All Reviews for Japan Hidden Gems: Secret Islands

Yakushima, a place I had always wanted to visit at least once in my life, took over six hours to reach from Tokyo by plane, bus, and boat! After much hesitation, I decided on a spontaneous two-night, three-day trip to Yakushima. Due to the ferry schedule, I could only spend half a day on the first and last days, so I booked a tour for the morning to afternoon of the last day. On this day, a triple typhoon was approaching Kanto, and there was a high possibility that both the ferry and the plane would be canceled. Despite this, I thought, "No! Even if I can't go home or make it to work tomorrow, I will go trekking!!!" and set out in a rather anxious state (laughs). The day before had been sunny, but it turned out to be the first rain in a month? (light rain), which made the moss look even more beautiful. The plan included rental trekking gear, which turned out to be a good choice. The specialized shoes didn't put a strain on my feet.

I carefully stepped up each "stone" on the steep path. There were hardly any flat or dirt-only paths. I had to keep my eyes on my feet to avoid falling, so I focused on "which stone to step on next!" I was drenched in sweat and quite exhausted, but before I knew it, I arrived at the moss-covered forest. The beauty of the forest and water, along with the negative ions, was incredible. In the moss-covered forest, I felt like I could just gaze at the scenery forever. The water was also drinkable. I deducted one star because the pre-trip packing list mentioned "long sleeves," but since it was a light hike, I ended up sweating a lot and short sleeves would have been fine (the guide was wearing short sleeves). It also mentioned "snacks (light meals)," but there were no breaks or places to sit except in the moss-covered forest, so I had no opportunity to eat. Additionally, since I was focused on my footing, I couldn't fully enjoy the scenery, and I wished there had been a bit more time to stop along the way. But I suppose that's to be expected for a half-day trip. If you have the time, I definitely recommend spending a full day there. Seeing deer and monkeys in their natural state in Yakushima is truly moving. It's worth visiting at least once in a lifetime. By the way, miraculously, our ferry and plane resumed service, and we made it home safely!

人生で一度は行きたかった屋久島、東京から飛行機+バス＋船＝6時間超！！なかなか決意がつかない中、二泊三日で突発屋久島旅行が決まりました。初日と最終日は船の時間により半日しかいれないため、最終日の朝～昼にこちらのツアーを申し込み。この日は、関東にトリプル台風到来で、船も飛行機も欠航になる可能性大と言われる中「いや！帰れなくても、明日会社行けなくても、トレッキングには行く！！！」という、精神状態穏やかでない状況で挑みました（笑）前日まで晴天だったのですが、なんとこの日は、1か月ぶり？の雨だったようで（小雨です）、苔たちが一層きれいに見えるとのこと。トレッキンググッズレンタル付きのプランだったのですが、付けて正解でした。専用シューズだと足に負担がかかりません。
とにかく急な「石」の段を１つ１つ踏みしめて登っていきます。平坦な道、土オンリーの道はほぼありません。足元をずっと見てないと落ちそうなので「次はどの石を踏もう」と集中しました！汗だく、びしょ濡れで結構きつかったのですが、あっという間に苔むす森着。森と水の美しさ、マイナスイオンはハンパじゃないです。苔むす森では、ボーっとしていつまでも眺めていられる感じです。水もそのまま飲めます。☆星１つ減らしたのは、事前の持ち物リストに「長袖」とありましたが、軽く登山なので汗だくになり半袖でもよかったこと。（ガイドの人は半袖でした）「お菓子（軽食）」とありましたが、苔むす森以外は休憩ないし座るとこもないので食べるきっかけないです。あとは、足元見て歩くので景色を堪能できず、途中途中もう少し立ち止まれる時間があったらなと思いました。半日だから仕方ないのでしょう。時間があれば、ぜひとも1日使って行くべしと思いました。屋久島は、シカやサルの自然の姿そのままを見れるのは感動します。一生に一度は訪れる価値ありです。ちなみにご利益があり、私たちの便から船も飛行機も
再開するという奇跡が。。無事帰れました！！

Since I was able to take a summer vacation, I immediately agreed to my daughter's suggestion to go to Yakushima, a place I had never experienced before. I secured a 3-night, 4-day trip and hotel for the summer vacation, and after doing some research, I decided to request the local participation tour from VELTRA, as the Jomon Sugi tour seemed very challenging. Since I have no experience in mountain climbing, I signed up with climbing gear included. After arriving at Yakushima Airport, I received a brief explanation, and the rental items like climbing shoes, raincoats, and backpacks were brought to the hotel, allowing me to try them on and choose my shoes. I also borrowed proper climbing socks since the ones I had were not suitable.

