Okinawa Main Island Private Tours & Local Tour Guides
Discover Things to Do and Plan a Trip to Okinawa Main Island, Japan with a Local Guide
Popular Okinawa Main Island Tour Guides
Tateo U.
4.98 / 5
(91 reviews)
Japan
My name is Tateo. I am officially registerd English tour guide and introducing about Okinawa's history,culture, and nature.I am elderly person but have gone through lots of expericences that happened during US occupation after WW2. For the example, change of monetary system(US dollar to Yen),Change of traffic regulation(driving vehicle from right to left).The reversion of Okinawa to main land Japan was biggest historical event.The US administered Okinawa for 27 years. As a result, thing were Americanized in many aspects. Historically, Okinawa was once independent nation until 1872.During Kingdum era, Okinawa actively traded with China, South Asia Countries, Korea, and Japan. In the end, our culture is quite differ much from main land Japan. For instance, architectural technique, daily customs, and culture are also unique. Okinawa is the only prefecture belong to subtropical climate zone. Even winter time, it's neither hot nor cold. People can enjoy marine sport all through the year.Canoeing, Kayaking, Diving, and Snorkeling are popular. Besides, beatiful white sand beaches and attractive coastline are abundant. Green sea water and blue sky have been lured people from all over the world. Traditional music and dance are worth seeing. Please visit Okinawa and enjoy extraordinary trip. I will be looking forward to seeing you soon.
Harry M.
5.00 / 5
(24 reviews)
Japan
Looking for a guide who truly knows Okinawa? With 15 years of experience in the field of science education in both Okinawa and Hawaiʻi, I now work as a guide-interpreter and edutainer (educator + entertainer) based in Okinawa. I use my educational background to create unique, engaging tours that help participants discover something new about Okinawa’s breathtaking natural beauty and rich cultural heritage. From exploring Okinawa’s diverse ecosystems, both on land and in the sea, to experiencing the traditions of Karate and the enchanting sounds of Okinawan Sanshin music, I’m passionate about sharing the best of Okinawa with you. If you’re ready for a tour that’s not only unforgettable but also filled with learning and discovery, let’s embark on this journey together! (I also offer guided tours of the Mt. Fuji area, my hometown. Additional transportation fees apply.) Guiding Fee (For up to 10 people): - 4 hours: ¥30,000 - 6 hours: ¥35,000 - 8 hours: ¥40,000 Guiding with Car Transportation (For up to 3 people): - Extra ¥10,000 (Includes gas, parking, and expressway fees)
Yukihiro(hero) N.
4.86 / 5
(7 reviews)
Japan
Hello, everyone!! My name is Yukihiro, call me "HERO". I'm eager to introduce this unique country, Japan to foreign guests. I am not a professional interpreter. I have retired from Japan Ground Self-Defense Force(JGSDF=Japanese Army) on March 2018. 大家好! 我名字叫xing2 bo2, 請叫我xing bo(行博)。我喜歡跟外國遊客分享這個很有意思的國家---日本國。我是個業餘的翻譯導遊, 不太專業, 在2018年3月我退休了日本陸上自衛隊(日本陸軍)。 I have spent most of my career as a Army NCO(Non-commissioned officer) . My job experiences are only in the military, but there are variety of specialties, so I didn't feel boredom. I lived in many places all over Japan, such as Hokkaido 10years, Chiba 15years, Okinawa 8years and more places. 我在軍隊當陸軍士官過了大部分的生活。我的工作經驗只在軍隊內,但是它有很多兵種和工作,所以我沒有膩了。我住過日本各地的很多地方,例如北海道10年,千葉縣15年,沖繩16年還有別的有些地方。 I am working for a half of month in Okinawa, and the rest of month in Nagasaki as a Triple Lights interpreter tour guide. 我一邊在沖繩縣大概半個月, 一邊在九州長崎周邊當Triple Lights的翻譯導游工作剩餘的月。 I am registered as a Okinawa prefectural interpreter tour guide (English & Chinese), but don't have a whole Japan certification. So I am brushing my skill up to get it. 我登記了沖繩縣的地域翻譯導遊(英/中文),可是沒有全國的。所以為了獲得全國導遊資格,我正在繼續學外語。 I speak English, Chinese (simplify & traditional) , no problem to guide you, not like a native though. 我會說英語和中文(簡/繁),作為您的導游沒問題,沒有母語的人那麼好。
Noriko Y.
