All Reviews for Japan Hidden Gems: Secret Islands

This is my second time with the water buffalo tour, and this time it was with the Taketomi Tourism Center. The laid-back water buffalo "Mae" stopped several times along the way to take breaks, and we enjoyed the path lined with bougainvillea. There is also a photo service available.

水牛観光は二度目ですが、
今回は竹富観光センターさんでした。
のんびりマイペースの水牛「真栄」君、
途中何度も立ち止まり、休憩しながら、
ブーゲンビリアの道をすすみ、
和みました。
写真サービスも、あります。

I was able to enjoy everything I wanted to see and do on this tour. I do not recommend doing the island hopping on your own. After landing on the island by ferry, there is a distance to travel to the sightseeing spots, so you'll need transportation.

見たいところやってみたいこと、全部このツアーで楽しめました。
離島巡りは個人でやるのはお勧めしません。
フェリーで離島上陸後、観光スポットまで行くのに距離があるので足が必要になります。

My first trip to the three islands was enjoyable, as I was able to efficiently visit places that would be difficult to cover on my own. The only downside was at the Takeubushima Water Buffalo Cart stop, where I felt a bit uncomfortable being asked to buy photos that I didn't want. In this age of smartphones, I think such commemorative photos are unnecessary. I also thought it would be better if we could choose at the beginning whether or not to include a commemorative photo.

初めての3島巡りは、個人では周りきれないスケジュールを効率よく周る事ができ楽しめました。
唯一残念なのは、竹生島水牛車下車庫　欲しくも無い写真を撮られ買わないか？と言うよくあるパターンを断るのにちょっと嫌な気分になりました。
スマホ普及のご時世なのでその様な記念写真はいらないと思います。又最初から記念写真付きか付きじゃ無いか選べたら良いとも思いました。

It was a tour with two middle-aged men, but I was able to participate feeling great. I think it would be better if there were a bit more time for restroom breaks along the way. The mothers with children seemed to have a tough time.

初老のオヤジ二人のツアー参加でしたが、ただただ気分良く参加出来ました。
途中でのトイレ休憩にもう少し余裕があれば良いのではと思われます。
子ども連れのお母さんが大変そうでした。

I participated in the New Year event. It was a tour that left my children, who are in 7th grade, 5th grade, and 1st grade, very satisfied. I would like to invite my parents next time. Thank you very much.

お正月に参加しました。
中1、小5、小1の子供達も大満足のツアーでした。
次回は両親も誘いたいと思ってます。
ありがとうございました。

The weather was bad, so we couldn't go to the Blue Cave, but we were able to visit the mangroves, which was fun! I was really surprised by the power of nature that I normally wouldn't see. I also enjoyed hearing the little tips from our guide, which made the trip even more enjoyable. The information about local shops was very valuable, and thanks to that, I was able to enjoy delicious yakiniku and Okinawa soba. If I can come to Ishigaki Island again, I would like to try going to the Blue Cave! Thank you very much!

天候が悪く、青の洞窟にはいけませんでしたがマングローブには行けて楽しかったです！
普段じゃ絶対に見れない自然の迫力に大変驚かされました
ガイドの方のプチ情報も聞けて旅行をさらに楽しむことができました☺︎現地の方のお店の情報は、大変貴重でしたおかげさまで美味しい焼肉も沖縄そばも食べることができました
また今度石垣島に来れたら、青の洞窟も行ってみたいと思います！
本当にありがとうございました！

Every staff member was kind and it was very nice no matter which island I went to. I regret that I didn't have enough time to go around Yufu Island. I wanted to walk more in nature... The songs and dances of the old lady were amazing. The water buffalo experience was also good and fun.

どの島に行ってもスタッフの方全て親切でとても良かったです。
由布島はちょっと時間が足りず島を一周する事が出来なかったのが心残りです。もっと自然の中を歩きたかったですぅ、、
オバァの唄と踊り最高でした
水牛体験もGOOD楽しかった

The transfers between boats and buses were smooth, allowing us to see everything very efficiently. I think this is the advantage of the tour.

船やバスなどの乗り換えがスムーズで、とても効率よく見て回ることができました。ツアーの良さだと思います。

This time, we participated in a tour visiting three remote islands with two families (four adults and five children). I was worried because there were many of us, and we had a one-year-old child, but the staff was very attentive, which was great.

