All Reviews for Japan Hidden Gems: Secret Islands

Pickup was at 4:30 AM, and after breakfast, we started trekking at 6:00 AM, finishing at 5:00 PM, and arrived at the lodge by 6:00 PM. As per the itinerary, it was an 11-hour trek. Four of those hours were on a challenging course with ups and downs, while the rest was on a trolley path. They say that rain makes Yakushima feel like Yakushima, but this time we were blessed with good weather, and we encountered breathtaking scenery we had never seen before, along with deer three times and monkeys once. The Jomon Sugi was truly majestic. The guide's explanations were interesting, and they took photos at various spots. There were frequent breaks (with two restrooms along the way), and they walked at our pace. The lunch bento was also delicious. However, since we were mostly walking, it was quite tiring. By the time we returned to the lodge, my legs were definitely sore, and I fell asleep right away. I think it was a hard tour.

朝4:30のピックアップ、朝食後6:00～トレッキングスタート､17:00トレッキング終了、宿到着は18:00．
工程表にあるとおり、11時間のトレッキングでした。
うち4時間はアップダウンがある健脚コース。残りはトロッコ道。
雨の屋久島が屋久島らしいと言いますが、今回は天気に恵まれ、これまで見たこともない景色が続き、鹿に3回、猿に1回遭遇しました。
縄文杉始め、神々しいかったですね。
ガイドさんの説明も面白く、いろいろなスポットで写真も撮ってくれます。こまめな休憩もあり（トイレも片道に2か所）、我々のペースに合わせて歩いてくれます。お昼のお弁当も美味しかったです。
ただ、ほぼ歩いているので、さすがに疲れます。宿に戻るとさすがに足もはり、すぐに眠ってしまいました。ハードなツアーだと思います。

Due to the rain, the river was swollen, and some people from other tours had to turn back. However, our experienced guide assessed the situation and decided we could proceed to the mossy forest. Although we couldn't reach Taiko Rock, the guide was very engaging, and the course wasn't too challenging, allowing us to enjoy the tour thoroughly.

雨で川が増水しており、他のツアーの方は中止になり引き返していた人もいる中で熟練のガイドさんの経験と知識からいけると判断して苔むす森まで行ってくださいました。
太鼓岩まではいけませんでしたがとても話が面白く、コースも厳しく無かったため楽しくツアーに参加できました。

I participated alone, but the pre-confirmation over the phone was thorough, and the handover of rental items, transportation to the accommodation on the day, and arrangement of lunch were all smooth, which was great. The trekking was definitely not an easy path, but I was able to enjoy walking with a knowledgeable guide. I believe it will be a lifelong memory. Thank you very much.

1人での参加でしたが、電話での事前確認も手厚く、レンタル品の受け渡しや当日の宿への送迎、お弁当の手配もスムーズでよかったです。トレッキングは決して楽な道ではありませんでしたが、知識豊富なガイドさんとともに楽しく歩くことができました。一生の思い出になると思います。ありがとうございました。

The guide was cheerful and always kept us entertained! Due to a lack of exercise, I found it quite tiring and could only make it to the mossy forest instead of to the Taiko Rock. However, the guide served us homemade tankan juice. Drinking the chilled tankan juice in the mountains was incredibly delicious!! Although it was just one night, I made wonderful memories. I think this course is sufficient for beginners.

ガイドさんが明るく、常に楽しませてくださいました！
運動不足で、やっぱり太鼓岩までではなく、苔むす森までが精いっぱいだったかなーという疲労の中、お手製のたんかんジュースをサービスしてくださいました。山の中で飲む冷え冷えのたんかんジュースは最高に美味しかったです！！
１泊だけでしたがとても良い思い出ができました。
初心者はこのコースで充分じゃないかなと思います。

I was debating whether to join a tour or go on my own, but choosing the tour was definitely the right decision. Having someone with extensive knowledge and mountain experience made the enjoyment multiply by 100. Kanai-san was passionate!