On the day of the tour, I woke up at 3:30 AM, picked up two bento meals at the front desk at 4:00 AM, and finished one meal in my room. By 4:30 AM, I boarded the welcoming bus, picking up fellow participants one by one as we headed to the trailhead. After glimpsing the pink clouds covering the sea side as the night turned to dawn, we ran straight into the mountains. Upon arriving at the trailhead, our group of over 20 people split into three teams, each guided by a guide. After warming up, we started climbing at 6:00 AM, walking continuously along the trolley path. We then ascended the winding mountain path with tree roots. We took breaks at key points, received explanations, and kept walking. Blessed with good weather, we walked through the deep green illuminated by sunlight filtering through the trees, making it comfortable as the island's scorching sun did not reach us. The others were very considerate of me, the oldest in the group. My daughter encouraged me when my pace slowed down a bit.

The Jomon Sugi is said to be 7,000 years old, and I thought that it might not be so different from me if it were human, as I savored the same air. I have both a photo of me exhausted and a commemorative photo with my daughter at the summit. We returned the same way we came, and I think I was a bit faster on the way down since it was the same path. When I started to feel tired and thought, "Is it not over yet?" I had the chance to dip my tired feet in the riverbed. The cold, clear stream soothed my hot feet, and I realized through this experience that comfort requires some hardship. My feet felt lighter, and I was able to return safely to the trailhead.

The next day, my thigh and calf muscles were sore, and I couldn't help but let out a cry while going up and down the stairs. It had been a long time since I experienced such immediate fatigue the very next day. As a side note, when I stepped on the scale later, I found I had gained 2 kilograms but lost 3.5% body fat. If this has such an effect on body fat, I am determined to walk or climb mountains from now on to welcome a healthy 70s. Overall, I am grateful for the tour and the guides who made it possible for an ordinary senior like me to experience mountain climbing.

夏休みが取れたので屋久島に行きたいとの娘の提案に南の島は未体験の私は即のりました。夏休みの3泊4日の便とホテルを確保して、いろいろ調べたのですが、縄文杉ツアーはとても難しそうだったんで現地参加型のVELTRAさんでお願いすることにしました。特に山登りの経験もないので山登りグッズ付きで申し込みました。屋久島空港に到着後簡単な説明を受け、登山靴、レインコート、バックパックなどのレンタル品はホテルまでもってきてくれ実際に履心地をしっかり見ていただきマイシューズにすることができました。靴下も手持ちのものが本格のものでなく登山靴下まで貸していただけました。ツアー当日は3時半起き、4時にフロントで2食の弁当受け取り1食分は即お部屋で完食しました。4時半には出迎えのバスに乗り、同乗者を順にのせて登山口にむかいます。星がまたたいていた夜が明け空がピンク色の雲で覆われた海側を垣間見たあとはひたすら山の中に向かって走ります。登山口到着後乗り合わせた20数人のグループは3班に別れ一名ずつのガイドさんに引率していただきます。準備運動をして6時登山開始です。ひたすらトロッコ道を歩き続けます。その後木の根っこの蛇行した山道を登ります。要所要所で休憩、説明をうけひたすらあるきます。好天に恵まれ、木漏れ日の差し込む深い緑を歩くので,島のジリジリと焼けつく日差しは届かず快適でした。最年長の私を気遣って皆さんよくしていただけました。娘も速度が少し鈍り勝ちになった私を後からガンバレとはげましてくれました。　
　縄文杉は　2017才とのことですが人間にしたら私と変わらんかも知れんなあと思いながら同じ空気を味わいました。疲れ果ててへたり込んでいる写真と娘と二人登頂記念の写真の両方がのこりました。帰りも同じ道を降りるのですがやはり来た道ですから速度はいくらか早まったと思います。疲れがでて”まだ終わらんか？”と思ったころ河原におりて疲れた足を浸す機会がありました。ほてった足を冷たい清流が癒やしてくれて、楽を味わうには苦が必要なんやと実体験から納得しました。足も軽くなって無事登山口にもどってくることができました。　翌日太ももの付け根、脹脛の筋肉が痛く、階段の登り降りに思わず悲鳴がもれます。いやあすぐ翌日から疲れが出るのは本当に久しぶりの体験でした。後日談ですがかえって体重計に乗ったら2キロ増の体脂肪3,5減でした。体脂肪にこんなに効果あるんやったらこれからウオーキングか山登りして元気な70代を迎えたいなあと意気込んでいる次第です。とにかくなにできそうもない普通のシニアの山登りを実現させていただいたツアーとガイドさんに感謝・感謝の旅でした。

