Aragusuku Island - Takanik (Sakishima Islands Fire Watch)
Early reservations are recommended as they fill up quickly.
◆Tuk-tuks and electric trikes are also popular!
What is Takaniku (Hibanomori of the Sakishima Islands)?
Hibanomori in the Sakishima Islands is called “Takaniku” in the local dialect and is located north of the Uejima settlement on Panari Island (Shinjo Island).
This is one of a group of sites that served as lookout posts established in 1644—during the period of national isolation—by the Ryukyu Royal Court, which was under the control of the Satsuma Domain, to monitor maritime traffic and send signals (beacon fires).
Since there are no regular ferry routes to Panari Island (Shinjo Island) or Uejima Island, it is extremely difficult to get there on your own.
How to Get to Kaniku
There are no regular ferry services from the other islands to Shinshō Island, so you’ll need to take a tour to get there.
After arriving at the port, walk about three minutes to the left with the village straight ahead, and you'll arrive.
Details on Takaniku
Takaniku is one of a group of watchtower sites also known as the Sakishima Islands Hibanmui. It was established in 1664 at the westernmost tip of the island by the Satsuma Domain, which had the Ryukyu Kingdom as a vassal state.
It was built to intercept trade ships and enemy vessels traveling to and from the various islands of the Yaeyama archipelago, as well as to monitor sea conditions.
Since Shinjōjima is geographically the highest point in China, its main roles were to inspect foreign ships and serve as a communication hub between the Sakishima Islands.
On the communication network, the fire watchmen on each island raised smoke signals to send the alert.
Takaniku, which served as such a lookout post, is a tower built by stacking Ryukyu limestone in a spiral pattern like a seashell, featuring a design characteristic of the Yaeyama Islands.
In 2007, 13 islands and 18 fire watchtowers were designated as historic sites.
In addition, since it is located on a small hill with an unobstructed view of the ocean, you can enjoy the beautiful scenery.
Since it is located along the west coast of Uejima Island, you can enjoy beautiful sunsets as the sun sinks below the horizon.
Shinjo Island, home to Takaniku, is located between Iriomote Island and Kuro Island in the Yaeyama Islands and is also known as Panari Island.
"Panari" means "detached house" in the Yaeyama dialect.
Shinjo Island consists of two islands, Kamiji Island and Shimoji Island, and I believe it was named because these two islands are separated from each other.
Takaniku is a fire watchtower on Uejima Island in the Sakishima Islands, and since there’s also a fire watchtower on Shimojima Island, it’s a good idea to visit both.
However, since there are no regular ferries to Panari Island, you must join a tour to get there.
For that reason, it’s a good idea to let your guide know in advance which places you’d like to visit.
Recommended Sightseeing Spots Near Takaniku
Kuinupana
Kuinupana is a hill located about a 5-minute walk to the right after arriving at the port.
The name "Kuinuana" comes from "Kui," meaning "high ground," and "Pana," meaning "edge"; when combined, they mean "the edge of the high ground."
In addition, “Kuinupana” also means “flower of love,” making it a perfect name for Kuinupana, which offers beautiful views.
At the top of the stone steps is an observation deck offering a panoramic view of Iriomote Island and Shimoji Island, as well as the crystal-clear Panari Blue waters stretching out below.
Location: Shinshiro, Taketomi Town, Yaeyama District, Okinawa Prefecture
Directions: A 2-minute walk from Uechi Port
Parking: None
Meals (nearby): None
Toilet: None
northern beach
Kitagahama is the largest beach on Uejima Island, located about a 5-minute walk from Uejima Port.
The area boasts unspoiled nature, and the crystal-clear waters of Panari Blue are home to dense colonies of branching and table corals.
Of course, there’s also an abundance of tropical fish, and you can even encounter the clownfish made famous by the Disney movie *Finding Nemo*.
It is a beautiful natural beach—so beautiful that sea turtles visit every year to lay their eggs—and is considered one of the most beautiful beaches in the Yaeyama Islands.
The contrast between the white sand beach and the crystal-clear water is absolutely stunning, so be sure to take some time to just relax and enjoy the scenery—not just for snorkeling.
Location: 180 Shinshiro, Taketomi Town, Yaeyama County
Access: 5 min. walk from the port
Parking: None
Meals (nearby): None
Toilet: None
sweet potato (any of a number of different cultivars with red skin)
Koijigahama is a small beach about 10 meters long, located about a 3-minute walk south of Uejijima.
It is a sandy beach with shallow waters where there are almost no corals or tropical fish.
For that reason, it’s not ideal for snorkeling, but it’s great for swimming, beachcombing, and taking photos.
However, please be mindful that there are places nearby—such as Ontake—where photography and entry are prohibited, so let’s enjoy ourselves while keeping that in mind.
Location: 180 Shinshiro, Taketomi Town, Yaeyama County
Access: 3 minutes walk from the port
Parking: None
Meals (nearby): None
Toilet: None
Details on Takaniku (Hibanomori, Sakishima Islands)
| Location | 180 Shinshiro, Taketomi Town, Yaeyama District, Okinawa Prefecture (in Japanese history)View in MAP) |
| Access | - |
| parking lot | nashi (Pyrus pyrifolia, esp. var. culta) |
| toilet | nashi (Pyrus pyrifolia, esp. var. culta) |
| Business Hours | - |
To Aragusuku Island (Panari Island)! How to get there, how to play, and a list of recommendations
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Ishigaki Island Tours
To the list of ←Shinshiro Island (Panari Island) basic information and recommendations
