったあと、ANAホテルと旧JALホテルからは離島バスターミナルから送迎バスがあります。初日の観光にお勧めです。水牛に引かれて散策したあと、貰った地図でサイクリング。充実した午後を過ごせます。

I was very satisfied with the packed itinerary that included water buffalo carts, sanshin folk songs, a mangrove cruise, and cycling, and I was able to see the rare crested serpent eagle three times.

Each guide shared interesting stories about Ishigaki, which I found fascinating. The weather was also favorable, and I was moved by the beautiful Ishigaki Blue sea.

I would love to try island hopping again.

水牛車、三線民謡、マングローブクルーズ、サイクリングと盛りだくさんの内容の上、なかなか見れないというカンムリワシに3回もみることができて、大満足です。

それぞれのガイドさんの石垣にまつわる話なども面白く、興味深く聞きました。
天気にも恵まれ、石垣ブルーの海にも感動しました。

また違い島巡りもしてみたいです。

As explained at the remote island terminal, I managed to enjoy the experience with everyone, but the ferry from Taketomi Island to Ishigaki Island had unclear guidance and signage, making me anxious about when to board. Additionally, it was cold, and I couldn't hear the guide's words clearly. However, it was nice to be able to see the sights in a compact way.

離島ターミナルでの説明の通り
なんとか皆さんと楽しめましたが
竹富島から石垣島に帰るフェリーは
案内や掲示板がわかりにくく、いつ乗り込んだらいいのか不安でした。
あとは寒くて説明ガイドさんの言葉が入ってこなかったです。
でもコンパクトに観光できて良かったです。

On the day we went, they seemed to be in a bad mood and didn't eat 😢. On the broadcast on March 1st, they were eating normally 😡.

僕達が行った日は機嫌が悪かったのか食べてくれませんでした😢
3/1放送の、おは土では普通に食べていました😡

I experienced canoeing and snorkeling in the Blue Cave for the first time! With thorough instructions, even beginners can enjoy it with peace of mind. During the experience, we received detailed explanations about the mangroves and an introduction to the Blue Cave, making it a unique way to enjoy the tour!

What stood out to me the most during this tour was the extensive introduction to Ishigaki while we were on the bus! It became a great reference for my future travels, and it turned out to be a very fulfilling trip to Ishigaki! Thank you 😊

カヌーと青の洞窟でのシュノーケリングを初めて体験しました！丁寧なレクチャーで初心者でも安心して楽しむことができました。体験の中ではマングローブの説明や青の洞窟の紹介など詳しくして頂き、ツアーだからこその楽しみ方ができました！
特にこのツアーで印象に残っていることは、移動中のバスの中で石垣の紹介を沢山していただいたことです！今後の旅の参考になり、とても充実した石垣旅行になりました！ありがとうございます😊

I had planned to go to the Blue Cave, but due to the wind, we went to a different beach. The owner of the restaurant we went to afterward also said, "That beach is beautiful." ☺️✨ It was my first time snorkeling, and it had been a while since I swam, but I was able to enjoy it with peace of mind. It seems that the morning group even saw manta rays! Not only during snorkeling, but also during the car ride to and from, I was impressed by how they shared recommendations for shops and plans for the next day while having fun conversations. 🚗 Thank you, Diego!

青の洞窟に行く予定でしたが、風の影響で別のビーチへ。その後行ったご飯屋さんの店主さんも、「あのビーチは綺麗だよ」と言っていました☺️✨️初めてのシュノーケリング、泳ぐのも久しぶりでしたが、安心して楽しむことができました。午前中のグループはマンタも見られたみたいです！シュノーケリングだけでなく、行き帰りの車でも、おすすめのお店や次の日のプランなど楽しくお喋りしながら教えて頂いたのが印象に残っています🚗JDことジエゴさん、ありがとうございました！！

The weather was so cold that it didn't feel like Ishigaki, and it looked like it was about to rain, but I was glad I could tour efficiently. Each of the three islands has its own unique world, and choosing this tour was the right decision!

今にも雨が降りそうな天気で石垣とは思えないほど寒かったですが、効率よく観光できて良かったです。3島それぞれが独自の世界で、このツアーを選んで正解でした！

I was originally scheduled to go on a glass-bottom boat in Taketomi Island, but due to unstable weather, it was changed to a cart ride instead. However, the rain stopped during the sightseeing, and I was able to have a great time. It's highly recommended for those who don't have much time, as you can experience various activities in one day! They also handled the sudden changes smoothly. I would love to participate again if I have the opportunity. Thank you!

