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
Myriam S.
“Amazing Karate Tour!”
Our "Journey to the Birthplace!" Karate Heritage Tour in Okinawa was genuinely an amazing experience for me and my kids ! Having them involved in karate for years, this tour truly brought their passion to life right here where it all began. Our guide, Harry, was absolutely brilliant. He kicked things off with a super fun, interactive trivia session that got everyone engaged ! Harry is incredibly knowledgeable and handled every single one of our questions with insightful answers. He took us to all the significant historic places across Okinawa, sharing fascinating stories and really connecting us to the roots of karate. It wasn't just educational; it was truly inspiring. Harry made the history feel vibrant and relevant! This tour is a must-do if you're in Okinawa and have any interest in karate. It was a perfect blend of fun, learning, and cultural immersion that we'll never forget.
Harry M.
Dear Myriam-san, Thank you so much for your kind and thoughtful review! I’m truly happy to hear that the experience helped deepen your understanding of Karate. Knowing its historical background really brings meaning to every movement — from why each technique begins with a block to why the sensei always says, “Karate is not for fighting.” I also thoroughly enjoyed exploring Okinawa with you all. Your curiosity helped me see familiar places with fresh eyes, and I learned a lot alongside you. Please don’t hesitate to reach out anytime if there’s anything I can do to help. Best regards, Harry
Luc L.
“Harry-San SAVED our trip!”
Our Karate tour in Okinawa was absolutely unforgettable, thanks to the outstanding guidance of Harry-San. From the start, he went above and beyond—when our flight was delayed, he kindly arranged to pick us up at the airport, which immediately put us at ease. Harry-San is incredibly knowledgeable about Okinawan Karate and its rich cultural and historical context. His deep passion for the art and his local connections made every site feel authentic and special. We learned so much more than we expected, and it was all presented in a way that was engaging, respectful, and meaningful. During the tour, I accidentally dropped and broke my phone. Harry-San was quick to offer help, even pointing me toward reliable local phone repair shops. It was such a small gesture, but one that made a big difference in a stressful moment—just another example of how thoughtful and supportive he was throughout the entire experience. On top of all this, Harry-San is simply a joy to be around—friendly, professional, and genuinely invested in making the tour memorable for everyone. If you're considering a Karate or cultural tour in Okinawa, I can’t recommend this experience—and especially Harry-San—highly enough
Harry M.
Dear Luc-san, Thank you so much for your kind and heartfelt review! It truly means a lot to me that you enjoyed the Karate tour and felt the spirit and cultural depth of Okinawa through the experience. It was an absolute pleasure guiding you through these meaningful places that are so important to understanding the roots of Karate. I'm also very glad to hear that your Karate keiko went well—that's wonderful news! I had been wondering how your phone situation turned out, so I hope everything was successfully repaired and is working fine again. Your thoughtful words and warm presence made the day all the more enjoyable for me, too. I hope we can cross paths again someday—whether here in Okinawa or elsewhere. Also, congratulations on the exciting journey ahead as you two prepare to welcome a new life into the world. I wish you and your growing family much happiness, good health, and many beautiful memories to come. With heartfelt gratitude, Harry Masuda
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!!
Harry M.
Dear Kevin-san, Thank you very much for your kind and heartfelt review. It was truly an honor to accompany you on such a meaningful journey through Okinawa. I deeply appreciate the trust you placed in me to help revisit the places connected to your memories from the 1970s. I'm especially glad to hear that you and your friends enjoyed the customized tour and that it offered both discovery and reflection. Your words about my support during your emotional moments mean a great deal to me. It was a privilege to share in your story, and I am grateful for the opportunity to contribute in a small way to your meaningful return to Okinawa. Wishing you all the best, and please don’t hesitate to reach out if you ever return—I would be delighted to guide you again. Warm regards, Harry
$206/ per group
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