The mangrove cruise on Iriomote Island was enjoyable for the adults. The water buffalo carts on Yubu Island and Taketomi Island provided a wonderful experience for both adults and children, and I felt it was worth participating in the tour! Personally, I really liked Kaiji Beach when we did the bus tour on Taketomi Island. I had been there before but remembered not being able to find any star sand. However, this time the bus driver taught us how to search for it, and thanks to that, we were able to find a lot, and both adults and children were engrossed in the search!

Since it was a nice day, the scenery was also very good, and we were able to spend a fantastic day.

今回、２家族（大人４人、子ども５人）で、離島３島巡りのツアーに参加しました。
人数が多く、子どもは１歳の小さい子もいたので心配していましたが、丁寧に対応してくださいってとてもよかったです。

西表島のマングローブ遊覧は大人が楽しめました。由布島・竹富島の水牛車は大人も子どももよい体験ができて、ツアーに参加してよかったと思いました！
個人的には竹富島でバス観光した際に行ったカイジ浜がよかったです。以前行ったことがあったのですが、星の砂が全然見つからなかった記憶がありました。しかし今回はバスの運転手さんが探し方を教えてくれて、そのおかげでたくさん見つけることができて大人も子どもも夢中になって探しました！

天気がいい日だったこともあり、景気もとてもよく、最高の１日を過ごすことができました。

Since we were traveling with children, I thought a tour would be best for the remote islands, so I signed up.

For the tour options, I had already taken the glass-bottom boat the day before, so I chose the water buffalo cart and bus sightseeing.

The highlight for my child was definitely taking the water buffalo cart to Yubu Island. The water buffalo were cute, and there was a bathroom break along the way, which seemed to be a hit! I really enjoyed the atmosphere when the guide sang folk songs on the shamisen while we rode the water buffalo cart.

Also, the boat rocked more than anything I've experienced in my life! It felt like a roller coaster, and the kids were thrilled!

Although we were already feeling full by the time we reached Yubu Island, it was nice to take it easy again on the water buffalo cart while exploring Taketomi Island.

The time spent at each location was short, but the guides were experienced and kept a good pace, so both my child and I could keep up! We also had no issues with bathroom breaks.

子連れのため、離島はツアーが良いと思い申し込みました。
選べるツアーはグラスボートは前日に乗ったので、水牛車とバス観光をチョイス。

子供の1番のポイントは、由布島に水牛車で行ったところでした。水牛さんが可愛いのと、途中トイレタイムがあったのがヒットポイントだったようです笑
私は水牛車でガイドさんが三味線で民謡を歌ってくれたのが雰囲気があってすごく良かったです。

あと、船が人生で1番揺れました！ジェットコースターのようで、これもまた子供も大喜びでした！

由布島で既にお腹いっぱい感はありましたが、竹富島で再び水牛車でのんびり周遊しつつ休憩できたのは良かったなと思います。

各所滞在時間は短いですが、ガイドさんの皆様も手慣れた様子でテンポよく回れて子供も私もついて行けました！
トイレにも困らなかったです。

It was disappointing that the weather was bad and cold during my first island-hopping trip. There's nothing that can be done about that. I hope to have a chance to redeem myself next time.

初めての離島巡りで天気が悪く、寒かったのが残念でした。こればかりは、仕方ないですね。次回リベンジしたいと思います。

I made the best memories.
I have participated in the tour several times, and I am very satisfied with each one.
I want to invite my friends to go again.

最高の思い出ができました。
何度かツアーに参加させて頂いていますが、どのツアーも大満足です。
またお友達を誘って行きたいです。

Planning a trip to the remote islands by yourself is quite difficult, so it was great to visit three islands all at once! I was worried about lunch after reading other reviews, but I was satisfied with the meal provided on the tour.

The mangroves on Iriomote Island are amazing, and if you're considering a remote island tour from Ishigaki Island, I definitely think you should see them at least once. It was cloudy, very windy, and cold, but the early morning tour was better because the river wasn't rough, and we could see a lot of fish. (If you participate in winter, it's a good idea to bring a light down jacket or something similar, even if it becomes extra luggage.)

