All Reviews for Japan Hidden Gems: Secret Islands

Although the rainy season was approaching, we were able to enjoy ourselves as a family in the pleasant weather that wasn't too hot. Riding on a water buffalo cart while listening to folk songs was the best experience.

梅雨入り間近でしたが、快晴で暑すぎず家族で楽しむことができました。水牛の牛車に乗りながら民謡を聴けたのは最高でした。

I was drawn by the water buffalo, and I took a leisurely stroll around Taketomi Island, enjoying the sound of the sanshin and beautiful singing. It was a wonderfully healing and enjoyable trip.

水牛の真栄くんに引かれて竹富島の中をのんびり散歩､三線の音色に素敵な歌声､最高に癒される楽しい旅でした。

I participated in a solo trip to Miyako Island for the first time. The guide was very friendly and easy to talk to, and the assistance was great, making it a very enjoyable experience. I also encountered a sea turtle, and they took beautiful photos, creating wonderful memories. Thank you very much.

初めての宮古島でひとり旅で参加させて頂きました。
ガイドの方がとてもフレンドリーでお話ししやすく、アテンドも良くとても楽しめました。
ウミガメとも出会え、綺麗に写真を撮ってくださって、とても良い思い出となりました。
ありがとうございました。

I was looking for a half-day tour that would allow me to return on an evening flight, so I really appreciated the early morning tour. The mangroves in Iriomote were impressive! We were able to take our time exploring while receiving explanations on the boat, which allowed us to take photos from various angles.

The water buffalo ride to Yufu was more amusing and cute than I expected. It seems that each water buffalo has its own personality; the one I rode was a boy who tended to slack off by looking around while walking. It seemed like he deliberately walked slowly or stopped. When he stopped, I had to tap his rear with a fly swatter to signal him to move. I was told that this one takes longer to cross to the shore, so I got to ride him the longest! The guide mentioned that customers are lucky to have this one.

Traveling while listening to the melody of the sanshin was a very heartwarming experience. The lunch we had in Yufu was also incredibly delicious! This tour requires very little physical effort, so even in the hot Okinawa weather, I think elderly people and those with children would be very satisfied!

夕方の便で帰れる半日ツアーを探してたので、朝早くからのツアーはとても有り難かったです。
西表のマングローブは見応えがありましたね！
船で説明を受けながらゆっくりまわっていただけたので左右見ながらあちこちの写真を撮る事も出来ました。
由布までの水牛は思ってたよりオモシロ可愛い♡水牛にも性格があるらしく、私が乗った子は途中で周りを見ながら歩くのをサボるタイプの男の子でした。笑　わざとゆっくり歩いたり止まってるみたいです。止まった時はハエ叩きでお尻をペンペン、合図して歩かせてました。この子は岸に渡るまで時間がかかるから1番長く乗っていれる子！お客さんラッキーですよと言われました。
さんしんのメロディを聴きながらの移動はとてもほっこり良い時間を過ごせます。
由布でいただいたランチの味も凄く美味しいです！
このツアーは体力を使う事がほとんどない為、暑い沖縄ですがご高齢の方や子連れの方も大満足できると思います！！

The buffalo cart ride across the island was relaxing and gave me a laid-back feeling. The sightseeing on the island with the buffalo cart was delightful, especially watching the clever buffalo.

水牛車での島渡りはのんびりとして、ゆったりとした気分でした。水牛車の島内観光は、賢い水牛の様子が可愛かったです。

This time, I visited Miyako Island for the first time on a family trip. With the rainy season starting, I was worried about whether we could take photos under the starry sky due to the clouds on the day of the shoot. However, they contacted us early and suggested changing the schedule. The next day, there were still many clouds, but luckily, during the shooting time, we could see a sky full of stars! Thanks to their support in suggesting poses and understanding the atmosphere we wanted to capture, the photos turned out really wonderful. Additionally, they played music during the shoot, which helped create a relaxed atmosphere. We were lucky to even capture a shooting star in the photos! I highly recommend the starry sky night tour!

