An island of pristine nature with a mermaid legend
What is Aragusuku Island (Panari Island), one of the most unexplored islands?

【石垣島発着】新城島（パナリ島）ツアー

Aragusukujima, a still undiscovered and unexplored island, is known in the local dialect as "Aragusuku Island.Panari IslandIt is called

Currently living on the island areAbout 15 peopleThe island is a beautiful, unexplored island in its own right. The clear waters and pristine nature known as "Panari blue" are beautiful enough in themselves to be worthy of a secluded island.

For those who...

◆If you would like to visit Panari Island
◆Those looking for Panari Island (Aragusuku Island) tours
◆Half day / Full day for those who want to enjoy Panari Island
◆First time snorkelers
For those who go to Panari Island by day trip from Ishigaki Island

In this issue, we introduce the charm of Aragusuku Island (Panari Island) and recommended tours!

What kind of remote island is Aragusuku Island (Panari Island)?

The Churaumi Sea, known as "Panari Blue

新城島（パナリ島）ってどんな離島？

Panari Island boasts one of the clearest waters in the Yaeyama Islands. Why not take a peek into the marine world where colorful tropical fish and coral reefs live?

The entire island is designated as "Iriomote Ishigaki National Park!

新城島（パナリ島）ってどんな離島？

The entire island is included in the "Iriomote-Ishigaki National Park" and is rich in nature.

Untouched nature still remains. Highly recommended for those who want to enjoy an extraordinary life in a relaxed manner!

Panari Island," also known as "the island of mysteries.
Dugongs once inhabited the area!

【石垣島発着】新城島（パナリ島）ツアー

Panari Island used to be famous as a spot where many dugongs lived, but their numbers have decreased due to the continuous delivery of dugong meat to the Kingdom of the Ryukyus, and now dugongs can no longer be seen...

There is also a shrine dedicated to the dugong on Panari Island, which is also recognized as the island of the "Legend of the Doll."

From/to Ishigaki Island
See popular Panari Island (Aragusuku Island) tours

From/to Iriomote Island
See popular Panari Island (Aragusuku Island) tours

Access to Aragusuku Island (Panari Island)

Tours are required to visit Aragusuku Island (Panari Island)!

新城島（パナリ島）のアクセス方法

Access to Aragusuku Island (Panari Island) is possible because there are no regular shipping routes.Take a touris common.

Access from Ishigaki Island to Aragusuku Island (Panari Island)
The tour to Aragusuku Island (Panari Island) will be operated from Ishigaki Port Remote Islands Terminal to Aragusuku Island. (about 30 minutes)

◆Access from Iriomote Island to Aragusuku Island (Panari Island)
The boat will sail from Ishigaki Port Remote Islands Terminal to Iriomote Island and from Iriomote Island to Aragusuku Island. (about 15 minutes)

From/to Ishigaki Island
See popular Panari Island (Aragusuku Island) tours

From/to Iriomote Island
See popular Panari Island (Aragusuku Island) tours

What are the legends and secret festivals of Aragusuku Island (Panari Island)?

新城島（パナリ島）の伝説や秘祭とは

It is said that long ago, during the Ryukyu Dynasty, many dugongs inhabited the Yaeyama Islands, especially around Panari Island.

The Ryukyu royal government of the time ordered the residents of Panari Island to capture dugongs and donate their meat, skin, and oil, and as a result of overhunting, the dugongs disappeared.

Today, Kamiji Island is home to a "dugong bone shrine" that enshrines the bones of a dugong from that time.Higashi Utaki (A-ri-uta-maki)It is also called the mermaid shrine because it has a "mermaid shrine.

Recommended Marine Sports on Aragusuku Island (Panari Island)

Explore Panari Island

新城島（パナリ島）のおすすめマリンスポーツ

There are several off-limits areas on Panari Island, and there are some situations where only locals can make decisions.

If you take a tour, you will be able to spend valuable time with a local guide who will show you around the island, which is something that only a local guide can do.â

A guide from Panari Island (Aragusuku Island) guides you around "Panari Island" where the legend of mermaids remains.開始時間8:30-17:40所要時間Approx. 8 hours12,000 yen

A guide from Panari Island (Aragusuku Island) will lead you on a walking & snorkeling tour to "Panari Island" where a mermaid legend remains (No.386)開始時間8:30-17:40所要時間Approx. 8 hours12,500 yen

snorkeling

新城島（パナリ島）のおすすめマリンスポーツ

The waters around Panari Island are so clear that colorful corals and fish shadows can be seen even from the sea!

Snorkeling is an easy activity to try even for those who are not good swimmers or beginners. We hope you will experience the "Panari Blue.

