All Reviews for Japan Hidden Gems: Secret Islands

The water buffalo was amazing! The lunch at Yufushima was also very delicious. It was great to see mangroves for the first time.

水牛最高でした🐃　由布島でのランチもとても美味しかったです🍽️ 初めて見るマングローブも良かったです。

First of all, I would like to thank all the instructors for this experience. They provided guidance in a very polite and approachable manner, creating a friendly atmosphere throughout. Although we had a guided tour in the rain, I felt that they offered a unique enjoyment and appreciation of nature that can only be found here. Approaching 50 years old, I was able to encounter one of my dreams since elementary school: the Yaeyama mangrove butterfly in Iriomote Island! I was truly very satisfied.

まずはインストラクターの方々皆さんこの度はありがとうございました。
丁寧かつフラットな感じで、終始とても接しやすい雰囲気で案内して頂きました。
雨の中のガイドではありましたが、雨ならではの楽しみ方、自然の感じ方等、ここにしか無い最大限の楽しさを提供して頂いたのではと感じております。
50歳手前にして小学生からの夢の一つ、西表島のヤエヤマヒルギシジミとも出逢えました！
本当に大満足でした

The three-island tour was very good. I was impressed by the water buffalo cart I rode for the first time. At Yufu Island, I spent too much time taking photos and eating, so I was disappointed that I couldn't explore the island much. I chose the free walk plan for Taketomi Island, but the limited number of buses made the schedule tight.

3島巡りとても良かったです。
初めて乗った水牛車は感動しました。
由布島では、写真と食事に時間をとりすぎて島内の散策があまり出来なくて残念でした。
竹富島はフリーウォークプランを選択しましたが、バスの本数が少なめだった為タイトなスケジュールになってしまいました。

Exploring Mishima while riding on a ferry, bus, sightseeing boat, and ox cart was a delightful experience. The lunch was delicious, and I was able to enjoy the wonderful spots in Mishima✨ The drivers (and the person guiding the oxen?) were entertaining, making the time enjoyable! Thank you, Yumemi-chan, Kojiro-kun, Kaiji-kun, and Rui-kun. I also learned that the water buffalo have distinct personalities and are all quite different!

フェリー・バス・観光船・牛車に乗りながら三島巡り。お昼ごはんもおいしく三島のいいとこ巡りができました✨運転手の皆さんも（牛を誘導する人？）話が面白く楽しく過ごせました！ゆめみちゃん　こじろうくん　カイジくん　ルイくん　ありがとう。　水牛も個性豊かでいろいろ違うことがわかりました!

It's really disappointing that the sightseeing on Taketomi Island was abbreviated. We should have opted for a free sightseeing choice. Was it because someone couldn't keep the meeting time that the boat schedule got delayed? It seems that we couldn't change the return boat because there was no tour guide present. The bus tour on Taketomi Island was disappointing. It was good up to Iriomote Island and Yufu Island, so it's a shame. I should have negotiated with the local staff about changing the return boat.

竹富島の観光省略されとても残念
フリーの観光選択すべきでしたね
集合時間守れない人のせい？で船の時間がずれた？らしいです
スルーの添乗員がいないために帰りの船の変更不可？竹富島バス観光残念でした。
西表島由布島までは良かったので残念でした。現地スタッフのかたに帰路船の変更掛け合うべきである

Despite the unfortunate weather forecast, it only drizzled occasionally. This timing allowed us to enjoy our time even more comfortably, and the activities were enjoyable whether it was sunny or rainy.

◯ Iriomote Island
We explored the mangroves on a covered boat. The weather didn't affect this experience. Navigating through the mangrove forest is something that is quite difficult to do on your own.

◯ Yubu Island
Riding a water buffalo to cross from one island to another was a unique experience. The water buffalo cart is also not affected by the weather. On Yubu Island, we had time for a meal and free time in the botanical garden. Even those who aren't interested in the botanical garden can enjoy it as a meal and relaxation time. At the back of the botanical garden, there is actually a beach. Enjoying the scenery here is also an option.

◯ Taketomi Island
If you don't have a specific store or destination in mind, you might find yourself at a loss on how to spend your time in the village. It's certainly possible to arrange rental bicycles or water buffalo carts on your own. However, considering the round-trip travel from each island and moving around the island, it's wise to think about combining a water buffalo or bicycle rental. The only activity here that is affected by the weather is the village tour by water buffalo cart. It's recommended as it allows for a cool experience without getting wet.

