All Reviews for Japan Hidden Gems: Secret Islands

This was my first time using VELTRA, and I was a bit anxious, but the experience was smooth with no issues. The activities were enjoyable, and I was able to participate in a very relaxed manner, which made me very satisfied.

はじめてのVELTRA利用で、少し不安でしたが、
利用にあたっては、なにも問題なくスムーズでした。
アクティビティの内容もとてもゆったりした気持ちで楽しく参加できて
満足できるものでした。

Buffalo Kuro-chan worked really hard in the heat! The crew on the glass-bottom boat also explained everything clearly, which was very helpful! It was all a first-time experience for the kids, and they seemed to have a lot of fun! (^∇^)

水牛のクロちゃん暑いなかすごくがんばってくれました‼グラスボートの船員さんもいろいろ説明してくれてわかりやすかったです‼
どれも子供たちにとって初めての経験ですごくたのしそうでした‼(^∇^)

I thought it might be too ambitious to visit Iriomote Island, Yufu Island, and Taketomi Island in one day, but I was able to enjoy it with just the right amount of time. The weather was perfect that day, making it a wonderful memory. The mangroves of Iriomote Island and the water buffalo ride to Yufu Island were more fulfilling than I expected, and although it was a bit different from what I imagined, being swayed by the water buffalo while listening to the sanshin created a very pleasant island time. It was a bit disappointing that lunch was a little unsatisfying. The talk from the shuttle bus driver was also entertaining. I enjoyed Taketomi Island until the last minute by renting a bicycle. I was impressed by the clarity of the water at Kondoi Beach. Riding a bike allows you to explore the town at your own pace while easily finding photo spots, so I highly recommend it. For those with limited time, this is a compact and recommended plan.

1日で西表島、由布島、竹富島巡りは欲張りかなと思いましたがちょうどイイ感じの時間配分で楽しめました。当日は天気にも恵まれて最高の思い出になりました。西表島のマングローブと由布島に渡る水牛は思ったよりも満ちていてちょっと想像とは違ったけど水牛に揺られて三線聴きながらのゆったりした島時間はとても心地良かったです。お昼ご飯は少し物足りなかったのはちょっと残念。送迎バスの運転手さんのトークも笑えます。竹富島はレンタサイクルで時間ギリギリまで楽しみました。コンドイビーチの透明度にも感動。自転車だと町並みをゆっくり見ながら自分のペースで観光できるし、写真スポットも見つけやすくてお勧めです。時間が限られた旅の方にはコンパクトに回れるのでお勧めのプランです。

It was very fun! I was able to have various experiences, and I was happy. I want to go to Ishigaki again and participate! I will do my best at work from now on and look forward to enjoying even better trips.

とても、楽しく！
色々な体験をすることができました、幸せでしたまた石垣に行き参加したいです！
ぜび、これから仕事がんばってもっといい旅行を楽しみにしてます

#Three Generation Trip# On my first visit to a remote island, I took the Dream Ferry from Ishigaki Island Terminal to Taketomi Island, where I enjoyed a glass-bottom boat ride, searched for star sand, and even rode a cart pulled by oxen. The sea was beautiful, the air was fresh, and I had a wonderfully relaxing time. I would love to visit Taketomi Island again someday. I want to ride the glass-bottom boat one more time. ٩(๑❛ᴗ❛๑)۶
I highly recommend this remote island. (^ -^)

#三世代旅#初めての離島で、石垣島ターミナルから竹富島までにドリームフェリー乗って、グラスボートや星の砂を探しや牛車にも乗りました。海も綺麗ですし、空気も綺麗ですし、大変のんびり楽しみました。またいつか竹富島に行きたいです。グラスボートにももう一回乗りたいです。٩(๑❛ᴗ❛๑)۶
大変おすすめできる離島です。(^-^)

Visiting Taketomi Island with my 5-year-old and 1-year-old was fantastic. I believe the round-trip ferry fare, water buffalo ride, and one-day rental bike price is unbeatable! It was a great help that we could rent a family bicycle. Since we didn't have a rental car, the hotel pick-up service was especially convenient! Everyone was very kind, and it turned out to be a fun trip! I would love to use this service again. Thank you!