ツアーを組むか自分で行くか悩んでましたがツアーにして大正解でした。豊富な知識、山の経験のある方がついてくださって楽しみが100倍になりました。カナイさんがアツい

Considering my usual stamina, I was a bit unsure, but this tour was the best. The morning course was relaxed, and the guide was experienced, taking our situation into account and making it enjoyable for us. Since there were only three of us, it felt like we had a personal guide. The pick-up service was convenient, and the rental handover right after the flight to the destination and returning to the hotel on the way back was very helpful.

As for COVID-19 measures, it was reassuring that all members wore masks properly.

Next, I want to challenge myself with Jomon Sugi.

　自分の普段の体力を考えて、いろいろ迷ったけどこのツアーが１番よかったです。午前中のゆっくりコースで、ガイドさんがベテランでこちらのようすを考えて、楽しませてくれました。３人だったので、まるで専属ガイドさんのようでした。送迎ありで、レンタル受け渡しが行きの飛行機直後と帰りはホテル返しだったのが助かりました。
　コロナ対策としても、メンバーがきちんとマスクをしたのも安心でした。
　次は縄文杉に挑戦したいです。

The tour guide was very experienced and trustworthy. They provided excellent guidance and taught us about Yakushima in a fun way. They explained the island in detail, making it a trip that makes me want to come back again.

ツアーガイドの方がベテランでとっても信頼出来る方でした。案内もお上手で、屋久島のことを楽しく教えていただきました。島のことも丁寧に教えていただき、また来たいなと思える旅行になりました。

Since it was my first time in Yakushima, I decided to go with the classic choice and joined the Shiratani Unsuikyo tour. When I arrived in Yakushima via Toppy, the staff was waiting for me, and after fitting my shoe size, I received my backpack and rain gear rental. On the day of the tour, it seemed that they could pick you up from your accommodation if you were around the Miyanoura area, but since I was staying a bit farther away, we arranged to meet at the Furusato Market. I wore light long pants and a short-sleeve T-shirt, and brought 500ml each of Aquarius and water. We headed to the entrance of Shiratani Unsuikyo in the guide's car from the meeting point, took care of restroom needs, and then set off. The temperature was quite warm, not much different from Miyanoura. The trekking course was lively, and we greeted people passing by. In narrow spots, those going downhill would yield to those going uphill. At beautiful viewpoints along the way, the guide took photos and shared various information about Yakushima's forests and the island's formation. I never got bored during the hike. Yakushima is mainly composed of granite, which has a rough texture, making the rocks less slippery. When we reached the moss-covered forest, we set down our backpacks and enjoyed the scenery and took deep breaths to savor Yakushima's nature. It was a bit chilly in the moss-covered forest with just a short-sleeve shirt, but since I was breathing heavily from hiking, it felt just right. The return path felt shorter than the ascent, but there were still some slippery spots, so caution was necessary. Although we took the same route both ways, the guide shared completely different stories on the way there and back, so I never felt bored. I was also quite lucky to see two Yakushima deer on the way back. The guide drove us back to the morning meeting point, where we returned the rental items, marking the end of the tour. I don’t usually hike, but the distance was just right, and I appreciated the guide's engaging talk, which was backed by rich knowledge. I was very satisfied.

**Additional Notes**
Clothing:
- Short-sleeve T-shirt (no inner layer)
- Light long pants (easy to move in)
- Thick socks (thin ones may cause blisters)
- Rental shoes
- Rental backpack

Items to bring:
- 500ml bottles x2 (Aquarius, Irohasu)
- Smartphone (for photos)
- Rental rain gear
- Rental backpack cover
- Wallet
- Plastic bag (for items you don’t want to get wet)

Other notes:
- This is all based on a sunny day in early August. It can get cold enough in winter for snow to accumulate, so be careful with your clothing.
- If you plan to return rental items at the end of the tour, make sure to keep your shoes in the rental car, or you’ll end up going back barefoot. Bringing a bag is also handy for carrying back personal items you had in your backpack.