The optional water buffalo cart tour on Taketomi Island was very relaxing and enjoyable! If you go, be sure to ride and listen to the guide's songs and stories! The bus tour was also helpful since it was a cold day with bad weather.

I thought it would be nice if we could choose whether to take photos with the water buffalo. (I had already purchased photos with the water buffalo on Yubu Island.) I expected to have a bit more free time on Taketomi Island, so the bus to the port was a little early, and I couldn't shop or do anything, which was a bit disappointing.

Overall, the guidance was smooth, and the guides were friendly, making it a very comfortable tour, so I was very satisfied.

自分で離島巡りを計画するのはかなり難しいので、一気に三島をまわれてよかったです！
お昼ご飯は他のクチコミを見て心配してましたが、ツアーのご飯としては満足できました。

西表島のマングローブは素晴らしく石垣島からの離島ツアーを考えているならぜひ一度は見た方がいいと思います。
曇りでとても風が強く寒かったですが、朝早い時間のツアーの方が川が荒れてなくて魚もたくさん見れました。（冬に参加する場合荷物になったとしても薄めのダウン等は持っておいた方がいいです）



竹富島のオプションの水牛車観光はのんびりできてとてもよかったです！！
行ったら是非乗ってガイドさんの歌とお話を聞いてください！
バスのツアーも天気が悪く寒い日だったので助かりました。

水牛の写真のは撮るかどうか選ばせていただけるといいかな？と思いました。（由布島で水牛との写真を購入してた為)
竹富島でもう少し自由時間があると思っていたので港までのバスが少し早く、買い物したりできなくバタバタしたのが残念でした。

全体としては案内もスムーズでガイドさんたちの感じも良くとっても快適なツアーだったので大満足です。

The explanation about the mangroves was clear and interesting.
The water buffalo cart was strong and comfortable even with a large number of people.
The boat ride was spacious and comfortable, and it swayed less than I expected.
I would definitely like to participate if I have the opportunity.

マングローブでの説明がわかりやすくて面白い
水牛車に大人数が乗っても力強くて快適
船の移動が大型で快適で思ったより揺れが小さかった
機会があればぜひ参加したい

I was worried about my elderly mother using a wheelchair and the potential inconvenience it might cause to others when getting on and off the bus, boarding and disembarking from the boat, and using the water buffalo cart. However, the boat staff, the female bus driver, and the elderly man with the water buffalo cart were all very kind and always offered their assistance. My mother was very happy, and it turned out to be a wonderful trip. Thank you very much for your help.

母が高齢で車椅子利用でバスの乗り降り、ボートの乗下船、水牛車と他の方に迷惑をかける心配がありましたが、ボートのスタッフ、バスの女性ドライバー、水牛車のお爺と皆さんとても親切で、いつも手を差し伸べてくれました。母もとても喜び楽しい旅行となりました。お世話になり、本当に有難うございました。

I took my 90-year-old grandfather and a 0-year-old child, but we were able to get around easily with all the bus transfers and charter services. It rained, but we had a great time. I don't think we could have managed biking around, so I'm glad we signed up for this tour.

おじいちゃん90歳と0歳の子供を連れて行きましたが、全てバスでの送り迎えや、チャーターで連れて行ってもらい、難なく過ごせました。雨でしたが、とても楽しめました。自転車で周遊するなどは決して出来なかったと思うので、このツアーに申し込んで良かったです。

The water buffalo cart driver was really good at explaining things and even sang for us, which was fun. I wish we had more time on the beach during the bus tour; I wanted to play a bit longer.

水牛車のお兄さんが凄く説明が上手で歌も歌ってくれて楽しかったです。
バスツアーは時間がなかったのかもう少し浜辺で遊びたかったです。

The bento from Yubu Island was very delicious. The water buffalo cart was also charming and enjoyable. I think it was better to explore Taketomi Island by bicycle as it allowed for more sightseeing.

由布島のお弁当がとてもおいしかった。水牛車も趣がありよかった。竹富島は自転車の方がいろいろ回れてよかったと思う。

I'm glad I was able to visit various islands. It might be a good idea to think carefully about the season when participating in the tour. I had a great time.