今回、家族旅行で初めて宮古島を訪れました。
梅雨入りもあり撮影当日は雲が多く、星空のなかでの撮影ができるか不安でしたが、早めに連絡をくださり日程の変更を提案していただきました。翌日も雲が多く心配でしたが、運良く撮影時間には満天の星空がみえました！どんな雰囲気で撮りたいか、ポーズの提案など色々とサポートしていただいたおかげで本当に素敵な写真に仕上がっていました。また、撮影中は音楽を流してくれていたのでリラックスした雰囲気で撮ることができました。写真には、流れ星も写っていてラッキーでした☆
星空ナイトツアー、ぜひおすすめしたいです！

There were experienced hikers participating in the tour as well. It was spring break, the weather was great, and it was quite crowded, but the guide skillfully timed the photo opportunities and breaks. Even someone who doesn't usually exercise was able to complete the hike with some energy left.

登山慣れしている方もツアーに参加されていました。春休みで天気も良く、大変混雑していましたが、ガイドさんが写真や休憩のタイミングを上手く測って下さいました。普段運動しない人間でも、余力を残して歩き切ることができました。

The weather was great, and I was able to see many sea turtles! Kometchi-san taught me various facts about sea turtles, which was very educational. I also received information about recommended spots in the area, which was very helpful. Thank you!

天気にも恵まれ、たくさんの海亀を見ることができました！こめっちさんが色々とうみがめの知識を教えてくれたので勉強にもなりました。
また、周辺のおすすめスポットなどの情報もいただき、とても参考になりました♪
ありがとうございました！

It was certainly beautiful to see with the naked eye, and I really felt it was worth going because I got such wonderful photos! During the shoot, they played music and suggested poses, allowing me to have a great time. 😊

肉眼でも綺麗なのはもちろんな事、とても素敵な写真を撮っていただき本当に行ってよかったなと思いました！
撮影中も音楽を流してくださったり、ポーズを提案してくださり楽しい時間を過ごすことができました☺️

I was quite anxious during my first kayaking experience, but the instructor was very kind and taught me well! It was also really enjoyable to talk about Ishigaki Island and nature! The mangroves I saw for the first time were very mystical and beautiful! I definitely want to experience it again!

初めてのカヤックでは不安が強かったのですが、インストラクターさんがとても親切に教えて頂きました！石垣島のことだったり、自然のことだったり、お話もとても楽しかったです！
初めて見るマングローブはとても神秘的で素敵でした！
また必ず体験したいと思います！

I made a reservation for the second day of a two-night, three-day schedule in Ishigaki Island. It was a packed experience starting early in the morning, so I was exhausted on the way back. It was very convenient that they provided transportation from the morning meeting point to the hotel and also back to the hotel after the activities. I was torn between this plan and one that included a tour of Taketomi Island, but I’m glad I chose this plan because it allowed me to relax a bit after returning to Ishigaki Island until the evening.

石垣島２泊3日スケジュールの2日目に予約しました。朝早い時間から盛りだくさんの体験だったので、帰りはぐったり。朝の集合からホテルに送迎くださり終了後もホテルまで送迎をお願いできたのがとても楽でした。
他のプランで竹富島を巡るプランと迷いましたが、石垣島に戻ってから夜まで少しゆっくりできたのも、このプランで良かったです。

Thank you for not only teaching me how to take photos of the starry sky with my iPhone but also for the starry sky photography tips. I really appreciated receiving the photos within two days. It became a wonderful memory from my trip to Miyako Island, and I would love to use your services again. Thank you!

星空フォトだけでなくiPhoneでの星空の撮り方なども教えてくださりありがとうございました。
写真も2日ほどで送ってくださり大変助かりました。
宮古島旅行でのいい思い出になり、また利用したいです。
ありがとうございました。

My long-held dream has come true. I had been cherishing the thought of meeting Jomon Sugi for a long time, and after many decades, I finally did. Now in my late 60s, I regret not coming sooner. It's better to go earlier; you need physical strength. To meet that cedar, you have to walk a long distance. In that sense, it is worth it!