本当は竹富島でグラスボートになる予定でしたが天気が不安定で､代わりに牛車に変更となりました。
それでも観光時には雨も止み、楽しく過ごすことができました。
一日で様々な体験が出来るので､日程があまりない方にはとてもおすすめです♪
急な変更などもスムーズに対応いただきました。
また､機会がありましたら参加したいです。
ありがとうございました。

I traveled around Yubu Island by bicycle. I had heard that the island is flat with few hills, but there was sand on the roads, causing the bicycle tires to sink in, and there were also some hills. I should have opted for an electric bike.

The mangrove cruise in Iriomote was led by a very good guide, so even though it was my second time, I was able to see it from a new perspective.

由布島での移動を自転車でしました、島自体が平で坂道が少ないと聞いていましたが、道に砂があり、自転車のタイヤがめり込んだり、坂道もあり、電動自転車にすれば良かった。
西表のﾏﾝｸﾞﾛｰﾌﾞｸﾙｰｽﾞは説明が上手な方だったので、2度目でしたが新しい視点で見れました。

It was a very fulfilling tour. I had a lot of fun experiencing things that would be difficult to arrange on my own. Although there were many participants, it was great that there was also free time for exploration.

非常に充実したツアーでした。個人では手配するのが難しい体験がツアーを通してたくさんできて楽しかったです。参加人数は多かったですが、自由散策の時間もあるため良かったです。

The weather was quite stormy with rain and wind for February 💦. However, I had such a fun time that I forgot about it 🥹💕. I experienced mangrove canoeing, where they carefully taught me how to operate the canoe, explained the plants, and I felt a sense of healing from nature, detoxifying both my mind and body 🫶🏼. For snorkeling, they chose a location less affected by the rain and wind, ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience even for beginners 🐠. Thanks to that, I had a very enjoyable and fulfilling snorkeling experience, and I felt so happy ✨🤿. The staff who taught us were all very friendly and warm, making me want to come back again 😌✨.

天候は2月のため雨風が強い状況でした💦
でもそんなことを忘れるくらい楽しい時間を過ごせました🥹💕
マングローブカヌーを体験してカヌーの操作方法を丁寧に教えてくださったり、草木の説明や自然からの癒しを感じれて心も体もデトックスされました🫶🏼
シュノーケリングも雨風の影響を受けにくい場所を選び初心者の方でも安全に楽しめる場所を選んでくれました🐠
そのおかげでとても楽しく、充実したシュノーケリングを体験できて幸せでした✨🤿
教えてくださるスタッフの方が皆さんすごく気さくで温かくまた行きたいと思えました😌✨

During our 3-day, 2-night trip, we experienced snorkeling and SUP through Beltora! Miraculously, we were able to see a sea turtle while snorkeling, which was a very precious experience! Unfortunately, due to bad weather, we couldn't go to the Blue Cave, so I want to take revenge on that next time I travel!

During the SUP in the mangroves, we were able to experience a mysterious world that we usually can't see. Also, the instructor took some great photos, which became wonderful memories.

I would like to rely on your services again next time!

2泊3日の中日にベルトラさん経由でシュノーケリングとSUPを体験させていただきました！シュノーケリングでは奇跡的にウミガメを見ることができ、とても貴重な体験ができました！天候が悪く、残念ながら青の洞窟には行けなかったので、また旅行に行った際にリベンジしたいです！
マングローブでのサップでは、普段見ることのできない不思議な世界を体験することができました。また、インストラクターの方が撮ってくれる写真がとても上手で、とてもいい思い出になりました。
次回いく際もお世話になりたいと思います！

This was my first time in Ishigaki Island, and I considered going to more remote islands on my own, but I became anxious about the possibility of not being able to secure a ferry reservation, especially given the recent over-tourism I’ve been experiencing in the area. So, I decided to join a tour.

As a result, I was able to efficiently visit three islands and get a glimpse of their charm. The guides were all unique and had their own styles, and they were very good at communicating, which made it a lot of fun.

I think I could have managed to visit each island on my own, but the tour included lunch and transportation with the guide, which felt like a great deal. I realized that starting with a guided tour to explore the highlights and then diving deeper into the places that interest me as a repeat visitor might be the best approach.

Unfortunately, the weather was cloudy with occasional light rain, so I was glad I opted for a bus tour instead of walking or biking around Taketomi Island. However, since we traveled by car to the sightseeing spots, the time spent on the island felt a bit short, and I wished I could have stayed longer. I didn’t have a chance to buy souvenirs except on Yubu Island.