とりあえずいろんな島を回れてよかったです。ツアーに参加する季節はよく考えたほうがいいかもしれません。楽しめました。

- I was satisfied with the package full of activities.
- We knew in advance that we would get seasick, so we were fine, but I think it would be good to announce to guests who are not used to being on boats to take motion sickness medication.

・アクティビティはてんこ盛りのパッケージで満足でした。
・船酔いすることは事前に分かっていたので、私たちは大丈夫でしたが、船に乗り慣れていないお客さんには酔い止め薬を飲むことをアナウンスした方がいいと思います。

I participated in the full plan that included the water buffalo cart, bus tour, and glass-bottom boat. I am very satisfied! I highly recommend it! You can efficiently enjoy sightseeing from morning until evening in just one day. Although you switch between various modes of transportation like boats and buses several times, the local staff were smooth and easy to understand in their assistance.

水牛車とバス観光とグラスボートプランのフルプランに参加しました。
大満足です‼︎
おすすめです‼︎
朝から夕方まで1日で効率よく観光ができます。
船やバスなど何回か乗り物に乗り換えるのですが、現地の係の方の対応がスムーズでわかりやすかったです。

We participated as a family with three infants. There was no wasted time at all; in fact, the schedule felt a bit rushed, but we were able to enjoy it without delays even with the kids. I was most worried about diaper changes and breastfeeding, but there were facilities set up in various places, so we didn't have any issues. Other families with toddlers brought strollers and followed the same course, but since it involved transferring between rides, it might not be necessary. We managed without one. There were moments when the kids got sleepy and fussy, but we got through it by carrying them around and letting them take short naps while on the rides.

As others have mentioned, I think the lunch box menu might not be appealing to children. They hardly ate anything, and we ended up ordering soba separately (the adults enjoyed it, though). We felt that we didn't have enough time at Yufujima and the star sand beach, but there were so many attractions one after another that the kids were able to spend the whole day without getting bored. I truly believe we wouldn't have been able to cover this itinerary on our own in just one day, so we are extremely satisfied. Thank you very much!

乳幼児3人を連れて家族での参加でした。
無駄な時間が一切無く、むしろ少し追われるくらいの行程でしたが、子連れでも遅れることなく楽しめました。
一番心配していたおむつ替えや授乳も、所々に設置されていたので、困ることはありませんでした。
他の幼児連れのご家族がベビーカーを持参で同じコースを回っておられましたが、乗り物を乗り継ぎ乗り継ぎ…という感じなので、無くてもいいかもしれません。実際私達は無しで回りました。途中眠くなってグズグズしていましたが、抱っこで見学したり、乗り物に乗っている間に少しお昼寝したりで乗り切れました。
他の方も書かれておりましたが、昼食のお弁当が子供は好まないメニューかと思います。殆ど食べられず、別でそばなどを頼みました。（大人は美味しくいただきました。）
由布島、星の砂浜は時間が足りないくらいでしたが、次から次へと見所があり、子供も飽きずに一日過ごせたと思います(^o^)
この行程を自分達では絶対一日では回れなかったと思うので、大大大満足です。
ありがとうございましたm(_ _)m

It was more cost-effective and enjoyable than organizing everything myself. The transportation was smooth and efficient. The bus driver on Iriomote Island was great and shared fun stories. The lunch on Yufu Island was a bit lacking, so I thought about eating on Taketomi Island, but many places close early.

自分で段取りするよりお得で楽でした。
スムーズに移動ができ効率がよかった。
西表島のバスの運転手さんが楽しくお話ししてくださるのが良かった。
由布島での昼食は少し物たらなかったので竹富島で食べようと思ったら閉店時間が早い店が多い。

Upon arriving at Taketomi Island, there is a bus waiting to take you to the water buffalo cart location in about 10 minutes. After that, you can board the water buffalo cart for a journey of just under 30 minutes. During the ride, you can enjoy Okinawan folk music, immersing yourself in the Okinawan atmosphere. The island feels like time moves at a much slower pace, with most places closing around 5 PM, which is hard to imagine in a city.

