All Reviews for 沖繩活動

You can observe various fish and corals from the bottom of the boat. We had a one-year-old child with us, and they were peering in with great interest. Unlike snorkeling, it's great that people of all ages, from children to the elderly, can easily participate!

船底から様々な魚と珊瑚を観察出来ます。1歳の子供も一緒でしたが興味深く覗き込んでいました。シュノーケリングと違い子供からお年寄りまで気軽に参加出来るのもgood!

The venue is located in a place surrounded by fields, making it very quiet. The local staff mentioned that the viewing area is enclosed with a fence to keep away pests, and there are reclining chairs that allow you to enjoy a 360° view of many stars. During the viewing, the staff provided detailed information about the stars and constellations according to the movement of the clouds, which sparked my interest in astronomy and made for a very fulfilling experience. Since the area is surrounded by fields, I recommend bringing insect repellent spray if you're concerned about mosquitoes, as it will help you focus on stargazing.

会場は畑しかない場所ということもあり、とても静かで、現地のスタッフさんもおっしゃってましたが、鑑賞スペースは一面ハブ避けのフェンスが張られていてリクライニングチェアで360℃たくさんの星を眺めることが出来ました。鑑賞中は雲の動きに合わせて見える星や星座についてスタッフの方が詳しく教えてくれていたので、星にとても興味が湧きとっても充実した時間を過ごせました。辺りは畑なので蚊が気になる方は虫除けスプレーを持っていかれると集中して星を眺められると思います。

It was a reward trip for my husband’s retirement. On the day of the trip, the rainy season had ended, and the sun was shining brightly. I was concerned due to my physical disability affecting my vision, but I was very satisfied with the unique experiences of the wind, scents, and sounds that could only be found in that place. I appreciated the mangrove cruise, the lunch made with delicious local ingredients served by the water buffalo cart man in Yufu, and the brother from Taketomi Island who played the sanshin for us. I am grateful to all the staff who assisted us in moving around.

夫 定年にあたりご褒美旅行でした。当日は梅雨明けとなり、日差しが強かったです。
視野や視力の悪い身体障害のため案じていましたが、その場所でしか体験出来ない風や匂いや音に大満足でした。マングローブクルーズ、由布の水牛車のおじさんと牛と美味しい島の食材を使った昼ご飯、三線を聴かせてくださった竹富島のお兄さん、いたるところで移動を助けてくださったスタッフの方々に感謝です。

This was our first trip to Taketomi Island with two families (four people). We chose this plan because we wanted to experience the water buffalo cart tour, and it was the right decision. The water buffalo, "Yumeko," who is 15 years old (equivalent to a 45-year-old human lady), was very smart and understood the route well, even asking for water in the shower booth. We had a wonderful time as we went around the course. Additionally, we were able to visit all the highlights of the island, making for a satisfying sightseeing experience. Thank you very much for your help.

二家族（４人）での初！竹富島観光でした。水牛車観光が体験したくこの企画を選び正解でした。水牛の「ユメコ」ちゃん、１５歳（人間年齢４５歳のマダム）大変賢くシャワーブースでの水のおねだりや順路をしっかり理解しコースを廻り楽しいひと時でした。また、島内観光も見どころをしっかり回っていただき満足いく観光ができました。大変お世話になりました。

I decided to participate because it was just a 10-minute boat ride from Ishigaki Island and the price was less than half of a certain travel company's optional tour.

Since we could choose the round-trip boat schedule freely, we were able to enjoy the water buffalo cart and the island at our own pace.

The locals were kind, and even though the post office was closed on Sunday, they happily accepted my request to mail a postcard, which arrived later with a Yaeyama postmark. (I paid for the postage.)

The service at the meeting point counter was also polite and good.

It became a wonderful memory.

