All Reviews for Japan Hidden Gems: Secret Islands

On my first Jomon Sugi tour, I participated alone, but many others were also solo participants, so it was fun to chat while walking. I was worried about my stamina since it was a full day of walking, but most of the paths were easy to navigate, so I had no problems and enjoyed the hike. I could only see Jomon Sugi from a distance more than I expected, but there were many wonderful spots along the way, like Jomon Sugi and the Wilson stump, where I was able to take lots of great photos.

初めての縄文杉ツアーで、1人参加でしたが、他の方も1人参加の方が多かったので色々お話しながら歩けて楽しかったです。1日歩くので体力は大丈夫かと心配してましたが、ほとんどの道が歩きやすかったので全く問題なく楽しく登山できました。縄文杉は思ったより遠くからしか見れなかったけれど、途中の縄文杉やウィルソン株などたくさん素敵なスポットがあって良い写真も沢山取れました。

The guide was very knowledgeable, and I learned a lot. I usually go to the mountains, but this experience offered a different atmosphere that I really enjoyed. The people in my group were also great. They were considerate of the pace, which allowed for a safe and comfortable hike. Thank you very much.

ガイドさんの知識が豊富で、とても勉強になりました。普段も山には行きますが、それとはまた違った雰囲気が楽しめました。一緒の班になった方たちも良い方でした。ペース配分に配慮してくださり、安心した登山が出来ました。ありがとうございました。

In the first half, the guide changed the order of people walking behind him, and while chatting with the guide, I was able to get to know the other group members. Even though I participated alone, I had a great time trekking!

For lunch, the guide gave us instant miso soup, which was comforting. It really hit the spot for my tired body! There was a tough decision made by the guide along the way, but everyone in the group agreed...

And then, we reached the moving Jomon Sugi!!! On the way back, we had the Wilson stump all to ourselves!

In the end, everyone returned to the trailhead with smiles.

Thank you so much to the guide and everyone in the group! It became a wonderful memory!

前半は、ガイドさんの後ろを歩く人を順番に変えてくれて、ガイドさんとお喋りしながら歩いたので、それとなくグループメンバーの皆さんのことも知ることができ、ひとりでの参加でしたが、楽しくトレッキングができました！

お昼はガイドさんからインスタントお味噌汁を頂いて、ほっこり。疲れた身体にしみました！
途中、ガイドさん苦渋の決断もありましたが、メンバー全員で納得…

そして、感動の縄文杉に！！！
帰りのウィルソン株は貸し切り状態！

そして、全員笑顔で登山口に戻りました。

ガイドさん、グループの皆さま、本当にありがとうございました！楽しい思い出になりました！

I was blessed with great weather and was able to experience the best of Yakushima. Among the participants, we were the oldest couple, and we debated whether to request a private guide, but since we usually jog, we managed to keep up without causing any trouble. There were seven of us in the group, and the guide was creative in ensuring communication by walking at the front and alternating who walked second. When a younger person took the second position, there were times when the pace picked up a bit, making it challenging to keep up, but overall, we enjoyed the walk. During lunchtime, I was delighted to receive instant miso soup from the guide. Since we worked hard, we had a bit of extra time, and during the return trip on the trolley path, when we started to feel a bit bored, the guide suggested we take a break and dip our feet in the river, which was refreshing. The Jomon Sugi tour at the end of September was warm enough that we didn't need any cold-weather gear; a T-shirt, tights, and shorts were sufficient.

お天気にも恵まれ最高の屋久島を体感できました。参加者の中では年長の夫婦で、専属ガイドさんをお願いするツアーにするか迷いましたが、普段からジョギングをしていたのがよかったのかなんとかご迷惑かけずについていかれました。7名のグループでしたが、ガイドさんは先頭を歩き2番目を歩く人を交代にして全員とコミニュケーションをとるよう工夫されていました。若い方が2番目につくと少々スピードアップしついていくのが大変なじかんもありましたが、概ね楽しく歩けました。お昼ご飯の時間にはインスタント味噌汁をガイドさんからいただき嬉しかったです。頑張った分少し時間に余裕もできて、帰りのトロッコ道少々飽きてきた時間に川で足を水につけると疲れがとれますよとガイドさんが休憩時間をとってくれたのですが、気持ちよかったです。晴れた9月末の縄文杉ツアーは暑いぐらいで防寒着は不要、Tシャツ、タイツ短パンで十分でした。

It was quite a challenging journey, but thanks to our guide, we were able to achieve it safely! We took many photos along the way, creating wonderful memories. Thank you very much!

