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
Nathalia N.
“The best guide in Okinawa!”
Harry-san was a very reliable guide. He had a lot of patience with my research and itineraries changes. His English and communication are great. If I ever get the chance to visit Okinawa again, Harry-san would be my first choice.
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Harry M.
Dear Nathalia-san, Thank you very much for your warm comment! It was truly a meaningful moment to meet your grandmother’s sister here in Okinawa. Once I receive more detailed information about your ancestors from the village, I will be sure to let you know. Please wait just a little longer! I hope we can meet again someday soon. Best regards, Harry
Jacob M.
“Highly recommended!”
We had a great two days with Harry-san. He is very friendly, super knowledgeable about the history of Okinawa and the battle in WW2. He was happy to adjust the itinerary to suit our needs and was patient with our kids. We learned so much and really enjoyed our tour, I wish we had stayed longer. I highly recommend this tour and Harry as a guide. Thanks very much Harry-san!
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Harry M.
Dear Jacob-san, Thank you very much for your wonderful review and for spending two amazing days with me in Okinawa! I truly enjoyed the time with you and your family. Your children were wonderful, friendly, and knowledgeable for many things, and it was great fun exploring Okinawa together. Also, I learned a great deal from you about being a good parent. The way you cared for your family with care and kindness was very inspiring to me. I will do my best to become a father like you someday! I hope we can see each other again someday soon! Arigato and best regards, Harry
Ronaldo H.
“Harry-san is simply a lovely guide! ”
His edutainment tour was fantastic. He is flexible and kindly replaced a traditional pottery site by a visit to awamori distillery that was amazing. The entire tour was excellent. We learned aso much from him. His deep knowledgeable about the history and culture of Okinawa is second to none. Thank you so much Harry-san!
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Harry M.
Dear Ronaldo-san, Thank you very much for your warm review. Visiting the Awamori distillery instead of the Pottery Village was a great twist to the tour! Thanks to that, it turned into an experience that was both informative and fun. I’m very glad to hear that you enjoyed it. Were you able to try the Awamori after returning to your hotel? I hope our paths cross again someday soon. Best regards, Harry
$345/ per group
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