初めての屋久島だったので、とりあえず王道を行こうと思い白谷雲水峡ツアーに参加しました。トッピーで屋久島に到着した時にスタッフの方が待っててくださり、シューズのサイズを合わせてからリュックや雨具のレンタルを受け取りました。当日は、宮之浦周辺であれば宿まで(?)迎えに来ていただけるみたいですが、少し遠くに宿泊していたため、ふるさと市場での待ち合わせになりました。服装は薄めの長ズボンに半袖Tシャツで臨み、飲み物はアクエリと水を500mlずつ持っていきました。集合場所から白谷雲水峡の入口までガイドさんの車で向かい、トイレを済ませて出発しました。気温は宮之浦などとさほど変わらないくらいで暑かったです。トレッキングコースはなかなか賑わっており、すれ違う人と挨拶をします。道が狭いところでは下りの人が上りの人に道を譲ります。途中途中の景観が綺麗なところでガイドさんが写真を撮ってくださり、また屋久島の森のことや島の成り立ちなど様々なことを教えてくださります。途中で飽きることはありませんでした。屋久島は全体が主に花崗岩でできており、目が粗いため滑りにくい岩が多いそうです。苔むす森に着くとリュックを下ろし、景色を楽しんだり深呼吸をしたりして屋久島の自然を堪能しました。さすがに苔むす森の辺りは半袖では少し肌寒かったですが、ハイキングで息も上がっていたためちょうど良くもありました。帰り道は上りよりも短く感じましたが、ところどころ滑るような場所もあり、油断は禁物です。行きも帰りも同じ道ですが、ガイドさんは行きと帰りとで全く違うお話をしてくださり、やはり飽きることはありませんでした。また、かなりラッキーだと思いますが、帰り道に屋久シカを2匹も見ることができました。登山口からはまたガイドさんが朝の集合場所まで送ってくださり、その場でレンタル用品を返却してツアー終了となりました。普段あまり登山はしませんが、ちょうど良い距離でしたし、ガイドさんの尺埋めトークも豊富な知識あってこそのものだと思いました。大満足です。


※補足
服装
・半袖Tシャツ(インナー無し)
・薄手の長ズボン(動きやすいもの)
・厚めの靴下(薄すぎると靴擦れが心配)
・レンタルの靴
・レンタルのリュック
持ち物
・ペットボトル500ml×2 (アクエリ、いろはす)
・スマホ(写真用)
・レンタルの雨具
・レンタルのリュックカバー
・財布
・ビニール袋(濡れたら嫌なものを入れる)

その他注意
・これらは全て8月上旬の晴れた日の話です。冬は雪が積もるほど寒いそうなので服装に気を付けてください。
・ツアー終了時にその場でレンタル用品を返却する方は、レンタカーの中に靴を入れておかないと、裸足で帰ることになります。袋も持っていっておくと、リュックに入れていた私物を持ち帰るときに便利です。

I arrived at Yakushima on the first ferry in the morning, and since I had already scheduled a sightseeing bus tour, the rental company came to my accommodation in the evening after the tour to carefully check my shoe size and other details.

During the confirmation call, I mentioned it had been a while since I last went hiking and asked about what to prepare and snacks. They advised me to bring salt candies, so I took some with me. There was no worry about them melting, and they were easy to eat, which helped me maintain my energy!

I was concerned about keeping up with the pace since there were mostly younger people, but the guide took time to explain things like water sources, photo spots, plants, and scenery at various points. We also took breaks at the riverbed on the way back, so I didn't get as tired as I expected! I fell into a deep sleep on the return bus, but since it was a direct shuttle to the accommodation, it was quite comfortable.

