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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 ¥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
$262/ 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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Unveil Wonders of Okinawa! - Interactive Virtual 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 10,000 yen, I can drive you on the tour (up to 3 people).
Journey to the Birthplace! - Karate Heritage 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 10,000 yen, I can drive you on the tour (up to 3 people).
Journey to the Birthplace! - Karate Heritage Tour