All Reviews for Sightseeing Tours

It was June, during the rainy season, so there were only four participants, including my husband and me. Although the number was small, the bus interior was relaxing, and the guide provided various explanations right after we boarded, which was enjoyable.

When visiting for sightseeing, it's easy to focus only on the fun aspects, and I usually don't get the chance to learn about the origins or history of Ishigaki Island. However, on this tour, I was able to hear about the origins of the Tomb of the Chinese and the tidal flow of Kabira Bay, see wild palm trees, and listen to stories about encounters with habu snakes, which was enjoyable. Of course, the guide also shared stories and songs passed down in Ishigaki Island, and I was most surprised by the guide's skill in playing the sanshin and singing! I even wondered if they might be a professional.

Out of the four participants, one person got off at Ishigaki Airport, but they seemed to have enjoyed themselves and waved goodbye to the bus with a smile. It’s a journey around Ishigaki Island that feels like it’s possible yet elusive, so I had a great time participating and learning various things.

6月の梅雨時だったせいか、当日は私たち夫婦を含めて４名の参加でした。人数が少なかったけれど、バス車内はゆっくりくつろげるし、乗車してすぐにガイドさんがいろいろ説明してくれて楽しかった。

観光で行くと楽しいことばかりに目が行ってしまって、石垣島の由来とか歴史なんて学ぶ機会はないですが、このツアーでは唐人墓の由来とか、川平湾の潮の流れとか、野生の椰子の木を見たりハブとの遭遇話など聞けて楽しかったです。もちろん、石垣島に伝わる話や歌も披露してくれて、実は一番びっくりしたのは、ガイドさんの三線と歌の上手さです！実はプロなんじゃないかな？と思ったくらいです。

参加者４名のうち、おひとりが石垣空港で下車されましたが、その方も楽しまれたようで笑顔でバスを見送ってくださいました。
石垣島をぐるっと島を巡る旅は行けそうで行けないので、今回参加していろんなことを聞けて楽しかったです。

Although the weather was unfortunately sometimes pouring rain, the guide's explanations and songs were enjoyable. There were many water buffalo, each with their own personality, and the veteran, Rekio, that I rode was very cute with his silly antics, making me laugh several times along the way. I think if the weather had been better, I could have enjoyed the scenery even more, but I was more than satisfied just riding the water buffalo cart. Is there a possibility of a repeat to ride different water buffalo carts?

時折土砂降りのあいにくの天候ではありましたが、
ガイドさんの説明や歌が楽しかったです。
水牛は何頭もいて、それぞれ個性があるらしく、
私が乗ったベテランのレキオくんは、おとぼけぶりがとても
かわいく、道中何度も笑わせてくれました。
天気がよければ、もっと景色が楽しめたとは
思いますが、水牛車に乗るだけでも十分満足しました。
いろんな水牛車に乗るためにリピートもあり？？

It was my first time in Ishigaki Island, so I left it to the driver to take me around for sightseeing. They drove through the sugarcane fields, which saved us time, and took us to recommended spots. The driver was excellent. I also took a taxi on Okinawa Island, but the roads were congested, and it took a long time, so I couldn't see much. However, this experience was great.

初めての石垣島だったので、お任せして観光に回りましたがさとうきび畑の中を突っ走ってくれたりして、時間短縮してくれたしお勧めの場所も行ってくれて大変良い運転手さんでした。沖縄本島のタクシーも乗りましたが、混む道ばかりで時間ばかり掛かってあまり見る事が出来なかったですが、こちらは良かったです。

It was great that we could efficiently visit the main islands and major tourist spots. Since there isn't much to see on the islands, I think it's better to do a tour and cover everything at once.

主要な島を、主要な観光スポットを効率よく回れたので、すごく良かった。島の観光に時間をかけても、特に見るところがないので、ツアーで一気に回ってしまった方が良いと思う。

It was hot, so the sightseeing taxi had air conditioning and was comfortable. The day before, my daughter took me sightseeing in a rental car, but I was really exhausted afterward, so taking a taxi is definitely the right choice in an unfamiliar place.