あいにくの悪天候予報でしたが、降っても時折 小雨が降る程度。
そんなタイミングだったので余計に快適に過ごすことができましたが、晴天でも雨天でも楽しめるアクティビティでした。

◯西表島
屋根付きのボートでマングローブ散策。
天気に左右されません。
マングローブ林の中を進むのはなかなか個人ではできない体験です。

◯由布島
水牛に乗って島から島へ渡るのは貴重な体験でした。
こちらの水牛車も天気に左右されません。
由布島では植物園内で食事＆自由時間が。
植物園に興味のない方も、食事兼休憩時間として過ごせます。
植物園の奥には実はビーチが。ここで景色を楽しむのもアリです。

◯竹富島
集落での過ごし方は、目的のお店等が無い方は意外と持て余すかも。
個人手配でレンタサイクルや水牛車の手配ももちろん可能。
ただ、各島からの往復移動や島内の移動を考えると、セットで水牛or自転車を考えておくと吉です。
唯一ここでの過ごし方だけ天気に左右されます。
水牛車での集落回遊は避暑＆濡れないのでおすすめ。

I visited in early May and was worried about the rainy season, but it only rained while I was on the ferry and bus. By the time I arrived at Iriomote Island, Yufu Island, and Taketomi Island, the weather was clear, and I had the best sightseeing experience. Cycling on Taketomi Island was refreshing, and the botanical garden on Yufu Island was more enjoyable than I expected, so I highly recommend it!

5月前半に行き梅雨が心配だったのですが、フェリーやバスに乗っている間だけ雨が降ったのみで、西表島や由布島、竹富島に着く頃には晴れ、最高の観光ができました。竹富島でのサイクリングは気持ちがよかったのと、由布島の植物園が想像より楽しかったのでおすすめしたいです！

I thought a plan that allows visiting three islands in one day would be great, so I joined. There was plenty of free time, and I liked that I could participate in my own way.

1日で3島回れるプランがよいと思い参加しました。自由時間も多く、思い思いに参加できるのがよかったです。

I made a same-day reservation, and they responded quickly. They suggested the best times to capture beautiful views based on the weather conditions of the day. They also provided pose suggestions and shared various information about Miyako Island. After the shoot, they retouched the photos, so I received them a couple of days later.

当日予約しましたが迅速に対応してくださいました。当日の天気の状況から綺麗に見える時間を提案してくれます。
ポーズの提案や宮古島について様々なことを教えてくれます。
撮影後レタッチしてくださるため2.3日後に写真が送られてきます。

The day before, we received information about the meeting place and time, and gathered on-site. We were able to see a sea turtle just two minutes after entering the water! They adjusted the course and time according to our fitness levels, so we had a great time snorkeling!

前日に集合場所や時間など送ってもらい現地集合しました。
海に入って2分ほどですぐウミガメに会うことができました！
体力に合わせてコースや時間を決めてくれるので楽しくシュノーケリングできました！

I recommend it because there are many islands around Ishigaki Island, and you can efficiently explore them even with limited time. The itinerary and efficiency are things you can't achieve when planning on your own, and it's also cost-effective! The guides at each sightseeing spot were enjoyable and great as well.

石垣島の離島がたくさんあって時間が限られる中で効率よく周れるので、おすすめです。
自分たちでスケジュール組むと出来ない行程と効率性、またお得さでした！
それぞれの観光スポットでのガイドも楽しくて良かったです。

I have participated in various sea turtle tours, but this was the first time I was able to see so many sea turtles and clownfish up close, and it was truly moving!

I tend to get seasick easily, and I accidentally left my motion sickness medication at the hotel, but our guide Mana was very considerate of my condition and taught me how to cope when I felt nauseous, so I was able to enjoy the tour until the end.

There was no shower available, but they had plenty of warm water prepared, so I was able to wash off completely.

After the tour, I had no plans, but when Mana heard that, she recommended some great spots, so I was able to enjoy the rest of the day as well!

The duo of Taro and Mana really livened things up, and they took lots of photos and videos, making it a memorable and fun tour! Thank you very much.

