All Reviews for Japan Hidden Gems: Secret Islands

This time, I rode a water buffalo cart on Taketomi Island and saw fish through a glass-bottom boat. ✨

While riding the water buffalo cart, I enjoyed listening to island songs and had a very peaceful time.

I also had fun renting a bicycle and going to the beach.

The stone walls of Taketomi were impressive.

The glass-bottom boat was a bit rocky due to the rough sea, so I think it's a good idea for those prone to seasickness to take motion sickness medication before boarding.

I recommend this course for first-time visitors.

今回、竹富島で水牛車に乗ったり、グラスボートでお魚を見たりしました✨

水牛車に乗りながら、島歌を聞いたりとてものどかな時間を過ごせました

また、自転車を借りて海岸まで行ったり楽しめました

竹富の石を積上げた塀が、印象的でした。

グラスボートは、海が少し荒れていてだいぶ船が揺れて、船酔いしそうな人は、酔い止めを飲んで乗ると良いと思います。

初めて行く人はおすすめのコースです

We brought our small children, but thanks to the warm support of the kind staff, we were able to take photos without being scared of the darkness! We were moved by the beautiful starry sky! We are talking as a family about wanting to come back every year. Thank you for sending the photos so quickly! We made the best memories!

小さい子供連れでしたが、優しいお兄さんの温かい対応のおかげで、暗闇も怖がらず撮影ができました！！美しい星空に感動しました！！毎年行きたいね、と家族で話しています。写真もすぐに送っていただきありがとうございました！！最高の思い出ができました！！

It was amazing. The cows were cute. Each of the guides (drivers) was very kind and explained everything, making for a fun day.

最高でした。
牛さんかわいかったです。
それぞれのガイドさん（運転手さん）もとっても親切に説明してくれて一日楽しく過ごせました。

I can see why Ishigaki Island is the number one destination for island tourism. Although the mornings start early, we were able to efficiently explore the nearby islands.

We first visited Yubu Island, the mangroves of Iriomote Island, and Taketomi Island. I was pleasantly surprised by how much fun Yubu Island was, and unfortunately, the time flew by, making me wish we had more time there. The shops on the island open at 11 AM, but our meeting time was at 11:35 AM, so we had to rush to have lunch before then. If we had a bit more time, I would have loved to enjoy some gelato and take a photo with the water buffalo, creating another memory.

The water buffalo cart ride to Yubu Island was wonderful. The water buffalo are so cute! I took a lot of pictures. Additionally, the person driving the water buffalo cart sang with a sanshin, which was a unique experience.

The mangrove tour on Iriomote Island involved riding a boat and listening to the guide's explanations. The weather was nice, and I was full from lunch, but unfortunately, I found myself getting quite sleepy. I think it might have been better to visit the mangroves first and then Yubu Island afterward (just my personal opinion).

For Taketomi Island, I chose to go cycling. I had visited before, and since I rode the water buffalo cart on Yubu Island, I was able to see most of the sightseeing spots. I took a break at a smoothie shop that was recommended to me. The weather was really nice, and I had a great time. However, since time was limited, I couldn't explore as thoroughly as I would have liked. Still, it was a bit busy, but it turned out to be a wonderful day visiting three islands!

石垣島の離島観光人気NO.1位なだけあります。
朝が早いのですが・・・とても効率よく、石垣島近隣の離島観光ができました。
最初に由布島観光・西表島のマングローブ、竹富島なのですが、由布島が思ったより楽しくてあっという間に集合時間となってしまったのがちょっと残念でした。滞在時間も短いということもあり。島内のお店と等開くのが11時からなのですが、集合時間が11時35分でそれまでにランチしないといけなくて11時以降がバタバタしてました。もう少し時間があればジェラートを食べたり唯一触れる水牛との写真を撮ってもう1つ思い出を作りたかったですね。
由布島までの移動手段の水牛車はとてもよかったです。水牛がかわいい♪たくさん写真を撮っちゃいました。また、またまた乗車した水牛車は水牛車乗りの人というんでしょうか？その方が三線で歌を歌ってくださり、貴重な体験でした。
西表島のマングローブツアーは、船に乗りガイドさんの説明を受けながら鑑賞だったのですが、天気も良くてお腹もいっぱいだったこともあり、申し訳ないことに眠気がピークに・・・。西表島のマングローブが先で後で由布島のほうがいいのではと思いました。（個人の勝手な感想です。）
竹富島はサイクリングにしました。以前にも観光に来たこともあり、水牛車は由布島で乗ったので。大体の観光名所を周ることができました。教えていただいたスムージー屋さんで一休みして。本当に天気が良くて、楽しかったです。ただ、やはり時間が限られているのであまりじっくりと観光できませんでしたが、1日で3島も巡れてちょっと忙しいところもありましたが、素敵な1日になりました！

