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
Allan C.
“An unforgettable experience in Okinawa.”
An extraordinary 3 day’s in Okinawa that became a highlight of our entire three‑week trip to Japan. Our guide was consistently punctual, deeply knowledgeable, and remarkably flexible in shaping the day around our interests and energy levels. The level of care and humility he showed—especially toward my nearly 80‑year‑old mother‑in‑law—made the experience feel personal and genuinely supportive. He encouraged her at every stop, adjusted the pace when needed, and shared plenty of laughs with us about how many stairs we managed to conquer together. His understanding of Okinawa’s WWII history was exceptional. He explained complex events with clarity, respect, and emotional depth, helping us appreciate the significance of each site we visited. The stories he shared added meaning far beyond what we could have learned on our own. Every arrangement was smooth and comfortable, and the day balanced fun, learning, and relaxation perfectly. It was easily the most enjoyable and memorable day’s of our entire visit to Japan. Anyone looking for a guide who is knowledgeable, kind, humorous, and truly attentive will be in excellent hands. Thanks Harry-san.
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Harry M.
Dear Allan-san, Thank you so much for your thoughtful and generous review. It truly means a great deal to me. It was a real privilege to spend those three days with you and your family. I especially appreciated the time we shared exploring Okinawa’s history together. Your deep interest in WWII sites and the perspectives you brought from your travels around the world made the experience even more meaningful for me as well. I learned a great deal alongside you, and it reminded me how much there is still to discover. I was also very happy to spend time with your mother-in-law. Her positive spirit and determination were truly inspiring, and I will always remember the moments we shared along the way. One day, I hope to follow in your footsteps and visit the islands of the South Pacific to further deepen my own understanding of history. Our time together has certainly encouraged me to do so. Thank you again for your kindness and for making these days so memorable. I hope to welcome you back to Okinawa—and perhaps Yomitan—again in the future. Warm regards, Harry
Carroll M.
“Moving and Informative WWII Tour”
My husband’s father fought in the Battle of Okinawa, so we were anxious to see all the places he had been and roughly follow the path taken by the Sixth Marine Division. We explained this to Harry, and he did his homework. He came up with an itinerary that was exactly what we were looking for. He came prepared with visual aids and copies of relevant information for us to take home. He was able to answer all our questions and had clearly done a lot of research. Harry is the nicest guy. He is enthusiastic, thoughtful and fun to be with. We had a wonderful two days with him.
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Harry M.
Dear Carroll-san, Thank you very much for your kind review. I am truly happy to hear that you enjoyed the tour. It was a great honor for me to spend those two days with you, learning together about the Battle of Okinawa. Since the information commonly shared in Japan and the United States about the battle can sometimes be quite different, I felt it was a wonderful opportunity for all of us to learn from each other’s perspectives. In particular, I am very grateful to Bob-san for sharing many insights from the perspective of American soldiers—things that are rarely written in books available in Japan. For example, I had always thought the Japanese Nambu gun was simply an outdated weapon, so I was surprised to learn from him that its rapid-fire capability actually made it something many American soldiers feared. It was truly eye-opening for me. Thank you again for choosing me as your guide. I sincerely hope we will have the chance to meet again someday. Warm regards, Harry
Paula michiko K.
“Warriors, Kingdoms & Longevity ”
Harry customized our half day tour to accommodate myself and my teenage son. My son wanted to learn about history and karate as well as but Pokemon cards. I wanted learn about the culture and the Blue Zone. Both of our interests were met. Harry was knowledgeable about so many topics. We had a great day!!!
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Harry M.
Arigato gozaimashita, Paula-san! It was a short tour, but I believe we shared very unique experiences together. I have been wondering whether you could find everything you need, including the Pokémon card, at the Rycom Shopping Center after the tour. Let's apply the blue zone lesson we learned to our lives, stay healthy, and see each other again! Soremade Ogenkide! Harry
$347/ 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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Naha Highlights & Local Secrets Tour
Discover Naha’s cultural heart in one day! Visit Shuri Castle, the historic royal palace of the Ryukyu Kingdom, then stroll the scenic Kinjo Stone Road. After immersing in Okinawan history, enjoy authentic local cuisine for lunch. In the afternoon, explore the charming Yachimun pottery street and shop along the bustling Heiwa Dori. Blending history, culture, food, and shopping — the perfect way to experience real Okinawa in Naha!
Naha Highlights & Local Secrets Tour
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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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