今まで色んなウミガメに逢えるツアーに参加しましたが、こんなに間近で沢山のウミガメやニモが見れたのは初めてで感動しました！

波酔いしやすいタイプのに、酔い止め薬をホテルに忘れて来てしまいましたが、ガイドのマナちゃんが体調を気遣ってくれて、酔った時の対処法を教えてくれたので、最後まで楽しめました

シャワーはなかったですが、暖かいお水をたくさん用意してくれてたので、全身洗えました

ツアー後も、なにも予定がなかったですが、それを聞いたマナちゃんがオススメスポットを教えてくれたのでツアー後も1日楽しめました！

タロちゃんマナちゃんコンビが盛り上げてくれて沢山写真も動画も撮ってくれて思い出に残る楽しいツアーでした！ありがとうございました。

The guide was very friendly to the children, and we were able to enjoy ourselves with peace of mind! Meeting the sea turtles and Nemo was the best!

子どもにとてもフレンドリーなガイドさんで、安心して楽しめました！
ウミガメやニモにも会えて最高でした！

The weather was unfortunately bad, but I still had a good time. On Taketomi Island, perhaps because it was right after the holiday, most shops were closed, and the few that were open had almost sold out of everything I wanted to eat, which was disappointing.

あいにくの天気でしたが楽しめました。竹富島では、連休明けだからかどこのお店もお休みで、やっと空いてた店もほとんど売り切れで食べたいものがなかったのは残念でした。

For my husband's birthday celebration, the two of us were able to meet the turtles 🐢 that we love while snorkeling 🤿. We had a wonderful time! Thank you, So-chan and Mana-chan 😊.

主人の誕生日の記念に、2人で、シュノーケル🤿大好きな亀🐢に、逢えました。
幸せな時間を過ごすことが出来ました♪
そうちゃん、まなちゃん、ありがとう😊

I highly recommend the morning snorkeling, so I made an effort to wake up early and joined the 7:00 session. It was my first time snorkeling, but they carefully taught us warm-up exercises and safety tips, and once we entered the sea, I was overwhelmed by the beautiful water that made me forget my nerves.

I encountered so many creatures, including tropical fish, clownfish, lionfish, and sea snakes! I was really happy that they swam at our pace while sharing interesting facts about the marine life! Towards the end, I even got to see a sea turtle, which was incredibly moving 😂😂. I found the way the sea turtle came up for air to be so endearing!

Mana-chan and Sou-chan checked on our well-being throughout the experience, and I think it was thanks to these two that I could enjoy my first snorkeling adventure with peace of mind! Thank you so much! I want to visit Miyako Island again and go snorkeling; it was the best snorkeling experience ever! 😊

午前中のシュノーケリングがオススメということで頑張って早起きして朝イチの7:00で参加しました。初めてのシュノーケリングでしたが、準備運動や気をつけることを丁寧に教えてもらいいざ海へ入ると、緊張していたことを忘れるほどの綺麗な海に圧倒しました。
熱帯魚やカクレクマノミ、ミノカサゴ、ウミヘビ等ほんとにたくさんの生き物に遭遇できました！生き物たちの豆知識をまじえながら私たちのスピードに合わせながら泳ぎ進めてくれたのもとても嬉しかったです！終盤、ウミガメにも会えて、めちゃくちゃ感動しました😂😂ウミガメの息継ぎする姿が愛おしく感じました笑
まなちゃん、そうちゃんにはその都度その都度、体調確認をしてくれてこの2人が居てくれたからこそ、初めてのシュノーケリングを安心して楽しめたと思います！ありがとうございました！また宮古島にも行きたいし、シュノーケリングもやりたいと思えた、最高のシュノーケリングになりました😊

The transfer from the boat to the bus to the water buffalo and back to the bus and then the boat can be quite a journey. I think it's better to avoid walking to the water buffalo riding area, especially on hot days, due to the elevation changes. I'm glad I went with a tour.

船→バスの送迎→水牛→バスの送迎→船
水牛乗り場まで、徒歩で行くのは高低差もあり、暑い日はやめた方が良いと思います。ツアーで良かったと思いました

I had a wonderful experience riding the water buffalo cart on Iriomote Island, which I had wanted to try after seeing it featured on TV and in magazines. Unfortunately, the weather was rainy and not very good, but the day flew by as we traveled between three islands by ferry and bus from the morning. Next time I go, I would like to stay overnight on each island.

