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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.
Meeting Point
At your hotel or airport
Hotel or Airport
Meeting
Zakimi Castle
Important castle for the Ryukyu kingdom because it locates in the middle of the island and has a wide range of views from the northern mountains to the southern plain. A faithful retainer of the Ryukyu king, Gosamaru, who is also known as an expert in castle construction, built it in the 15th century.
Lunch
Let's enjoy local palatable cuisine according to your preference.
Nakagusuku Castle
Gosamaru moved to this castle by the order of the king to restrain Amawari. Amawari is based in the Yokatsu peninsula and had strong power. Moreover, the kingdom made a princess get married to Amawari. The princess was a daughter of the king, and also a granddaughter of Gosamaru.
Katsuren Castle
For the Kingdom, Amawari was a threat. However, the commoners who lived in the peninsula adored him as a great lord. One day, he decided to raise an army to overthrow the Kingdom. For his wife, that was a battle between her husband and her grandfather, eventually her father. Whom should she save? What did she do??
Hotel or Airport
End of the tour
Ending Point
At your hotel or airport
Want to personalize this tour?
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Inclusions & Exclusions
Guide fee
Transportation fee (you and guide), Lunch, Entrance fee (Katsuren castle ¥600, Nakagusuku castle ¥400)
Tour Important Information
The battle between Gosamaru and Amawari is the largest and the most famous internal disturbance in the Ryukyu Kingdom. Through visiting actual scenes of the story, you can imagine the situations lively and deepen your understanding of Okinawan history with a real feeling.
- Admission fee for castles is ¥1000 in total.
- Please wear comfortable clothes and shoes to walk. Castles have rocky and steep slopes.
- Please bring enough amount of water to avoid a heat stroke.
- Wearing a hat and sunglasses, and putting sunscreen on are also recommended.
- Okinawa is still a cash-based society. It would be better to bring Japanese Yen as cash for purchasing lunch and souvenirs.
- Using public transportation is impossible for the tour. I strongly recommend using a rental car or hiring a taxi.
- Depending on the weather and traffic conditions, the schedule is subject to be modified.
Important message from the guide
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
Okinawa Main Island Tour Reviews
Roy L.
Ryukyu Castle Hopping! - Gosamaru vs Amawari
“A fantastic guide and a delightful young man”
If you are looking for somebody who can help you understand the rich culture, history and ecology of Okinawa, then you need look no further than Harry. Harry is fluent in English, knowledgeable and willing to discuss openly the issues faced by the citizens of Okinawa since the end of WW2. My original trip had to be modified as the day progressed because of the weather but the outcome was still enjoyable and so interesting. I thoroughly recommend Harry.
Harry M.
(7 reviews)Although there was an unexpected closure of Nakagusuku Castle due to weather conditions, your strong curiosity and keen insight made the modified tour very "edutaining". Thank you very much! I hope our tour helped you understand the next day's tour of the Battle of Okinawa deeper! Next time you come to Okinawa, please let me introduce you to Nakagusuku Castle and Katsuren Castle!
Doug A.
Deepen Understanding of Okinawa - The Birthplace of Karate
Customized
“Cannot imagine a better guide to Okinawa”
My tour with Harry was one of the best things I've experienced in Okinawa, and this is my sixth visit (I practice Okinawan karate). He is knowledgeable, articulate (excellent English!) and personable, He is a trained teacher, and it really shows in his fluent ability to help someone understand the subtleties of Okinawan culture and traditions. I recommend him without reservation. I hope to return next year with my wife, and I will book him in advance to make sure my trip is a success and I can continue to learn about and enjoy this beautiful place and its people.
Harry M.
(7 reviews)I’m really grateful and appreciate you taking the time to post your review! As a Karate lover as same as you, I learned a lot with you and from you by exploring Okinawa together. I am looking forward to seeing you and your wife again next year! Please have a wonderful rest of your stay in Okinawa! Harry
“Great guide”
He met us on time, excellent English. He was very flexible as to what we wanted and how much time we had before going back to our cruise ship
Harry M.
(7 reviews)Naomi-san! Thank you very much for your review! It was an exciting day to visit the Karate dojo and “experience” its technique. I hope you will have a wonderful rest of the cruise! Harry
