What is Panari Island?
Aragusuku Island, also known as “Panari Island,” is a small remote island with only a few people.
Of course, you can enjoy the great nature on Ishigaki Island, but Panari Island, which retains the original landscape of old Okinawa, has the best ocean clarity and atmosphere.
Panari Island can be reached in a day trip by taking a tour departing from Ishigaki Island, and it is highly recommended for those who want to go deeper into the island.
Aragusuku Island is also called Panari Island, from the Okinawan dialect word “Panari,” meaning “away.”
The island consists of two adjacent islands, Kamijima and Shimojijima, and the name “Aragusukujima” is a collective name for them.
It is a small island with an area of only 3 square kilometers.
How to get to Panari Island
There is no regular boat service to Aragusuku Island, and the only way to get there is to take a tour to/from Ishigaki, Kohama, or Iriomote Islands.
Because tourists can only visit the island individually on tour, it is an unexplored region that retains its old scenery.
On this island, you can enjoy the beauty of nature even more than on Ishigaki Island.
Why don’t you visit Panari Island, where magnificent nature remains?
Clothing and personal belongings for Panari Island Tour
What to Wear on Panari Island Tour
| Summer | swimsuit, sandals, rash guard, leggings, etc. |
| Winter | swimsuit (worn inside a wetsuit), sandals, thick clothes that can get wet (to wear while transporting), etc. |
What to bring on your Panari Island Tour
| Things to bring | sunscreen, sunglasses, drink, towel, change of clothes, seasickness medicine (only if necessary) |
What you can enjoy on Panari Island Tour
Walking around the island
This is a top-rated tour because there is still much-untouched nature on the island, and you can enjoy nature with a guide who lives there.
You will see bougainvillea blooming everywhere on the island and enjoy seeing how traditional Okinawan houses are made.
Various parts of Panari Island are privately owned and may be off-limits, so following the guide’s directions is essential.
Snorkeling
The sea of Panari Island is a famous snorkeling spot because of the colorful coral and tropical fish that can be found close to the beach.
This is also an excellent place for family trips, as even small children can enjoy snorkeling on the beach.
Diving
The ocean of Panari Island is less crowded than Ishigaki Island, so the coral reefs and tropical fish remain untouched.
It is especially recommended for those who want to dive into the ocean with fewer tourists.
Fishing
Fishing tours are top-rated in the waters around Panari Island.
You can catch much colorful tropical fish.
Since fishing is so easy, even small children can enjoy it.