5歳、1歳の子供を連れての竹富島。往復の乗船料、水牛、一日レンタサイクルでこの値段は他には絶対ないと思います！レンタサイクルも親子自転車が借りられて助かりました。我が家はレンタカーをつけてなかったので、ホテルへの送迎付きが何より助かりました！みなさんとても親切で、楽しい旅になりました！また利用したいです。ありがとうございました！

It was interesting to experience various things, but the lunch was cold and not good. Is there any way to improve that...?

いろいろ体験できておもしろかったんですが、ランチは冷たいし、まずいし、あれはどうにかならないものですかねぇ・・・？

I was a little disappointed because the guide seemed more like a resident, and I wanted to hear more about the local Okinawan dialect and accent. However, I had a great time and really enjoyed myself.

少し期待外れだったのは
ガイドさんがほぼ移住の方のようで
現地の沖縄の方言とか訛りの話し方が聞いてみたかったなぁと思ってたのでちょっと残念。
でもとても楽しかったですよ。満喫できました。

After the passage of Typhoon No. 18, there were concerns about the itinerary, but we were able to depart safely by reversing the schedule. We enjoyed a leisurely trip under the blue sky, riding the water buffalo carts on both Taketomi Island and Yubu Island. The lunch bento we had on Yubu Island was also delicious.

台風18号の通過後で履行が危ぶまれましたが、スケジュールを逆周りにするということで無事に出発できました。
竹富島と由布島のどちらの水牛車にも乗り、青空の下ゆったりのんびりとした旅を満喫出来ました。
由布島で食べたお昼のお弁当も美味しかったです。

- It was a tour involving multiple operators, including a ferry to the remote islands, a boat on Iriomote Island, a bus, a water buffalo cart to Yubu Island, lunch, and rental bicycles on Taketomi Island. Everything was very well coordinated, allowing for smooth sightseeing without any confusion.
- It was also great that the boat captain on Iriomote Island, the bus driver, and the water buffalo cart operator provided explanations.
- Contrary to the weather forecast, we were blessed with good weather for three days and were able to enjoy very beautiful scenery. Even the photos I took look stunning!

・3つの離島を巡るため、離島へ渡る船、西表島でのボート、バス、由布島へ渡る水牛車、ランチ、竹富島でのレンタサイクル等、複数の業者が関わるツアーでしたが、非常に良くコーディネートされていて、迷うことなくスムーズに観光出来ました。
・西表島でのボートの操縦士さんやバスの運転手さん、水牛車の操者の方が解説をしてくださるのも良かったです。
・事前の天気予報と変わって、3日間天気に恵まれ、とても美しい景色を堪能出来ました。自分で撮った写真ですら美しいと思える景色です！

It's easier than going on your own, and I think the package price is a good deal. I was surprised by the intelligence of the water buffalo as they turned while considering their turning radius. The sea was beautiful, and I was captivated by it.

自分で行くより楽だし、セット料金もお得だと思います。
水牛は内輪差を考えながら曲がったりしてるので、その賢さにびっくりしました。
海は綺麗で見惚れました。

I participated alone, but it was a tour that I could enjoy even by myself. I was the only solo participant on the same tour.
On Taketomi Island, I chose cycling, and it was great to have the time to freely cycle around the island and choose my return ferry time at my convenience.

1人で参加しましたが、十分1人でも楽しめるツアーでした。同じツアーでの1人参加は私だけでした。
竹富島では、サイクリングを選択し自由に島1週できる時間はあり帰りのフェリーの時間も自由に選べてよかったです。

A tour that captures the best parts of Iriomote Island, Yubu Island, and Taketomi Island. The time allocation was just right, with no waiting times or idle moments, making it a very good tour. The mangrove cruise on Iriomote Island was especially enjoyable. On the ox cart ride to Yubu Island, the guide treated us to a beautiful song! I didn't have high expectations for the lunch since it was a bento box, but it turned out to be delicious, featuring several local Okinawan specialties. I couldn't finish the rice, so I wish I had gone with a bigger appetite!