なかなか大変な道のりでしたが、ガイドさんのおかげで無事に達成することができました！
所々で写真をたくさん取ってくださり、良い思い出を残せました。
ありがとうございました！

I participated alone, but I was fortunate to have great members accompanying me, which made me feel very at ease while walking. It was tougher than I imagined, and I almost felt defeated on the way back, but I managed to walk 22 km by refreshing myself at the river and taking a little break from walking. It was a very good experience.

1人での参加でしたが、
同行して下さるメンバーに恵まれとても安心して歩く事が出来ました。
想像よりもキツく帰りはへこたれそうになりましたが、川で気分転換したりと歩く事から少し解放されながら、何とか22km歩く事が出来ました。
とても良い経験が出来ました。

I had concerns about my physical strength, but I was able to join a party that considered my age and successfully completed the hike. I was grateful that the guide paid attention to each individual. It turned out to be more of a climb than I had imagined, so I'm glad I brought trekking poles and work gloves. I'm truly happy that I was able to go.

体力に不安がありましたが、年齢を考慮したパーティーに入れてもらえて無事に完歩できました。ガイドさんが一人一人を気にかけてくれて、ありがたかったです。想像以上に登山だったので、トレッキングポールと軍手を持参しておいてよかったと思います。行けてよかったと本当に思っています。

Initially, we planned to challenge ourselves without a guide, but upon arriving at the location, we decided to sign up for a tour! The fact that transportation to the trailhead was included was a big plus! The guide who took care of our group was experienced and not only shared interesting stories but also showed concern for other groups, reflecting the kindness of the people of Yakushima. It was such a great encounter that I want to go back to Yakushima just to see the guide again. 😊

当初はガイド無しでチャレンジ予定でしたが、現地入りしてやはりツアーに申し込むことに！
登山口まで送迎が付いているところはポイント高いです！！私たちのグループを担当してくれたガイドさんはベテランで、お話もおもしろいだけでなく、ほかのグループのことも気にかけたりと屋久島の人の良さを感じました。＾＾
またガイドさんに会いに屋久島に行きたいくらいいい出会いでした。

It was a trekking experience that we couldn't have anywhere else, and we were very satisfied.
I won't forget the cold river and the massage!!
I am grateful for the guide, the couples in the same group, and the wonderful weather.
Thank you very much.

他にはできない体験もさせてもらえて私達はとても満足したトレッキングでした。
冷たい川とマッサージ　忘れません　!!
ガイドさんにも同じグループのご夫婦さん達にもお天気にも恵まれて感謝しかありません。
有難うございました。

The tour itself was amazing! The guide was kind and proactively took photos at picturesque spots, making the group, which had many individual participants, feel more comfortable. However, the rental items took a long time to arrive, and I had to call several times to inquire about them. There were various changes on their end, and when I suggested a time, I received a rather unpleasant response.

ツアー自体は最高だった！
ガイドの方が優しく、率先してカメラ映えする所で写真撮影をしてくれたり、個人参加が多いグループの場を和ませてくれた。
しかし、レンタル品がなかなか届かず、電話で何回も問い合わせました。向こうの都合で色々変わり、こちらが時間を提案すると嫌な感じの対応をされた。

I was worried about whether I could climb to the end since I was right on the age limit. I'm glad I could climb slowly with a different group from the younger people. The guide was 72 years old and very fit.

年齢制限ギリギリの私は最後まで登れるか心配していました。
若い人たちとは別のグループでゆっくり登れてよかったです。
ガイドさんは７２歳とても健脚でした。

Even the most ordinary scenery felt more moving with explanations provided. By asking about photo spots and the guide's recommended angles and favorites, I was able to have an incredible experience backed by their expertise.

何気ない風景でも解説をしてもらい、感動が増える実感がしました。
写真ポイントや、ガイドさんがおすすめの角度やお気に入りを聞くことで、経験に裏打ちされた最高の体験ができました。

The tour itself was good, but it can vary greatly depending on the guide, which is a downside. I feel that providing feedback about the guide and making it public is important. I also think it's better to refrain from speaking ill of other guides. Although I've only used it four times, I have the impression that many guides in Yakushima are quite assertive.

In the last tour as well, there was a guide who spoke without wearing a mask in the shuttle on the way there. The driver was cautioning passengers when boarding, but the guide seemed to ignore this, which is concerning.