The guide for the jungle cruise was positive, saying that even though it was raining, there were still good things about it, which I appreciated. When the guide expressed disappointment about the weather multiple times, I thought that the most disappointed people were the guests who traveled from afar, and I couldn’t help but think they should offer a discount (though not specifically for this tour).

初石垣島、自力でさらに離島に行くことも考えましたが船の予約が取れないこともあると見て、昨今のオーバーツーリズムを日々実感する地域から行くこともあって不安になりツアーに申し込むことに。
結果三島を効率よく巡って魅力の一端を感じることが出来ました。登場したガイドさんも三者三様で個性的で、皆さんお話がお上手でとても楽しかったです。
それぞれの島に行くだけなら自力でも行けたかなとは思いますが、昼食まで付いてガイドさんも送迎も付いてとてもお得感はあり、やはり最初は解説付きで巡って気になるところをリピーターとして深掘りするのが良いのかなと思いました。
あいにく曇り空に時々小雨といった天気だったので竹富島はフリー歩きや自転車にせずバスツアーにしておいて良かったなと思いますが、見どころ地点に車で行く分？時間が短いのでもう少し島内にいたかったなあとは思いました。由布島以外ではお土産を買うチャンスはありませんでした。
ジャングルクルーズのガイドさんは雨だけど逆に良いこともあると前向きに話して下さってありがたかったです。
ガイドさんに何度もお天気を残念がられると一番残念なのは遠方から来る客の方だしじゃあ値引きしてくれと思っちゃうので(こちらのツアーのことではないです)。

In the morning, I participated in a stand-up paddleboarding (SUP) session, and in the afternoon, I joined a snorkeling experience. The day before had been rainy, but we were blessed with good weather on the day itself, allowing us to fully enjoy the great nature of Ishigaki.

During the mangrove SUP tour, we entered the mangroves and encountered various plants and creatures. The guide provided a lot of information about Ishigaki's natural environment, which was very educational.

On the snorkeling tour, I was thrilled to finally meet a sea turtle in the beautiful ocean and swim alongside it. It was an emotional experience.

My family of five had a completely satisfying experience, creating the best memories!

午前中はサップ、午後からはシュノーケル体験で参加しました。
前日までは雨続きでしたが、当日は天気にも恵まれ石垣の大自然を思う存分満喫できました。
マングローブサップツアーではマングローブの中に入って色々な植物や生物に出会い、ガイドさんも石垣の大自然の説明をたくさんしてくれてとても勉強になりました。
シュノーケルツアーではキレイな海の中で念願のウミガメに出会えて一緒に泳ぐことができて、感動でした。
家族5人大満足の体験ができていちばんの思い出ができました！

The weather wasn't great, but I was able to experience everything I wanted without getting caught in heavy rain, making it a satisfying trip. Since we were visiting various places in a day, it was more about seeing and experiencing different islands compactly rather than taking our time to explore. It was wonderful for that kind of travel. However, there were some inconsistencies in the instructions regarding the restrooms at the port, as they said not to go because it would be crowded, yet others were using them. Given that it was a busy trip, it would have been better if they had provided explanations in advance about where to find restrooms.

天気は良くありませんでしたが、大雨に降られることなく、コンパクトにみたいものが、体験したいことができ、満足の旅でした。日帰りで色んなところを回るので、じっくり色々見たいというよりは、コンパクトに色んな島を見てみたい、体験したいという旅としては素晴らしいです。トイレを港では、混むので行ってはいけないと言いながら、他の方は行っていたりと指示がチグハグなところがありましたので、忙しい旅であるが故に、トイレはどこで行っておく等、事前に説明をしてくれた方が良かったです。

I was able to efficiently visit three islands. I also enjoyed having a little bit of Okinawan cuisine for lunch, which was great.

効率よく3島行くことが出来ました。
お昼ご飯も沖縄料理を少しずつ食べることができたのでよかったです。

I participated in stand-up paddleboarding and snorkeling in February. During the paddleboarding, they provided a detailed explanation about the mangroves, which was interesting. In snorkeling, I was able to take pictures with turtles and pufferfish. I also got to see colorful fish. The water was clear and very beautiful.

２月にサップとシュノーケリングに参加しました。サップではマングローブの説明などを丁寧にしていただき、面白かったです。シュノーケリングではカメやフグと写真を撮れました。色とりどりな魚も見ることができました。海の中は澄んでいてとても綺麗でした。

I was impressed that the water buffalo on Yubu Island are considered family by the locals, and that they live in mutual trust. The village on Taketomi Island gave me a comforting impression of a good old Japan. It was a nice, leisurely day of sightseeing.