Due to the conditions of the waves the day before, we were informed that it was possible to change to a half-day canoe and trekking tour (7,000 yen per person). After considering it, I got back to them. When I followed up, I was told that caving was also available, so I requested that tour, but there was no explanation about the pricing at that time, and after the tour, I was charged 12,000 yen per person. I had the understanding that it would be around 7,000 yen, so I would have appreciated a clear explanation if there was a change in the price.

Additionally, after being informed that we could not land on Barasu Island, I booked another tour company, and we were able to land on Barasu Island and go snorkeling.

The introduction to the creatures during the cave exploration and canoeing, as well as the information about Iriomote Island, was very interesting and enjoyable. However, on the day of the tour, there were many people, and I was unsure where to wait for photos in narrow spaces. While taking pictures as we progressed in the canoe, there were times when we got stuck and were bumped from behind, so I would have liked clearer instructions and guidance. I was told that the hotel pick-up time was 16:30, but we actually arrived around 17:15.

We waited for the shower for the same group going to the port, and after being taken to the port, we were then taken back to the hotel. Since I had other plans afterward, I would have appreciated it if the staff, who were numerous at the office, could have taken that into consideration in case of significant changes.

前日に波等の関係でバラス島へ上陸できない為、半日のカヌー&トレッキングツアー(1人7,000円)の変更は可能とのご連絡があり、一度検討し折り返しをいたしました。
折り返しした際、ケイビングもできるとのお話でそちらのツアーをお願いしましたがその際料金についての説明はなく、ツアー後1人12,000円を請求されました。7,000円程度実施できるとの認識だった為、料金変更が場合はしっかり説明頂きたかったです。
また、バラス島上陸できない旨の連絡があった後別のツアー会社を予約したところしバラス島への上陸、シュノーケリングの実施ができました。

洞窟探検、カヌー時に生き物の紹介や西表島の紹介をして頂けた点はとても面白く楽しかったですが、当日のツアーも人数が多く、狭い場所での写真撮影はどこで待ってたら良いのか、カヌーで進みながら写真を撮る際にに後ろがつっかえて後ろから突っ込まれたりとしたのでしっかり指示、案内をして頂きたかったのと、ホテル送迎時刻を16:30と伝えられていたが実際到着したのは17:15頃でした。
同じグループの港行きのシャワーを待ち、港に送迎後ホテルに送迎され、
その後の予定もあったので大幅に変更になる際は事務所に多数のスタッフもいた為、ご配慮頂けたら嬉しかったです。

I made a reservation about two days before the travel date, but I’m really glad I was able to participate under a perfect starry sky. I would like to join again when I come back to Miyako Island.

旅行日の2日前くらいに予約しての参加やったけど
満点の星空で本当に参加できて良かったです。
また宮古島に来たときゎ参加したいと思います。

I was a bit anxious since it was my first experience, but the person in charge was friendly and made the shoot very enjoyable. I hadn't thought much about poses, but they suggested some, which made the shooting go smoothly. The starry sky was also amazing! Thank you for the wonderful memories!

初めての体験だったので不安がありましたが、担当の方がフレンドリーに話しかけて下さりとても楽しく撮影ができました。ポーズは特に考えていなかったのですが、担当の方が提案して下さりスムーズに撮影することができました。星空も最高でした！楽しい思い出をありがとうございました！

Despite the sudden application, I was able to experience it. The duration is about 30 minutes, so I can recommend it to those with limited time.

The meeting place is a bit hard to find, so it might be better to check it out during the day.

急な申込みにも関わらず、体験することができました。
所要時間も30分程度で終わるので時間が限られている人にもオススメできます。

集合場所はわかりづらいので、日中に下見したほうが良いかも

Knowing that the next day would be clear, I made a last-minute reservation the night before the experience. Since it was a sudden decision, I didn't know any good spots to capture the beautiful starry sky, and I didn't have high-performance equipment, so I was really grateful for the help.