長年の夢が叶いました。
縄文杉に会うのをずっと心に温めていましたが、何十年も経ってやっとでした。
60代後半でしたので、何故もっと早く来なかったのかと後悔してます。早い方がいいです。体力が要ります。あの杉に出会う為には長距離を歩かなくてはなりません。そう言う意味では価値ありです！

I went on a mangrove kayak tour by myself, and even in the car, I was able to hear valuable stories about Ishigaki Island. It was my first time kayaking, but they kindly and thoroughly taught me, and the photos they sent were really beautiful, creating wonderful memories! Thanks to all the guides. It was also my first time snorkeling, and I wasn't very good at it, but it became a great memory. Thank you very much!

一人旅で、マングローブカヤックツアーに行きましたが、車の中でも石垣島の貴重なお話を聞かせてくださったり、カヤックは初めてだったのですが、親切丁寧に教えてくださって、送って下さった写真も本当に綺麗でいい思い出になりました！
ガイドの皆さんのおかげです。
シュノーケルも初めてで、ヘタクソでしたが、いい思い出になりました。ありがとうございました

If you're planning to trek at Shiratani Unsuikyo, I recommend arranging a tour company in advance. Due to bad weather the day before, the road to the hiking trail was closed, but we managed to switch the dates for the Shiratani Unsuikyo and Jomon Sugi treks and were able to do both. The guide was very knowledgeable, and I learned a lot about Yakushima. Of course, the scenery was also amazing!

白谷雲水峡トレッキングも行かれる方は、ツアー会社を揃えておくのをおすすめします。前日の悪天候で登山道までの道が通行止めになった際に、白谷雲水峡と縄文杉のトレッキングの日付を入れ替えて何とかどちらも行くことができました。ガイドの方も博識で、屋久島のことをよく知ることができました。勿論景色も最高でした！

If you're planning to go trekking to Jomon Sugi, I recommend arranging a tour company in advance. Due to bad weather the day before, the road to the hiking trail was closed, but we managed to switch the dates for the Shiratani Unsuikyo and Jomon Sugi treks and were able to do both. The guide was very knowledgeable, and I learned a lot about Yakushima. Of course, the scenery was also amazing!

縄文杉トレッキングも行かれる方は、ツアー会社を揃えておくのをおすすめします。前日の悪天候で登山道までの道が通行止めになった際に、白谷雲水峡と縄文杉のトレッキングの日付を入れ替えて何とかどちらも行くことができました。ガイドの方も博識で、屋久島のことをよく知ることができました。勿論景色も最高でした！

I was able to meet a sea turtle and swim together at a very close distance. We also went to a place with a lot of coral, where I could see many colorful fish up close!

ウミガメに会えて、とっても近距離で一緒に泳ぐことが出来ました。サンゴが多くあるところにも行き、たくさんのカラフルなお魚と間近で見ることができました！

The mangroves of Iriomote Island, which feels like Japan yet not quite Japan, are definitely worth seeing. The Yubu Island tour also embodies the essence of traveling to the remote islands of Okinawa. I traveled with my parents in their 70s, and they were extremely satisfied as it was their first time visiting the remote islands of Okinawa. By the way, I also had children aged 1, 2, and 4, and except for the 1-year-old, the other kids were running around excitedly. It was fantastic.

日本であって、日本ではない西表島のマングローブは一見の価値観有りです。
また、由布島ツアーもこれぞ沖縄離島旅猿という感じ。
７０代の両親を連れての旅行でしたが、初めて沖縄離島を音ずれた両親は大満足の様子でした。
ちなみに、１歳、２歳、４歳の子供もいましたが、１歳の子供以外ははしゃぎまわってしました。
最高でした。

When applying, there was a section to fill out about mountain climbing experience and usual exercise levels, so I thought there would be a support system for beginners. However, on the day, there was an atmosphere that seemed to disregard beginners.

応募する際に、山登りの経験や普段の運動量を記入する欄があったため、初心者に対するフォロー体制が整っているのかと思ったが、当日初心者は切り捨てられるような雰囲気でした。

The mangrove boat tour had a relaxed schedule, allowing us to cruise while enjoying the beautiful mangroves. We traveled to Yubu Island on a water buffalo cart, and the butterflies in the botanical garden on Yubu Island were particularly stunning. This tour was enjoyable for everyone, from children to the elderly, even for those who may not be very physically active. It would have been even better if the weather had been sunny, but the rain stopped on Yubu Island, making it comfortable and not too hot.

