Discover Your Roots! - Uchinanchu Genealogy Tour
Joined 2022
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?
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
Joined 2022
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 ¥10,000 (Includes gas, parking, and expressway fees)
Reviews
Peter P.
“Wonderful!”
Harry-san was outstanding. His tour of the Okinawa battlefields was extremely comprehensive, no doubt due to his detailed knowledge of the Okinawa campaign. He did not hesitate to take me to places that were off the beaten track or barely accessible. Harry is also very familiar with Okinawa’s long history and explained many aspects of it as we drove. On top of all this, Harry’s enthusiasm, friendliness and concern to ensure that the tour was memorable have left a deep impression. I cannot speak highly enough of Harry-san. He was superb in every way. I wish him all the very best for the future.
Harry M.
Dear Peter-san, Thank you so much for your generous and thoughtful review. It was truly an honor to be your guide. Exploring Okinawa’s battlefields together was a deeply meaningful experience for me as well. I learned so much from you, as your deep knowledge and passion for World War history added a whole new dimension to the tour. I sincerely hope our paths cross again in the future. Until then, I will continue studying the history of the Battle of Okinawa to be even better prepared for our next conversation. Wishing you all the very best, Harry
Nozomi O.
“He is one of the best 5 stars!”
Harry is an excellent guide. We rate him with a 5-star mark. He is very knowledgeable, has a varied background and interest in all sorts of things. We all liked his approach to relaying information which was entertaining and memorable. We came away with a more personal connection with the local people, their culture, history and problems. We enjoyed the way he presented things in a fun way with quizzes that even our children participated in. He is one of the best 5 stars. We would definitely choose him as a guide the next time we come to Okinawa.
Harry M.
Thank you so much for your wonderful review! I’m truly honored to be considered “one of the best 5-star guides.” It was a genuine pleasure and honor to be a guide for the Adaniya family reunion tour. I would be thrilled to guide you again when you return to Okinawa. Until then, take care of yourself! Best, Harry
Mark W.
“Wonderful Day with Harry in Okinawa”
Harry is a delightful Japanese man with an excellent command of English. He customized our tour of Okinawa so that it perfectly handled one of us in a wheelchair. We spend most of the day outside of the big city of Naha, which I recommend to anyone visiting Okinawa. We visited a cultural village with some quiet and quite raucous music and dancing which you can join in on (I did). We visited the some great pottery places using old-style wood kilns. Next on to beautiful old Zakimi fort (not handicap accessible), but just great if you can climb up a hill. n We went out to the Cape with its lighthouse and sweet potato ice cream. The back south to Naha for the Museum which is full of interesting artifacts brought to life by the very knowledgeable Harry. A varied and special day!
Harry M.
Dear Mark-san and Larry-san, Thank you very much for your kind and thoughtful review. I truly enjoyed spending the day with you both! Our conversations were not only enjoyable but also inspiring. Through your stories and interactions, I was reminded of the many forms of richness in life—the value of mutual respect, continuous curiosity, and the joy of lifelong learning. I wish you wonderful weather tomorrow in Ishigaki and the rest of the journey full of discovery, enjoyment, and meaningful experiences. Looking forward to seeing you again someday! Warm regards, Harry
$378/ 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.
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