Snorkeling tour to "Panari Island" where the legend of mermaids remains, accessible only by tour (from 2 years old, lunch included), guided by an experienced guide (No.547)開始時間9:00-16:30所要時間Approx. 7.5 hours12,000 yen

Fishing & Snorkeling Tour with a Mermaid Legend on "Panari Island"★Popular Set! Fishing & Snorkeling Tour ★ Izakaya cooking available (No.549)開始時間9:00-16:30所要時間Approx. 7.5 hours15,000 yen

Experience Diving

新城島（パナリ島）のおすすめマリンスポーツ

Experience diving, which goes deeper than snorkeling, does not require a license, and anyone can try it.

The guides will support you well, so even if you are a first-timer, you don't have to worry! The diving spots on Panari Island are like a dragon's palace under the sea.

Ishigaki Island / Aragusuku Island / 1 Day] A special experience at "Panari Island" where the legend of mermaid remains! Experience Diving Tour with Lunch (No.548)開始時間9:00-16:30所要時間Approx. 7.5 hours16,000 yen

The legend of mermaid remains in "Panari Island"☆Beginners are welcome! Fishing & Diving Tour ★ Izakaya Cooking Available (No.550)開始時間9:00-16:30所要時間Approx. 7.5 hours19,000 yen

fishing

新城島（パナリ島）のおすすめマリンスポーツ

The style of fishing done on Panari Island is simple "Gomoku fishing". Even children who have never fished before can experience it.

The captain will support you, so please feel free to join us... ♪

The legend of mermaid remains in "Panari Island"☆Beginners are welcome! Fishing & Diving Tour ★ Izakaya Cooking Available (No.550)開始時間9:00-16:30所要時間Approx. 7.5 hours19,000 yen

From/to Ishigaki Island
See popular Panari Island (Aragusuku Island) tours

From/to Iriomote Island
See popular Panari Island (Aragusuku Island) tours

Recommended Tour of Aragusuku Island (Panari Island)

Guided by a guide from Panari Island (Aragusuku Island)
Panari Island Walking & Snorkeling Tour

新城島（パナリ島）のおすすめツアー

This is a full day tour to "Panari Island" in the unexplored region of Yaeyama, where you can snorkel and explore the island.

You will have the rare experience of being guided by a guide who is from Panari Island (Aragusuku Island)!

⬇︎ Click here for Panari Island walking only course.

A guide from Panari Island (Aragusuku Island) guides you around "Panari Island" where the legend of mermaids remains.開始時間8:30-17:40所要時間Approx. 8 hours12,000 yen

A special experience on Panari Island, the legendary mermaid island
Snorkeling tour for children from 2 years old!

新城島（パナリ島）のおすすめツアー

Recommended for children's snorkeling debut!

If you are a first time diver or a bad swimmer, don't worry, we will take you to the point by boat after practicing on the ground where you can stand on your feet.

Click here for a course that includes ⬇︎ fishing

Beginners welcome! Experience Diving Tour

新城島（パナリ島）のおすすめツアー

First, snorkelers can familiarize themselves by snorkeling at a beach where they can stand on their own feet, so first-timers and those who are not confident swimmers can feel at ease in Panari's waters!

The diving spots on Panari Island are like a dragon's palace underwater world.

⬇︎ Click here for a course that includes fishing

The legend of mermaid remains in "Panari Island"☆Beginners are welcome! Fishing & Diving Tour ★ Izakaya Cooking Available (No.550)開始時間9:00-16:30所要時間Approx. 7.5 hours19,000 yen

From/to Ishigaki Island
See popular Panari Island (Aragusuku Island) tours

From/to Iriomote Island
See popular Panari Island (Aragusuku Island) tours

Popular Tourist Spots in Aragusuku Island (Panari Island)

Kamiji Island] Kita-no-hama

新城島（パナリ島）の人気観光スポット

The main beach on Panari Island (Aragusuku Island) is "Kita no Hama" on this island of Kamiji. The beach has beautiful Panari blue waters, and the shallow waters make it safe for small children to play!

Since there are "Gogan" and other prohibitions against entry on the way to the north beach, it is recommended to ask for permission if islanders are present.

Kamiji Island] Kuinupana

新城島（パナリ島）の人気観光スポット

Kuinupana is the only observation point on Panari Island (Aragusuku Island).

If the weather is fine, you can see Iriomote Island in front of you and Shimoji Island on your left, and enjoy the scenery that symbolizes Panari Island (Aragusuku Island) ☆.

Koijigahama Beach

新城島（パナリ島）の人気観光スポット

This beach is located near the port of Kamiji Island, one of the two Aragusuku Islands.

There are some Utaki in the area that are off-limits, so be sure to go with a tour guide.