竹富島につくとバスのお迎えがあり10分程度で水牛車の場所に行けます。その後、水牛車に乗り込んで30分弱の行程。水牛車の中では沖縄民謡の演奏があり沖縄ムードを楽しめます。
島は、17時頃にはほとんど閉まってしまうという感じで都会では考えられないほど時間がゆっくり進んでいる感じを実感できます。

This was my first time on Ishigaki Island, and I definitely wanted to visit some different islands, so I chose three! I also got to ride the water buffalo cart twice! The weather was great, and it turned out to be a wonderful day tour.

今回、初めての石垣島だったし、
絶対違う離島も行ってみたかったから
3個の島をチョイス！
そして、水牛車も2度も乗れました！
お天気も良く、素敵な一日のツアーとなりました。

During the bus ride after landing on Iriomote Island, the driver's commentary had a subtle wit that made me laugh. On Yubu Island, I was able to take a photo with a water buffalo, and if the weather had been good, it would have been the perfect location.

On Taketomi Island, the strong winds made it difficult to ride a bicycle, which honestly limited my activities quite a bit.

That said, it was generally a fun experience. However, in bad weather, the boat tends to rock a lot, so be sure to check the weather forecast before participating. Also, it might be due to the season, but it was quite cold. A jacket is a must in January!

西表島に上陸してのバス移動時、運転手さんの解説が地味に毒があって笑えました。
由布島では水牛とツーショットも撮れましたし、天候さえ良ければ最高のロケーションでしたね。
竹富島では自転車の走行が困難なほどの強風で、正直かなり行動に制限がかかってしまいまね。

とはいえ、おおむね楽しい体験でした。
ただし、悪天候だと船が兎に角揺れるので、参加の際には天気予報にご注意を。
あと、季節的になのかも知れませんが、結構寒いです。
１月中はジャケット必須！

I participated during the year-end and New Year, and I made unforgettable memories with my family that were very enjoyable. I am thinking of using your services again, and I look forward to it at that time.

年末年始参加しましたがとても楽しい忘れられない思い出が家族みんなで出来ました
また利用したいとここから思っています
その時はまた宜しくお願いします

I was looking forward to snorkeling in the Blue Cave, but I received notice the day before that it was canceled due to strong winds. I was hesitant, but the SUP experience turned out to be the right choice.

We got to see the mangroves up close during the Nakagawa River cruise in Iriomote Island, and the kids, who were initially reluctant, ended up loving it.

They are already asking to go again.

The instructor recommended a restaurant, and we were seated right away, but I noticed there was a line of people waiting.

I was given the name of a delicious restaurant.

青の洞窟シュノーケリングを楽しみにしていたのですが、前日強風のために中止との連絡が有り迷ったのですが、サップ体験は正解でした。
西表島の仲間川遊覧で見たマングローブを触れるほど近距離で見れたし、最初は嫌がっていた子供達がハマりました。

また行きたいとせがまれています。

インストラクターの方おすすめのお店、入店して直ぐ席に着けましたが気がつくとお待ちの列・・

美味しいお店を教えていただきました。

I was able to fully enjoy my day as promised with "efficient use of one day."

Everything I saw was fresh and the day flew by in no time.

If I have the chance to go to Ishigaki Island again, I would love to repeat the experience.

「1日で効率よく」のとおり1日で充分満喫できました。

と、言うか見るモノ全てが新鮮で1日があっと言う間に過ぎてしまいました。

また石垣島に行く事が有ればリピートしたいです。

I had a great time riding and interacting with the water buffalo for the first time, creating wonderful memories. The mangrove tour was also filled with nature and was very enjoyable. However, since the weather was cloudy, I thought it would have been even better if it had been sunny. I regret not being able to visit Taketomi Island because we had a company party in the evening during our company training trip, but riding the water buffalo while listening to the shamisen was truly a lovely experience. I would love to go again if I have the chance.

初めて水牛に乗ったり、水牛に触れたりすごく思い出が出来て楽しかったです。マングローブ遊覧もとても自然がいっぱいでとても良かったです。ただ天気が曇だったので晴れのほうがさらにいいなぁと思いました。今回会社の研修旅行できて夕方から会社のパーティーがあったので竹富島に行くことができなかったことが心残りですが、本当水牛に乗りながら三味線を聞いたりと素敵な体験になりました。また機会があったら行きたいです