屋久島入りが前日朝一のフェリーで、すぐに定期観光バスのスケジュールを入れていた為、観光バスのツアー終了後の夕方にレンタル会社の方が宿に来て下さいまして、靴のサイズなど丁寧に見て下さいました。

確認電話では、久々の登山という話をして準備物やおやつについてお尋ねしたところ、塩飴のアドバイスを頂いたので、塩飴を持参しました。
溶ける心配も無いですし、手軽に食べられて体力もなんとかもちました！

若い方ばかりでペース等、心配でしたがガイドさんが沢水の給水や写真スポットや植物、景色など所々で時間を取って説明して下さったり、帰りは河原で休憩したりと適度に休みながら進む事ができて思ったより疲れませんでした！
帰りのバスは爆睡でしたが宿まで送迎だったので楽ちんです。

Putting aside the content of the trekking tour, our group had one guide for seven guests. Other parties seemed to have about two to three members, with a maximum of four. At least on this schedule, we were the only party with more than five members. Since the seven of us walked in a single line, it was impossible to hear the guide's explanations at the front. Furthermore, we returned at quite a fast pace. I was a bit exhausted towards the end, and it felt like two to three members were constantly left behind. We managed to catch up with the front group during breaks, but then we would fall behind again. The trolley path is a single road, so there’s no chance of getting lost, and there are hardly any dangerous spots along the way, so being late isn't a big deal, but I walked with quite a bit of anxiety. I recommend that those who are not confident in their physical strength or are worried about their walking speed confirm this when making a reservation, and for those who are truly concerned, I do not recommend participating in this tour. I felt that having one guide for seven guests was insufficient.

トレッキングツアーの内容はさておき、我々のグループはゲスト７名に対してガイド１名でした。他のパーティーは、だいたい２，３名～多くても４名だったような気がします。少なくとも今回の日程で５名以上のパーティは我々だけでした。７名が１列になって歩きますので、当然先頭のガイドさんのお話しは全く聞こえません。さらに復路はかなりのハイペースで戻ってきました。後半少しバテたのですが、２～３名は常に置いてきぼりと言う感じで、休憩時間に先頭グループになんとか追いつきますが、また離されます。トロッコ道は１本道なので迷うこともありませんし、道中ほとんど危険な場所はありませんので、遅れてもどうってことが無いと言えば無いですが、かなり焦りながら歩きました。体力に自身のない方や歩くスピードに不安がある方は予約の際に確認されることをおすすめすると伴に、本当に心配な方にはこのツアーの参加をおすすめしません。ゲスト７名に対してガイド１名は少ないと感じました。

Thanks to the guide's detailed explanations, all four of us had a great time reaching Jomon Sugi and safely returning! Additionally, the guide took many wonderful photos with our iPhones, which also became great memories! I am filled with gratitude from start to finish!

ガイドさんの丁寧な説明があり、4人みんな楽しく縄文杉まで行き、無事に帰ってくることができました！
また、ガイドさんが私たちのiPhoneで素敵な写真をたくさん撮ってくださり、それもまたよい思い出になりました！
最初から最後まで感謝でいっぱいです！

I visited the Jomon Sugi, which I had always dreamed of seeing. The scenery along the way was also wonderful, and I was able to fully enjoy the great outdoors. The guide was friendly and had interesting stories, making it a very meaningful experience. The hiking trail was well-maintained and easier to walk than I had imagined. However, despite being prepared, I was exhausted by the length of the journey. I wish I had built up a bit more stamina beforehand so I could have enjoyed the trekking with more ease. We did get caught in the rain, but considering Yakushima is known for its rain, I think I enjoyed that aspect as well.

憧れの縄文杉を見てきました。途中の景色も素晴らしく、大自然を満喫出来ました。
ガイドさんも気さくで話も面白く、とても有意義な体験となりました。
登山道も整備されており、想像していた以上に歩きやすかったです。ただ、覚悟していたはずなのに道のりの長さには疲労困憊となりました。もう少し体力をつけてから臨んだ方が余裕を持ってトレッキングを楽しめたかなとそれだけが心残りといったところでしょうか。
雨には降られましたけど、雨の多い屋久島。それはそれで楽しめたと思います。

I signed up as a solo participant. On the day of the hike, there were four of us, including the guide and two others. Finally, I was going to see Jomon Sugi, so I was determined as we started from the Arakawa Trailhead. Unfortunately, it was raining.