ツアー自体は良いですが、ガイドさんによってかなり左右されてしまうのが難点。ガイドに対して口コミをフィードバックし、公開しないと意味ない気がします。他のガイドの悪口などもやめた方方がいいと感じました。まだ4回しか利用してませんが、屋久島のガイドさんは自己主張強めの方が多い印象です。

前回のツアーでもですが、行きの送迎車の中でマスクしないで喋るガイドさんがいました。
運転手さんは乗車の際、乗客には注意していたのに、ガイドさんはスルーなのは如何なものか。

I participated in the trip alone, and it was quite exhausting as I was the only one among three couples. It seemed like other groups also had individuals added to their pairs. The guides were numerous, and some lacked consideration, so it might be better to choose your tour company carefully. On the second day, another tour company mentioned that they were considerate in organizing their groups. I hope this helps those who will go next.

ひとり旅で参加したんですが、カップル3組と私のみでかなり気疲れしました。他のグループも、ペアグループに1人で来られた人が追加されているような感じでした。ガイドさんも大勢いらっしゃるようで、人によっては配慮に欠ける部分も多いので、ツアー会社は選んだ方がいいかもしれません。2日目の別のツアー会社さんはグループを配慮してくれて組んでいると話していました。次行く方の参考になりますよう投稿します。

We are a couple in our 20s who are beginners at mountain climbing. We were quite anxious on the day since we don't exercise regularly, but the guide managed our pace and breaks well, allowing us to complete the round trip in about 10 hours. Fortunately, the weather was clear, making it easier to walk, but 10 hours of hiking is still very exhausting. However, in exchange for that, we got to see the magnificent nature of Yakushima and the ancient cedar trees, and the sense of accomplishment upon reaching Jomon Sugi was incredible. The hotel provided pick-up and drop-off, and everything was included, such as lunch and equipment rental, so even beginners could trek with peace of mind.

登山初心者の20代夫婦です。
日頃運動もしてないので当日不安ではありましたが、ガイドの方がペース配分や休憩もしっかり管理してくれたので、なんとか往復10時間歩き切ることができました。
天気も幸い晴れて、歩きやすい状況ではあったのですが、やはり往復10時間は非常にしんどいです。ただそれと引き換えに屋久島の雄大な自然や屋久杉が見れますし、縄文杉に到着した時の達成感も素晴らしいです。
ホテルからの送り迎えや当日のお弁当、備品レンタル等全てパックになっていたので、登山初心者でも安心してトレッキングすることができました。

Before going, I was really worried about the weather and my stamina, but the tour was amazing. Fortunately, the weather was great, and thanks to our guide's precise pacing, we safely reached Jomon Sugi despite my initial concerns. I was so moved when we returned safely to the trailhead. I was also lucky to have great tour members, making it a fun day. Yakushima and Jomon Sugi are the best! ❤️

行く前は天気も体力もとても不安でしたが、ツアー最高でした。天気にも幸いなことに恵まれて、不安な行程もガイドさんの的確なペース配分で無事に縄文杉へ到達できました。無事に登山口まで戻ってきた時には感激しました。ツアーメンバーにも恵まれ楽しい１日でした。屋久島、縄文杉、さいこー❤️

It was the first day of the tour after the typhoon. It was convenient to get to the trailhead without any transfers from the accommodation, allowing for some sleep. The guide adjusted the walking pace and breaks, which was reassuring. It seems that the tour had a larger group with three buses, but they had adjusted based on the physical fitness indicated in the pre-tour survey. I was also happy to encounter the running tram and the Yakushima deer. There were explanations about history and plants that weren't included in the tourist information, making for a very satisfying day.

　台風後再開初日のツアーでした。
　宿泊施設から登山口まで乗り換えなしで行けるのは睡眠も出来て助かりました。
　ガイドさんが歩くペースや休憩を調整してくれるので安心です。
　当日のツアーはバス3台の多めだったらしく7人のグループだったのですが事前のアンケートから体力的に同じ様に調整してくれていた様です。
　運行中のトロッコ列車やヤクシカに遭遇出来たのも嬉しかったです。
　観光案内には無い歴史や植物などの解説もあり大変満足な一日を過ごせました。

I used this tour to see Jomon Sugi for the first time. I had heard from a friend that it was a mental challenge, so I was very anxious, but since we climbed in groups with one guide and took frequent breaks, I managed to complete the 10-hour climb! Also, it definitely rains, so it's better to put your belongings in zip-lock bags! Even your underwear can get wet.

