What kind of island is Aragusuku Island (Panari Island)? How to get there, how to play, and recommended tours.
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What is Aragusuku Island (Panari Island)?
Aragusukujima consists of two islands, Kamijijima and Shimojijima. It is also called "Panari (away)" in the dialect.
The two islands are only 400 meters apart. Most of the inhabitants areUechijima Island (in Kyoto)He lives in theShimochijima Islandis a pasture spreading out.
The pristine coral reefs spread out in the sea in front of the harbor and beach, and are said to be No. 1 in Yaeyama in terms of beauty!
Those who would like to visit a quiet remote island with few tourists.
Those interested in the nature and traditional culture of Aragusuku Island (Panari Island)
◆For those who want to know how to get to Aragusuku Island (Panari Island), how to enjoy it, and how to make an efficient sightseeing plan.
On Aragusuku Island (Panari Island), you can take a leisurely stroll on Kamiji Island, where old traditions and nature coexist, and enjoy the beautiful ocean and the spectacular views from the coastline.
This article introduces Aragusuku Island (Panari Island)!
From/to Ishigaki Island
See popular Panari Island (Aragusuku Island) tours
From/to Iriomote Island
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Panari Island is the island where mermaids (dugong) were found?
On Panari Island (Aragusuku Island), there is a "mermaid legend" that tells of a dugong that was presented to the Ryukyu Dynasty.
The dugong swimming looked like a mermaid.However, the number of dugongs has decreased and they can no longer be seen around the Yaeyama Islands.
Please note that due to the sacred nature of the place, only priests are allowed to enter and take pictures, so please be careful when visiting.
In the old days, captured dugongs were processed by boiling the skin and meat and exposing them to sunlight.
Dugongs were known to inhabit the area until around the early Showa period, but have not been sighted since then.
How to get to Aragusuku Island (Panari Island) from Ishigaki Island
It is 24 km from Ishigaki Port and takes about 35 minutes by boat.
However, there is no regular boat service to Panari Island.Must take a tourIt is.
In principle, individuals are not allowed to enter the island. In addition, Aragusuku Island is a small islandMany places you are not allowed to enter.So, listen carefully to the explanation of the local guide.
Tour fees are generally about 10,000 yen for tours departing from Ishigaki Island and Iriomote Island.
◆Activities (examples): island walks, snorkeling, diving, fishing, etc.
There are no stores on Panari Island.If you are planning to take a noon tour, be sure to check if lunch is included or not!
The island is called "Shinshiro Panari Island Lodging House.There is only one accommodationbut if you wish to stay overnight, you must contact the hotel in advance.
From/to Ishigaki Island
See popular Panari Island (Aragusuku Island) tours
From/to Iriomote Island
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Notes on Aragusuku Island (Panari Island)
◆Omiya (Utaki)is a sacred place that is cherished by the islanders out of respect for their gods. It is absolutely forbidden to enter without permission or to take pictures.
◆Since Aragusuku Island is also a normal place for islanders to live,No one is allowed to walk around in swimsuits or enter private property without permission.It is.
◆It is also prohibited to bring back plants and animals that inhabit the island and to leave garbage on the island.
◆ Camping or camping on the beach is also prohibited.
Popular Tourist Spots in Aragusuku Island (Panari Island)
Within Aragusuku Island (Panari Island) are,Lots of areas that are off limits.We are here to show you the sights! We will show you the sights, but be sure to follow your tour guide.
Kamiji Island] Kuinupana
Quinupana" has the best view on the island. The view from Quinupana, a high point west of the pier on Kamiji Island, is one of the most iconic views of Aragusuku Island.
Kui" is the name of the place and "Pana" means tip. On a fine day, you can see all the surrounding islands such as Ishigaki Island and Iriomote Island.
Address：Kamiji Island, Aragusuku Island
Access: about 2 minutes walk from Kamiji Port (tour participation required)
Kamiji Island] Kita-no-hama
The beach is so pristine and beautiful that sea turtles come here. The waters here are crystal clear, and a variety of coral reefs and tropical fish can be seen, including "eda coral" and "table coral.
The beach is so nice and clean that even sea turtles come to lay eggs.The No. 1 beauty of Panari IslandIt is.
It seems that going to the north beach is not prohibited, but there are "ogan" and other areas along the way that are off-limits, so it is best to say no if there are islanders there.
Address：Kamiji Island, Aragusuku Island
Access: within walking distance from Kamiji Port (tour participation required)
Koijigahama Beach
It has the atmosphere of a private beach, with very few tourists.Very quiet beach in a hole.It is.
It is located on the west side of Quinupana. Surrounded by rocks, you will be able to relax and enjoy your own island time.