マングローブのボートツアーの時間もゆったりあって、沢山のマングローブを眺めながらクルージングができ、由布島までは水牛の牛舎に乗って、行ききし、由布島の植物園の中の蝶々がとくに綺麗でした。そんなに体力に自信のない人も、子供からお年寄りまでのんびり楽しめるツアーでした。これで晴れてたらもっと最高でしたが、由布島では雨も止み、暑すぎずに過ごしやすかったです。

The weather was very nice, and I was able to enjoy the places I wanted to visit and the scenery I wanted to see! I would like to take my time exploring the places I liked on my next trip. ^_^

とても良いお天気で、行きたい所や見たい景色を楽しむことができました！
今回気に入ったところを、次の旅行でまたゆっくりまわりたいと思います^_^

I was filled with anxiety as a near-beginner in mountain climbing, considering the early morning departure, the long hours of hiking, and the restroom situation. However, thanks to the guide's accurate advice and support, I was able to meet the impressive Jomon Sugi and return safely. The pre-tour communications were as instructed, which provided a great sense of reassurance. I was healed and overwhelmed by the nature of Yakushima. I had prepared myself for the fact that it is a rainy island, but we were blessed with beautiful weather!

早朝発、長い時間の山登り、トイレ事情に加え、山登りほぼ初心者の私で、不安満載でしたが、ガイドさんの的確なアドバイスとフォローで、感動の縄文杉に会って、きちんと帰ってきました。
事前の諸連絡も案内を受けた通りで、とても安心感のあるツアー。
屋久島の自然に癒され、圧倒されました。
雨が多い島とのことで覚悟して行きましたが、
晴天に恵まれて最高！

It was a trip for two people aged 72 and 79, and from the departure at Ishigaki Port to the return, all aspects of the journey were wonderful. The lunch was also delicious. I unconditionally recommend this tour to anyone considering it.

72歳と79歳の二人旅でしたが、石垣港の出発から帰港まで、全ての行程の内容・対応が素晴らしかったです。ランチも美味しかったです。ツアーを検討されている方に無条件にお勧めします。

On my second visit to Iriomote Island, I was finally able to land on Barasu Island, which I had longed to visit. However, I received a notice the day before that the cave experience was canceled due to not enough participants, and it was replaced with snorkeling, which my partner was disappointed about (but I was lucky because I actually wanted to go snorkeling, haha). We were able to see three sea turtles, and thanks to our guide Matsuko-san's attentive guidance, we had a fun day. I would give it five stars, but since it was different from my initial booking, I will give it four stars. Overall, I was very satisfied with the tour.

西表島２回目にして、念願のバラス島に上陸することが出来ました。ただ前日に鍾乳洞体験が人数が集まらない為、中止との連絡が来て、シュノーケリングに代替になり、相方が残念がっていました(実は自分はシュノーケリングしたかったのでラッキー笑)しかしウミガメも３頭も見れたし、ガイドのまつ子さんの丁寧な案内で楽しく一日過ごすことができました。私としては星５つですが、やはり最初の申し込みとは変更になってしまったので星４つとさせていただきます。ツアーとしては大満足でした。

The explanations about the history of Yakushima and the formation of its forests were clear and posed no problems. However, during the free talk, I was a bit disappointed by the guide's harsh tone and lack of refinement that came through at times. At one point during a break, the guide said, "This group isn't lively, so shall we move on?" and no one could respond, which made the atmosphere freeze. It seemed like the guide lacked the ability to engage and uplift the group. On the way back on the tram road, I could even hear the guide sighing from the back. It's such a shame for a tour of Jomon Sugi...

Additionally, while other tours had groups of 2 to 4 people, this tour had 8 participants. It was clear that the guide was struggling to manage the group. The guide and members had no choice but to leave it to chance, and while there is also a matter of compatibility, I was painfully reminded that a tour can be enjoyable or boring depending on the people involved.

