Okinawa Main Island Private Tours &amp; Local Tour Guides

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.

Noriko Y.

4.90 / 5

(40 reviews)

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.

Harry M.

5.00 / 5

(9 reviews)

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.

4.75 / 5

(4 reviews)

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8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。

Popular Okinawa Main Island Private Tours

Best of Okinawa

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.

World War Ⅱ history course

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.

Deep Dive to Okinawa! - Edutainment Tour

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.

The memorial World War 2 & Okinawa World

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This tour will present you the facts of grand battle of the Okinawa The World War 2. Photographes, artifacts, and film will testify cruelty of the war. These places are playing an important role sending the message of the world peace and tragedy of the war.

New Okinawa Main Island Private Tours

Journey to the Birthplace! - Karate Heritage Tour

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).

Explore WW2 war Sites of Battle of Okinawa

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.

Tracing the Front Line! - WWII Battle of Okinawa Tour

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.

Feel the Energy of Nature! - Yambaru Eco Trekking Tour

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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!

Popular Okinawa Main Island Private Cars

Naha (Okinawa) 8-Hour Tour with a Private Car

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.

Naha (Okinawa) 10-Hour Tour with a Private Car

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.

☆Naha (Okinawa) 6-Hour Tour with a Private Car

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.

☆Naha (Okinawa) 8-Hour Tour with a Private Car

View All Okinawa Main Island Private Cars

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.

Day Trips from Okinawa Main Island

Kagoshima

Amami

Okinawa Remote Islands

Okinawa Main Island Tour Reviews

Marcel G.

4 / 5

Aug 29, 2024

BEST of OKINAWA (selected)

7 hours 30 min

Customized

Aug 29, 2024

“Good guide”

Tateo was an excellent guide with extensive knowledge of Okinawa, but he might not be the ideal choice for YouTube videos, possibly due to his age.

Tateo U.

Thank you for coming Okinawa for an interview on the theme of longevity. I would be happy if I could be of some help. I hope for good result. Thank you for writing a review. Regards Tateo U.

Jodie S.

5 / 5

Aug 7, 2024

The memorial World War 2 & Okinawa World

Aug 7, 2024

“Highly recommended”

Tateo was a wonderful guide. He was responsive prior to the trip, offering tour customizations and accommodating additional people with limited notice. The rental car was clean (and air conditioning appreciated!). Tateo took us to interesting places, gave us insightful commentary that we wouldn't have learned without a guide, and was overall quite nice and helpful. We were in Okinawa on business, and this was a great day to pack in a lot of sightseeing in a short amount of time.

Tateo U.

Hi, Jodie S. Thank you for making time for sightseeing even though busy with work. It was nice to be able to introduce various aspects of this small island. There is a proverb in Japan that says what happens twice happens three times. There are still many places to see. I look forward to your third visit. Thank you very much for making time write such nice review. Please give my regards to both of your friend. Regards Tateo U.

Angela V.

5 / 5

Jul 29, 2024

Best of Okinawa

Jul 29, 2024

“Amazing day with Tateo!!”

My family and I contacted Tateo for a tour in Okinawa. The day was amazing!!! We were able to get to know the culture about this beautiful island. My family and I got to know the history about Okinawa, we truly were surprised about how deep it went! Im really glad that we contacted Tateo for the tour. Him being a local made the experience more interesting, since he knows Okinawa by heart. It was also very convenient that he was able to move us around the island, since transportation in Okinawa is mainly by car. Amazing tour and we recommend his tour!!!

Tateo U.