今回初めての縄文杉を見る為にこちらのツアーを利用させていただきました。
友人からメンタル勝負であると聞いていた為とても不安でしたが、1人のガイドに対して複数人でグループになり登って行く事や細かく休憩を入れてもらえるので何とか10時間登りきることができました！！
あとやっぱり雨は絶対降るので持ち物をジップロックなどに入れておいた方がいいです！
下着まで濡れます

I had a great time taking lots of photos! The explanations were also detailed and easy to understand. I would love to go again if I have the chance.

写真もたくさんとっていただき、とても楽しかったです！また説明も詳しくしていただき、わかりやすかったです。機会があればまた行きたいです。

Honestly, I was a bit anxious about the long trek, but I was truly impressed by it. They also taught us how to cool down, and I was guided by a very good guide, which made me very satisfied.

正直長時間のトレッキングに不安もありましたが、とても良いもので感動しました。クールダウンの方法も教えてくださり、とても良いガイドさんに案内していただき大変満足しております。

I understand that there are time constraints, but it was quite a fast pace. It's a shame I didn't have the opportunity to enjoy nature, but I did feel a sense of accomplishment.

時間の制限があるので仕方ないことだとは思うのですが、なかなかのハイペース。
自然を楽しむ余裕がなかったのが残念ですが達成感はありました。

It was unfortunately rainy, but the members were great, and we had a lot of fun climbing! However, since it was my first trekking experience, I'm still dealing with quite a bit of muscle soreness... haha.

あいにくの雨でしたが、メンバーもよく、楽しく登れました！
ただ、初めてのトレッキングだったので、だいぶ筋肉痛が抜けません…笑

During the hike, the guide shared a lot about the history of Yakushima and knowledge about Yakusugi, which was very educational. It had been a while since I last hiked, and it was quite tough, but the sense of accomplishment was incredible!

登山中ガイドさんが屋久島の歴史や屋久杉の知識などをお話くださりとても勉強になりました。
久しぶりの登山で結構しんどかったですが、達成感は半端ないです！

The rental items were smelly, worn out, and old. The rental items from other participants were not this old. On top of that, the rain gear smelled as soon as I opened it. I really wish it was better. Honestly, it deserves ★1, but the elderly guide was wonderful, so I’m giving it ★5 as a special exception. You should rent items separately.

レンタル品は臭いしボロいし古い。
他の参加者のレンタル品はここまで古くなかった。おまけにレインウェアは開けた瞬間臭い。勘弁してほしい。本当は★1だが高齢のガイドさんが素晴らしかったので特別に★5です。レンタル品は別で借りるべき。

I was very tired, but I was really glad to see the World Heritage Site, Jomon Sugi! I felt a great sense of accomplishment after completing the 10-hour hike, and I was fulfilled by doing something that can only be done now! It's a treasure in my life. Thank you very much.

とても疲れましたが、世界遺産の縄文杉を見れてとてもよかったです！
10時間の登山をやり遂げた達成感と今しかできないことをやれた充実感でとても満たされました！
人生の財産です。
ありがとうございました。

I thoroughly enjoyed the natural experiences in Yakushima. During the equipment rental, I received detailed explanations on how to tie shoelaces to avoid blisters, the differences between cedar, Japanese cedar, and Yakusugi, various types of moss, and the characteristics of other tree species besides cedar. I was impressed by the grandeur of Jomon Sugi and other Yakusugi trees. I also learned tips on how to ascend and descend, as well as how to navigate stairs, making it a very meaningful experience.

屋久島の自然体験を満喫しました、道具のレンタル時は靴ずれをしない靴紐の結び方、トレッキングの時は杉•小杉•屋久杉の違いや、苔のさまざまな種類、杉以外の木の種類と特徴等の詳しい説明をしていただきました、縄文杉や他の屋久杉の雄大さに感銘しました、登り方や下り方、階段の上り下りコツも教えて頂き大変有意義な体験になりました。

Everywhere I looked, there was beautiful nature, and I had a great time trekking. The water was also clear.

There were some unexpectedly steep paths, and since it was a long journey, I was worried about my legs. However, the guide taught us how to climb and descend in a way that minimized strain on our legs, which I think helped conserve our energy.