暑かったので観光タクシーはエアコン効いてて快適だった。前日娘がレンタカーで観光に連れて行ってくれたが、その後酷く疲れていたので、やはり慣れていない土地ではタクシーが正解。

I participated with my sister during the middle of our 3-night, 4-day trip. My goal on Ishigaki Island was to ride a water buffalo cart. I rode twice, once with the buffalo from Yubu Island and once with the buffalo from Taketomi Island. It was my first time learning that the types of buffalo were different. I was fortunate to encounter gentle buffalo in both cases.

Additionally, the guide was wonderful and let us listen to Okinawan folk songs. The colors of the sea visible from the boat to the island were stunning. It became the best memory.

３泊４日の中日に姉と参加しました。石垣島での私の目的は水牛車に乗ることです。由布島の牛と竹富島の牛の２回乗車しました。それぞれ牛の種類が違うのは初めて知りました。どちらも穏やかな牛に当たったのでよかったです。
また、ガイドさんもいい方で沖縄民謡も聞かせてくれました。
島に渡る船から見える海の色がいろいろな色に見えます。最高の思い出となりました。

I've ridden a water buffalo cart several times before, but the satisfaction really depends on the stories told by the guide. This time, the guide's simple yet charming storytelling and the performance on the sanshin perfectly matched the slow life atmosphere I was looking for, and I was very satisfied. There was also a cute incident where the buffalo wouldn't move, which turned into a fun memory and made for a great experience.

水牛車は初めてではなく、数回乗ったことがありますが、添乗するおじいの話によって満足感が左右するものです。今回のおじいは、私の求めるスローライフな雰囲気を味わうに丁度良い朴訥なしゃべりに三線の演奏、とても満足のいくものでした。途中牛が動こうとしないという可愛いハプニングもありながら、それがかえって楽しい思い出になり、良い思い出になりました。

It was a compact half-day tour featuring a mangrove forest cruise and a water buffalo cart ride, and it exceeded my expectations, leaving me very satisfied.

During the mangrove forest cruise, the captain's witty storytelling made learning about the mangrove ecosystem and the animals living there enjoyable and educational. After the cruise, we took a bus to the water buffalo cart boarding area, where the driver's entertaining narration provided us with various insights about Iriomote Island, making the travel time very enjoyable.

On the way to Yubu Island via the water buffalo cart, we listened to live performances of the sanshin while receiving explanations filled with love for the water buffalo. I learned that water buffalo have an intelligence level comparable to that of a five-year-old child and that each buffalo has its own unique personality, which made them even more endearing and soothing to me.

For those with limited time, I highly recommend this tour, which captures the essence of Iriomote Island. I can confidently say that you will not regret it.

マングローブ林のクルーズと水牛車がメインのコンパクトな半日ツアーでしたが期待以上に大満足な内容でした。
マングローブ林のクルーズでは船長さんの軽妙な語り口でマングローブ林やそこで暮らす動物たちの生態を楽しく教えていただき大変勉強になりました。
クルーズ終了後はバスで水牛車乗り場まで向かうのですが、その道中も運転手さんの楽しい語り口で西表島について色々教えていただき大変楽しい移動時間でした。
そして水牛車で由布島に向かう道中は行きも帰りも三線の弾き語りを聞きながら、水牛愛にあふれた解説をうかがうことが出来ました。水牛は5歳児程度の知能があるとのことで、またそれぞれの水牛には特有の性格があるとのことで、益々水牛が可愛く思えて癒されました。
時間が限られている方には西表島のエッセンスが盛り込まれたこのツアーを強くお勧めします。決して後悔されることはないと断言できる内容でした。

I made new discoveries on the tour of Iriomote Island, the sightseeing in Yufu Island, and the tour of Taketomi Island. I believe there are still more to come, right? I want to go to Ishigaki Island again. Maybe next time, I'll play golf on Kohama Island?

西表島のツアー、由布島観光、竹富島ツアーと新しい発見。まだまだこれからもっとあると思いますね？これからも、石垣島に行きたいと思ってます。今度は、小浜島でゴルフですかね？　

When I first visited Ishigaki Island, I drove around for a day with a rental car, but this time the sightseeing bus tour included explanations at key points, making it an enjoyable experience.