I arrived earlier than the meeting time and enjoyed the starry sky before capturing photos with the beautiful scenery. Every time I look at the photos, I can remember that view over and over again. I'm really glad I participated in the tour instead of just watching. Thank you very much!

For those taking a taxi, it seems that it's difficult to catch one at night, so I recommend arranging for your hotel to help you with that in advance, including for your return trip.

翌日が快晴と知って、体験前日の夜に急遽予約させて頂きました。
突然の思いつきだったので、星空を綺麗に撮影できる場所も知りませんでしたし、高性能な機材も持っていなかったので本当に助かりました。
集合時間より早めに到着し星空を満喫してから、美しい星空と一緒に写真に収めて頂けたので、写真を見る度に何度でもあの景色を思い出す事が出来ています。
ただ眺めるだけでなく、ツアーに参加させて頂いて本当に良かったです。ありがとうございました！

タクシーで参加される方は、夜間帯のタクシーは捕まりづらいようなので、余裕を持ってホテルにお願いしておき、帰りの分もその際に手配してもらうことをおすすめします。

Each time was well spent, and the quality of each individual experience was high. Overall, it's a plan that provides a great sense of satisfaction. It can be enjoyed by families as well as couples.

それぞれの時間もよく
一個ずつの質も高かった
トータルで満足感の高いプランです。
家族連れからカップルまで楽しめます

Thank you for beautifully capturing the Milky Way. You were kind and attentive. It was truly wonderful. Thank you very much.

天の川綺麗に撮影して頂きありがとうございました。
親切で丁寧でした。
本当によかったです。
ありがとうございました。

In a place so dark that I wouldn't normally go there at night unless on a tour, I got out of the car to find a sky full of stars, seeing a number of stars that I usually can't see. After moving a little, we talked about the stars while enjoying summer-like background music, and we were able to see the Milky Way without any clouds, creating the best memories. There was a surprising incident on the way back when we were attacked by a giant spider, but that too became an unforgettable memory.

ツアーでなければ夜に行くことはないような真っ暗な場所で車から降りるとすでに満天の星空で普段観る事の出来ない数の星を見ることができました。少し移動して夏らしいBGMの中星の話をしつつの撮影で雲もなく天の川まで見ることができて最高の思い出になりました。帰りの車で巨大な蜘蛛に襲われるハプニングはありましたがそれもまた忘れられない思い出です。

It was my first time taking photos, but I received guidance on positioning and poses, and we were able to capture romantic pictures. It became a wonderful memory for us as a couple.

初めての写真撮りでしたが、立ち位置やポーズの案内をしていただき、ロマンチックな写真を撮っていただきました。夫婦のいい思い出になりました。

I was very satisfied with the starry sky of Miyako Island. They were accommodating with pose requests, so if you have specific poses in mind, I think it would be better to research them in advance. I had a great time during the shoot.

宮古島の満天の星を残せて大満足です。
ポーズの要望も通るので
やりたいポーズがあれば調べておくとより良いと思います。
楽しく撮影できました。

Thank you for being so kind to my 6-year-old daughter; it became a wonderful memory. We would love to do it again next time. Thank you very much!

6歳の娘にも優しく接していただき、とても良い思い出になりました。また次来た時もやりたいですね。
本当にありがとうございました

It was truly amazing. Before the shoot, I was a bit anxious about whether I was on the right path to the meeting place, but if you follow the navigation, you will definitely arrive, so trust the GPS and go for it! (laughs)

The staff I met were very friendly and easy to talk to. They listened carefully to my requests during the shoot, and their approachable demeanor made it easy to communicate.

Before the shoot, there were quite a few clouds, and they asked if I wanted to wait or reschedule. Fortunately, we were able to capture the moment when the clouds cleared.

They provided clear instructions on poses and composition, and they showed me the images on the spot, which made me feel reassured to leave everything in their hands.

Thank you very much!