石垣島から船で10分という気軽さと、某旅行会社のオプショナルツアーと比べて半額以下という格安料金だったので参加を決めました。
往復船便の時間を自由に選択できるので自分達のペースで水牛車も島内も楽しむことができました。
島内の方も親切で、日曜日で郵便局が閉まっていたにもかかわらず、はがきの投函をお願いしたら快く受けてくれ後日、八重山の消印で届きました。（切手代はお支払いしました）
集合場所のカウンターの対応も丁寧で良かったです。
良い想い出になりました。

Taketomi Island is just a 15-minute boat ride from Ishigaki Island. We arrived in no time. We spent about 30 minutes on a glass-bottom boat, where we saw various fish, but I was concerned about the decreasing number of corals. Next, we rode water buffalo to explore the village. It was very peaceful. However, it was already hot in early June, so we had to use rental bicycles to get around the village. I recommend swimming at Hoshizuna Beach. There were few people, and the water was very clear and shallow, so we could see plenty of fish swimming right in front of us. I would love to go again.

竹富島へは石垣島から船で１５分。アッという間に着いてしまいました。グラスボートで約３０分いろんな魚が泳いでいましたがただサンゴが少なくなっているのが気がかりでした。次に水牛に乗って村を散策。のどかでしたね。ただ６月初めですでに暑くむらの散策もレンタサイクルで回らないと動けません。おすすめは星砂の浜での海水浴。人も少なくまた海がとても綺麗で遠浅なので目の前で魚がいっぱい泳いでいました。また行きたいですね

Our first trip with three generations ✈️ Our first time on Taketomi Island.
I wanted to make it the best trip possible, so I was searching online and found VELTRA's page!
The round-trip ferry, glass-bottom boat, and water buffalo experience were bundled together at a great price, and it was really helpful that they provided bus transportation.
Unfortunately, it rained, but we were still able to ride the glass-bottom boat, and the staff during the water buffalo experience were very warm and accommodating, which made it really enjoyable.
I would like to ask VELTRA for help again on our next trip (^^)

初めての三世帯旅行✈️初めての竹富島
最高の旅行にしたくて、ネットで色々探していたらVELTRAさんのページが！
往復の船、グラスボード、水牛体験がセットで安くて、バスで移動してくれるので凄く助かりました。
でも残念なことに雨でしたが、グラスボードにも乗れて水牛体験ではスタッフの方が暖かい対応をしてくださり凄く楽しめました。
旅行のさいにはまたVELTRAさんにお願いしたいです(^^)

We participated as a couple. Since it was our first time on a Segway, I was honestly worried about whether I could handle it, but thanks to Michael's thorough explanations in fluent Japanese, I was able to ride it right away.
After the training, we spent about 1.5 hours exploring Zone C of the vast Banna Park. We occasionally stopped the Segway to take photos and received explanations about the flora and fauna, and before we knew it, time flew by. It was hot that day, but we had barley tea and salt rice crackers, which made it comfortable and enjoyable.
Lastly, Michael's dexterity and the sounds of the birds are a must-see (laughs).

夫婦二人での参加です。タイトル通り初めてのセグウェイだったので正直乗りこなせるか不安でしたが流暢な日本語を話すマイケルさんの丁寧な説明ですぐに乗ることが出来ました。
講習も終わり広大なバンナ公園のCゾーンを約1.5時間かけて進みます。時々セグウェイを止めて写真を撮ったり動植物についての説明があったりとあっという間に時間が経ってしまいました。当日は暑かったのですが麦茶や塩せんべいが有り快適に楽しく遊べました。
最後にマイケルさんの指先の器用さと鳥の鳴き声は必見です(笑)

The tour didn't have a guide accompanying us the whole time, so we were free to move around.
Cycling on sunny days requires UV protection!
For women, having a hat and UV-cut arm covers is a good idea!

添乗員さんが付きっきりというツアーでは無かったので、自由に動くことが出来ました。
晴れた時のサイクリングは紫外線対策必須です！
女性は、帽子にUVカットアームカバーがあると良し！

Yui-kun was very cute. I had a great time enjoying Taketomi Island. I would like to use this service again if I have the opportunity.