由布島の水牛は地元の方々にとって家族であり、お互いが信頼し合って生活していることに感銘を受けました。竹富島の集落は何かほっとできる昔の良き日本といった印象でした。のんびりした1日観光で、良かったです。

I was honestly indifferent about riding a water buffalo by myself, but I ended up having a surprisingly fun and meaningful relaxing time. I was satisfied with the tour content and I'm glad I participated.

1人参加で、正直水牛に乗るのはどっちでもいいかな、、と考えていましたが、想像以上に楽しく有意義なまったり時間を過ごせました。ツアー内容も満足で、参加して良かったです。

The weather was unfortunate, but I was glad to see Nakama River with the boat cover removed. The bus on Iriomote Island is more of a means of transportation than a tourist experience. I think incorporating the Wildlife Conservation Center would increase satisfaction even in the rain. Lunch allowed us to feel the essence of Yaeyama, and the portion was ample. The water buffalo was adorable, and we saw many butterflies.

Since I rode a water buffalo cart in Taketomi in the past, I opted for a rental bicycle, but we were in a rush because the return boat was already scheduled. We quickly visited three places: Nishi Sanbashi, Kondoi Beach, and Kaiji Beach. There was no time to go to a café. I thought it was nice that those walking could choose the last boat. I wish the rental bicycle was available for at least two hours.

あいにくの天気でしたが、仲間川はなんとか船のカバーを外して見れて良かったです。西表島バスは観光というより単なる移動手段。野生生物保護センターも組み込むと雨でも満足度が上がると思います。ランチは八重山を感じられ、量も十分でした。水牛が可愛かったです。蝶々もたくさん見れました。
竹富は昔水牛車に乗ったのでレンタサイクルにしましたが、帰りの船が決まっており、時間がなくてバタバタで、西桟橋、コンドイビーチ、カイジ浜の三ヶ所回っておわりでした。カフェに行く時間は皆無。歩きの人は最終便も選択できたので、いいなあと思いました。レンタサイクルもせめて2時間は欲しいです。

Overall, it was great for me. This course is quite fast-paced, but it's very difficult to book and complete this itinerary on your own within this time and budget. The explanation of the mangroves, along with the shamisen and singing while riding on the cow, was flavorful and enjoyable. If you find a place you like, there are boats available to each of the surrounding islands, so I think it would be nice to revisit the next day for a more leisurely experience. I think it would be easier to rent a bicycle to get to the beach on Taketomi Island.

全部ありで自分には良かったです。このコースはかなりの駆け足ですが、自分で全部これだけの行程を　この時間と予算で予約してこなすのはたいへん難しい　マングローブの解説も牛さんに乗って聞く三味線と歌も味があってよかったです。気に入った場所があったら各離島への船は出ているので　今回は一回ざっとのおさらい経験として翌日再度ふらっと行けばいいかと思います。竹富島で浜の方に行くにはレンタサイクルあると楽かなと思います。

I think it was the best course. If I had a little more time on Taketomi Island, it would have been even better. I think a bicycle is necessary for efficient movement. There are several places where you can rent bicycles, but I think it would have been better to know this before going. Iriomote Island and the water buffalo were also amazing. Be careful about the time of the last bus on the way back.

一番良いコ−スだったと思います。竹富島は、もう少し時間があるともっと良かったです。効率良く行動するには自転車が必要かと思います。レンタル自転車の借りれる所は数カ所ありますが、行く前に把握しておいた方がよかったと思いました。西表島や水牛も最高でした。
帰りの最終バスの時間は気を付けた方がいいですよ。

I was worried about the weather on the day, but the local driver and the ox cart guide were very friendly, and it turned out to be a fun day.

当日は天気が悪くどうなるか？と思いましたが　現地のドライバーさん、牛車のガイドさん　大変気さくで楽しい一日になりました。

Extraordinary. Time flows slowly. Everything was fantastic.
The scenery of Taketomi Island is unique to Taketomi Island. I wouldn't have known that such views cannot be seen on Ishigaki Island unless I went there.

非日常。ゆっくりと流れる時間。全てがサイコーでした。
竹富島の風景は竹富島独自のものなんですね。石垣島であの風景は見られないと、行かなければわからないままでした。

My first time on Iriomote Island. Unfortunately, the weather was not great, but since I had signed up for a tour, I was able to enjoy a visit to Yubu Island to see the mangroves without any worries.

初めての西表島。あいにくの天気でしたがツアーに申込んでいたので、由布島にマングローブ見学に、安心して楽しめました。