All Reviews for Japan Hidden Gems: Secret Islands

I went on my first trip to Yakushima. The group members were around the same age, making it easy to talk even with people I had just met. The guide also taught us about pacing and tips for taking photos, which made for a friendly and enjoyable experience. It was a wonderful experience, and I want to go again.

初めて屋久島旅行へいきました。
グループメンバーも同年代くらいで振り分けられており、初対面の人同士でも話しやすく、またガイドさんもペース配分や写真撮影のコツ等も教えてくれ、和気あいあいと参加できました。素晴らしい経験ができました。また行きたいです。

We participated in this trip as a family with children. I was a bit anxious since we weren't used to the ocean, but the staff guided us carefully, allowing us to swim with peace of mind! Additionally, my fifth-grade child got seasick, but the staff responded flexibly, and in the end, our whole family was able to take pictures with a sea turtle! Thank you for the wonderful memories! ^_^

子連れの家族旅行で参加させていただきました。
海に慣れていないため不安がありましたが、スタッフさんが丁寧に誘導してくださり安心して泳ぐことができました！
また、小5の子どもが波酔いをしてしまいましたが、臨機応変に対応くださり最終的には家族全員でウミガメと写真を撮ることができました！
素敵な思い出をありがとうございました^⁠^

This was my first time seeing such a beautiful starry sky, and I was moved! It became a wonderful memory. Thank you for the lovely time and photos!

こんなに綺麗な星空を見たのは初めてで、感動しました！とても良い思い出になりました。素敵な時間と写真をありがとうございました！

During the trekking, I experienced all kinds of weather (including a thunderstorm!) and was able to meet Jomon Sugi safely. The size is overwhelming in a way that photos and videos can't convey! Although my body was exhausted, it was a day filled with an indescribable sense of fulfillment. I had a wonderful trekking experience, bonding with the guide and the other participants while supporting each other. The guide's explanations at key points added even more satisfaction to the trek. I was grateful for the shuttle service to the accommodation and the direct bus to the trailhead!

トレッキング中、すべての天気を体験しながら（雷のどしゃぶりまで！）無事に縄文杉に会うことが出来ました☆写真や映像では分からない体験的に感じる大きさ！に圧倒されながら、身体はしんどかったけれども何とも言えぬ充実感で一杯の一日でした。ガイドさんもご一緒したツアーの皆様とも仲良く労り合いながら素敵なトレッキングが出来ました。ガイドさんの要所要所の説明はトレッキングに更なる満足感を与えてくれます。宿までの送迎と登山口までそのままのバスで行けるのはありがたかったです！

I was able to meet a sea turtle this time! After entering the sea and receiving a brief lecture, we set off right away. I was able to see the sea turtle sooner than I expected (about 15 minutes after entering the water). It seemed to be accustomed to humans, allowing us to observe it slowly. It even came closer when we approached. Our guide, Kometchi, was lively and friendly, which was great. I was a bit anxious because I had experienced seasickness while snorkeling before, but he reassured me, saying, "Don't worry. If it seems like you're not okay, I'll take you back to land." Since I was able to see the sea turtle, I was allowed to return after about half the scheduled time. He took me back to shore and said, "Don't worry, I'll make sure you get back safely," which I really appreciated. It was a kind gesture, and it became a wonderful memory.

(This time, it was a tour of the morning market at Shinjo Coast, but the parking lot was very crowded. I was able to park because it was the morning market, but arriving early is essential.)

今回ウミガメに会えました!
海に入り簡単なレクチャーを受けてすぐに出発。思っていたよりはすぐにウミガメに会えました(海に入り15分位)。人間に慣れているのかゆっくり見られます。近付いても来てくれます。担当のコメッチさんは元気で気さくな配慮のある人で良かったです。私はシュノーケリングで海酔いした経験もあるので不安でしたが「大丈夫。ダメそうだったら途中で陸まで送り届けます」と言ってくれて出発。ウミガメに会えたので予定の半分位の時間で私だけ引き返させてもらいました。陸まで送り届けてもらい「お子さん、ちゃんと見ますね」と言ってくれ、とてもありがたかったです。親切な対応でとても良い思い出になりました。
(今回は新城海岸の朝市のツアーでしたが駐車場がとても混んでいます。私は朝市なので停められましたが。早目の行動が必須です。)

The instructor was a kind young man, and even though we were clumsy, we were able to experience it without any anxiety! I was surprised that he took dozens of photos for us. I was also happy that he shared some interesting trivia! I was very satisfied. If there’s another opportunity, I would love to ask for his help again!

