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).
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
This tour can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Click below to send me a message with your requests.
Guiding fee,
Transportation
Entrance Fee (¥1,500/person)
Lunch
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.)
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.
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)
Kevin lorraine B.
“Harry is Fantastic!!!”
I had a very different request in that I lived on Okinawa in the late 1970’s and wanted to see if several places still existed. Harry went above and beyond in researching places and combined the visits to historical places to make a completely customized tour that my friends and I thoroughly enjoyed! Harry also was compassionate in dealing with this widow’s emotional reminiscences. Thank you so much Harry!!
Christen S.
“Fantastic Personalized Tour Created by Harry”
This is my second visit to Okinawa to conduct research on kariyushi wear and my second time with Harry as a tour guide. As usual, Harry was amazing. He was so detail oriented when creating a personalized tour for me. He asked such insightful questions, took the time to search out the best places for me to check out, made some great suggestions, and arranged everything! I am so grateful to Harry for this thoughtfulness. If anyone reading this is ever in doubt, do not hesitate to book Harry for your guide - you will not regret it!
Harry M.
Dear Christen-san, Thank you so much for your thoughtful review and for choosing me again—it was an honor to guide you for the second time. I truly appreciated the opportunity to support your research on kariyushi wear. Through the tour, I gained a deeper understanding of how Okinawan people view both Kariyushi and Aloha styles, which was very insightful for me as well. I hope our paths cross again on your next journey! —Harry
Hans joerg B.
“Excellent tour ”
Harry was a excellent guide. On of the best i ever had. Great knowledge about the history of the battle of Okinawa. I got exactly the information i wanted. We visited all the historical sites i wanted to see. I'm glad I have chosen this two days tour. I would recommend you any time to other people and will inform my Travel Agent. Cheers from Hans from Switzerland.
Harry M.
Dear Hans-san, Thank you very much for your kind words! It was a pleasure to guide you through the historical sites of Okinawa. I'm glad to hear that the tour met your expectations and that you found the information you were seeking about the Battle of Okinawa. I also learned a great deal about World War II, particularly the European front, from our conversation! Your recommendation means a lot to me, and I appreciate you informing your travel agent as well. Wishing you all the best on your future travels, and I hope our paths cross again! Warm regards, Harry
$208/ per group