初めて石垣島に行った時はレンタカーで1日ドライブしましたが、今回の観光バスツアーは要所要所の説明もあり、楽しいものでした。

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 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。

The views from Kabira Bay and Tamatorizaki were equally stunning. The bus guide's commentary matched the scenery outside the window and included some informative stories, which made everyone's applause grow louder. It was enjoyable.

川平湾と玉取崎の眺望は甲乙つけがたし、素晴らしかった。
バスガイドさんの話は、車窓の景色に合っているし、ためになる話もあって、皆の拍手が段々大きくなる。楽しかった。

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！

On the day we returned from staying at Taketomi Island to Ishigaki Island, we were picked up at the ferry terminal. When I informed the driver that my elderly mother couldn't walk much, he thoughtfully planned various routes for us, so I left everything to him. He provided detailed explanations about the beautiful scenery and the history of Ishigaki Island, showcasing his deep knowledge and love for the area, which made our experience comfortable and enjoyable throughout. If the opportunity arises again, I would definitely like to request the same driver.

竹富島に泊まって石垣島に戻る日に離島ターミナルでピックアップしてもらいました。ドライバーさんに同行の母が高齢なのでたくさん歩けないことを伝えると、色々とコースを考えてくれたので全てお任せしました。美しい景色や石垣島の歴史までとても丁寧に説明をしてくれて、ドライバーさんの知識の深さと石垣愛が感じられ終始快適に楽しく過ごすことができました。また機会があれば同じドライバーさんに是非お願いしたいです。

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。

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

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。

Since it was my first time in Ishigaki Island and I only had one day of free time, I booked a bus tour to make the most of it! We visited famous spots, and since the tour ended early, I was able to buy souvenirs and go to a restaurant I had been looking forward to! There were also gravel paths and mountain trails, so I recommend wearing comfortable shoes! The area with palm trees felt like a jungle, so it might be good to have insect repellent and a light jacket!

初めての石垣島かつ1日しか自由に使える時間がなかったので、効率よくまわりたくバスツアーを予約しました！
有名なところを回ってくださり、早めの解散だったためお土産を買ったり楽しみにしていたご飯屋さんに行くこともできました！
砂利道や山道を歩くこともあったので、歩きやすい靴で行くことをお勧めします！
ヤシの木のところはジャングルみたいな感じだったので、虫除けや羽織ものなどあると良いかなと思います！

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。

I'm glad I was able to visit the main tourist spots in Ishigaki Island in half a day. There was a bit of concern when the driver hit the mirror and we had to switch buses, but we ended up finishing the tour on schedule without any delays. It would have been even better if we could have spent a little more time at each spot. I really appreciated being able to visit places like the Yonehara Yaeyama Palm Forest, which are difficult to reach on your own.

半日で石垣島のメイン観光スポットを回れて良かった。
出発時にドライバーがミラーぶつけてバス乗り換えトラブルがあり心配されたが日程に遅れも生じず順調に観光が終えられたので、各スポットでの時間をもう少し長く取られるともっと良かったと思う。
米原八重山ヤシ原生林など個人では行きにくい所に行けたのがとても良かった。

I recommend this for those who have a flight back around 3 PM. On the last day, you can enjoy a complete tour around Ishigaki Island without wasting time starting from 9 AM. In the end, they drop you off at the airport.

Depending on the weather, you can fully enjoy the charm of the outer rim of Ishigaki Island. You can visit places you might not have gone to alone and gain knowledge you wouldn't have otherwise. If the weather had been good, Kabira Bay and Tamatorizaki Observatory would have surely offered stunning views. Unfortunately, it was slightly cloudy, so I could only experience about half of its beauty, but I was very satisfied. The guide entertained us with interesting trivia and a variety of songs and shamisen performances!

