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
Andrea A.
“Moving Owinawa Battle sites tour with Harry M.”
Harry M. was a wonderful guide. His English is excellant and he has a great sense of humor. We only had one day in Okinawa. So we worked with Harry prior to our arrival to compress his two day tour down to one. It was a great success! We visited Kakazu Ridge, the Japanese Navy underground headquarters, Mabuhi Hill and the Peace Memorial Museum. Harry made these sites come alive. It was a very moving experience. We also had a fun and tasty lunch experience. Harry took us to a small locally owned restaurant and helped us navigate the ordering process. The meal was very good and it was so interesting going to a place we never could have managed on our own. I recommend Harry M. to anyone planning on visiting Okinawa.
Harry M.
Thank you so much for your kind and thoughtful review, Andrea-san! It was truly a privilege to guide you through Okinawa and share the history of the Battle of Okinawa with you. I’m glad to hear that our customized itinerary worked well for your visit and that you found the experience both moving and meaningful. Exploring local restaurants is always a special part of any trip, and I’m happy you enjoyed the meal and the experience of dining like a local. Thank you again for your recommendation—I truly appreciate it. I hope you have many lasting memories of your time in Okinawa, and perhaps our paths will cross again in the future. Safe travels!
Nao C.
“WWII Battle of Okinawa Tour - One Day (Customized)”
Harry was professional and knowledgeable and took us through the key sites of the Battle of Okinawa which occurred in 1945. Harry began the tour on time and this enabled us to see many of the battle locations. He had a warm and personal demeanor so my husband and I felt comfortable with him as our guide. Thank you so much Harry!!
Harry M.
Hello Nao-san, Thank you so much for your kind review! I truly enjoyed exploring Okinawa with you as well. How was the rest of your stay in Japan? Were you able to see the Sakura in Mainland Japan? I hope our paths cross again someday. It would be wonderful to see you again! Best regards, Harry
Elizabeth L.
“A well crafted personalised tour ”
Harry was very accommodating and made on the spot change of our itinerary when he learnt that my husband was a history buff and was interested in the battle of Okinawa . There was also a last minute change of our lunch venue but it turned out to be a blessing in disguise as the venue and meal was superb . This reflected not only reflected the flexibility of the tour guide but also his knowledge of the local area and history . Thank you Harry we throughly enjoyed our day out !
Harry M.
Dear Elizabeth-san, Thank you so much for your kind words and for sharing your experience! It was truly a pleasure guiding you two. I'm glad I could adjust the itinerary to include more historical insights. I'm also happy to hear that the lunch turned out to be a delightful surprise! (I need to thank my wife for her recommendation!) Your positive feedback means a lot, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to have spent the day with you. If you ever find yourselves back in Okinawa, I’d be more than happy to explore more hidden gems with you. Thank you once again for joining the tour — Please have a nice and safe rest of your journey in Japan! Best regards, Harry
$385/ per group
More tours by Harry M.
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.
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.
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.