優しいインストラクターのお兄さんで、要領が悪い私たちでも不安なく体験できました！
写真も数十枚撮ってくださっていて、びっくりしました。
豆知識とかも教えてくださり嬉しかったです！
大満足でした。
次機会があれば、またお願いしたいです！

I participated in the stargazing night tour this time.
When I arrived at the shooting point, I was surprised by how amazing the starry sky was.
There were a few clouds, so it wasn't a completely clear night sky, but I was happy to see that the photos taken were very beautiful.
These are pictures I could never have captured myself.
They became wonderful memories of Miyako Island.

今回星空ナイトツアーに参加しました。
まず撮影ポイントに着くと星空が凄いのでびっくりしました。
少し雲があり完全な満点の星空ではなかったですが送られて写真をみてとても
綺麗に撮れていて良かったです。
とても自分では撮れない写真です。
宮古島の思い出の写真になりました。

We participated as a family of four, including a fifth-grade boy and a third-grade girl.
We saw turtles! They were munching on seaweed up close and coming up to the surface for air!
We also got to see many beautiful fish! There were clownfish, and they were so cute!
The guide was a kind young man who explained everything clearly and thoroughly about the sea turtles, corals, and Miyako Island, and he was very considerate towards the children, making the time spent outside of snorkeling very enjoyable as well.
I think even those who aren't used to swimming will be fine in the shallow waters. For those who still feel unsure, the guide reassured us by saying, "I'll pull you with a float!"
Also, during snorkeling, my daughter complained about her head and eyes hurting from the unfamiliar goggles, but the guide kindly adjusted them and gently encouraged her to take it easy, which helped her persevere until the end.

We were honestly surprised by how many photos of the turtles, corals, and fish we received. They were all beautifully taken!
I usually don't write reviews, but I hope this can serve as a reference for others considering snorkeling.
The guides were so great that I felt comfortable leaving everything in their hands!
Our whole family was very satisfied, and it became a wonderful memory!
If we go to Miyako Island again, we would definitely like to request this again. Thank you so much!

小5年男子、小3女子含む4人家族で参加させて頂きました。
カメさんいました！間近で海藻バクバク食べてたし、息するのに海面から顔出して息継ぎするし！！
たくさんのキレイな魚も見れました！クマノミもいてかわいかったです！
ガイドの方は優しいお兄さんで、ウミガメのことはもちろん珊瑚のこと、宮古島のことなど終始わかりやすく丁寧に説明してくださり、子供達にも優しく気遣ってくれてシュノーケル以外の時間もとても楽しく過ごすことができました。
思ってたより浅瀬で泳ぎになれない方でも大丈夫かと思います。それでも自信ない方はガイドの方が「浮き輪で引っ張りますよー」って声かけてくださるので安心ですよ！
また、シュノーケル途中でうちの娘が慣れないゴーグルで頭が痛い、目が痛いなど訴えてしまいましたが、ガイドの方が丁寧に調整してくれたり「無理しないで」と優しく声掛け接してくれたおかげで娘も最後までがんばれました。

写真もウミガメとの写真、珊瑚や魚たちの写真をすごくたくさん送っていただき正直驚きました。もちろんキレイに写ってます！
普段は体験談など書かないのですが、、シュノーケル考えている他の方への参考になればと思います。
それに書きたくなるぐらいとても良い感じの兄さん達なので安心して任せられます！
家族全員とても満足で、とてもいい思い出となりました！！
また宮古島へ行った際は、ぜひお願いしたいです。本当にありがとうございました！！

It was a bit tough, but it turned out to be a fun and good experience. The weather was nice, it didn't turn bad, and the moderate climate allowed me to keep my stamina until the end. I'm grateful for the guide's pacing.