Right after we started, my right shoe began to make a flapping sound, and I continued walking for about two hours. During a break, the guide provided some emergency repairs, and we restarted.

After finishing the trolley path, we finally entered the mountain trail. It had been almost three hours up to this point, and I felt that the guide's pace was a bit fast for me right from the start, so I asked to slow down a little. However, I might have been at my physical limit. As we entered the mountain trail and climbed the wooden stairs and rocky areas toward Wilson's stump, I felt a bit unsteady. When we finally reached Wilson's stump, the guide advised me to stop. Not wanting to inconvenience the two others accompanying me, I immediately accepted the guide's advice, returned with him to the entrance of the large stump trail, and from there, I descended alone back to the Arakawa Trailhead. The guide went on to catch up with the two others.

I safely returned to the Arakawa Trailhead after about two hours and forty minutes. However, waiting for everyone else to descend for about three and a half hours was tough. I was cold and wet from the rain and endured mosquito attacks.

I’m disappointed that I couldn’t meet Jomon Sugi and fulfill the purpose of my trip. I’m considering a re-challenge, but with only five months left to live, I wonder if I’ll have that opportunity or if I can strengthen my physical condition. I wanted to meet Jomon Sugi and receive some of its life force! Additionally, I need to repair my shoes. By the way, my doctor has approved my hiking.

Lastly, I want to thank the two people who walked with the guide. Thank you!

　一人参加で申し込みました。当日はガイドさん他２人と計４人でスタートしました。ついに縄文杉に会いに行ける、頑張るぞ！と荒川登山口をスタートしました。あいにくの雨降りです。
　スタートして直ぐに右靴底がパカパカ言い始め、そのまま２時間ほど歩き続けましたが休憩時にガイドさんより応急処置をして頂いて再スタートです。
　トロッコ道を歩き終えていよいよ登山道へ、ここまでほぼ３時間、スタート直後からガイドさんのペースが自分には早いと思い途中から少しペースを落として頂きましたが、もう体力的に限界だったのかも知れません。登山道へ入りウィルソン株へ向けて木階段や岩場を登って行きますが、途中フラフラする事も有り、ウィルソン株へ着いた時に遂にガイドさんから中断のアドバイスとなりました。僕も同行の２人の方々へ迷惑を掛けたく無かったのでガイドさんのアドバイスを直ぐに受け入れ、ガイドさんと共に大株歩道入口迄戻り、ここからは一人で荒川登山口まで下山しました。ガイドさんは２人を追い掛けてまた登って行きました。
　僕はその後２時間４０分程で荒川登山口へ無事戻りました。ただここで皆さんの下山を待つ３時間30分程が辛いひとりでした。雨に濡れて寒いし、蚊の攻撃に耐えました。
　今回は縄文杉に会う事が出来ず、旅の目的が果たせなかった事が残念です。再チャレンジを考えもしますが、余命５ヶ月の僕にはその機会が有るのか、体力強化が出来るのか解りません。縄文杉と会って、その生命力を分けて貰いたかったのですが！さらに靴も修理しなければならないですし。ちなみに主治医からは登山は許可されています。
　最後にガイドさんと一緒に歩いて頂いたおふたりに感謝します。ありがとうございます♪

Due to the approaching typhoon, the weather was bad, making the climb quite challenging. The weather held up until around 9 AM (at the end point of the trolley path), but after that, it was pouring rain! The weather on the way back was particularly terrible, and descending while completely soaked and holding an umbrella was quite tough... However, the guide was continuously teaching us how to walk without putting too much strain on our legs, which made it more manageable. I think I would have had to give up if I had attempted it on my own without a guide. The Jomon Sugi was breathtaking, and I was really glad to have made it this far! If you're visiting Yakushima, this is definitely something you should see!

