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
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
$199/ 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.