4.91 / 5
(47 reviews)
Japan
Hi. I was a tour guide for Japanese speak in Japanese in main-land Japan around Tokyo. Now, I live in Okinawa for over ten years with my family. I wanted to be a tour guide for foreigners because I appreciate people's helps when I traveled around world. I traveled over seventy countries. I like traveling because I learn a lot from people who I meet. Finally, I got a certificate for being an English tour guide. I would like you to spend meaningful time in Okinawa. Okinawa has unique culture, they mixed Japanese and Chinese way, then, built up a new own culture. With limited time, I hope you enjoy seeing a lot and knowing a lot.
New Okinawa Main Island Tour Guides
Popular Okinawa Main Island Private Tours
Best of Okinawa
Okinawa Main Island
7 hours
A unique history and culture that related Kingdom era with present times. It was registered as a World Heritage Site in 2000. You can find and enjoy lively Okinawa and time-honored Okinawa.
FROM$199/ per group
Tateo U.
4.98 / 5
(91 reviews)
Deep Dive to Okinawa! - Edutainment Tour
Okinawa Main Island
8 hours
If you want to make your trip more fruitful than just suntanning at the beach, let's learn about the Okinawan unique culture, history, and nature. After grasping the basic information about Okinawa at a museum, I will take you to authentic historical/cultural assets where you can have a unique and unforgettable experience.
FROM$279/ per group
Harry M.
5.00 / 5
(24 reviews)
Explore WW2 war Sites of Battle of Okinawa
Okinawa Main Island
8 hours
Visit the WW2 war sites of Battle of Okinawa, such as the U.S. Forces landing place, main battle sites, the Japanese forces facilities or ruins, and Battle of Okinawa-related museum and so on. Pick you up and drop you off at designated place. Basic tour duration is 8 hours. My guiding rate is 5,000 JPY hourly(1-4 pax), 6,000 JPY hourly (5-8 pax), plus a Meet-up fee(guide's transportation to the meeting spot): 4,500 JPY. We use a suitable size rental car to travel around.
FROM$311/ per group
Yukihiro(hero) N.
4.86 / 5
(7 reviews)
World War Ⅱ history course
Okinawa Main Island
8 hours
The battle of Okinawa was the only ground battle of World War II in Japan, fought and went on for about three months. This is the course which you need to go about World War Ⅱ history.
FROM$206/ per group
Noriko Y.
4.91 / 5
(47 reviews)
New Okinawa Main Island Private Tours
Journey to the Birthplace! - Karate Heritage Tour
Okinawa Main Island
6 hours
Embark on a journey to the most significant sites in Okinawa, the birthplace of Karate, and explore the roots of this martial art. * The itinerary can be customized based on your specific Karate style. * For an additional fee of 10,000 yen, I can drive you on the tour (up to 3 people).
FROM$210/ per group
Harry M.
5.00 / 5
(24 reviews)
Tracing the Front Line! - WWII Battle of Okinawa Tour
Okinawa Main Island
2 days
The Battle of Okinawa was one of the bloodiest ground warfare in WWII. When U.S. troops landed on Okinawa island on April 1, 1945, there was little counterattack contrary to their expectations. This was because the Japanese strategy was to build strong underground positions in the southern part of the island and turn the fight into an endurance contest. From this day, the 3 months of fierce battles embroiling citizens began. In this tour, we will trace the front line of the battle in 2 days.
FROM$559/ per group
Harry M.
5.00 / 5
(24 reviews)
Feel the Energy of Nature! - Yambaru Eco Trekking Tour
Okinawa Main Island
4 hours
The World Natural Heritage Site, Yambaru, occupies only 0.1% of the Japanese land, but 1/4 of the entire species in Japan inhabit! Most of them are endemic species that adapted to the unique subtropical environment isolated from the Eurasia continent and mainland Japan. By trekking in the forest with a nature guide who has an experience as a local science teacher, you can notice the unique features of the forest that you can't realize when walking on your own!
FROM$245/ per group
Harry M.
5.00 / 5
(24 reviews)
Finding a Favorite Yachimun! - Pottery Village Walking Tour
Okinawa Main Island
2 hours
Yachimun, Okinawan traditional pottery, is well-known for its coexistence of colorful design and naive texture. Many top chefs in Japan use Yachimun dishes because they boost the allure of the cuisine without over-decoration and increase customers' appetites. The best way to find your favorite Yachimun is to visit as many studios with a guide-interpreter as possible and talk to the artists or shop staff at Yachimun no sato, or Yachimun pottery village, at Yomitan!
FROM$105/ per group
Harry M.
5.00 / 5
(24 reviews)
Popular Okinawa Main Island Private Cars
Discover Your Roots! - Uchinanchu Genealogy Tour
Okinawa Main Island
8 hours
Trace your family's history on this special bespoke tour! Embark on a journey to uncover your roots! Choose from meaningful spots like the Prefectural Library for family records, the Prefectural Museum to explore Ryukyu Kingdom history, or the Toyama Kyuzo Museum in Kin Town, honoring the father of Okinawan emigration. Next, visit your ancestors' village, and if possible, meet your Okinawan relatives with translation support. Reconnect with your heritage and create unforgettable memories!