西表島、由布島、竹富島のいいところだけを切り取ったツアー。時間配分もちょうどよく、特に待ち時間や暇な時間、あるいは足りない時間などがなかった、とてもよいツアーでした。西表島のマングローブクルーズが特に楽しかったです。由布島までの牛車では、ガイドさんが綺麗な歌声を披露してくださいました！昼食はお弁当ということであまり期待していませんでしたが、沖縄の名物が何種類も入った美味しいお弁当でした。お米が食べ切れなかったので、もっとお腹を空かせてから行けばよかったと思います笑

I arrived in Osaka on Peach Aviation on September 29. Since I had some time before checking into the hotel, I joined this tour. It's more economical than purchasing the ferry fare and water buffalo cart tickets separately. After the tour, I strolled around the island, but even though it's the end of September, it was over 30°C and blazing hot. Walking around is quite difficult. I definitely recommend renting a bicycle as well. However, the village has coral sand laid out, which can be slippery; I saw several people slip and fall. It's best to explore the outer roads by bicycle and walk around the village.

9月29日にピーチ航空で大阪から到着。ホテルにチェックインするまで時間があるのでこちらのツアーに参加しました。フェリー代と水牛車のチケットを別々に購入するよりお得です(^^)ツアー終了後は徒歩で島を散策しましたが、9月の終わりとは言え30℃越えのカンカン照り。徒歩で回るには無理があります。是非レンタサイクルもつけましょう。ただし集落内はサンゴ砂が敷き詰めてあるため、よく滑るようで、何人も滑ったり転んだりする人を見ました。外周道路は自転車で、集落内は徒歩で散策するのがオススメです。

The shuttle service from the hotel was very helpful. I was able to smoothly arrange for the boat, water buffalo, and cycling. I paid 300 yen for an hour to upgrade to an electric bike on-site, which was a good decision since the roads were sandy and had unexpected ups and downs. Taketomi Island is a wonderful place. You can walk around the village, but definitely try to bike to Nishizaki Pier and Kondoi Beach. You'll be amazed!

ホテルからの送迎があり、とても助かりました。船、水牛、サイクリングとスムーズに手続きできました。自転車は一時間300円を現地で払って電動にしましたが、道が砂地で案外アップダウンがあるので正解でした。竹富島は素敵な島です。集落は歩いても回れますが、西桟橋やコンドイ浜へもぜひ自転車で行ってみて下さい。感動します！

The water buffalo Akahachikun was so cute!! The guide's singing voice was wonderful, and I really enjoyed it!! We also decided to rent bicycles, and it was so much fun to pedal together! I want to do it again!

水牛のあかはちくんがとても可愛かった！！
ガイドさんの歌声も素敵で満喫できました！！
サイクリングも追加で借りることになりましたが、みんなで漕ぐのはとても楽しかったです！またやりたい！

I was able to fully enjoy a packed one-day schedule. I thought it was strange to have both the water buffalo ride from Iriomote Island to Yufu Island and the water buffalo cart in Taketomi, but both offered different experiences, and I understood why they were both included! I would like to use this service again.

１日スケジュールの詰まった予定を満喫出来ました。
西表島から由布島への水牛と竹富での水牛車の何で二回と思っていたのですが、どちらも違う体験ができて、なるほどと納得でした❗
又利用したいです。

After reading the reviews, my expectations were raised. It was good, but nothing more and nothing less. Also, I went at the end of September, and the sunlight was very strong, so women especially need to take sun protection measures.

体験談を読んでから行ったせいか、期待値が上がってしまっていました。
良かったです。ただそれ以上でもそれ以下でもありません。
また、9月末に行ったのですが日差しがとても強く、女性は特に日焼け対策はマストです。

Despite the heavy rain, I was grateful that the tour went ahead as planned. I was able to participate in the tour. The raincoat I brought as a backup was a lifesaver. The guide on the mangrove cruise mentioned that it had been five years since visibility was this poor. In such conditions, we visited Iriomote, Yufu, and Taketomi. The round trip from Iriomote to Yufu was by water buffalo cart. I was surprised at how smart the buffalo are! It seems they are more energetic in the rain, and they were faster than I expected. The Taketomi tour was a scenic ride around the island in the water buffalo cart. I thought it would have been even better if the weather had been nice, but it was still very beautiful (о´∀`о). My husband seemed to enjoy the Taketomi tour by water buffalo cart the most. I want to try the glass-bottom boat and the water buffalo cart again. I hope the weather is nice next time. I will participate in the tour again, so please take care of us then.