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)

新城島（パナリ島）の注意事項

Panari Island (Aragusuku Island), with its pristine nature, still has its own culture and rules.

Be aware that some places, even tourist attractions, are sacred to locals and prohibited for photography.

Notes on Aragusuku Island (Panari Island)

◆No hanging around in swimsuits.
◆not enter the property of the house
◆No animals or plants shall be collected
◆Take your trash with you.

From/to Ishigaki Island
See popular Panari Island (Aragusuku Island) tours

From/to Iriomote Island
See popular Panari Island (Aragusuku Island) tours

Aragusuku Island (Panari Island) Tour FAQ

Q. What is the population of Panari Island?

The population of the island is around 15 to 20 people.

Q. Is the mermaid legend of Okinawa off limits?

Also known as the "Mermaid Shrine," it is a sacred area where tourists and even islanders are not allowed to enter or take pictures except for events.

Q. How far is it from Ishigaki Island to Panari Island?

It takes about 30 minutes by ferry from Ishigaki Island. You cannot go there by yourself, so you must join a tour!

New experiences of Aragusuku Island (Panari Island) Tour

Fishing & Snorkeling Tour with a Mermaid Legend on "Panari Island"★Popular Set! Fishing & Snorkeling Tour ★ Izakaya cooking available (No.549)

User_pisq / 20s Posted on 2025-12

The fishing and snorkeling tour on Aragusuku Island was great! We were impressed by the beautiful waters and abundant fish of Panari Island. We had the fish we caught cooked at a pub and enjoyed the fresh taste. The staff was friendly and helpful, and I would like to go back again!

A guide from Panari Island (Aragusuku Island) guides you around "Panari Island" where the legend of mermaids remains.

User_ouff / 20s Posted on 2025-12

The walking tour of Panari Island was great! With a local guide, we enjoyed the beautiful nature while being exposed to legends. I was especially happy to have free time to spend at my own pace. Lunch was also delicious! I would definitely like to return.

Snorkeling tour to "Panari Island" where the legend of mermaids remains, accessible only by tour (from 2 years old, lunch included), guided by an experienced guide (No.547)

User_wptc / 50s Posted on 2025-12

We took a snorkeling tour of Panari Island. We were impressed by the crystal clear waters and had a great encounter with colorful fish! The lunch was delicious and the guide was very attentive to our needs. 2 year old grandson was very happy too. I would like to go again!

Ishigaki Island / Aragusuku Island / 1 Day] A special experience at "Panari Island" where the legend of mermaid remains! Experience Diving Tour with Lunch (No.548)

User_mfqb / 30's Posted on 2025-12

Diving at Panari Island was fantastic! Even though I was a beginner, I was carefully guided and the feeling of swimming with colorful fish was a memory that will last a lifetime. The lunch was delicious and the attentiveness of the staff was delightful. I would definitely go back!

A guide from Panari Island (Aragusuku Island) will lead you on a walking & snorkeling tour to "Panari Island" where a mermaid legend remains (No.386)

Wild Boar Society / 50s Posted on 2025-11

This was my third time on Ishigaki Island and I had the most fulfilling day ever! （We had the most relaxing day ever!) There were only 5 of us on the island that day and we enjoyed walking around the island and snorkeling in the quiet environment. We enjoyed walking around the island and snorkeling in a quiet environment, The staff at Ishigaki Port was very attentive and guided us to Aragusuku Island without any worries. I would like to visit again!

Snorkeling tour to "Panari Island" where the legend of mermaids remains, accessible only by tour (from 2 years old, lunch included), guided by an experienced guide (No.547)

Hironamie / 40s Posted on 2025-11

I participated with my preschooler. At first I thought we would practice in shallow water, but suddenly we started out out of reach! This was my child's first time snorkeling. I was nervous about whether he would be able to jump into the water where he couldn't reach his feet, but the staff was very kind and my child felt comfortable and was able to get into the water smoothly. The staff was very kind and made my child feel comfortable, so he was able to get into the water smoothly. It must have been very difficult, but the staff did their best to escort my child without making any unpleasant faces. Thanks to them, adults were able to enjoy themselves as much as possible. I can only express my gratitude. Unfortunately, I got seasick after lunch and could not see the sea turtles on Kuroshima, but my husband and child had a great time seeing them. The staff even dived close to the turtles and took pictures of them. We had lunch on a deserted island. There were a lot of hermit crabs walking around on the deserted island, and the kids were very excited about that too! They seemed to have a lot of fun! The service was excellent, with boxed lunches and mugicha (barley tea) provided. I am very satisfied with this quality for this price! We would like to have another tour if there is another opportunity. Thank you very much.