ちょっときつかったけど、楽しく良い経験になりました。天気も良く、荒天にならず、程よい気候で体力が最後まで待たすことができました。
ガイドさんのペース配分に感謝です。

We participated as a couple in our 50s. The tour had six people, and everyone was nice, so we never got bored along the way. By the end, our feet were sore, but we had a satisfying trekking experience. The guide was a woman with extensive knowledge, and we learned a lot. She also took many photos, which became precious memories for us.

50代夫婦で参加させてもらいました。
ツアーは6人で、みなさんいい方達で道中飽きることなく、最後は足が痛かったですが、満足いくトレッキングできました。
ガイドさんは女性でしたが、知識が豊富で、色々と勉強になりました。写真もたくさん撮って頂き、大切な思い出になりました。

Thanks to the guide's pacing, we were able to reach Jomon Sugi without any difficulty. It was reassuring to have experienced guides with us. The guide had a playful spirit, and we were able to take some wonderful photos!

ガイドさんのペース配分のおかげで
難無く縄文杉まで行くことができました。
経験あるガイドさんたちが揃っているようで、安心でした。
遊び心のあるガイドさんで
素敵な写真も撮れました！

The mangrove tour was during high tide, so the water was murky and we couldn't see the roots very well, but we were able to see five types of mangroves with white, yellow, and red flowers. Riding the water buffalo while enjoying the sanshin was a nice, relaxing experience. I had such a great time that I thought it would be nice to have a plan that allows for a bit more leisure.

マングローブ遊覧は満潮で水が濁っていて、根張りは余り見れませんでしたが、5種のマングローブに白、黄、赤の花が見れました、水牛乗車中の三線がいい感じでゆったりと楽しめました。もう少しゆっくりできるプランがあれば良いのではと思うほど楽しい時間を過ごせました。

I was able to see four sea turtles, took a lot of photos, and the guide's stories were interesting! They also made sure to give us enough time to practice, so everything went smoothly!

ウミガメ4匹も見れたし、写真も沢山取れたし、ガイドさんのお話も面白かった！しっかり練習する時間とかも取ってくれたので特に問題なく行けました！

I was able to participate without any hesitation, even as a single person. All the activities were great, but if I had to wish for something, I would have liked the glass boat point to be closer to the image of a tropical fish tank.

オジさんのお一人様でも気がね無く参加させていただきました。どのアクティビティも良かったですが、強いて願わくばグラスボートのポイントは熱帯魚水槽イメージに近づけて欲しかった

The weather on the originally scheduled day was bad, so it was changed to the next day. On that day, I was moved by the beautiful starry sky and the Milky Way. I hadn’t thought about any poses, but thanks to the suggestions, I was able to take wonderful photos! If I have the opportunity to visit Miyako Island again, I would like to use this service.

元々予定していた日の天気が悪く中止となったため次の日に変更していただきました。
当日はとても綺麗な星空と天の川がみれて感動しました。
ポーズなど何も考えていませんでしたが提案していただき素敵な写真を撮ることができました！
また宮古島に来る機会があれば利用したいと思います。

I was very satisfied to see the beautiful starry sky for the first time in Miyako Island. I appreciated the recommendations for great spots too!

The friendly guy made the photo shoot enjoyable, and it was really great! Thank you!

初めての宮古島で綺麗な星空がみれて大満足です‍♀️オススメの場所も教えて頂き助かりました＾＾

気さくなお兄さんでたのしく撮影できとても良かったです！ありがとうございました

Just before the meeting time, there was a heavy rain... While I was about to give up, I parked the car at the designated spot and stepped outside to a shock!!! The starry sky was magnificent ⭐ I had never seen the Milky Way so clearly before... The photographer's explanations were easy to understand, and they smoothly accommodated our requests during the shoot. The final results were wonderful, and I am very satisfied. However, it would have been perfect if the representative's contact information was always accessible.

