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Ryukyu Castle Hopping! - Gosamaru vs Amawari
Joined 2022
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.
Itinerary
This itinerary can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Send me a message with your requests!
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?
This tour can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Click below to send me a message with your requests.
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 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
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.
(11 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.
(11 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.
Pepe M.
Wonderful Okinawa 2-day Tour
Customized
“Okinawa 2024”
Harry is an exceptional guide. he showed us around for 2 days. In those 2 days he took us to places that we had requested and also to some he felt was important for us to see. Hopefully we will get back to Okinawa and if we do we will be sure to call on Harry as our guide. Thank you, Harry! Claudia and Pepe
Harry M.
(11 reviews)Thank you very much for your kind comment!! I am glad to hear that you had a good time in Okinawa. How was the mainland Japan? Did everything go smoothly? I would love to see you two again soon! Harry
$259/ per group
Reserve