15時台の帰りの飛行機を取ってる方にはおすすめです。
最終日の朝9時から時間を無駄にすることなく石垣島をぐるっと一周。最後は空港で降ろしてくれます。

天気次第ではありますが、石垣島外周の魅力を余すところなく楽しめます。
1人で回ってるだけでは行くことはなかったであろう場所に行くことが出来、知り得なかった知識を得られます。
天気が良ければ川平湾や玉取崎展望台はさぞや絶景だったことでしょう。
残念ながら薄曇りでしたのでその美しさの半分程度しか味わうことは出来ませんでしたが非常に満足できました。
ガイドさんの豆知識と多彩な歌や三味線で楽しませてくれます♪

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 arrived with excitement after having a fun conversation with the guide before getting there! I participated with my two children, who are in the second and fourth grades, and each of them had a flashlight for the tour. In the jungle, we discovered geckos, spiders, hermit crabs, frogs, giant millipedes, crabs, and even four coconut crabs! To top it off, we even spotted a scorpion at the end!

During the stargazing by the seaside, the guide explained the constellations in detail, and I enjoyed looking at the night sky after a long time. It’s even more reassuring to bring gloves or work gloves for this tour. The guides at the front and back, holding flashlights, constantly monitored the situation, which made me feel very safe. If you want to experience the great nature of Ishigaki Island, I highly recommend this tour. It became a wonderful memory.

現地に行くまでにガイドさんに楽しく話してもらいワクワクで到着しました！
小学生２年・４年生の二人を連れての参加ですが、それぞれライトを持ってのツアーです。
ジャングルの中では、ヤモリ、クモ、ヤドカリ、カエル、オオゲジゲジ、カニ、そしてヤシガニも４匹発見！最後はなんとサソリモドキも！
海辺に出ての星空鑑賞では詳しく星座を説明してもらい久しぶりに夜空を眺めました。
このツアーでは手にグローブか軍手を持参すれば更に安心ですね。
先頭と最後尾にライトを持ったガイドさんが常に状況を見てくれていて、とても安心しました。石垣島の大自然を体験するのならこのツアーはおすすめです。とても良い思い出になりました。

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。

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。

Unfortunately, the weather was not great on the day, and we couldn't see the stars. During the jungle tour, our guide provided instructions and ensured our safety while also giving us various explanations, allowing us to enjoy the strong night jungle on our own. Later, the guide sent us photos and the names of the insects, making the follow-up perfect. The guide was polite, friendly, and professional, which made us feel at ease.

当日はあいにくの天気で星は見ることができませんでした。ジャングルツアーではガイドさんの指示の元、安全に気を使いつつ、色々解説もしてくださり、一人では強い夜のジャングルを楽しむことができました。後ほどガイドさんより写真とその虫の名前を送ってくださり、アフターフォローも完璧です。丁寧かつフレンドリーでプロフェッショナルなガイドさんで、安心してついていけました。

I was able to see everything I wanted to see (the starry sky, coconut crabs, and fireflies)! I was able to take my time taking photos of the starry sky and lay on the beach to enjoy the view. The staff worked hard to find the coconut crabs until we spotted them. Their stories were very interesting, and thanks to their excellent communication skills, I was able to enjoy my time with the other participants. I got to see many unique creatures that are typical of tropical regions, and honestly, I think I would have been satisfied even if I hadn't seen the coconut crabs or fireflies! The tour was packed with activities, and although it was supposed to be a two-hour tour, it actually extended to three hours... haha. Just be mindful of your plans for that night and the next day, as well as the restroom situation.

見たいと思っていたもの（星空、ヤシガニ、ホタル）が全部見れました！
星空はゆっくり写真を撮らせていただけて、浜に寝っ転がって眺めることができたし、ヤシガニは見つかるまでスタッフさんが必死で探してくださいました。
スタッフさんのお話がとてもおもしろく、コミュニケーションも上手にコントロールしていただいたおかげで他の同行者の方々とも楽しく過ごせて、南国ならではのしらない生物もたくさん見ることができ、正直ヤシガニやホタルが見えなくても満足できたと思います！！！
もりだくさんすぎて2時間のツアーでしたが実質3時間に延長…笑
当日の夜や翌日の予定と、トイレだけ要注意です。