集合時間の直前に大雨…
あきらめかけながらも指定の場所に車を停めて外に出て衝撃!!!満天の星空でした⭐あんなにハッキリと天の川がみれるなんて…
カメラマンさんの説明もわかりやすく、こちらの希望もきいてもらいながらスムーズに撮影できました。出来上がりも素晴らしく、とっても満足です。
ただ、代表の連絡先は常につながるようにしてしておいてもらえれば満点でした。

Trekking to Jomon Sugi! My father wanted to go while he was still alive, so I signed up with some trepidation, but thanks to our guide, we were able to return safely! The guide provided detailed explanations along the way, and we enjoyed ourselves without getting bored. They also pointed out great photo spots and took many pictures for us. We made the best memories! Thank you so much!!!

縄文杉トレッキング！
父が生きてる間に行きたいと言うことで、
恐る恐る申し込みましたが、ガイドさんのおかげで無事生きて帰ってくることができました！
道中丁寧に説明もしてくださり、退屈することなく楽しめました。
また写真スポットも教えてくれて、たくさん写真も撮ってくださりました。
最高の思い出ができました！
ありがとうございました！！！

Content: Light stretching → Explanation of how to snorkel → Tour begins (searching for sea turtles, taking photos with sea turtles, observing coral and other fish)
Photos: The instructor took about 50 pictures!
Valuables: The instructor will keep your car keys and smartphone.
Impression: I was worried about whether we would see sea turtles because of the rain, but I'm glad we were able to take photos together safely.

内容：軽くストレッチ→シュノーケリングの仕方の説明→ツアー開始（ウミガメ捜索、ウミガメと写真、サンゴやその他魚の観察）
写真：インストラクターが約50枚程度撮ってくれました！
貴重品：車の鍵とスマホはインストラクターが預かってくれます。
感想：雨でウミガメいるか心配でしたが、無事一緒に写真を撮ることができて良かったです。

The starry sky in Miyako Island was truly beautiful and something you can only see there.

I've never seen such a wonderful starry sky before. In June and July, it seems you can see the Milky Way, and I was lucky enough to catch it.

It was so clear that I could distinctly see that it was the Milky Way with my naked eye.

I was so moved that I screamed.

The starry sky is something you can't capture on your phone, so you absolutely should participate!!

When I returned from my trip and showed it to my friends and coworkers, everyone was touched.

Miyako Island is famous for its beautiful sea, but I want to visit again just to see this starry sky.

The photographer (Ryota) who took my pictures was really kind, complimenting my poses and making it a great experience to have him take my photos!

I want to have Ryota take my pictures again next time!!!!

宮古島でしか見れない本当に綺麗な星空でした。

こんな素敵な星空をみたことがありません。
6月7月は天の川が見えるようでちょうど見ることができました。

肉眼ではっきりとあれが天の川だとわかるぐらい鮮明に見えました。

感動すぎて絶叫しました。

携帯には収めることができない星空を撮ってくれるので、絶対に参加するべきです！！

旅行から帰って、友達や職場の人に見せたらみんな感動してくれました。

宮古島は海が綺麗で有名ですが、この星空を見にまた宮古島を訪れたいです。

写真撮影をしてくれたカメラマンの方(りょーたさん)がすごく優しくて、ポーズも褒めてくれて乗せてくれるのでこの方に撮ってもらえて最高でした！

次来た時もりょーたさんに撮っていただきたいです！！！！

While listening to the guide's entertaining stories, I swam from Shinjō Beach through the shallows and was able to say hello to a sea turtle right away! Not just one, but several turtles, and I was healed by their leisurely pace as they ate seaweed! The guide took many wonderful photos for me! Thank you for sharing recommendations for great spots in Miyako Island!

