Let's go to Okinawa's most unexplored island, Aragusuku Island (Panari Island)! How to get there, what to do, and recommended tours!
Table of Contents
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 inhabitants live on Kamiji Island, while Shimoji Island is dominated by ranches.
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!
There is no regular boat service to Panari Island.Must take a tourIt is.
Visitors 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.
Outside of the village, the island is covered with nature-filled forests, and a stroll through the tranquil atmosphere is recommended!
↓Click here for popular Panari Island sightseeing tours.
Panari Island is the island where dugongs once existed?
The dugong is said to be the model for mermaids. They used to be abundant in Yaeyama and were frequently seen in the sea of Iriomotejima and Aragusukujima.
Aragusuku Island (Panari Island) was the place where the most dugongs were captured.Therefore, the islanders were ordered by the Ryukyu royal government to offer dugong meat.
The captured dugongs were processed by boiling the skin and meat and exposing them to sunlight, and it is said that they were valued by the royal family as a miracle drug for easy childbirth.
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
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.
There is only one lodging facility on the island, called "Shinshiro Panari Island Lodging House," but advance notice is required if you wish to stay overnight.
From/to Ishigaki Island
See popular Panari Island (Aragusuku Island) tours
From/to Iriomote Island
See popular Panari Island (Aragusuku Island) tours
Notes on Aragusuku Island (Panari Island)
◆Omiya (Utaki) is a sacred place that is cherished and respected by the islanders. It is absolutely prohibited to enter without permission or to take pictures.
◆Since Aragusuku Island is also the place where the islanders live, it is forbidden to walk around in swimsuits or enter private homes without permission.
◆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)
There are many areas within Aragusuku Island (Panari Island) that are off limits!
We will show you the sights, but be sure to follow your tour guide.
↓Learn more about Panari Island
Check out more sightseeing plans for Panari Island from Ishigaki Island!
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 and Iriomote.
You can taste the gradation of the ocean that covers Panari Island.
⬇︎Learn more about Quinupana: ⬇︎
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 beautiful beach, where sea turtles come to lay their eggs, is the most beautiful on Panari Island.
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.
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!
⬇︎Learn more about Koijigahama: ⬇︎
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.
It had the role of notifying the Ryukyu Kingdom when foreign ships arrived. 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.
⬇︎Learn more about Takanik: ⬇︎
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.
⬇︎Learn more about Hateruma Muri: ⬇︎
Enjoy Aragusuku Island (Panari Island) to the fullest!
Recommended Activities
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
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.
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.
Snorkeling
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.
4) Experience Diving
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.
(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!
Xiphophora (class of pufferfish)
(Amifuki, Hamafuki, etc.)
○Gurukul
○Kawahagi
spottedtail morwong (Goniistius zonatus)
Bonito.
○Aji (gara)
XXIV, etc.
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