ほんと最高でした。
撮影前は待ち合わせ場所への道中があっているのか不安になるような周囲でしたが、ナビにしたがっていけばちゃんと辿り着きましたのでナビを信じて突き進んでください笑
無事合流したスタッフさんもとても気さくで話しやすく、撮影時の要望などもきちんと聞いてくれて、またその雰囲気から伝えやすいです。
撮影前、少し雲が多かったので待つか日を改めるかと聞いてくださり、その後雲がはれた瞬間を狙って無事撮ることができました。
ポーズやら構図やらもわかりやすく指示してくださいますし、撮った画像もその場でみせていただけるので安心してお任せできるお店でした。
ありがとうございました！

When I arrived at the parking lot and looked up at the sky, it was filled with stars! I could also see the Milky Way. While taking photos, they played music, which created a great atmosphere. I'm looking forward to seeing the finished photos. I would like to use this service again when I come to Miyako Island.

駐車場に着いて空を見上げたら、満天の星空！
天の川も見れました。
写真撮影中、音楽も流してくれて雰囲気も良かったです。
写真の出来上がりが楽しみです。
宮古島に来たらまた利用したいと思います。

The mangroves and snorkeling were both breathtaking. The emerald-colored sea, the colorful coral reefs, and the mysterious mangroves created a scene that felt like something out of a travel guidebook. Our guide, Matsuko, provided clear explanations, and even though it was my first time kayaking and snorkeling, I was able to enjoy it as a beginner. The guide was very kind, ensuring that we could safely enjoy the marine sports. I was also very happy that they took photos and sent the data to us. Thank you very much.

マングローブも、シュノーケリングも絶景でした。
エメラルド色の海ら色とりどりのサンゴ礁、神秘的なマングローブ、観光ガイド本でしか見たことのないような、光景がそこには広がっていました。
ガイドのまつこさんの説明はわかりやすく、カヌーもシュノーケルリングも初めてだったのですが、初心者でも楽しむことが出来ました。
ガイドさんが、親切して下さり、安心安全に、マリンスポーツを楽しむことができました。
写真撮影をして、データを送って頂けたことも、とても嬉しかったです。
ありがとうございました。

The staff (Kaz) was easy to talk to and explained everything politely, which was great! It became a very enjoyable memory! I'm glad we took a lot of photos. If I had to say something, I wish I could have taken a photo with a sea turtle, haha.

スタッフ(カズさん)が話しやすく、丁寧に説明してくれて良かった！
とても楽しい思い出になりました！
写真も沢山撮って貰いよかったです。
強いて言うなら、ウミガメと写真撮りたかった笑

I brought a dress and planned to take photos myself, but I happened to encounter a family that was taking pictures, and their photos were so beautiful that I made a last-minute reservation! The assistance during the reservation and the photo shoot was very kind. They also gave me pose instructions, and I’m looking forward to the finished product. Thank you very much.

ドレスを持参し、セルフで撮影の予定でしたがたまたま撮影をしている家族と遭遇し、その写真が綺麗すぎて急遽予約しました！予約時の対応も撮影の対応もとても親切でした。ポーズも指示して頂き、出来上がりが楽しみです。ありがとうございました。

I experienced snorkeling and stand-up paddleboarding (SUP) divided into morning and afternoon sessions.

I was a bit anxious about whether I would see sea turtles, but I was able to see them clearly. During the experience, the instructor took photos for us, and I received some precious pictures, including a two-shot with a sea turtle.

Both snorkeling and SUP were almost my first time, but the instructor taught us well, and I was able to enjoy the entire experience.

午前と午後に分かれてシュノーケリング、とSUPの2つを体験しました。


ウミガメが見れるか不安な気持ちもありましたがしっかり見ることができました。
体験中にはインストラクターの方が写真を撮ってくださり、ウミガメとの2ショットなど貴重な写真も頂けました。

シュノーケリングもSUPもほとんど初めてでしたが、インストラクターの方がしっかり教えてくださり終始楽しむことができました。

We went as a couple in our 20s. It takes about 50 minutes by ferry to get to Iriomote Island, so the round trip can be a bit tiring. However, once on Iriomote Island, we enjoyed a leisurely time on a sightseeing boat and bus tour, and after taking a water buffalo to Yubu Island, we were able to have lunch right away. Yubu Island had more attractions than we expected, and although we had to rush at the end, we really enjoyed it.