ガイドさんの楽しいお話しを聞きながら、新城海岸から浅瀬を泳いでいくと、すぐウミガメさんとこんにちはできました！一匹に限らず何匹も会えて、ゆっくりマイペースに海藻を食べている姿に癒されました！ガイドさんには素敵な写真をたくさん撮ってもらいました！宮古島のおすすめスポットも教えてくださってありがとうございます！

The 75-year-old guide was very enjoyable and gave us a lot of energy, allowing us to walk for 11 hours. We encouraged each other with our companions, and the guides worked together, helping each other through several troubles. It was moving when we were able to descend together.

75歳のガイドさんがとても楽しく元気を与えてくださり11時間を歩ききる事が出来ました。
仲間とも励まし合い、ガイドさん同士も連携し、いくつかのトラブルも助け合いながら下山できた時は感動でした。

Since it was my first time touring the Yaeyama Islands, I chose a tour where I could listen to detailed explanations. I participated with the intention of just getting a taste, as it's certainly not an island you can fully explore in half a day. However, on Yubu Island, I was healed by the stories and songs of the ox cart driver, and I was able to relax while encountering the fallen Sagari flowers at just the right moment.

When crossing to Yubu Island, I happened to ride in the only four-wheeled ox cart, pulled by "Mirai." I plan to visit the leisurely ox cart driver (whose name I forgot) again on my return.

初めての八重山諸島巡りなので詳しく説明を聞きながら周れる　ツアーにしました。
到底半日で周れる島ではないので触りだけのつもりで参加しましたが由布島では牛車夫さんの語りと歌に癒やされ島内ではタイミングよくサガリ花の落ちたのに出くわしのんびりと過ごせました。
由布島へ渡るときの牛車は偶然にも1台しかない4輪のものでそれを引く「未来」クン
帰りに乗ったのんびり屋さん（名前は失念）にまた会いに行きますよ。

The tour started at 2:30 PM, which was a bit late, so the time spent at each location during the bus tour was short. I recommend joining an earlier tour. The water buffalo was cute.

ツアーに参加した時間が2時半と遅かったので、バス観光での各所の滞在が短かったです。早い時間で参加するのがおすすめです。水牛はかわいかったです。

It says 99%, but I believe it's actually 100%. Thank you for considering my pregnant wife as well.

99%とありますが、きっと100%なんだと思います。
妊婦の妻にも配慮してもらい、ありがとうございました。

Although it was cloudy in Ishigaki Island at the departure point, it was raining when we arrived at Iriomote Island by boat. While there was no impact when riding the sightseeing bus or the water buffalo cart, I had to buy a raincoat for 300 yen during the walking tour on Yubu Island. The rain diminished the charm of the sightseeing experience.

I also rode the water buffalo cart on Taketomi Island, but I felt that it wasn't necessary to ride it twice. 2,800 yen was quite expensive.

On Taketomi Island, there was no rain, and I wandered around the houses, but considering the residents, I felt it might have been a nuisance to them, which made me feel embarrassed.

出発地の石垣島は曇天だったのに、船で西表島に着いた時には雨だった。観光バスや水牛車に乗った時には影響はないが、由布島徒歩観光の際には雨で３００円の雨合羽を購入してまわった。雨が降ると観光の魅力が半減しました。
竹冨島でも水牛車に乗ったが、２度は乗らなくても良かった感想でした。２，８００円は高かった。
竹冨島では雨はなく、民家をめぐり、うろうろしましたが、島民の事を考えると迷惑してだろうなと、恐縮しました。

I’m really glad I went on the tour! During the tour, I learned about the unknown Yakusugi trees, various gourmet foods and sightseeing spots on Yakushima, and the mountains. It was fun to interact with the tour guide and the other participants! The nature was truly pleasant, and it was a happy time. The bento was delicious and satisfying!

Thank you!