FROM$384/ per group
Harry M.
5.00 / 5
(24 reviews)
Naha (Okinawa) 10-Hour Tour with a Private Car
Okinawa Main Island
10 hours
Experienced local taxi drivers will cordially show you around the area so that you can visit both must-see and hidden sightseeing spots and enjoy local food.
FROM$389/ per group
TR Taxi
4.89 / 5
(303 reviews)
8 Hours Tour of Gyokusendo Limestone Caves, Okinawa World & Makishi Public Market
Okinawa Main Island
8 hours
Meet guide and depart from the port, airport, or hotel in Naha. Next, tour of Gyokusendo Limestone Caves, Okinawa World. Lunch at a local restaurant. In the afternoon explore Makishi Public Market, in Naha. INCLUDED is Guided Tour in a Nissan Roox WITHOUT A/C, and driver, Gasoline fee and Toll fee NOT INCLUDED are Activities Fee, Admission Fee, Lunch / Food Tasting / Beverages, Personal shopping expenses and Parking Fee.
FROM$279/ per group
Lola M.
☆Naha (Okinawa) 6-Hour Tour with a Private Car
Okinawa Main Island
6 hours
Experienced local taxi drivers will cordially show you around the area so that you can visit both must-see and hidden sightseeing spots and enjoy local food.
FROM$235/ per group
TR Taxi
4.89 / 5
(303 reviews)
Day Trips from Okinawa Main Island
Okinawa Main Island Tour Reviews
J
Julius Y.
5 / 5
May 6, 2025
“A Wonderful Guide”
We like Tateo a lot. He’s knowledgeable, caring, always on time, and he speaks really good English. We had difficulty communicating with some of the Japanese guides we met due to their heavy accent, but not with Tateo. Knowing that his English is self taught just made us appreciate him more. We highly recommend him to anyone visiting Okinawa.
Tateo U.
Hi, Julius Y. Thank you very much for allowing me to guide your valued customers. There are many other different tourist destination in this small island. If you have tourist interested in Okinawa, Please contact me again. Thank you very much taking the time to write nice review. Regards Tateo U.
P
Patricia H.
5 / 5
May 2, 2025
“A Knowledgeable and Accommodating Guide”
Our primary goal in hiring Tateo was to obtain more information about our Okinawan family before they emigrated to the U.S. in the early 20th century. Tateo patiently dealt with local authorities as we tried to obtain documentation, later taking care to find my aunt's name on a granite memorial at the Peace Memorial Park, taking initiative to make rubbings of her name as a memento. Understanding our interest in history and culture, he took us to many historical sites, both of the kingdom and WW II, pointing out construction details of castle walls,palaces and military fortifications. We are very appreciative of how generous he was, sharing his knowledge and accommodating our interests.
Tateo U.
Hi, Patricia H. It is my great pleasure to be able to guide people with a connection to OKinawa and help them understand the island better. I was also surprised to see that your husband had planned everything out. Now, take the opportunity to further strengthen your ties with Nagusuku & Okinawa and prepare for the future. Finally, thank you for your positive review. Regards Tateo U.
P
Peter P.
5 / 5
Apr 29, 2025
“Fantastic day”
I could not have had a better guide to take me over Okinawa’s battlefields than Hero. His knowledge is encyclopaedic and is enriched by the perspective and context that come from his past experience in the Japanese millitary. It all made for a fascinating day. Hero is also really friendly and engaging, and he has a wonderful sense of humour. He willingly went the extra mile for me, taking me to a place I wanted to see that wasn’t on the itinerary after my scheduled tour was over. I will long remember my day with Hero and am so glad we met.
Yukihiro(hero) N.
Thank you very much for the great review. I appreciated it. I also remember this tour with you forever, and hope to see you again somewhere in Japan. Hero
Okinawa Main Island Private Tour Guide
Whether it’s your first time to Okinawa Main Island or you are back to discover more, a good tour guide can make all the difference. Enjoy the best of what Okinawa Main Island has to offer, without all the fuss of planning everything by yourself!
You can pick your favorite itinerary from the Okinawa Main Island tours offered by our local guides, but feel free to ask for customizations based on your preferences. We want to help travelers get the most out of their trips, and we believe a good tour with a local guide is the best way to ensure that.
There is so much to see and do in Okinawa Main Island, and the best way to get the most out of your time there is to have a local expert with you. GoWithGuide is committed to delivering unforgettable tour experiences, so let us help you create your next favorite memory.
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