ゆいくんとてもかわいかっです。とても楽しく竹富島を満喫できました。また機会ありましたら利用したいと思います

I visited Ishigaki Island as a port of call on the Diamond Princess cruise, and I definitely wanted to ride the water buffalo cart on Taketomi Island! I made a reservation.

I was a bit worried about meeting at the location, but once I arrived at the remote island terminal, I was able to check in without getting lost. When I reached Taketomi Island, a shuttle was waiting to take me to the water buffalo cart boarding area, and I was able to board smoothly.

Since I had to return to the ship, I didn't go out for other sightseeing, but next time, I would like to take my time and explore!

ダイヤモンドプリンセスクルーズの寄港先に石垣島があり、是非とも竹富島の水牛車に乗りたい！い予約しました。

現地集合の為少し心配でしたが、離島ターミナルにつけば、迷う事無くにチェックイン出来、竹富島へ、島に着くと、水牛車乗り場までの送迎車が待っていて、スムーズに水牛車に乗る事が出来ました。
船に戻る時間があったので、他の観光は出なかったのですが、次回はゆっくりと観光してみたいです。　

I was very satisfied that I could see the Southern Cross.
I heard it would be cold, so I brought my own hotel bath towel. There are blankets available, but I recommend that those who are sensitive to the cold bring their own as well.

I appreciated the service of warm tea.
Next, I want to go see the Milky Way.

南十字星もみることができ、とても満足しました。
寒いと聞いていたのでホテルのバスタオルを持参しました。ブランケットの用意もありますが寒がりな人は自分でも用意をした方がオススメです。

温かいお茶のサービスもありがたかったです。
次は天の川も見に行きたいです。

Even though I can't swim, I was able to snorkel thanks to the support I received. I'm grateful to the staff. The phantom island and the beautiful underwater scenery provided such a wonderful experience at my age. It was truly moving.

泳げない私でも、サポートをしていただきシュノーケルができました。スタッフの方に感謝です。
幻の島といい海の中といいこの歳にしてこれほど美しく素晴らしい体験ができるなんて。感動でした。

We had about an hour and a half to spare before the water buffalo cart departed back to Iriomote Island. Since Yubu Island is not very large, we needed to be creative with how we spent our time. Many other guests were also sitting and waiting for the time to come.

由布島から西表島に戻る際の水牛車の出発まで、1時間半ほどあり時間をもてあました。由布島は大きな島ではないため、時間の使い方に工夫が必要。他のお客さんも座って時間が来るのを待っている方が多かった。

Since this is my second time visiting Taketomi Island, I chose a relaxed rental bicycle plan this time. I think the size of Taketomi Island is just right for exploring by bicycle. This plan includes not only the ferry ticket and rental bicycle fee but also round-trip transportation from the hotel and luggage storage service at the island terminal, so I found it to be a great deal.

竹富島に行くのは2回目なので、今回はのんびりレンタサイクルのプランを選びました。竹富島の広さは、レンタサイクルくらいがちょうどいいなと思います。このプランには乗船券とレンタサイクル代だけではなく、ホテルからの往復送迎や離島ターミナルでの荷物預かりのサービスもついているので、とてもお得だと思いました。

Iriomote's mangrove cruise was easy to understand thanks to the detailed explanations from the guide, and the scenery while riding the water buffalo to Yufu was breathtaking! Additionally, Taketomi Island is simply a wonderful place; the flowers are beautiful, and riding the water buffalo while exploring is incredibly soothing. I traveled alone, but I had a great time. I highly recommend this!

