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
Myriam S.
“Amazing Karate Tour!”
Our "Journey to the Birthplace!" Karate Heritage Tour in Okinawa was genuinely an amazing experience for me and my kids ! Having them involved in karate for years, this tour truly brought their passion to life right here where it all began. Our guide, Harry, was absolutely brilliant. He kicked things off with a super fun, interactive trivia session that got everyone engaged ! Harry is incredibly knowledgeable and handled every single one of our questions with insightful answers. He took us to all the significant historic places across Okinawa, sharing fascinating stories and really connecting us to the roots of karate. It wasn't just educational; it was truly inspiring. Harry made the history feel vibrant and relevant! This tour is a must-do if you're in Okinawa and have any interest in karate. It was a perfect blend of fun, learning, and cultural immersion that we'll never forget.
Harry M.
Dear Myriam-san, Thank you so much for your kind and thoughtful review! I’m truly happy to hear that the experience helped deepen your understanding of Karate. Knowing its historical background really brings meaning to every movement — from why each technique begins with a block to why the sensei always says, “Karate is not for fighting.” I also thoroughly enjoyed exploring Okinawa with you all. Your curiosity helped me see familiar places with fresh eyes, and I learned a lot alongside you. Please don’t hesitate to reach out anytime if there’s anything I can do to help. Best regards, Harry
Luc L.
“Harry-San SAVED our trip!”
Our Karate tour in Okinawa was absolutely unforgettable, thanks to the outstanding guidance of Harry-San. From the start, he went above and beyond—when our flight was delayed, he kindly arranged to pick us up at the airport, which immediately put us at ease. Harry-San is incredibly knowledgeable about Okinawan Karate and its rich cultural and historical context. His deep passion for the art and his local connections made every site feel authentic and special. We learned so much more than we expected, and it was all presented in a way that was engaging, respectful, and meaningful. During the tour, I accidentally dropped and broke my phone. Harry-San was quick to offer help, even pointing me toward reliable local phone repair shops. It was such a small gesture, but one that made a big difference in a stressful moment—just another example of how thoughtful and supportive he was throughout the entire experience. On top of all this, Harry-San is simply a joy to be around—friendly, professional, and genuinely invested in making the tour memorable for everyone. If you're considering a Karate or cultural tour in Okinawa, I can’t recommend this experience—and especially Harry-San—highly enough
Harry M.
Dear Luc-san, Thank you so much for your kind and heartfelt review! It truly means a lot to me that you enjoyed the Karate tour and felt the spirit and cultural depth of Okinawa through the experience. It was an absolute pleasure guiding you through these meaningful places that are so important to understanding the roots of Karate. I'm also very glad to hear that your Karate keiko went well—that's wonderful news! I had been wondering how your phone situation turned out, so I hope everything was successfully repaired and is working fine again. Your thoughtful words and warm presence made the day all the more enjoyable for me, too. I hope we can cross paths again someday—whether here in Okinawa or elsewhere. Also, congratulations on the exciting journey ahead as you two prepare to welcome a new life into the world. I wish you and your growing family much happiness, good health, and many beautiful memories to come. With heartfelt gratitude, Harry Masuda
Kevin lorraine B.
“Harry is Fantastic!!!”
I had a very different request in that I lived on Okinawa in the late 1970’s and wanted to see if several places still existed. Harry went above and beyond in researching places and combined the visits to historical places to make a completely customized tour that my friends and I thoroughly enjoyed! Harry also was compassionate in dealing with this widow’s emotional reminiscences. Thank you so much Harry!!
Harry M.
Dear Kevin-san, Thank you very much for your kind and heartfelt review. It was truly an honor to accompany you on such a meaningful journey through Okinawa. I deeply appreciate the trust you placed in me to help revisit the places connected to your memories from the 1970s. I'm especially glad to hear that you and your friends enjoyed the customized tour and that it offered both discovery and reflection. Your words about my support during your emotional moments mean a great deal to me. It was a privilege to share in your story, and I am grateful for the opportunity to contribute in a small way to your meaningful return to Okinawa. Wishing you all the best, and please don’t hesitate to reach out if you ever return—I would be delighted to guide you again. Warm regards, Harry
$380/ per group
More tours by Harry M.
Deep Dive to Okinawa! - Edutainment Tour
Deep Dive to Okinawa! - Edutainment Tour
Tracing the Front Line! - WWII Battle of Okinawa Tour
Tracing the Front Line! - WWII Battle of Okinawa Tour
Unveil Wonders of Okinawa! - Interactive Virtual Tour
Unveil Wonders of Okinawa! - Interactive Virtual Tour
