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Ryukyu Castle Hopping! - Gosamaru vs Amawari
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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 ¥15,000 - 20,000 (Includes gas, parking, and expressway fees)
Reviews
Nathalia N.
“The best guide in Okinawa!”
Harry-san was a very reliable guide. He had a lot of patience with my research and itineraries changes. His English and communication are great. If I ever get the chance to visit Okinawa again, Harry-san would be my first choice.
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Harry M.
Dear Nathalia-san, Thank you very much for your warm comment! It was truly a meaningful moment to meet your grandmother’s sister here in Okinawa. Once I receive more detailed information about your ancestors from the village, I will be sure to let you know. Please wait just a little longer! I hope we can meet again someday soon. Best regards, Harry
Jacob M.
“Highly recommended!”
We had a great two days with Harry-san. He is very friendly, super knowledgeable about the history of Okinawa and the battle in WW2. He was happy to adjust the itinerary to suit our needs and was patient with our kids. We learned so much and really enjoyed our tour, I wish we had stayed longer. I highly recommend this tour and Harry as a guide. Thanks very much Harry-san!
Harry M.
Dear Jacob-san, Thank you very much for your wonderful review and for spending two amazing days with me in Okinawa! I truly enjoyed the time with you and your family. Your children were wonderful, friendly, and knowledgeable for many things, and it was great fun exploring Okinawa together. Also, I learned a great deal from you about being a good parent. The way you cared for your family with care and kindness was very inspiring to me. I will do my best to become a father like you someday! I hope we can see each other again someday soon! Arigato and best regards, Harry
Ronaldo H.
“Harry-san is simply a lovely guide! ”
His edutainment tour was fantastic. He is flexible and kindly replaced a traditional pottery site by a visit to awamori distillery that was amazing. The entire tour was excellent. We learned aso much from him. His deep knowledgeable about the history and culture of Okinawa is second to none. Thank you so much Harry-san!
Harry M.
Dear Ronaldo-san, Thank you very much for your warm review. Visiting the Awamori distillery instead of the Pottery Village was a great twist to the tour! Thanks to that, it turned into an experience that was both informative and fun. I’m very glad to hear that you enjoyed it. Were you able to try the Awamori after returning to your hotel? I hope our paths cross again someday soon. Best regards, Harry
$251/ per group
More tours by Harry M.
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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
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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
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Journey to the Birthplace! - Karate Heritage Tour
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 15,000 yen, I can drive you on the tour (up to 3 people).
Journey to the Birthplace! - Karate Heritage Tour
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Unveil Wonders of Okinawa! - Interactive Virtual Tour
An hour online tour consists of a presentation of Okinawa's basic information, an online tour of must-see spots including the World Heritage Sites, and a Q&A session.
Unveil Wonders of Okinawa! - Interactive Virtual Tour
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
Journey to the Birthplace! - Karate Heritage Tour
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 15,000 yen, I can drive you on the tour (up to 3 people).
Journey to the Birthplace! - Karate Heritage Tour
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Quintessential Ryukyu Royal Tour with Shuri Castle Café Break
This experience will take you into the heart of the Ryukyu Kingdom as we dive deeply into the world of Shuri Castle’s final stages of reconstruction. You will learn in detail about the craftsmanship of the 200 artisans who are working on reconstructing the castle.
Quintessential Ryukyu Royal Tour with Shuri Castle Café Break
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