以前よりテレビや雑誌で紹介されてる西表島の水牛車に乗ってみたかったのでたいへん良い思い出になりました。
あいにく天気は雨模様であまり良くなかったですが朝からフェリーやバス移動で3島巡りがあっという間に1日が過ぎた感じです。今度行くときは各島々に1泊しながら行ってみたいです

Hat an interesting tour! While I speak some Japanese the rest of my family does not. I did my best to translate what I could, but I know we missed out on a lot of the interesting facts about the water buffalo and the tradition and origin story of this interesting mode of transport. We wished we had also understood more about the mangroves.

Thank you for allowing me to participate in this tour 😊 I was healed by the adorable Maekun, and all my daily fatigue disappeared. It was so much fun! If there's another opportunity, I would love to join again 🥺 Thank you, Maekun!

今回ツアーに参加させて頂いてありがとうございます😊
可愛い真栄君に癒されて　日頃の疲れも飛びました　楽しかったです♪
また　機会がありましたらよろしくお願いします🥺
真栄君ありがとーー

The designated hotel shuttle service is available, and the transportation on the remote islands is well thought out, making it very convenient. On Iriomote Island, I was able to see the mangrove forests up close, and on Yubu Island and Taketomi Island, I enjoyed a leisurely pace of sightseeing while riding on water buffalo carts. The local guide's commentary was also entertaining. On Taketomi Island, if you want to get around and visit the highlights, it seems necessary to make a reservation for a rental bicycle in advance.

指定ホテル送迎もあり、離島での移動も効率よく考えられていて楽チンです。西表島ではマングローブ林をしっかり見ることができ、由布島と竹富島ではそれぞれ水牛車に乗って、のんびりしたペースで観光を楽しむことができました。現地ガイドさんのトークも面白かったです。竹富島では、島内を移動して見どころを回るならレンタサイクルの事前予約がないと厳しそうです。

It was my first trip to Miyako Island! I had a great time seeing lots of fish in the beautiful sea! I was also happy to meet a sea turtle!

初めての宮古島旅行でした！
綺麗な海でたくさんお魚見れて楽しかったです！ウミガメにも会えて嬉しかったです！

I was amazed by the sheer number of fish I've never seen before, all so colorful! I was also thrilled to see Nemo in person, something I've only seen in videos before.

これまで見たことないくらいたくさんのお魚と、色鮮やかな魚ばかりで感動しました！
初動画でしか見たことないニモも生で見れて感動

I had a very pleasant time crossing to the island on a water buffalo while listening to island songs. The mangrove cruise was also well explained and enjoyable. Exploring Taketomi Island on foot was challenging due to the heat, so I recommend renting a bicycle.

水牛でゆったりと島へ渡り　島唄も聴きながらとても気持ちの良い時間が過ごせました。マングローブのクルーズも上手に説明して頂き楽しかったです。竹富島は歩きでしたが、暑さもあり大変でした。　レンタサイクルがおすすめです。

Although the chance of rain was 80%, it was beautifully sunny, and we were able to experience everything without getting wet. The mangroves offered a breathtaking panorama that felt like something out of a dream. While paddleboarding, the waves were gentle, making it easy to ride. The maneuverability was great, so I highly recommend it. Meeting the Ryukyu Kingfisher was a highlight, and the guide's insights were unique to this place, making it a wonderful memory. In the Blue Cave, the sea, coral reefs, and colorful fish of all sizes were stunning. I did feel a bit unwell at one point, but the kind words from the staff helped me get through it. Everyone else on the tour was lovely too, and we waved goodbye with big smiles as we parted ways.

降水確率80%でしたが、しっかり晴れて雨にあたることなく、体験できました。
マングローブでは、日本と思えないパノラマが広がり感動しました。サップでは、波も少なく簡単に乗ることができました。小回りもきくので、とてもおすすめです。リュウキュウアカショウビンに出会えて、ガイドさんの案内も、ここならでは！と言うことばかりで、とても、いい思い出になりました。青の洞窟では、海と珊瑚礁、大小のカラフルな魚達、美しかったです。途中、気分が悪くなってしまいましたが、優しい声かけをしていただき、無事すごせました。また、同じツアーに参加した皆さんも、素敵な方で別れ際は大きく手を振って笑顔でわかれました。

It’s difficult to explore Mishima in a day on your own, so I joined a tour. Since it was my husband's first time in Ishigaki Island, he was satisfied with this packed tour, and I was also pleased that I signed up for it.