西表はマングローブクルーズはガイドさんの細かい説明で分かりやすかったし、水牛にのって由布へ行く時の景色のすごさは感動！そして竹富島はなんともいえない良いところ花は綺麗だし水牛に乗って散策してるときはすごく癒されます。一人旅でしたがすごく楽しめました。これはオススメです！

Since it was during Golden Week, the Phantom Island was more crowded than expected (laughs), but the scenery was exactly as depicted in guidebooks, and just being there was satisfying. The guide was friendly and provided various explanations, so even though the time was short, I was able to relax and enjoy the tour very much. The equipment was all new and clean, which was a big plus. I have snorkeled in places like Okinawa, the Great Barrier Reef, and Palau, but the clarity of the water here was the highest, and the number and variety of fish I saw were the best. I hope to try diving when my son gets older. I hope the coral has recovered a bit by then.

GWの参加だったので、幻の島は予想以上に混雑していた(笑)けれど、ガイドブック等に載っている正にそのままの景色が広がり、もはやその場に居るだけで満足という感じだった。ガイドさんが気さくに声をかけて下さったり様々な説明をして下さるので、短い時間ではあったがとてもリラックスしてツアーを楽しむことができた。機材はどれも新しくきれいだったのもポイント高い。これまで沖縄本島やGBR、パラオなどでもシュノーケリングしたが、どこよりも透明度が高く、見られた魚の数も種類も一番だった。息子が大きくなったら、是非ダイビングに挑戦したいと思った。それまでにサンゴが少しでも復活していてくれますように。

I participated in a tour that included a rental bicycle. It was prohibited to rent near the Taketomi Island port, so after arriving at Taketomi, we took a shuttle bus to the central area, about a 5-minute drive, to rent bicycles at a designated shop and start our sightseeing.

Unfortunately, it rained continuously on the day of the tour. The weather conditions were not suitable for cycling. (There's nothing we can do about the weather, though.)

The townscape was very beautiful, typical of Okinawa. The sea was also clear and filled with many fish. We couldn't climb Nagomi Tower due to its deterioration. I thought that for strolling around the central area, walking would be sufficient. In fact, on the way back, I walked from the central area to Taketomi Island port, which took about 15 minutes.

During busy seasons, the lunch spots on the island can get crowded, so it might be better to go a bit earlier.

I hope for sunny weather next time, and I want to try sightseeing again.

レンタサイクル付きのツアーに参加しました。
竹富島港付近でのレンタルは禁止されているとのことで、竹富到着後、
車で5分程度の中心部まで送迎バスで移動し、指定店舗で自転車を借りて
観光スタートになります。

当日は残念ながら雨続き。自転車には不向きな条件でした。
（天候ばかりはどうにもできませんが）

町並みは、沖縄らしくとても綺麗でよかったです。海も魚が多く綺麗だったです。
なごみの塔は老朽化で登れませんでした。
中心部付近の散策であれば、徒歩でも十分散策できる範疇と思いました。
実際、帰りは中心部から竹富島港まで歩きましたが15min程度だったかな。

繁忙期は、島内の昼食所は込み合いますので、少し早めに行った方が
良いかもしれません。

次の機会は晴れを祈って、また観光リベンジしたいです。

Traveling as a couple. This time, we booked a tour to leisurely visit two islands without being too greedy. Iriomote Island is rich in nature and perfect for relaxation, but if you're not an active person or nature enthusiast, you might find it a bit boring to stay for long periods since there are relatively few tourist spots for the size of the island. *However, it's a fantastic place for active people or nature lovers who want to stay longer.*

Yubu Island, on the other hand, has adorable cows. You can spend a decent amount of time there, so it's worth a visit.

Overall, the people in the Yaeyama Islands are laid-back, and there's less of the typical touristy pressure to buy things. However, Yubu Island did have a bit of a push for photos, which was a little disappointing.

All in all, we had a great time, so I give it four stars!

