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Journey to the Birthplace! - Karate Heritage Tour
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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
Samuel K.
“Excellent Historic Tour Across Okinawa ”
I thoroughly enjoyed tracing the Battle of Okinawa with Harry-san. His deep knowledge of both the war and the island brought the events to life in a vivid and respectful way. I was most impressed by how Harry-san seamlessly connected the military history with the cultural legacy of the Ryukyuu Kingdom and its people. Highly recommended for anyone seeking a thoughtful and immersive historical experience.
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Harry M.
Dear Samuel-san, Thank you so much for your wonderful review. It was truly a pleasure to guide you through the historic battlefields and war memorials of Okinawa, and to share the stories behind them. I also had a great time exchanging insights with you and learning about the historical similarities and differences between the UK and Japan/Okinawa. Your thoughtful perspectives made the tour even more meaningful. I hope to have the chance to welcome you back to Okinawa again in the future! Best regards, Harry
Alexander T.
“Fantastic tour with Harry-san”
Our group of two people did the 2-day 'Tracing the Front Line!' Okinawa battlefield tour with Harry-san, and thoroughly enjoyed it. Harry-san is a hugely knowledgeable guide, an excellent and enthusiastic communicator, and a very interesting and curious person. We got on very well with him and found the two days thoroughly enjoyable. As two people with a keen interest in the Pacific War, we were really hoping that our guide would be able to teach us new things about the battle. Harry-san most certainly did this, and was also able to provide us with a much deeper knowledge of the island of Okinawa, its wider history, and its culture. We were hugely grateful for this aspect of the tour, which made the military history all the more poignant. We were also interested in trying traditional local Okinawan cuisine, which Harry-san accommodated easily into our tour days. I feel we've come away from our short time in Okinawa with a far greater appreciation for both the battle and the island, both past and present, and I am certainly keen to visit again. I would hugely recommend Harry-san as a guide to anyone. We asked him a lot of questions, but he gave us only considered, thoughtful, and informative answers. 5 stars without question. Thanks so much Harry-san! We hope to see you again sometime! Best, Alex
Harry M.
Dear Alex-san, Thank you so much for your wonderful review and for joining the 2-day Tracing the Front Line! tour. I am very happy to hear that you not only enjoyed learning about the battle but also about Okinawa’s culture and history. By understanding the daily lives of the people here, the reality of the war at those same places becomes much more tangible, and I’m glad this resonated with you. It was a real pleasure spending time with both of you and sharing stories, questions, and meals together. I would love to see you again in Okinawa or Yamanashi! Next time, let’s explore the northern forest of Okinawa and visit the fish market in Naha together. Wishing you all the best until we meet again. Warm regards, Harry
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
$198/ per group
More tours by Harry M.
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Other Popular Art, Culture, & Historical Tours in Okinawa Main Island
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.
Tracing the Front Line! - WWII Battle of Okinawa Tour
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.
Deep Dive to Okinawa! - Edutainment Tour
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.
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