Japan’s Taboo Areas! What is Panari Island, where entry is prohibited?

 There are some places in Japan where entry is restricted due to their creepy nature or cultural significance. One of them is Panari Island, which is especially known for its mystery. This island is another name for Aragusuku Island, which belongs to the Yaeyama Islands, and consists of two small islands, Kamiji Island and Shimoji Island. In this article, we will introduce the history, attractions, and reasons for the entry prohibition of Panari Island.

The history of Panari Island

Panari Island has been an important place for the people of the Yaeyama Islands since ancient times. In the 15th century, people who drifted from Korea landed on this island, and their records were recorded in the “Annals of the Joseon Dynasty”. From the 17th to the 19th centuries, pottery called Panari-yaki, which was unglazed pottery, was produced and circulated throughout the Yaeyama Islands. Also, during the Ryukyu Kingdom era, they offered dried meat of dugongs (manatees) as part of the head tax to the Ryukyu royal government. Dugongs are said to be the origin of mermaid legends.

The attractions of Panari Island

Panari Island has many attractions that are rich in nature and culture. One of the most famous ones is the shrine called “Mermaid Shrine”. This shrine is said to preserve the skull of a dugong, and is associated with mermaids. Tourists are prohibited from entering, and taking photos or recordings is strictly forbidden.

Panari Island also has sacred places and festivals called “The Path of God”. Among them, there is a festival called “Akamata and Kuromata Turn Future”. This festival is based on a legend of a red snake and a black snake fighting, and is held on Kamiji Island every year on March 3rd of the lunar calendar. This day is “women prohibited”, and only men can participate.

The reason for the entry prohibition to Panari Island

Panari Island is a mysterious and culturally important island, so shooting and recording by the general public and media are restricted. The people of the island refuse interference from outside to protect the nature and tradition of the island. Also, the population of the island is only about 10 people. Therefore, entry is prohibited to avoid disturbing the life and order of the island.

You can go to Panari Island by high-speed boat from Ishigaki Island or Iriomote Island, but you can’t usually land there. You can only land for the first time by participating in a tour called Panari Island Tourism. In this tour, staff from Panari Island will guide you through snorkeling and island exploration. However, you cannot enter the sanctuary such as Mermaid Shrine or The Path of God.

Summary

Panari Island is a mysterious island known as one of Japan’s taboo areas. It has its own culture and tradition, such as Mermaid Shrine related to dugongs and mermaid legends, and a festival where a red snake and a black snake fight. However, shooting and recording by the general public and media are restricted to protect the nature and culture of the island, and entry is also prohibited. You can only land on Panari Island by participating in a tour called Panari Island Tourism, but you cannot enter the sanctuary. Panari Island shows that some places are still mysterious and culturally important in an information society, so shooting and recording by the general public and media are restricted.