屋久島の歴史や森の成り立ちなどの説明は分かりやすく特に問題ありませんでしたが、フリートークの際、節々に出てくるガイドさんのキツい口調や品のない態度に少しがっかりしました。休憩時に、「このグループは話が弾まないからもう行こうか」という発言もあり、誰ひとり返事ができず、空気が凍る。。。ガイドさん自身に場をまとめ盛り上げる力量がないのでは??帰りのトロッコ道では、後方からガイドさんのため息が聞こえる始末。せっかくの縄文杉ツアーなのに。。。
また、他のツアーが2〜4人で1グループだったのに対し、こちらのツアーは参加者8人。ガイドさんもまとめるのに苦労している様子がわかりました。
ガイドさんやメンバーは運に身を委ねるしかありませんし、相性もありますが、人次第で楽しくもつまらなくもなるのがツアーなのだと、痛感させられました。

I learned about mangroves for the first time in detail. Thanks to the knowledgeable guide, I had a great time.

マングローブのことをはじめてちゃんと知りました。
詳しいガイドさんのおかげでとっても楽しめました。

Right after we dove in, there was a sea turtle right there, and by the end, we were able to swim with over ten of them up close!

Perhaps because it was high tide, the sea turtles came quite close to the shallow areas, so we could snorkel comfortably within a range where we could stand. Neither my husband nor I can swim well, but the life jackets kept us floating nicely, allowing us to enjoy ourselves without worry!

The instructor, Komecchi, was very fun and kind, and we were able to get along well with the other participants, which made us very satisfied! We also had over 20 wonderful photos taken, and we were grateful for all the recommendations for spots in Miyako on our way back. Thanks to that, we had a fantastic time in Miyako Island! If we have the chance, we would love to do it again.

潜った直後からすぐそこにウミガメさんがいて、終わるまでには10匹以上はすぐ近くで泳ぐことができました！

満潮の時間だったからか、かなり浅瀬のところまでウミガメさんが来てくれたので、最後まで足のつく範囲でシュノーケリングができました。夫婦そろって全然泳げませんでしたが、ライフジャケットがかなりぷかぷか浮けたので、安心して楽しむことができました！

インストラクターのこめっちさんもとても楽しくて親切で、参加者同士でも仲良く過ごせて大満足です！素敵なお写真も20枚以上撮っていただき、帰りに宮古のおすすめスポットもたくさん教えていただきありがとうございました。
おかげで宮古島大満足でした！機会があればまたお願いしたいです。

If you want to meet sea turtles, I definitely recommend this place. Before participating this time, I joined other snorkeling tours but couldn't encounter any.

The instructor, Komecchi, was very thorough in his explanations and friendly, making for a very enjoyable time!!

Thank you very much.

ウミガメに会いたいなら絶対ここをオススメします。
今回参加する前にほかのシュノーケルにも参加しましたが出会う事が出来ず

インストラクター（こめっち）さんの説明も丁寧で愛想も良く、とても楽しい時間を過ごすことが出来ました！！

ありがとうございました。

I was nervous about whether I would get to see a sea turtle until the day of the event, but I was thrilled to encounter one right at the start! My elementary school daughter was also very satisfied with her first snorkeling experience! The instructor was cheerful and provided thorough guidance, which made me very happy. Thank you so much!

当日までウミガメに会えるかドキドキでしたが、開始早々に出会えて感激しました♪
小学生の娘も大満足の初シュノーケリングとなりました！
インストラクターの方も明るく丁寧にレクチャーいただき嬉しかったです。本当にありがとうございました^ ^

I received a detailed explanation, starting with the formation of Yakushima, and particularly appreciated the thorough information about the plants. The weather was nice, and I was able to enjoy a refreshing forest bath, spending a very enjoyable time.
It was great that I could try on the rental shoes at the airport. However, there was a bit of an odor lingering on the raincoat and backpack, and I would have liked them to be properly deodorized.

子細に渡り説明していただきました。屋久島の成り立ちを初め、特に、植物について丁寧な説明がありました。天気も良く、清々しい森林浴が出来て、とても楽しい時間を過ごすことが出来ました。
レンタル靴は空港で試し履き出来たもの良かったです。しかし、レインコートやバックパックには少し臭いが残っており、しっかりと消臭して欲しかったです。