台風が近づいている影響で天候が悪くかなり過酷な登山となりました。
朝9時くらいまで(トロッコ道の終着地点くらい)はお天気がもってくれたのですが、その後は土砂降り！
特に帰りの天気が最悪で全身びしょ濡れになりながら傘持ちながらの下山はかなり辛かったです...
ガイドさんが足に負荷がかからない歩き方を随時レクチャーしてくれていたのでまだマシでしたが、ガイドなしで自力で挑んでいたらリタイアしていたと思います
縄文杉は圧巻で、ここまで辿り着けてよかったなーと思いました！屋久島に来たからには絶対見て欲しいです！

The guide provided detailed information, and I learned a lot of things, which was very good. Thank you very much.

ガイドの方が細やかな案内をしてくださり、色んな事が知れて大変良かったです。
ありがとうございました。

Since we were beginners, they considered our pace and guided us accordingly. At the main photo spots, they took the initiative to handle the photography, and along the way, they kept the conversation lively, which made us feel their high level of hospitality.

初心者2名だったため、ペース配分など考えて進んでくれました。
主要な写真スポットでは率先して写真撮影を引き受けてくださり、道中も会話で盛り上げていただくなど、ホスピタリティの高さを感じました。

On the day of the tour, there were three participants (each with one participant). Thanks to Kaido, everyone was able to safely and refreshingly make the round trip to Jomon Sugi. We enjoyed two viewings of Jomon Sugi, took several adequate breaks, and descended around 3:30 PM. Thanks to the precise instructions regarding rest points, we weren't too tired, and we are grateful for that.

What I found great about this tour was that the guide was professional. 1) They care for the forest and actively speak to those smoking in the mountains (who are not participants of this tour). 2) We learned the rules of the forest, such as prioritizing those going uphill. 3) While some guides we encountered in the forest were lightly dressed (in shorts and without backpacks), our guide was equipped with an extra day's worth of food and various tools for emergencies, allowing us to enjoy the experience with peace of mind. Thank you very much.

This may be outside the purpose of the tour, but I have a couple of pieces of advice... 1) The images from the guide's digital camera were quite grainy, so for those considering posting on social media, I recommend taking personal photos. 2) Not all guides provide coffee or miso soup, so if you want something warm to enjoy during breaks, it might be good to bring your own. These are two pieces of advice for other participants!

当日は、3名の参加者(皆一名参加)でした。
カイドさんのおかげで、皆安全に、また爽快に縄文杉までの往復ができました。2回の縄文杉鑑賞、数度の十分な休憩を行い、下山は午後3:30 ごろで、休憩ポイント等の的確な指示のおかげで、そこまで疲れることもなく、感謝です。

こちらのツアーで良いなと思った所は、ガイドさんがプロフェッショナルであること。1)森を大切にされており、山中で喫煙等をしている方(本ツアーの参加者ではない)に積極的な声かけをしていること。2)上り優先等の、森でのルールが学べること。3)森の中で見かけるガイドさんによっては軽装の方(半ズボン、リュックなし)も存在する中、こちらのガイドさんはプラス1日分の食料や何かあったときのための様々なツールを持ち合わされており、安心して楽しむことができました。ありがとうございました。

ツアーの趣旨とは外れますのであくまでアドバイスになりますが。。。1)ガイドさんのデジカメの画像が非常に荒いため、SNS等へのアップを考えられている方は、個人での撮影をお勧め。2)コーヒーやお味噌汁の提供はガイドさん皆が行っているわけではないため、温かい物で休みたい方は持参するのもいいかも。以上２点が他の参加者さんへのアドバイスです！

During the rainy season in Yakushima, we were fortunate to have clear skies, allowing for the best possible visit to Jomon Sugi. The journey was quite challenging, but thanks to our guide, we were able to complete it. I had a wonderfully fulfilling time and am very grateful.

梅雨入り中の屋久島では珍しく快晴に恵まれ、最高の縄文杉見学ができました。道中は大変厳しかったですが、ガイドの方に恵まれ何とかやり遂げることができました。　
とても充実した素晴らしい時間を過ごすことができました。感謝しています。

A solo trip to Yakushima that I had always wanted to take. I originally worked as a company employee for five years at a top-tier company, but I started to question whether I wanted to continue living a life of working from morning till night for the company, which led me to make the bold decision to resign.