夫婦二人で旅行。
今回は欲張らずにまったり2島巡りでツアー予約。
西表島は自然豊かでまったりできるが、アクティブ派やネイチャー志向の人でないと島の広さの割に観光スポットが少ないため長時間の滞在は退屈かも。
※アクティブ派やネイチャー志向（長時間の滞在する人）にはメチャクチャ良いとこです。
由布島はとにかくも牛がかわいい。そこそこ時間も潰せるため行って損はない。
八重山全体に言えることとして、現地の人もまったりしており、観光地特有の商売ごり押しが少ない。
ただ、由布島だけ写真ごり押しがあり、少し残念だった。
総じて楽しかったので星4つ！

I participated with my mother in her 70s. Since it was our first time and she is elderly, I thought it would be better to take it easy so as not to inconvenience other customers. There were only two families on the mangrove cruise, and there were only five passengers on the sightseeing bus in Iriomote Island. We really enjoyed ourselves. The lunch on Yubu Island was a bento, but it was very delicious. My mother was also very satisfied.

70代の母と二人で参加しました。
初めてだし、高齢なのでゆったりしてるほうが他のお客様にも迷惑をかけなくてよいかな、と。
マングローブクルーズも２家族しか乗ってなかったし、西表島での観光バス乗客も５人のみ。すごく満喫できました。由布島でのお昼ごはんはお弁当でしたが、とてもおいしかったです。母も大満足でした。

It was a wonderful experience. I'm glad I participated in this tour with my 76-year-old mother. Thanks to the staff's attentive service and good teamwork in communication, we were able to enjoy the tour smoothly without any worries. The lunch bento was made with local specialties and was very delicious. The restrooms were clean and well-maintained. The water buffalo moved slowly and leisurely, sometimes stopping for no reason or resting in the shade, which was very endearing and cute. I don't think such a flow of time exists in the city. The sound of the sanshin and gentle singing, the waves created by the water buffalo's movement, and the pleasant, clear breeze made for a lovely atmosphere. During the tour, my mother said she didn't feel any shoulder stiffness. The explanation from the glass-bottom boat guide was easy to understand and informative, making it enjoyable. The clownfish was indeed cute! The bubbles from the hot spring bubbling up from the seabed were so beautiful that I was moved. The bus driver's commentary on Iriomote Island was interesting. The mangrove cruise offered a subtropical landscape that felt very different from Japan. I'm glad I got to see it. Overall, I was very satisfied.

素晴らしい体験でした。このツアーに参加して良かった。76歳の母と私の２人での参加でしたが係員さんの対応と気配り、チームワークの良い情報伝達のおかげで何も不安に思うことなくスムーズにツアーを楽しむことができました。ランチのお弁当も島の特産物を使った料理でとても美味しかった。トイレはどこも清潔で掃除が行き届いていた。水牛さんの歩みはゆっくりのんびりで、時にはわけもなく立ち止まったり、日陰に入ると休んだりして、とても愛らしくてかわいい。都会にいるとこんな時間の流れ方はしないと思う。三線とおだやかな歌声、水牛さんの歩みによる波の音、心地よい澄んだ風。ツアー中、母は肩こりが気にならなかったと言っています。グラスボードのガイドさんの説明がわかりやすくて勉強になって楽しかった。カクレクマノミがやっぱかわいい！海底から湧き出る温泉の泡が美し過ぎて感動した。西表島のバスの運転手さんのガイドが面白かった。マングローブクルーズはとても日本とは思えない亜熱帯の景色。見ることができて良かった。全体を通して満足満足。

I wanted to see the mangroves and ride a water buffalo, so it was really great! I chose a plan that allowed me to ride both in the water and on land! I had a relaxing time and felt rejuvenated!

マングローブも見たかったし、水牛にも乗りたかったので、とても良かったです！水の中と陸の二回乗るプランにしました！のんび〜りした時間で癒されました！

I went at the end of February. It was cold and the weather was a bit rough, but I had a great time.

I was able to efficiently visit Iriomote, Yufu, and Taketomi, which was nice.

