All Reviews for Japan Hidden Gems: Secret Islands

I visited Iriomote Island (Mangrove sightseeing) and Yubu Island (crossing by water buffalo)!

- They provide pick-up service to the hotel.
- The tour duration was just right.
- I was able to experience various activities!
(Riding a boat, crossing the island by water buffalo, having free time to explore Yubu Island, and touring the mangroves.)

Overall, it was very good! I would like to use this service again.

西表島(マングローブ見学)と由布島(水牛で渡る)へ行きました！

・ホテルまで送迎してくれる
・ツアーの所要時間丁度いい
・色んな体験ができた！
　(船に乗ったり、水牛で島を渡れたり、由布島自由散策の時間があったり、マングローブを見て回れたり)

全体的にとても良かったです〜！
また利用したいと思います

Due to the impact of the typhoon and concerns about the weather, we had to change our schedule. As a result, we were unable to participate in the tour to Taketomi Island, but we were blessed with good weather and were able to enjoy ourselves thoroughly.

台風の影響もあり、天候不安があったため、
急遽日程を変更。
その為、竹富島には参加できないツアーとなってしまいましたが、
天気にも恵まれ、充分に楽しむことができました。

I was tired, probably because it was hot. The water buffalo was able to relax, but it was hectic. I kept thinking about not getting seasick because the boat was rocking. The glass-bottom boat was hot without air conditioning. I wish the inside of the boat was cooler.

暑かったせいか疲れました　水牛はゆっくりできましたが慌しかった　船が揺れて酔わないようにとずっと思っていました　グラスボードが冷房のない船で暑かったです　船の中は涼しくして欲しい

The mangrove tour was during high tide, so the water was murky and we couldn't see the roots very well, but we were able to see five types of mangroves with white, yellow, and red flowers. Riding the water buffalo while enjoying the sanshin was a nice, relaxing experience. I had such a great time that I thought it would be nice to have a plan that allows for a bit more leisure.

マングローブ遊覧は満潮で水が濁っていて、根張りは余り見れませんでしたが、5種のマングローブに白、黄、赤の花が見れました、水牛乗車中の三線がいい感じでゆったりと楽しめました。もう少しゆっくりできるプランがあれば良いのではと思うほど楽しい時間を過ごせました。

I was able to participate without any hesitation, even as a single person. All the activities were great, but if I had to wish for something, I would have liked the glass boat point to be closer to the image of a tropical fish tank.

オジさんのお一人様でも気がね無く参加させていただきました。どのアクティビティも良かったですが、強いて願わくばグラスボートのポイントは熱帯魚水槽イメージに近づけて欲しかった

Since it was my first time touring the Yaeyama Islands, I chose a tour where I could listen to detailed explanations. I participated with the intention of just getting a taste, as it's certainly not an island you can fully explore in half a day. However, on Yubu Island, I was healed by the stories and songs of the ox cart driver, and I was able to relax while encountering the fallen Sagari flowers at just the right moment.

When crossing to Yubu Island, I happened to ride in the only four-wheeled ox cart, pulled by "Mirai." I plan to visit the leisurely ox cart driver (whose name I forgot) again on my return.

初めての八重山諸島巡りなので詳しく説明を聞きながら周れる　ツアーにしました。
到底半日で周れる島ではないので触りだけのつもりで参加しましたが由布島では牛車夫さんの語りと歌に癒やされ島内ではタイミングよくサガリ花の落ちたのに出くわしのんびりと過ごせました。
由布島へ渡るときの牛車は偶然にも1台しかない4輪のものでそれを引く「未来」クン
帰りに乗ったのんびり屋さん（名前は失念）にまた会いに行きますよ。

The tour started at 2:30 PM, which was a bit late, so the time spent at each location during the bus tour was short. I recommend joining an earlier tour. The water buffalo was cute.

ツアーに参加した時間が2時半と遅かったので、バス観光での各所の滞在が短かったです。早い時間で参加するのがおすすめです。水牛はかわいかったです。

Although it was cloudy in Ishigaki Island at the departure point, it was raining when we arrived at Iriomote Island by boat. While there was no impact when riding the sightseeing bus or the water buffalo cart, I had to buy a raincoat for 300 yen during the walking tour on Yubu Island. The rain diminished the charm of the sightseeing experience.

I also rode the water buffalo cart on Taketomi Island, but I felt that it wasn't necessary to ride it twice. 2,800 yen was quite expensive.

On Taketomi Island, there was no rain, and I wandered around the houses, but considering the residents, I felt it might have been a nuisance to them, which made me feel embarrassed.

出発地の石垣島は曇天だったのに、船で西表島に着いた時には雨だった。観光バスや水牛車に乗った時には影響はないが、由布島徒歩観光の際には雨で３００円の雨合羽を購入してまわった。雨が降ると観光の魅力が半減しました。
竹冨島でも水牛車に乗ったが、２度は乗らなくても良かった感想でした。２，８００円は高かった。
竹冨島では雨はなく、民家をめぐり、うろうろしましたが、島民の事を考えると迷惑してだろうなと、恐縮しました。

Since I’m not good with the heat in early July, I requested a bus tour, glass boat, and water buffalo cart. I had seen reviews mentioning that the guidance was unclear, so I was cautious about that, but there were no problems. During the bus tour, we had a little free time at one beach. The coral I saw while on the glass boat made me want to protect it in the future.