Since I was anxious about the 10-hour round trip trek to Jomon Sugi, I decided to hire a guide. Additionally, I didn't have any equipment, so I opted for a plan that included gear.

When I arrived at the airport, the staff welcomed me, handed over the equipment, and kindly explained how to use it. On the day of the trek, they picked me up at the hotel by bus at 4 AM, and I was able to enjoy a pleasant tour with a cheerful guide.

The service was excellent, and it became a wonderful memory, so I am very satisfied! Thank you very much.

ずっと行ってみたかった屋久島への一人旅
元々は一流企業で5年間会社員をやっていましたが、「会社のために朝から晩まで働く生活をずっと続けるのか」と疑問を抱くなるようになり、思い切って退職したのがきっかけです。
縄文杉まで往復10hのトレッキングは不安だったので、ガイドをつけることにしました。また、装備も持っていなかったので装備品付きのプランにしました。
空港に着くと、スタッフの方がお出迎えしてくれて、装備品を渡してくれて、使い方を丁寧に教えてくださりました。
当日は朝4時にホテルまでバスでお迎えに来てくださり、愉快なガイドさんと和やかなツアーを催行することができました。
とても対応が良く、いい思い出になったので非常に満足です！
有り難うございました。

I participated in the Jomon Sugi trekking tour for the first time! The guide was helpful, providing information about rest areas and points to be cautious about, which made me feel secure in reaching Jomon Sugi! I was surprised by how much physical strength was required, so I think those who have concerns about their health should be careful!

初めて縄文杉トレッキングツアーに参加しました！ガイドさんも付いて休憩場の案内や気をつけるポイントなど伝えてくれて助かり、安心して縄文杉までたどり着けました！意外にも体力が必要だと感じたので体調に不安がある人は注意が必要だと感じました！

The weather was great, and we were fortunate to have a wonderful guide, making for an enjoyable trekking experience. I got tired along the way, but the moment I saw the Yakusugi trees, all my fatigue disappeared.

天気にも恵まれガイドさんのも恵まれ、楽しいトレッキングになりました。途中は疲れましたが、屋久杉を見た途端、疲れが吹っ飛びました。

I reached Jomon Sugi, which is one of the items on my life achievement list, five years earlier than planned at the age of 60, in an environment where I couldn't travel abroad due to COVID-19. Blessed with good weather, I was guided by Leader Mitsuhashi, who has led over 2,000 tours to Jomon Sugi, along with four young team members (excluding myself?). On the way back, we were able to visit a hidden route called the "Nature Observation Trail." In this spiritual world, there were many highlights, including Jomon Sugi, Wilson's stump, and the Great Cedar, making for a very fulfilling day.

人生の達成すべきリストの１つである縄文杉に、コロナで海外に行けない環境で、予定より５年早い還暦歳で到達。
お天気にも恵まれ、縄文杉２千回以上というガイドの三橋リーダーに引き連れられ、４名の若人（小生を除く？）隊員は帰路に「自然観察路」なる穴場ルートも訪れることができました。
スピリチュアルな世界観の中で、縄文杉を筆頭に、ウィルソン株、大王杉、・・・と見どころも多く、とても充実の１日となりました。

I was picked up at the morning lodge. The moss-covered forest is a fantastic and wonderful place. I wish I could have spent a little more time there... I injured my knee on the way down, but I was grateful that the guide lent me trekking poles and a knee support. I couldn't make it to Taiko Rock this time, but I definitely want to go next time.

朝宿まで迎えに来ていただきました。
苔むす森は幻想的ですばらしい場所です。もう少しゆっくりできるとよかったですが...。下山時に膝を痛めてしまったのですが、ガイドさんがストックと膝サポーターを貸してくれてありがたかったです。今回は太鼓岩までは行けませんでしたが、次回は必ず行きたいと思いました。

The guide was knowledgeable and made it easy to climb quickly. Additionally, they were well-versed in various topics, making the conversation enjoyable and never boring. I want to go again.