Overall, it was a good tour, but if I had to mention something, it was a bit confusing when we arrived at Iriomote Island because there were other tour groups at the same time, and it was hard to tell which boat to get on.

On Taketomi Island, I did some cycling. It was only for an hour, but I was able to go to various places, and the scenery was great! I would love to participate again if I have the chance.

２月の終わりに行きました。寒くて天候もあるかったんですが
すごく楽しかったです。
西表･由布･竹富と効率よく回れてよかったです。

おおむねいツアーでしたが、あえて言うとしたら、西表島についた時に、同時間に他の観光ツアーの団体がいて、どこの船に乗ればいいかちょっとわかりずらかったことかな。

竹富島ではサイクリングやりました。１時間だけですが、いろんなところに行けて、景色もＧＯＯＤ！！
また機会があったら参加したいです。

I was looking for a tour that my mother, who is in her late 60s, could enjoy without having to walk too much. Although we could only stay one night in Ishigaki Island, I wanted to visit other nearby islands as well. I particularly wanted to go to Taketomi Island and ride the water buffalo cart, and I was pleased that there was enough time to enjoy both the water buffalo cart ride and the glass-bottom boat. The smooth transfers also helped us make the most of our limited time for sightseeing. It seemed like my mother enjoyed it too.

６０代後半の母を連れての旅行だったので、あまり歩かなくても楽しめるツアーを探していました。また石垣島へは１泊しか出来なかったですが他の離島にも行きたいと思っていました。
特に竹富島へ行って水牛車には乗りたいと思っていましたが、水牛車に乗車する時間もグラスボード等も十分楽しむことが出来るだけの時間が確保されていました。乗り継ぎがスムーズだったことも時間がない中、効率よく観光するには良かったと思います。母も楽しんでいたようです。

I booked a plan that includes a water buffalo cart, considering the possibility of rain. I decided on this because there was a discount a few days prior, and they also offered to store our luggage for free. On the day of the visit, I checked in my luggage at the counter, received my ticket, and was given a paper with the instructions. It was a cloudy day with light rain, but once we arrived at Taketomi Island, the rain stopped. After a 30-minute tour on the water buffalo cart, we rented electric bicycles and explored the island for about an hour and a half. At the coast, we were able to see sea cucumbers, moray eels, and small fish from the surface of the water. It was a very beautiful island. I definitely want to go again! ♪

雨の場合も考えて水牛車付きのプランを予約しました。数日前だと割引きもあり、無料で荷物も預かってくれるというので決めました。当日は、窓口で荷物を預けチケットを貰い、手順を書いた紙を貰いました。その日は曇り空で小雨もパラついていましたが、竹富島に着くと雨は止んだので水牛車の３０分の観光の後に電動自転車を借りて１時間半余り島を回りました。海岸ではナマコ、エラブウナギ、小魚など水面から見ることができました。とても綺麗な島でした。また是非、行きたいです♪

Unfortunately, due to the cloudy sky, I couldn't see the blue of the southern sea and sky. However, I was able to fully enjoy the wonders of Iriomote, Yufu, and Taketomi Islands.

Among them, the stories from the guides on the boat, bus, and water buffalo were very charming. Their gentle way of speaking, with phrases like "grandma" and "grandpa," and their easy-to-understand explanations made it enjoyable.

What remains in my heart are the boats cutting through the wind over the forests and rivers, the sounds of the sanshin and singing, the Okinawan lunch, the gelato we ate on the beach, and picking up star sand at Kaiji Beach—there are so many memories.

I was especially excited to see the golden chrysalis (Papilio garamas) at the butterfly garden on Yufu Island.

While cycling around Taketomi Island, we explored the beaches and townscapes, and everywhere we went, we could feel the islanders' cherished way of life and culture that they have preserved.

If I ever have time again, I would love to participate slowly once more.