個人では三島を一日で回るのは難しいので、ツアーに参加しました。
夫は初めての石垣島なので、ギュっと詰め込んだこのツアーに満足してくれて申し込んだ私も満足でした。

The photographer was amazing! 😭👏✨ They also suggested great poses, and we got the best photos. We even saw shooting stars! At the end, they sent a list of recommended locations, which was very helpful. Thank you for everything from start to finish!

カメラマンさんが最高でした😭👏✨
オススメのポーズの提案もしてくださって
最高の写真が取れました
流れ星も見れました
最後にオススメの場所を一覧で送ってくれて
参考になりました。
最初から最後までありがとうございます。

The weather on the day was great, and we were able to see the Milky Way beautifully, making for a truly satisfying photo shoot.

Additionally, the photographer was very friendly, creating a fun atmosphere throughout the shoot, which allowed us to relax and enjoy ourselves naturally.

Wearing white clothing really stood out against the starry sky, and the photos turned out beautifully!

The shooting location had some uneven ground, so I recommend wearing comfortable and stable shoes like sneakers.

Thank you for the wonderful memories!

当日は天気も良く、天の川も綺麗に見ることができて、本当に大満足の撮影でした。

また、カメラマンさんもとても気さくで終始楽しい雰囲気で撮影できたので、緊張せず自然に楽しめました。

白い服で撮っていただいたら星空にすごく映えて写真がとっても綺麗でした！

撮影場所は少し足場が悪いところもあったので、スニーカーなど歩きやすく安定した靴で行くのがおすすめです。

素敵な思い出をありがとうございました！

Yesterday’s canoeing trip was excellent from start to finish. We were met at the port exactly as promised and introduced to our guide, Ryoma. His English was excellent, and he explained everything clearly, making us feel very welcome.

Once we arrived, we got into our canoes and headed down the river. Ryoma was very informative about the local wildlife and nature, which made the experience even more enjoyable. We had a great time canoeing along the river, and the weather was perfect — sunny with a light breeze.

At the end of the trip, we were taken to shower facilities before being dropped back at the port, which was very convenient. Ryoma also sent us the photos he had taken during the trip, and they were all really high quality.

Overall, the whole experience was perfect and exactly what we had hoped for. We would highly recommend this trip to anyone considering it.

Yesterday’s canoeing trip was excellent from start to finish. We were met at the port exactly as promised and introduced to our guide, Ryoma. His English was excellent, and he explained everything clearly, making us feel very welcome.

Once we arrived, we got into our canoes and headed down the river. Ryoma was very informative about the local wildlife and nature, which made the experience even more enjoyable. We had a great time canoeing along the river, and the weather was perfect — sunny with a light breeze.

At the end of the trip, we were taken to shower facilities before being dropped back at the port, which was very convenient. Ryoma also sent us the photos he had taken during the trip, and they were all really high quality.

Overall, the whole experience was perfect and exactly what we had hoped for. We would highly recommend this trip to anyone considering it.

I participated in the mangrove canoeing and snorkeling activities.

Honestly, both activities were amazing! I spent the entire day with them, experiencing mangrove canoeing in the morning and snorkeling in the afternoon. The guides were incredibly kind and attentive, which made it easy to relax and enjoy. Both guides had extensive knowledge and experience, allowing us to learn while having fun, making it the best day ever.

I was worried about the weather, but they made sure we could enjoy ourselves no matter what the conditions were, so I was very satisfied!

マングローブカヌーandシュノーケリングに参加させていただきました。

率直にどちらのアクティビティも最高でした♪
午前はマングローブカヌー体験、午後はシュノーケリング体験と丸一日お世話になりましたが、とにかくガイドさんが親切丁寧で安心して楽しめた上に、どちらのガイドさんも経験知識が豊富で楽しみながら学ぶ事ができ最高の1日でした。

天候の心配もありましたが、どんな天気でも楽しめるよう対応していただいたので大満足です！