ガイドさんが知識豊富で早々と楽々登ることができた。また、登山だけでなく、様々なことについて熟知していたため、話していても飽きないものでした。また行きたいです。

I had a fun trip to Jomon Sugi and back, but I was told that the shuttle bus wouldn't depart until everyone was gathered, and I ended up waiting for an hour and a half. If this had been explained from the start, I could have taken my time more, and I think there could have been options for those who were late to take a taxi down the mountain. In the end, it became less enjoyable.

縄文杉まで楽しく行って帰ってきたのですが、送迎バスが全員揃わないと出発しないと言われ、1時間半も待たされました。
最初から説明されていればもっとゆっくり出来たし、目標時間に遅れた人はタクシーで下山とかやりようはあると思います。
最後に楽しく無くなった。

Mr. Chuma, our guide, was very friendly, and his explanations along the way were easy to understand and entertaining. Thanks to him, I had the best day ever. My first experience of "Jomon Sugi trekking" became an unforgettable and invaluable memory. If I have the opportunity to visit Yakushima again, I would definitely like to request him as my guide. Thank you very much.

ガイドの中馬さんは、とても気さくな方で、道中の説明も分かりやすく、面白く、おかげ様で最高の１日を過ごす事ができました。
人生初の「縄文杉トレッキング」は忘れられない、かけがえのない最高の思い出となりました。
また屋久島を訪れる機会があれば、是非ガイドさんをお願いしたいです。
ありがとうございました。

Trekking to Jomon Sugi was my first challenge. I had completed a full marathon before, so I was overconfident (and undertrained), which resulted in my legs completely giving out on the way down. Thanks to the guide's precise support and the encouragement from the members, I was able to descend safely. Thank you, everyone. I will work hard and hope to participate again.

縄文杉トレッキングは初めての挑戦でした。フルマラソンを完走した経験があり自信過剰(鍛錬不足)で臨んだ結果下山途中足が全ったく動きません。ガイドさんの的確な対応とメンバーさんの励ましで無事に下山することができました。皆さんありがとうございます。精進して又参加させてください。

I participated in a trekking tour to Jomon Sugi. It was a group trek with other participants, but the guide was incredibly accommodating, making the ascent and descent fly by! The weather was great, and it turned out to be a wonderful time. I also got to hear a lot about Yakushima, making it an excellent tour! I definitely want to use this service again!

縄文杉のトレッキングツアーに参加しました。他の方とのグループでのトレッキングでしたが、ガイドの方の対応がすごく良く、楽しんで登山から下山まであっという間でした！天気も良くとても良い時間になりました。屋久島のお話も沢山聞けて最高なツアーです！また是非利用したいです！

The day after climbing Taiko Rock, I was worried about my physical stamina, but the guide taught us various techniques for walking and climbing without getting tired, as well as how to descend without straining our knees. Thanks to that, I was able to reach Jomon Sugi without feeling as exhausted as I expected and made it back down energetically. On the way there, we walked for almost an hour in light rain, but it didn't bother us at all, and while looking at Jomon Sugi, we even saw some blue sky, which was fantastic! On the way back, it was completely sunny, and I enjoyed relaxing by a beautiful river, which made the experience of nature beyond just Jomon Sugi even better.

太鼓岩登山の翌日だったので体力的に不安でしたが、ガイドの方が疲れない歩き方や登り方、膝を傷めない下り等を色々教えてくれたので、思ったより疲れる事なく縄文杉まで登頂し元気に下山できました。往路はスタートから1時間弱小雨の中を歩きましたが雨も気にならず、縄文杉を見ている途中で青空も見えてきて最高でした！
帰りはすっかり晴れて途中で綺麗な川でのんびりしたりと縄文杉以外の自然も満喫できたのも良かったです。

Guide Shimazu was absolutely amazing.
The journey was quite tough, but it became a wonderful memory.
I am truly grateful.
Thank you very much.

ガイドの島津さんがとにかく最高で
道中かなりしんどかったかですが
すごく素敵な思い出になりました。
本当に感謝です。
ありがとうございました。