　残念だったのは曇り空のため、南の海と空の青さを見ることはできませんでした。しかし、西表・由布・竹富島の素晴らしさを満喫することができました。

中でも、ボートやバス、水牛のガイドさんたちのお話がとってもチャーミングです。「おばあ」「おじい」など、優しい響きの語り口や分かりやすい説明で楽しかったです。

心に残るのは、林と川の上を風を切って走るボートや、三線の音色や歌声、沖縄料理のランチ、浜辺で食べたジェラート、カイジ浜で星の砂を拾ったことなど、いっぱいいっぱいあります。

特に由布島の蝶園でみた黄金のサナギ（オオゴマダラ）には大興奮しました。

私たちは竹富島ではサイクリングをしながらビーチや街並みを見て回りましたが、どこに行っても島人たちが大切に守ってきた島の生活や文化を感じることができました。

いつか時間が出来たら、またゆっくり参加させて頂きたいと思います。

I brought customers from the UK on a whirlwind tour to Ishigaki, and as a highlight, we participated in a tour of Taketomi Island. They were very pleased, and it became a wonderful memory. I especially liked that we could choose the boat according to our convenience.

イギリスからのお客様を連れて弾丸ツアーに石垣に来ました、そのハイライトとして
竹富島のツアーに参加しました、とても喜んでもらいいい思い出となりました。
自分の都合で船を選べるところが特に良かった。

I was able to smoothly explore a dream world that is completely different from my everyday life. The mangrove cruise was very cold, but everything was beautiful, from the water buffalo cart to the scenery of Yufu Island and the charming streets of Taketomi Island. The bus driver during the transfers was also very entertaining, and I was able to see a crested serpent eagle. For those who want to take their time to see each attraction, it might feel a bit rushed, but I think it's a tour that is packed with experiences that don't feel short at all.

自分が普段生活しているところと全く違った 夢の世界を、段取りよく廻らせてもらうことができました。
マングローブクルーズは非常に寒かったんですが、水牛車といい、由布島の景色といい、竹富島の可愛らしい街並みといい、全てが美しかったです。
途中移動のバスの運転手さんもとても面白かったですし、カンムリワシも見ることができました。
それぞれをゆっくり見たい人には物足りないかもしれませんが、短時間と思えないほど 満載のツアーだと思います。

It is completely commercialized, and while the cows, which were imported from Taiwan, are carefully raised and trained for tourism, I found the driver of the cow shed who honestly explained everything to be likable. Hearing about how they work together as companions while sharing meals and living together gave me a different feeling when I got off the ride.

完全に観光化されたものであり、台湾から輸入した牛を大切に育て観光用に教育したものではあるが、返って正直に説明してくださる牛舎車の運転手に好感が持て、寝食一緒に仲間として働いているという話を乗車中に聞いて下車するときには違う感情で見れた。

On the day of our visit, although it was sunny, there were quite a few clouds until sunset, and I was worried about whether we would be able to see the stars. However, the clouds cleared up enough for us to finally look through the telescope we had been longing for. That day, at "Haimurubushi," we were able to see Betelgeuse, Sirius, the Trapezium, and Jupiter. (From the observatory, we could also faintly see Canopus.) The starry sky tour guide at the observatory was exceptional. After showing us three stars that were already rising through the telescope, she quickly showed us "4D2U" while we waited for Jupiter to rise. She used the short time very effectively to explain the arrangement of the stars and the formation of galaxies. 4D2U is a 3D celestial map that you view with special glasses, and the guide skillfully manipulated the 3D images, rotating and zooming in on the stars while explaining them. Her storytelling was excellent, and the 3D celestial map made the structure of the galaxy and the vastness of the star world very clear, which was incredibly interesting beyond my imagination. Even if the weather had been bad and we couldn't see the stars, I think we would have been quite satisfied with just the 4D2U experience at Haimurubushi, as the star guide's explanations were clear and easy to understand. The telescope at "Haimurubushi" was large and impressive, and just being inside the dome was quite moving. We were fortunate with the weather and were able to look through the telescope, witnessing the moment when the large telescope opened its mirror, slowly changing angles with mechanical sounds, and the romantic moment when the dome ceiling opened. Observing the bright light of the stars through the telescope made me feel a sense of excitement, as if I had returned to my childhood. Although it wasn't perfectly clear that day and the clouds kept moving, I was very grateful that the star guides adapted the tour content based on the conditions of the sky. As someone from Honshu, I was unaware of the seasonal changes between dry and rainy seasons, but I learned that Ishigaki Island experiences the rainy season until around March. According to the taxi driver, January and February often have cloudy and rainy weather, making it quite rare to see a beautiful starry sky. Conversely, during the dry season in summer, there are fewer clouds and rain, so the chances of seeing the stars are much higher. We also thought it would be nice to come back in the summer. Lastly, outside of the activities, I wanted to see the Southern Cross, which the star guide had introduced, so after the tour, I went out to an open area to look for it at midnight. Unfortunately, the low part of the sky was hazy, and I couldn't find it. I definitely want to come back to Ishigaki Island to see the Southern Cross.