7月上旬で暑いのは苦手なので
バスの観光、グラスボート、水牛車をお願いしました。
体験談で案内が分かりにくかったということでしたが、
それを見ていってたので気をつけておりましたが、問題ありませんでした。
バスの観光でも、1つの浜で降りて少しの間自由時間がありました。
です。
グラスボードでみたサンゴ、今後守っていきたいなと思いました。

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 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

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 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。

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！

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 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。

I've ridden a water buffalo cart several times before, but the satisfaction really depends on the stories told by the guide. This time, the guide's simple yet charming storytelling and the performance on the sanshin perfectly matched the slow life atmosphere I was looking for, and I was very satisfied. There was also a cute incident where the buffalo wouldn't move, which turned into a fun memory and made for a great experience.

水牛車は初めてではなく、数回乗ったことがありますが、添乗するおじいの話によって満足感が左右するものです。今回のおじいは、私の求めるスローライフな雰囲気を味わうに丁度良い朴訥なしゃべりに三線の演奏、とても満足のいくものでした。途中牛が動こうとしないという可愛いハプニングもありながら、それがかえって楽しい思い出になり、良い思い出になりました。

It was a compact half-day tour featuring a mangrove forest cruise and a water buffalo cart ride, and it exceeded my expectations, leaving me very satisfied.

During the mangrove forest cruise, the captain's witty storytelling made learning about the mangrove ecosystem and the animals living there enjoyable and educational. After the cruise, we took a bus to the water buffalo cart boarding area, where the driver's entertaining narration provided us with various insights about Iriomote Island, making the travel time very enjoyable.

On the way to Yubu Island via the water buffalo cart, we listened to live performances of the sanshin while receiving explanations filled with love for the water buffalo. I learned that water buffalo have an intelligence level comparable to that of a five-year-old child and that each buffalo has its own unique personality, which made them even more endearing and soothing to me.

For those with limited time, I highly recommend this tour, which captures the essence of Iriomote Island. I can confidently say that you will not regret it.

マングローブ林のクルーズと水牛車がメインのコンパクトな半日ツアーでしたが期待以上に大満足な内容でした。
マングローブ林のクルーズでは船長さんの軽妙な語り口でマングローブ林やそこで暮らす動物たちの生態を楽しく教えていただき大変勉強になりました。
クルーズ終了後はバスで水牛車乗り場まで向かうのですが、その道中も運転手さんの楽しい語り口で西表島について色々教えていただき大変楽しい移動時間でした。
そして水牛車で由布島に向かう道中は行きも帰りも三線の弾き語りを聞きながら、水牛愛にあふれた解説をうかがうことが出来ました。水牛は5歳児程度の知能があるとのことで、またそれぞれの水牛には特有の性格があるとのことで、益々水牛が可愛く思えて癒されました。
時間が限られている方には西表島のエッセンスが盛り込まれたこのツアーを強くお勧めします。決して後悔されることはないと断言できる内容でした。

I made new discoveries on the tour of Iriomote Island, the sightseeing in Yufu Island, and the tour of Taketomi Island. I believe there are still more to come, right? I want to go to Ishigaki Island again. Maybe next time, I'll play golf on Kohama Island?

西表島のツアー、由布島観光、竹富島ツアーと新しい発見。まだまだこれからもっとあると思いますね？これからも、石垣島に行きたいと思ってます。今度は、小浜島でゴルフですかね？　

Although the rainy season was approaching, we were able to enjoy ourselves as a family in the pleasant weather that wasn't too hot. Riding on a water buffalo cart while listening to folk songs was the best experience.

梅雨入り間近でしたが、快晴で暑すぎず家族で楽しむことができました。水牛の牛車に乗りながら民謡を聴けたのは最高でした。

I was drawn by the water buffalo, and I took a leisurely stroll around Taketomi Island, enjoying the sound of the sanshin and beautiful singing. It was a wonderfully healing and enjoyable trip.

水牛の真栄くんに引かれて竹富島の中をのんびり散歩､三線の音色に素敵な歌声､最高に癒される楽しい旅でした。

I was looking for a half-day tour that would allow me to return on an evening flight, so I really appreciated the early morning tour. The mangroves in Iriomote were impressive! We were able to take our time exploring while receiving explanations on the boat, which allowed us to take photos from various angles.

The water buffalo ride to Yufu was more amusing and cute than I expected. It seems that each water buffalo has its own personality; the one I rode was a boy who tended to slack off by looking around while walking. It seemed like he deliberately walked slowly or stopped. When he stopped, I had to tap his rear with a fly swatter to signal him to move. I was told that this one takes longer to cross to the shore, so I got to ride him the longest! The guide mentioned that customers are lucky to have this one.

Traveling while listening to the melody of the sanshin was a very heartwarming experience. The lunch we had in Yufu was also incredibly delicious! This tour requires very little physical effort, so even in the hot Okinawa weather, I think elderly people and those with children would be very satisfied!