There was also a plan to go to Taketomi Island after Yubu Island, but since leaving Iriomote Island involves another 50-minute ferry ride, it seems like it would be tiring to fully enjoy Taketomi. I think it would be better to focus on enjoying two islands with this plan and visit Taketomi on a separate day.

20代夫婦で行きました。
西表島までフェリーで片道50分かかるのでその行き帰りが少し疲れます。その分、西表島では遊覧船とバス観光でのんびり過ごして、水牛で由布島に行けばすぐお昼ご飯が食べられます。由布島が思いのほか見所がとても多く、最後は駆け足になりましたが満喫できました。
由布島のあとに竹富島に行くプランもありましたが、西表島を去る時に50分フェリーに乗る消耗があるので、竹富で思いっきり楽しむには疲れそうです。3島まとめてよりも、このプランで2島を満喫し、別日に竹富に行ったほうが集中できると思います。

It was my first time, but they were very kind and listened to my requests for angles and poses to capture the beautiful starry sky. It was a precious and enjoyable time, and I am very satisfied. If I want to take starry sky photos again, I would definitely like to ask for their help here.

初めてでしたが、星空が綺麗に撮れるアングルやポーズの相談も聞いていただけて、とても親切でした。貴重で楽しい時間になり満足しています。星空フォトを撮るなら、絶対またこちらでお願いしたいです。

My friend and I can't swim, but the instructor was very helpful. Thank you so much.
My first snorkeling experience was amazing!

友達と私が泳げができないです、先生がとても助かりました、本当にありがとうございます。
初めてのシュノケーリングが最高です！

It was an early morning tour, but they picked us up at the hotel and the service was polite. The schedule was packed, and the explanation before we started had a lot of information, but there were guides at each point, so we could enjoy ourselves without getting lost. On Taketomi Island, I chose the water buffalo cart tour plus free time. The duration of the free time depends on the water buffalo, so I recommend planning your free time during the ferry ride. It was a satisfying tour that allowed us to visit several islands and also enjoy some relaxing time in just one day.

朝早いツアーですが、ホテルまで迎えにきていただいて、対応も丁寧でした。盛りだくさんの日程で開始前の説明は情報量が多かったですが、その場その場で案内が入り、迷わず楽しむことができました。竹富島では水牛車観光＋フリータイムを選択しました。水牛次第でフリータイムの時間が決まりますのでフリータイムでの予定をフェリー移動中など事前検討することをおすすめします笑
1日で離島をめぐり、ゆったりした時間も過ごせる満足のツアーでした。

I was able to capture the starry sky in Miyako Island in photos, and it became a wonderful memory! I definitely want to request this again next time!☆

宮古島で見た満天の星空を写真に残せてすごく良い思い出になりました！！
次回も絶対お願いしたいです☆

The weather was great, and I was able to see sea turtles, so it was amazing! I also had fun paddleboarding, so I hope to do it again next time!

天候も恵まれてウミガメも見れたので最高でした！
サップも楽しくできたのでまた次来た時もお願いします！

The shuttle service was smooth, and the transportation was clearly organized with numbered routes, making it easy to navigate. The bus driver and the staff at the reception were kind and provided attentive service. I would like to use this service again on my next trip.

送迎もスムーズで移動時もコース毎に番号分けされていてわかりやすく案内してもらいました。
バスの運転手さん、受付の方も親切で丁寧な対応でした。
次回の旅行の際も利用したいと思います。

When I arrived at the meeting place, I was greeted by the staff, who guided me to the shooting location, which made me feel at ease.

Once the shoot began, they asked about my preferred poses, and even provided pose suggestions when I didn't have any, resulting in some truly wonderful photos!

They also played background music during the shoot, making the experience enjoyable! Thank you very much!

集合場所に到着すると、
担当の方からお声掛けいただいて、
撮影地まで案内してくださり安心しました。

撮影が始まると、ポーズの希望だったり、
希望がないとポーズの指示までしてくださり
とても素敵な写真が撮れました！

途中BGMも流して下さり、撮影中も楽しかったです！
ありがとうございました！

The water buffalo cart from Iriomote Island to Yufu Island was very refreshing and enjoyable. Sometimes, they even perform shamisen music during the ride♪ I had a very meaningful time.

西表島から由布島までの水牛車がとても新鮮で良かったです。
水牛車では乗車中に三味線演奏をしてくれることもあります♪
とても有意義な時間を過ごせました。