Journey to the Birthplace! - Karate Heritage Tour
Joined 2022
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 10,000 yen, I can drive you on the tour (up to 3 people).
Itinerary
This itinerary can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Send me a message with your requests!
Meeting Point
Your Hotel
Tomb of Kyo Ahagon Jikki
The origins of Okinawan martial arts, known as Ti, which later evolved into Karate, remain unknown due to its status as a secret technique exclusive to Ryukyu samurais.
The earliest written record of Okinawan martial arts without weapons appears in the royal historical text of Ryukyu, Kyuyo, describing an event involving Kyo Ahagon Jikki in 1523.
“Using only Karate (or Kushu) and with no weapons in hand, he broke both legs of an assassin.”
He lost his life to the assassin’s blade near the Chuzan Gate of Shuri Castle. Today, his tombstone stands alone and forgotten in a residential area of Shuri.
Tamaudun
Tamaudun is a royal mausoleum.
In the Ryukyu Kingdom, masters of martial arts, including karate, often served as guards for royal tombs and mausoleums.
Because karate was a secret art passed down only within the samurai class, it was often practiced discreetly in graveyards.
It is known that a karate master named Kiyuna served as the tomb guard at Tamaudun, suggesting that secret karate training likely took place here as well.
(Unfortunately, there are no detailed records about Kiyuna himself.)
Shuri Castle
The residence of Ryukyu kings and the political center of the kingdom. Ryukyu samurais who served here practiced karate in secret to protect the nobility.
After the annexation to Japan, the castle was used as a school, where karate was practiced by many students, not just those from the samurai class.
In 1921, the future Emperor Hirohito, then a prince, observed a karate performance in the main hall. This event played a key role in bringing wider recognition to karate.
Keisei Gate
When the last Ryukyu King, Sho Tai, ascended to the throne in 1866, a Karate demonstration was held in front of the Keisei Gate at Shuri Castle.
This event marks the first written record of modern-style Karate.
Sakiyama Park
The monument commemorates Shuri as the birthplace of Karate
Shikinaen
Shikinaen, a beautiful royal garden in Okinawa, holds special significance for karate enthusiasts.
Matsumura Sokon, a legendary karate master, served as a guard at Shikinaen during the Ryukyu Kingdom era.
In addition to his duties, he taught karate to his students in the yard right in front of the guard's house.
Lunch
Let's enjoy Okinawa Soba with a Karate twist!
At the restaurant in Okinawa Karate Kaikan, the soba is served with kombu (kelp) garnished like a black belt.
Karate Museum
Discover Okinawan karate's detailed history and hidden stories through extensive exhibits and visual archives.
Stone Monument of "Karate ni sente nashi"
"Karate ni sente nashi"—"There is no first strike in karate"—is a famous karate maxim that Master Funakoshi Gichin promoted as the essence of karate.
A stone monument inscribed with this principle stands in Onoyama, a place also known as Shoto, which was Funakoshi’s pen name.
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
Entrance Fee (¥1,500/person)
Lunch
Tour Important Information
This is just a sample itinerary. You can adjust the tour based on your preferences or karate school.
If you wish to visit a dojo, an additional fee will be required.
There is also an extra charge of 10,000 yen for transportation if you choose to use my car. (gas/parking fees are included.)
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
$210/ per group
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Other Popular Art, Culture, & Historical Tours in Okinawa Main Island
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.
Ryukyu Castle Hopping! - Gosamaru vs Amawari
There are hundreds of unique castle ruins, called Gusuku, in Okinawa, and five of them were registered as the world heritage sites in 2000. This tour visits three of them, namely Zakimi castle, Nakagusuku castle, and Katsuren castle, as an imaginary time travel to the Ryukyu Kingdom.