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.

Yukihiro (Hero)行博

4.94 / 5

(32 reviews)

Hello, everyone!! My name is Yukihiro(行博), 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。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 the half of month as a tour-conductor in Okinawa Japan. Rest of month, I live in Nagasaki Prefecture, and work as a Triple Lights interpreter tour guide. 我一邊在沖繩當旅遊服務員大概半個月，一邊在九州長崎當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 area 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.

4.89 / 5

(38 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.

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。

Harry M.

5.00 / 5

(7 reviews)

Trying to find a tour guide who is knowledgeable about Okinawa? I am a guide-interpreter based in Okinawa who majored in oceanology at the University of Ryukyus in Okinawa and has 13-year experience of teaching science in Okinawa and Hawaii. Therefore, I love introducing Okinawan precious nature both on land and in the sea with care for the conservation. Besides science, my other strength is introducing culture, especially, Japanese Budo (Martial Arts) and Okinawan traditional "Sanshin" music. If you want to make your trip to Okinawa unique, worthwhile, and unforgettable, let's travel together! (In addition to Okinawa, I can guide Mt. Fuji area where I was born and raised. An additional transportation fee is needed.)

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.

The memorial World War 2 & Okinawa World

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.

The highlight of Naha

4 hours

This is 4 hours tour. During 7 hours, you can visit popular sightseeing spots in Naha as you like. For example, shrine, temple,shopping street, pottery street, castle ruin site. In one day, you feel Okinawa enough.

Churaumi aquarium and Sunset beach

We go around northern Okinawa, churaumi aquarium and dolphin show, Fukugi street, Zakimi castle (world heritage), Maeda cape if you want to see nice beach. American village in Chatan town( many fantastic area like Disneyland) next to sun set beach, and then take you to your hotel.

Explore Highlights of Southern Okinawa main island

7 hours

Covers the most popular sightseeing spots of the Southern area on Okinawa's main island. The duration of the tour can be flexible, ranging from 4 to 9 hours, depending on your requests. The standard duration is 7 hours. You will travel by taxi for transportation. You will pay the excluding fees on-site, such as taxi fee, parking, toll-road, admission and meal.

Walking tour around Shuri castle and Makishi public market

2 hours 30 min

We visit Shuri castle inside, Shurei gate, little forest, and a panorama view, We go together to Makishi public market. You can eat dinner there. Also, you walk around machiguwa ( little down town) with a guide. You will have a chance to talk to Okinawan people who work at the market.

Ryukyu Castle Hopping! - Gosamaru vs Amawari

View All Okinawa Main Island Private Tours

There are hundreds of unique castle ruins, called Gusuku, in Okinawa, and five of them were registered as the world heritage sites in 2000. This tour visits three of them, namely Zakimi castle, Nakagusuku castle, and Katsuren castle, as an imaginary time travel to the Ryukyu Kingdom.

New Okinawa Main Island Private Tours

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). This including the Meet-up fees. We use the Taxi for the part of the routes because of poor public transportation in Okinawa.

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

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!

Finding a Favorite Yachimun! - Pottery Village Walking Tour

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!

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.

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) 6-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) 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) 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) 5-Hour Tour with a Private Car

5 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

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) 5-Hour Tour with a Private Car

5 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.

Day Trips from Okinawa Main Island

Kagoshima

Amami

Okinawa Remote Islands

Okinawa Main Island Tour Reviews

Roy L.

5 / 5

Apr 15, 2024

Ryukyu Castle Hopping! - Gosamaru vs Amawari

Apr 15, 2024

“A fantastic guide and a delightful young man”

If you are looking for somebody who can help you understand the rich culture, history and ecology of Okinawa, then you need look no further than Harry. Harry is fluent in English, knowledgeable and willing to discuss openly the issues faced by the citizens of Okinawa since the end of WW2. My original trip had to be modified as the day progressed because of the weather but the outcome was still enjoyable and so interesting. I thoroughly recommend Harry.

Kristine B.

5 / 5

Apr 10, 2024

BEST of OKINAWA

7 hours

Customized

Apr 10, 2024

“Exellent guide”

Tateo was a knowledgeable, kind, and great guide. Two of us did a full day Best of Okinawa tour with him, visiting Okinawa Castle, Okinawa World, the WWII Naval underground bunker, the Peace Memorial Park, and the market place. All of these were great stops. Tateo kept things going at a quick, but not rushed pace so we were able to see a lot. His English was good and he shared wonderful insights about the history and customs of Okinawa. We would highly recommend him as a guide.

Tateo U.

(62 reviews)

Hi, Kristine B. I'm grateful that we were able to compleate the tour smoothly with the cooperation of both of you. This island is a small, but it's also a place has been greatly influenced by your contry. Please visit again someday and reconfirm that is changing. There are other places that I haven't introduced yet. Thank you for taking the time to write nice review this time. Best Regards Tateo U.

Greg E.

5 / 5

Apr 2, 2024

The highlight of Naha

5 hours

Apr 2, 2024

“Naha tour with Kumiko”

Noriko wasn't available on the day of our tour so she arranged her friend Kumiko to guide us, and she arranged a great tour of Naha in the limited time we had. Highly recommend a local to guide you through their city rather then a big group in a bus.

Noriko Y.

(38 reviews)

Thank you for your message. I am glad to hear you enjoyed the tour in Naha city. Thank you.

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