I was surprised when I was told that we would have breakfast after walking a bit, even though other groups had already eaten before setting out. However, by moving ahead, we were able to reach the scenic viewpoint before it got crowded, and I was really happy to take photos at a leisurely pace.

The guide shared various stories about the history of Yakushima, which was very educational.

It was a lot of fun, and I want to go again.

どこを見ても綺麗な自然があり、すごく楽しくトレッキングができました。水も綺麗でした。
思った以上に険しい道があったりして、長時間の道のりなので足が心配でしたが、ガイドさんが足に負担のかからない登り方、下り方を教えてくださり、体力の消耗が最小限にできたと思います。
他のグループが朝ごはん食べてから出発していたのに、朝ごはんは少し歩いてから食べると言われた時は驚きましたが、先に進むことで、混む前に絶景ポイントに行って、ゆっくり写真を撮ることができたので、すごく嬉しかったです。
屋久島の歴史から、色々なことをガイドさんがお話ししてくれ、とても勉強になりました。
楽しかったです、また行きたいです。

As the saying goes, "If the event is sunny, it's 90% successful," we were blessed with clear skies and had the best experience of our lives. On the day of the event, our guide picked us up at 4:30 AM near Awa Port. It took about 40 minutes by bus to the meeting point, so I took a nap during the ride and arrived at the trailhead. Most of the group had breakfast on-site, but our group introduced ourselves and set off right away. We walked along the trolley tracks without masks, as it was said that natural cedar releases disinfectant components, and we aimed for Jomon Sugi while climbing rocks and taking breaks along the way. After about five hours of hiking, we took a lunch break, but instead of eating my bento, I replenished myself with candies, chocolate, and nutritional supplements. The guide instructed us to leave our backpacks, except for valuables, at the lunch spot, so we headed towards Jomon Sugi with lighter loads. Finally, we had the emotional moment of meeting Jomon Sugi. After taking commemorative photos and soaking in the atmosphere, we began our descent. The return journey was tougher than the way up, and the guide shared walking techniques for the dangerous sections. I felt that each guide brought their own personality to the tour. My guide boiled water at the rest area and served miso soup, and during the descent, he helped ice my feet in the river and massaged my legs and shoulders. It was a tiring yet fulfilling 13-hour round trip. I am grateful to the members who encouraged me and to the guide.

イベント事は晴れれば9割成功の言葉通り晴天に恵まれ人生最高の経験が出来ました。当日は4時半に安房港近くの民宿までガイドさんが迎えに来て下さいました。集合場所からバスで40分かかるので走行中に仮眠を取り登山口に到着。その場で朝食を摂る班がほとんどでしたが、我が班は自己紹介してすぐに出発。天然杉から消毒効果のある成分が発散されるとの事で、マスクを付けずにトロッコ線路の上を歩いて山道、岩登りして、途中休憩取りながら縄文杉を目指しました。出発して5時間位して昼食休憩でしたが、私は弁当を食べずにアメやチョコ、栄養剤を補給しました。ガイドさんから昼食場で貴重品以外リックを置いて下さいと指示があり、身軽な格好で縄文杉を目指しました。そして縄文杉との感動のご対面。記念撮影をして余韻に浸りながら下山、山道は行きよりも帰りが辛く、危険な箇所はガイドさんの歩き方テクニックを伝授して頂きました。このツアーはガイドさんそれぞれの個性が出ると思いました。私のガイドさんは休憩所でお湯を沸かして味噌汁を振る舞い、下山途中の川で足をアイシングして足や肩をマッサージしてくれる方でした。くたくたになりながらしかし達成感のある往復13時間の一日でした。励ましてくれたメンバーに感謝、ガイドさんに感謝です。

I was exhausted from visiting Jomon Sugi the day before, but the guide was considerate of that and made the experience enjoyable. The guide not only paid attention to the health of all participants but also had a wealth of knowledge about history and plants, providing clear explanations. I thoroughly enjoyed the beautiful moss and nature.

前日に縄文杉に行ってへろへろでしたが、ガイドさんは、その点も配慮いただき、楽しく参加できました。ガイドさんは参加者全員の体調に気を配るだけでなく、歴史や植物などの知識も豊富でわかりやすい説明もあり、美しい苔をはじめ自然を満喫してまいりました。

The return trip on the trolley path is very tough with unfamiliar hiking boots. I recommend bringing another pair, such as trail running shoes.

帰りのトロッコ道は慣れない登山靴ではとても辛い。もう一足、トレイルランニングシューズなどの用意を勧めます。