The spectacular view from here is a must-see spot at least once!
Address：Kamiji Island, Aragusuku Island
Access: within walking distance from Kamiji Port (tour participation required)
Kamiji Island] Takaniku (Sakishima Islands Fire Watch)
Takanik" is one of a group of ruins of a remote watchtower known as Sakishima Islands Hibanmui, located in the northern part of the inhabited settlement of Kamiji Island.
For the defense of the islandImportant lookoutsAs a "kai", it had the role of notifying the Ryukyu Kingdom when foreign ships came to the area. Although not very high, the view from here is amazing, and you can enjoy such a beautiful view that you can see corals on the bottom of the sea.
Take in the spectacular view of the once exotic ships.
Address：Kamiji Island, Aragusuku Island
Access: within walking distance from Kamiji Port (tour participation required)
Shimoji Island] Hateruma Muri (Sakishima Islands Hibanzori)
Source:4travel
Sakishima Islands Hibanzori is located on the south side of Shimoji Island, opposite Takanik. This one is difficult to find as it is located in Panari Ranch and there are no signposts.
The stone walls, which must have been used in the past, and the unused grass and trees that have grown up since then, even give the appearance of ruins. The Panari Ranch can also be viewed from here.
Address: Shimoji Island, Aragusuku Island
Access: Tour participation required
Shimoji Island] Panari Farm
A vast ranch where hundreds of cows graze. Visitors can feel the nature and animals of Shimoji Island up close.
Address: Shimoji Island, Aragusuku Island
Access: Tour participation required
Enjoy Aragusuku Island (Panari Island) to the fullest!
Recommended Activity Tours
Join an activity tour to Panari Island, a "mysterious island" that you should visit at least once in your life!
Here are some recommended tours to be held on Aragusuku Island (Panari Island) with experienced local guides.
(1) Snorkeling & island walking tour
Recommended for those who want to enjoy both the sea and walking around Panari Island! The standard course is to enjoy snorkeling in the morning and explore the sights of Panari Island in the afternoon.
Enjoy the pristine coral and the private, uninhabited island-like setting.
⬇︎ Click here for Panari Island Snorkeling & Walking Tour to/from Ishigaki Island
From/to Iriomote Island
See popular Panari Island (Aragusuku Island) tours
(2) Panari Island (Aragusuku Island) walk only
Recommended for travelers traveling with children and the elderly.! You can take a leisurely stroll and learn about the history of Panari Island, known for its mermaid legends and its last unexplored island, from a local guide.
It is a perfect place to experience the charm of a remote island different from Ishigaki Island! Because it is not developed for sightseeing, you can feel more remote island atmosphere in the village than Taketomi Island.
⬇︎ Click here for Panari Island walking only tours to/from Ishigaki Island.
Snorkeling tour
Especially the lagoon between Kamijishima and Shimojijima,
Other famous points of interest include the Panari Dragon Palace, and we will take you to the best point of the day for your enjoyment!
If you are new to snorkeling or are not a good swimmer, don't worry, we will practice on the beach entry where you can stand on your feet before you try boat entry snorkeling.
⬇︎ Click here for Panari Island snorkeling tours to/from Ishigaki Island.
4) Experience Diving Tour
The dive sites by boat are around 3 meters deep and have no current, making it safe and easy for anyone to enjoy to the fullest.
The myriad coral formations and tropical fish dancing in the water are like a dragon's palace, and will surely create an unforgettable memory!
First, snorkeling is done on a beach where you can stand on your feet to get accustomed to snorkeling, so first-timers and those who are not confident swimmers can experience Panari's ocean with no worries.
⬇︎ Click here for Panari Island diving tours to/from Ishigaki Island
(5) Fishing
Panari Island has amazing fishing!
Why not join and enjoy a fishing course combined with snorkeling or experience diving?
If you are a first timer, don't worry, our guides will give you full support!
Mantellidae
(Amifuki, Hamafuki, etc.)
◆Gurukul
◆カワハギ
◆◆◆
◆ ◆ bonito (Katsuo sardine)
◆Aji (Gara)
◆ ◆ Tibiki, etc.
⬇︎ Click here for Panari Island Diving & Fishing Tours to/from Ishigaki Island
summary
Aragusuku Island (Panari Island), with its mermaid legend, is a remote island still full of a sense of seclusion.
It is one of the few islands that have not been turned into a tourist destination and still remain in their natural state. In order to protect Aragusuku Island (Panari Island), please follow the unique rules of the island and enjoy sightseeing!
From/to Ishigaki Island
See popular Panari Island (Aragusuku Island) tours
From/to Iriomote Island
See popular Panari Island (Aragusuku Island) tours
