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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
“Exciting, easy-going, custom and fun! ”
Harry is a great human, very kind and accommodating, he is a natural at this kind of work. Harry took the time to customize my experience and even to join in when appropriate. Harry made the experience very comfortable and relaxing. I could 100 percent rely on him and simply just sit back enjoy myself. He drove to all of our spots, The days went by so fast but Harry kept me on track for the full experience- and always made sure I was good, having fun or getting something out of what we were doing. He was quick to swap things in or out and used his social network to deliver top notch experiences as well as advice! I came with intent and he was so helpful to answer my questions or have them answered for me. We had lots of laughs and I’m glad to call Harry my friend after this experience. Without question, I would recommend Harry in a heartbeat.
Rosa L.
Celebrate Your Birthday in Okinawa! - Special Birthday Tour
Customized
“AMAZING EXPERIENCE !!!”
Everything was perfect with Harry, we went to beautiful places. I learned a lot about the life in Okinawa in a fun way. He took me to try Buku Buku tea, which was a very enjoyable experience and to eat at the fish market which was quite an experience. He even took me to a supermarket to help me find some sauce that I wanted to buy. THANK YOU Harry for making this trip so special !!
Harry M.
(12 reviews)Thank you so much for your kind words and for taking the time to write a review, Rosa-san! It was truly a pleasure to spend such a special day with you on your birthday. I’m so glad we could explore beautiful places together and create lasting memories. I hope your daughter enjoys the souvenirs from Okinawa! Wishing you a safe and wonderful continuation of your cruise. I hope our paths cross again in the future!
SPNHC-TDWG合同大会2024
Unveil Wonders of Okinawa! - Interactive Virtual Tour
“Outstanding online tour and arrangements”
Harry was very flexible in accommodating our requests and made several arrangements to ensure that the online tour took place without a hitch. Although only a few participants were able to join the tour due to time differences, all of them shared positive feedback and were expecially impressed with Harry's enthusiastic presentation and traditional arts performances. If anyone is visiting Okinawa for the first time, we highly recommend Harry as the go-to guy about anything related to Okinawa!
Harry M.
(12 reviews)Thank you very much for your thoughtful feedback! It was a pleasure to spend time with the academic conference participants and share Okinawa’s unique features with them. I hope this added something meaningful to their stay in Okinawa. Please don’t hesitate to reach out if you ever need a guide-interpreter with a scientific background. Mahalo nui loa.
$194/ per group
Reserve