1番はツアーで行ってよかったなと思いました！ツアーでは知らない屋久杉のことや、屋久島の色んなグルメや観光地、山のことなどを聞けました。ツアーガイドさんや一緒に参加した方との交流が楽しかったです！
自然が本当に心地よく幸せな時間でした。お弁当も美味しくて満足でした！


ありがとうございました！

I finally swam with sea turtles! I read in reviews that the free parking fills up quickly, so I arrived around 8:20 and just managed to park one car. The paid parking is 2000 yen for the day. I'm not a great swimmer; during my school swimming classes, I always ended up in the group that couldn't swim. However, the staff were very kind, saying, "If you get tired, just grab onto the float. I'll pull you." That made me feel at ease. Fortunately, with a life jacket and fins, I was able to glide through the water and enjoyed myself without needing to hold onto the float until the end! Shinjo Beach is shallow, so I could reach the seabed, which made it not scary at all. Along the way, I encountered a sea turtle that seemed used to people; it was very cute as it focused on its meal even when I got quite close. (Touching the sea turtles is prohibited.) The staff showed me photos saying, "This is how it looks right now," and the finished photos were fantastic. I'm really grateful for that. I immediately sent them to my family and friends. Not only did I see the sea turtles, but I also got to see beautiful fish, and I was very happy that they took pictures of the fish I thought were cute. Thank you very much. The staff were not only knowledgeable about sea turtles and the ocean but also kindly provided a list of recommended spots in Miyako Island via LINE at the end. Thank you for the wonderful memories!

念願だったウミガメと泳ぎました。口コミで無料駐車場がすぐ埋まるとあったので、8:20頃に着いてギリギリ1台停めれました。有料駐車場は1日2000円です。学生時代のプールの授業では毎回泳げないグループに入るほど、泳ぐのは苦手ですが、スタッフさんはとても親切で『しんどくなったら浮き輪に捕まってください。引っ張ります』とのことで安心でした。幸い、ライフジャケットとフィンですいすい進めたので、浮き輪に捕まらなくても最後まで楽しめました！新城海岸は浅くて、海底に手が届くくらいなので全然怖くなかったです。途中でウミガメに遭遇でき、人慣れしているようでかなり近づいても、ご飯タイムに集中していてとても可愛かったです。(ウミガメに触るのは禁止です) 写真も『今こんな感じに撮れてます』と見せてくださり、出来上がった写真も最高でした。本当に感謝です。さっそく家族や友人に送りました。ウミガメだけでなく、綺麗なお魚も見ることができ、私が可愛いと思っていたお魚の写真も撮ってくださっていてとても嬉しかったです。ありがとうございました。スタッフさんはウミガメや海のことだけでなく、最後に宮古島のオススメスポットを一覧にしてLINEで教えてくださり最後までとても親切にしていただきました。最高の思い出をありがとうございました！

Swimming with the sea turtles was amazing! I thought it would take time to find them and that we would have to go out to deeper waters, but they were just casually swimming in the shallow areas, eating seaweed, and they didn't run away even when we got close. I couldn't believe how close we could get! It was beyond my expectations. The coral reefs were beautiful, and I wanted to keep diving there. The guide was incredibly kind, which made me feel at ease. I received many beautifully taken photos, creating wonderful memories of my time in Miyako Island. I want to come back again!

ウミガメさんとずーっと泳げて最高でした！
ウミガメを探すのに沖へ出たり、時間がかかるのかと思っていましたが、浅瀬に普通に(笑)いて、普通に泳いでいて、普通に海藻を食べていて、近くに行っても全然逃げないし、こんなに近くにいられるなんて！想像以上でした。
珊瑚礁もきれいでずっと潜っていたかったです。
ガイドさんがとにかく親切で安心できました。
きれいに撮っていただいた写真もたくさん送ってもらえて、最高の宮古島での思い出ができました。
また来たいです！

Since I’m not good with the heat in early July, I requested a bus tour, glass boat, and water buffalo cart. I had seen reviews mentioning that the guidance was unclear, so I was cautious about that, but there were no problems. During the bus tour, we had a little free time at one beach. The coral I saw while on the glass boat made me want to protect it in the future.

7月上旬で暑いのは苦手なので
バスの観光、グラスボート、水牛車をお願いしました。
体験談で案内が分かりにくかったということでしたが、
それを見ていってたので気をつけておりましたが、問題ありませんでした。
バスの観光でも、1つの浜で降りて少しの間自由時間がありました。
です。
グラスボードでみたサンゴ、今後守っていきたいなと思いました。