あいにくの大雨でしたが、雨天決行だったのがありがたい。ツアーに参加する事ができました。予備で持っていたレインコートは大活躍。マングローブクルーズのガイドさんは、こんなに視界が悪いのは5年ぶり。と言っていました。そんな中、西表観光、由布観光、竹富観光。西表から由布の行き帰りは水牛車。牛さんの頭の良い事にびっくり‼牛さんは、雨の方が元気らしく、思ってたより早かったです。竹富観光は水牛車で島めぐり。天気が良かったらもっと最高だろーなーとかいいながらも、とってもキレイでした(о´∀`о)うちの旦那は水牛車での竹富観光が一番良かったみたいです。グラスボートも水牛車も、またリベンジしたいです。次は天気になるといーな。その時はまたツアーに参加しますのでよろしくお願いします。

The water buffalo had a name, and I rode "Tomi-kun" on Taketomi Island. It was relaxing to be pulled around the island by the buffalo. The stories from the buffalo handler were interesting, and it was a very nice time.

水牛には、名前がついていて、私は、竹富島の『富くん』に乗車。のんびりと牛に引かれて島をぐるりと。牛使いさんのお話も面白かったし、とてもいい時間でした。

I relaxed and enjoyed cycling around various places on a mama-chari. Kondoi Beach was an incredibly spacious and beautiful location.

のんびりして、ままチャリのサイクリングでいろいろな場所をまわり楽しみました。コンドイビーチはとてつもなく広くて綺麗な場所でした。

Since this was my second time on Taketomi Island, I was looking for a budget-friendly plan that included bike rentals and ferry fees, and I found this plan. The staff were very helpful, and there was a free shuttle bus for the return trip, which was really convenient! I would definitely like to use this service again if I have the chance!

今回が、竹富島2回目だったのでレンタサイクルとフェリー代で安いプランをと考えていたらこのプランがありました。
スタッフの対応もよく帰りは無料の送迎バスもあり本当に助かりました‼︎
また機会があれば使用したいと思います‼︎

My first solo trip. I chose a bus tour plan. The weather was perfect, and seeing the blue ocean was incredibly soothing. I had unique experiences like the mangrove cruise and the water buffalo cart ride, and it was so good that I would love to participate again, even alone. I'll definitely come back!

初めてのひとり旅。バス観光プランにしました。天気も最高に良く、青い海が見れて最高に癒されました。マングローブクルーズや水牛車の体験ここでしかできない体験させてもらい、また一人でも参加したいくらい良かったです^ ^
また来ます☆

The weather was great, and it was a very enjoyable tour. The lunch was a bit disappointing, but... I recommend this tour as you can enjoy each of the three islands.

天気にも恵まれてとても楽しいツアーでした。昼食がいまいちだったが残念ですが…３島それぞれ楽しめるツアーでおすすめです。

I was torn about which option to choose, but this time I selected the water buffalo cart and bus tour plan on Taketomi Island. I picked up all the tickets and received an explanation at the remote island terminal, and then we set off. There were staff members at each location, and everything was well coordinated, so there was no confusion. The water buffalo cart on Iriomote Island slowly crossed the water to the island, while the cart on Taketomi Island leisurely moved through a small village. The water buffalo seem to enjoy taking breaks, as they only move slowly both in the water and on land, but I think that's part of the charm. Since I went in August, it was very hot, so I would like to visit again when it's cooler.

どのオプションにしようか悩みましたが、今回は竹富島で水牛車とバス観光プランを選びました。
離島ターミナルで全てのチケットを受取り説明を受けいざ出発 各箇所に係りの人が居て連携もバッチリ迷う事なく行けました。 西表島の水牛車は水の中をゆっくりゆっくり島に渡り竹富島の水牛車は小さな集落をのんびりのんびり進む 水牛達は、休憩が好きなようで水の中でも陸の上でも少しづつしか進みませんがそれがいいんだと思います。 今回は、8月に行ったのでとても暑かったのでまた来る時は涼しい時に行きたいと思います。

It was really hot, and everyone in the rental bike group looked like they were struggling with the heat. The water buffaloes also seemed to be feeling the heat... The Taketomi Island I wanted to visit was just as lovely as I imagined it would be. ♡

とにかく暑くて、レンタサイクル組はみんな暑そうでした。水牛たちも暑そうでした…
行きたかった竹富島はイメージ通りに素敵なところでした♡

One child got seasick during the first 45 minutes of the boat ride. When we immediately informed the guide for the mangrove cruise about the seasickness, they quickly changed us to a boat with a restroom, allowing us to enjoy the cruise with peace of mind. After that, the child who had been seasick regained their energy when it was time to ride the water buffalo cart and was able to have a lot of fun.