Shiratani Unsuikyo, the setting of Princess Mononoke. The lush green trees, the ancient Yakusugi that evoke a sense of history, and the moss that enriches the forest's greenery. The deeper you venture into the woods, the more a mystical world, reminiscent of the movie, unfolds before you.

Particularly breathtaking is the area just past the moss-covered forest. You can enjoy untouched nature that has remained unchanged since ancient times, feeling a weight of nature that you wouldn't experience on a typical hike. Just as we arrived at the moss-covered forest, it began to rain, but even that transformed the forest into something enchanting. The moss glistened with dew, the greenery came alive, and you could enjoy a different expression of the forest compared to sunny days.

Our guide was very kind, and we had a great time. The bento we had near the final destination was also very delicious.

By the way, since it was my first time in Yakushima, I was torn between joining the Yakusugi tour or this one, but this hike was definitely fulfilling. While the Shiratani Unsuikyo trail is 5km, going to see the Yakusugi would be four times that at 20km... I recommend this hike for those who want to enjoy hiking!

もののけ姫の舞台となった白谷雲水峡。青々と生い茂る木々、歴史を感じさせる数々の屋久杉、森の緑を豊かにする苔たち。森の奥に進めば進むほど、映画で見たような神秘的な世界が広がっていました。

特に圧巻なのは苔むす森を過ぎた辺りから。太古から変わらない手付かずの大自然を堪能でき、通常のハイキングでは味わえないような、自然の重みを感じることができました。ちょうど私達の時は苔むす森に着いたあたりから雨が降り始めたのですが、その雨すらも森を魅力的に変えます。苔が露で光り、緑が生き生きとよみがえり、晴れのときとはまた違った森の表情を堪能することができます。

ガイドさんもとても親切で、楽しく過ごすことができました。そして最終地付近で食べたお弁当はとても美味しかったです。

ちなみに初めての屋久島だったので屋久杉ツアーとどちらに参加するのか迷ったのですが、こちらでも歩き応えは十分でした。白谷雲水峡の工程が5kmなのに対して、屋久杉を見に行くとなるとその4倍の20kmとか。。ハイキングを楽しみたい人にはこちらをおススメします！

Most tours typically require prior confirmation via email or phone, but this tour had a representative waiting for us at the arrival airport. They confirmed the day's important details and what to bring, allowing us to participate without any worries. On the day of the tour, we were the only customers, and we had a dedicated guide just for the two of us. In the morning, they arrived right on time to pick us up and organized the schedule to ensure we made it to our return flight.

On the way to Shiratani Unsuikyo, we spotted monkeys and a mother deer with her fawn, which made our arrival even more exciting. There were a few slippery muddy spots along the trail, but while listening to our guide's stories, we walked safely and enjoyed ourselves, taking plenty of photos that became wonderful keepsakes. The spring water was very cold and known as "beautiful water," so we drank a lot of it.

Trekking while touching moss and trees and experiencing the scent of the forest was truly moving. Finally, we were also taken to the bath, which was a pleasant way to wrap up our journey. I highly recommend this tour.

だいたいのツアーは、メールや電話での事前確認が多いところ、こちらのツアーは到着の空港で待っていてくれて、当日の注意事項や持ち物等を確認し、不安なく参加することができました。当日は、他のお客様はいなく、私たち二人の専属ガイドさんでした。朝も、時間ちょうどに迎えに来ていただき、帰りの飛行機に間に合うよう、スケジュールを組んでいただきました。白谷雲水峡につくまでに、さるやシカの親子を発見し、わくわくしながら到着しました。途中少しぬかるみ滑るところもありましたが、ガイドさんの話を聞きながら、安全に楽しく歩け、たくさんの写真を撮っていただき、とても良い記念になりました。湧き水はとても冷たく、美人の水ということで、たくさんいただきました。こけや木に触れたり、森のにおいを感じながらのトレッキングは、とても感動的なものでした。最後に、お風呂にも送迎いただき、気持ちよく旅の締めくくりをいたしました。おすすめです。