夕方の便で帰れる半日ツアーを探してたので、朝早くからのツアーはとても有り難かったです。
西表のマングローブは見応えがありましたね！
船で説明を受けながらゆっくりまわっていただけたので左右見ながらあちこちの写真を撮る事も出来ました。
由布までの水牛は思ってたよりオモシロ可愛い♡水牛にも性格があるらしく、私が乗った子は途中で周りを見ながら歩くのをサボるタイプの男の子でした。笑　わざとゆっくり歩いたり止まってるみたいです。止まった時はハエ叩きでお尻をペンペン、合図して歩かせてました。この子は岸に渡るまで時間がかかるから1番長く乗っていれる子！お客さんラッキーですよと言われました。
さんしんのメロディを聴きながらの移動はとてもほっこり良い時間を過ごせます。
由布でいただいたランチの味も凄く美味しいです！
このツアーは体力を使う事がほとんどない為、暑い沖縄ですがご高齢の方や子連れの方も大満足できると思います！！

The buffalo cart ride across the island was relaxing and gave me a laid-back feeling. The sightseeing on the island with the buffalo cart was delightful, especially watching the clever buffalo.

水牛車での島渡りはのんびりとして、ゆったりとした気分でした。水牛車の島内観光は、賢い水牛の様子が可愛かったです。

I was quite anxious during my first kayaking experience, but the instructor was very kind and taught me well! It was also really enjoyable to talk about Ishigaki Island and nature! The mangroves I saw for the first time were very mystical and beautiful! I definitely want to experience it again!

初めてのカヤックでは不安が強かったのですが、インストラクターさんがとても親切に教えて頂きました！石垣島のことだったり、自然のことだったり、お話もとても楽しかったです！
初めて見るマングローブはとても神秘的で素敵でした！
また必ず体験したいと思います！

I made a reservation for the second day of a two-night, three-day schedule in Ishigaki Island. It was a packed experience starting early in the morning, so I was exhausted on the way back. It was very convenient that they provided transportation from the morning meeting point to the hotel and also back to the hotel after the activities. I was torn between this plan and one that included a tour of Taketomi Island, but I’m glad I chose this plan because it allowed me to relax a bit after returning to Ishigaki Island until the evening.

石垣島２泊3日スケジュールの2日目に予約しました。朝早い時間から盛りだくさんの体験だったので、帰りはぐったり。朝の集合からホテルに送迎くださり終了後もホテルまで送迎をお願いできたのがとても楽でした。
他のプランで竹富島を巡るプランと迷いましたが、石垣島に戻ってから夜まで少しゆっくりできたのも、このプランで良かったです。

I went on a mangrove kayak tour by myself, and even in the car, I was able to hear valuable stories about Ishigaki Island. It was my first time kayaking, but they kindly and thoroughly taught me, and the photos they sent were really beautiful, creating wonderful memories! Thanks to all the guides. It was also my first time snorkeling, and I wasn't very good at it, but it became a great memory. Thank you very much!

一人旅で、マングローブカヤックツアーに行きましたが、車の中でも石垣島の貴重なお話を聞かせてくださったり、カヤックは初めてだったのですが、親切丁寧に教えてくださって、送って下さった写真も本当に綺麗でいい思い出になりました！
ガイドの皆さんのおかげです。
シュノーケルも初めてで、ヘタクソでしたが、いい思い出になりました。ありがとうございました

The mangroves of Iriomote Island, which feels like Japan yet not quite Japan, are definitely worth seeing. The Yubu Island tour also embodies the essence of traveling to the remote islands of Okinawa. I traveled with my parents in their 70s, and they were extremely satisfied as it was their first time visiting the remote islands of Okinawa. By the way, I also had children aged 1, 2, and 4, and except for the 1-year-old, the other kids were running around excitedly. It was fantastic.

日本であって、日本ではない西表島のマングローブは一見の価値観有りです。
また、由布島ツアーもこれぞ沖縄離島旅猿という感じ。
７０代の両親を連れての旅行でしたが、初めて沖縄離島を音ずれた両親は大満足の様子でした。
ちなみに、１歳、２歳、４歳の子供もいましたが、１歳の子供以外ははしゃぎまわってしました。
最高でした。

The mangrove boat tour had a relaxed schedule, allowing us to cruise while enjoying the beautiful mangroves. We traveled to Yubu Island on a water buffalo cart, and the butterflies in the botanical garden on Yubu Island were particularly stunning. This tour was enjoyable for everyone, from children to the elderly, even for those who may not be very physically active. It would have been even better if the weather had been sunny, but the rain stopped on Yubu Island, making it comfortable and not too hot.

マングローブのボートツアーの時間もゆったりあって、沢山のマングローブを眺めながらクルージングができ、由布島までは水牛の牛舎に乗って、行ききし、由布島の植物園の中の蝶々がとくに綺麗でした。そんなに体力に自信のない人も、子供からお年寄りまでのんびり楽しめるツアーでした。これで晴れてたらもっと最高でしたが、由布島では雨も止み、暑すぎずに過ごしやすかったです。