There were no restroom breaks from the time we arrived at Iriomote Island until we reached the lunch venue. It's also a good idea to bring your own drinks.

子ども1人は最初の45分の乗船で船酔いをしてしまいました。
その後すぐに乗船するマングローブクルーズのガイドさんに船酔いしていることを伝えると、トイレ付きの船に急遽変更してもらえ安心してクルーズできました。
その後船酔いした子どもは、水牛車に乗る時には元気が戻りその後はとても楽しむ事ができました。

西表島についてから昼食会場まで特にトイレ休憩時間はありませんでした。また飲み物も持参したほうがいいです。

There were various weather conditions to consider, including whether Typhoon No. 13 would turn into a tropical depression. The forecast still indicated rain, and there were whitecaps on the sea in front of us. However, the local company gave the go-ahead, and my family was eager to proceed! As a mother with children, I struggled with the decision to cancel until the last moment. When we boarded the ship, heavy rain created a sense of unease inside.

However, as we left the port, the clouds moved quickly, and we were greeted with clear skies. It was the largest ship, so the rocking was within expected limits. During the bus tour, we experienced a downpour, surprising even our guide, but we managed to continue without umbrellas until the end. The sightseeing was leisurely and fulfilling, allowing us to fully enjoy nature. The female guide on the large bus in Iriomote Island left a very good impression on me.

The ox cart and cycling were especially enjoyable in the sunshine, which supported our journey! However, the return ship was small and a high-speed vessel, and some passengers experienced nausea due to the strong winds.

台風13号が熱帯低気圧に変わるか？等、様々な天候条件と睨み合いでした。
予報マークは相変わらず雨でしたし、目の前の海にも白波が・・・。それでも現地社が
ゴーサインなら行こう！との家族の意見でした。子供連れでしたので母親としてギリギリまで
キャンセル悩みました。船に乗り込んだ際は豪雨で船内にも不安感が漂っていました。
しかし雲の流れが速く港をでると晴れ間が。一番の大型船とのことで揺れも想像範囲でした。
バス観光のみスコールで案内人の方も驚くほどに傘なして最後までまわれました。
観光の内容ものんびり、充実しており自然を満喫できました。西表島の大型バスの女性案内人
の方が　とても良い印象に残っています。
牛車やサイクリングは特に晴で旅を応援してくれていました！
ただ帰りの船は小さく高速船でもあり強い風の中　嘔吐される方もいました。

We used this service with our family during Obon. This is my second time in Ishigaki Island, but when combined with Naha, I've visited Okinawa about ten times every year. I always enjoy snorkeling tours and option menus on the remote islands, but I realized I hadn't done any sightseeing on the islands? This was my first time participating. The hotel shuttle was convenient, and the bus was large and comfortable. Although the schedule was a bit tight, we were able to see all the highlights and I was very satisfied with the sightseeing. The boat to the remote islands was also very impressive and comfortable. The tour company staff were very friendly, which made me feel secure participating. This year, I have more wonderful memories. Thank you very much.

お盆中家族で利用しました。石垣島は2度目ですが那覇とあわせると10回程度沖縄には毎年訪れています。いつも離島シュノーケルツアーやらオプションメニューで楽しんでばかりで離島観光に行っていない事に気ずき？初めて参加しました。ホテルの送迎も便利でバスも大きなバスでゆったり出来ました。少し時間は忙しかったですが見どころはきちんと押さえた観光が出来て大変満足です。離島に渡る船もとても立派な船でゆったり出来ました。ツアー会社の方も大変感じが良く安心して参加できました。今年もまた良い思い出が増えました。ありがとうございました。

It was my first time visiting Taketomi Island, and I'm glad I had such a fun time. I also went into the sea, but since it was the day I was leaving, I was disappointed that I couldn't stay long. The scenery was similar everywhere, and I felt like I might get lost, so I would have appreciated a more detailed map of the island's shops and such.

竹富島に行くのは、初めてでしたがとても楽しい時間を過ごすことができてよかったです。
海にも入りましたが、当日、帰る日だったので、長居できなくて残念でした。
風景がどこもにていて、道がわからなくなりそうだったので、島の店などのもう少し詳しい地図があったらありがたかったです。