当日、晴れてはいるものの日暮れまでやや雲が多く、星が観られるかなー、と心配をしていましたが、なんとか雲もそこそこ晴れ念願だった天体望遠鏡を覗かせてもらうことが出来ました。この日『はいむるぶし』で見せていただけた星はベテルギウス、シリウス、トラペジウムと木星でした。(天文台からうっっすらとカノープスも見えました。)天文台の星空ツアーガイドのお姉さんの手腕が素晴らしく、この日は最初にすでに昇っている星を３つ天体望遠鏡で見せて下さったあと、木星が昇るのを待つ間に『少し駆け足で』4D2Uを見せて下さったのですが、短い時間をすごく効果的に使って星の配置や銀河の成り立ちを説明して下さいました。4D2Uというのは特殊なメガネをかけて鑑賞する3D天体図のことで、星空ガイドのお姉さんが立体映像を自在に引いたり寄せたり回転させたりしながら星々の説明をして下さいました。お話しが上手なのと天体図が立体的に飛び出して見えることで銀河の構造や星の世界の果てしなさがとてもよくわかり、想像を超えて面白かったです。もし運悪く天気が悪くて星を見ることが出来なくても、4D2Uとはいむるぶし見学だけでもかなり満足出来たのではないかと思ったほど星空ガイドさんの説明は上手でわかりやすかったですし、天体望遠鏡『はいむるぶし』は大きくてかっこよくて、ドームの中に入れただけでもかなりの感動がありました。今回は天気に恵まれ天体望遠鏡を覗かせていただけたので、大きな望遠鏡が反射鏡を開く様子や機械音をたててゆっくりと角度を変える様子、そして天井のドームが開くロマンあふれる瞬間を見ることが出来ました。天体望遠鏡を覗いてハッキリと大きく見える星の光を観察した時には子供の頃に戻ったようなワクワクを感じましたよ。この日は快晴というわけではなく、雲が動き続けていたので、星空ガイドのみなさんが空の様子を見ながら臨機応変にツアーの内容を変えて対応して下さったこともとても有り難かったです。本州の人間である自分には乾季雨季の感覚が無く盲点でしたが、石垣島は3月頃まで雨季なのだそうです。タクシーの運転手さんによると、1月2月は曇天雨天がとても多く星空が綺麗に見えることはかなり少ないそうです。逆に、乾季である夏は雨や雲が少なく、高い確率で星空を見ることが出来るのではないでしょうか。私達も今度は夏にまた来たいなあと思いました。最後にアクティビティ外の話しですが、星空ガイドさんが紹介されていた南十字星を見たくてツアー終了後の深夜 南中時刻に合わせて星の見える開けた場所まで出かけましたが、この日は空の低い位置は霞がかかっていてとうとう見つけることが出来ませんでした。南十字星を見るためにも、また石垣島に来たいと思います。