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Discover Your Roots! - Uchinanchu Genealogy Tour
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!
Itinerary
This itinerary can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Send me a message with your requests!
Meeting Point
At your hotel / Naha Airport
Okinawa Prefectural Library, Okinawa Prefectural Museum, or Naha City Museum of History
The Okinawa Prefectural Library serves as a key resource for those researching their Okinawan roots and family history. It holds an extensive collection of historical records, family registries (koseki), and emigration-related documents, making it an essential stop for genealogy research.
The Okinawa Prefectural Museum highlights Okinawa’s culture and history. The Bridge of All Nations Bell, engraved with the Okinawan spirit, represents the global journey of its people. The museum showcases the historical reasons for emigration, particularly in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, and how Okinawans' resilience shaped communities worldwide. It offers a deep understanding of their enduring legacy abroad.
The Naha City Museum of History houses valuable genealogy books of Ryukyu samurais, called Kafu. If your ancestors were from a samurai clan, you can explore official documents that record their legacy in the Ryukyu Kingdom. The museum also displays treasures donated by the royal family, offering a glimpse into the kingdom’s prosperity and rich cultural heritage.
Toyama Kyuzo Museum or Naminoue/Futenma Shrine
The Toyama Kyuzo Museum in Kin Town honors Toyama Kyuzo, known as the "father of Okinawan emigration." The museum showcases his significant role in helping Okinawans migrate to countries like Brazil and Hawaii in the early 20th century. It highlights the history and challenges faced by Okinawan emigrants, preserving their stories and legacy for future generations.
Visiting a Shinto shrine where Okinawan emigrants prayed for the safety of their voyage to an unknown land before their departure must be an unforgettable experience. These shrines were completely destroyed during the Battle of Okinawa but were rebuilt through donations from Okinawan emigrants, symbolizing their enduring connection to their homeland.
Lunch
Let’s enjoy a delicious, home-style meal at a local "Shokudo" where the people of Okinawa dine every day!
Visit your ancestor's village
In the village where your grandparents or great-grandparents lived before emigrating, you can explore the location of their house, converse with local residents, and imagine their way of life. If contact information is available, you may have the opportunity to meet your relatives and share a meal together. This will be a deeply meaningful experience to connect with your roots and strengthen ties with your Okinawan family.
Ending Point
Your hotel
Want to personalize this tour?
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This tour can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Click below to send me a message with your requests.
Inclusions & Exclusions
Guiding Fee
Transportation w/ Honda Freed Spike
Gasoline Fee
Toll Fee
Meals
Admission Fees
Research Fee (5,000 yen per hour)
Tour Important Information
Options
Research Service: I will research your ancestors and relatives prior to your visit – 5,000 yen per hour
Important message from the supplier
In addition to day trips, I can also be your guide for several days in Okinawa and other parts of Japan. If you are interested, please let me know via message.
Cancellation Policy
- Free cancellation - 8 days prior to meeting time
- 50% Refund - 3 to 7 days prior to meeting time
- No Refund - Within 2 day(s) prior to meeting time
About Tour Guide Harry M.
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 ¥15,000 - 20,000 (Includes gas, parking, and expressway fees)
Reviews
Tanae M.
“A wonderful experience!”
I had a wonderful day exploring Okinawa with Harry! He made sure all of the items of interest I expressed were included. He is kind and courteous. His knowledge and insights made it a terrific experience!
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Harry M.
Dear Tanae-san, Thank you very much for joining the Northern Okinawa tour yesterday. I was delighted that we could welcome the coming of spring together by enjoying the beautiful cherry blossoms and celebrating the achievement of climbing the rugged limestone karst mountains together. I hope your conference today will be productive and that you will have more opportunities to enjoy Okinawa during your stay. I look forward to seeing you again. Best regards, Harry
Patricia M.
“Captivating Tour and tour guide! ”
I was visiting my son during the winter holidays and wanted to learn about Okinawa and WWII. I am so lucky to have selected Harry as our tour guide. Harry was in planning mode and in communication with me from the start. We planned a full 8+ hours which included many different historical sites and a museum. Harry is a former school teacher and really knows how to convey the history of Okinawa and the second world war. Harry also introduced us to the best lunch spot in Naha. He kept us engaged from 8am until the last minute of the tour. I highly recommend scheduling a tour with Harry!! Loved every minute! Best, Patty MacLaney
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Harry M.
Thank you so much for taking the time to share such a thoughtful and generous message. It truly means a lot to me. I really enjoyed spending the day with you and your family and sharing the history of Okinawa and World War II. I’m also glad you enjoyed the lunch spot in Naha! Thank you again and I wish you and your family all the best! Warm regards, Harry
John A.
“Amazing and friendly battlefield tour of Okinawa”
Harry is very knowledgeable, speaks English well, and is funny and kind. He took us in his car which was clean and comfortable. We had a wonderful lunch together of traditional Okinawan food.
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Harry M.
Dear John, Thank you so much for your kind and thoughtful words. It truly means a lot to me. I was honestly a bit worried after we condensed what was originally a two-day tour into one day and had to move at a faster pace in some parts. So hearing that you two still enjoyed the experience was a great relief and made me very happy. I also want to sincerely thank you for treating me to lunch. Sharing traditional Okinawan food together was definitely a wonderful moment, and I truly appreciated your generosity. More than anything, I really enjoyed our conversations throughout the day. Especially your story about sending Chuck Berry’s “Johnny B. Goode” into space—it was fascinating! Thank you again for spending your day with me. I hope our paths cross again someday. Warmest regards, Harry
$355/ per group
More tours by Harry M.
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Tracing the Front Line! - WWII Battle of Okinawa Tour
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.
Tracing the Front Line! - WWII Battle of Okinawa Tour
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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.
Deep Dive to Okinawa! - Edutainment Tour
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Unveil Wonders of Okinawa! - Interactive Virtual Tour
An hour online tour consists of a presentation of Okinawa's basic information, an online tour of must-see spots including the World Heritage Sites, and a Q&A session.
Unveil Wonders of Okinawa! - Interactive Virtual Tour
Journey to the Birthplace! - Karate Heritage Tour
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 15,000 yen, I can drive you on the tour (up to 3 people).
Journey to the Birthplace! - Karate Heritage Tour
Other Popular Car Tour (driving guide) Tours in Okinawa Main Island
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Ocean, Culture and Nature
This route combines nature, culture, and the stunning ocean landscapes of Okinawa. This route is perfect for those who want to experience Okinawa in its full beauty — natural, cultural, and historical.
Ocean, Culture and Nature
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Journey to the Heart of the Island
Explore the Hidden Spirit of Okinawa. Discover three stunning and meaningful locations on Okinawa’s main island. This tour brings together the natural beauty, spirituality, and peaceful atmosphere of Okinawa.
Journey to the Heart of the Island
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A Spiritual Journey to Northern Okinawa
This tour is more than a sightseeing trip — it is a deep introduction to the wild and sacred side of Okinawa. The tour is conducted at a comfortable pace, with respect for nature, local culture, and your personal journey.
A Spiritual Journey to Northern Okinawa
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