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
Hans joerg B.
“Excellent tour ”
Harry was a excellent guide. On of the best i ever had. Great knowledge about the history of the battle of Okinawa. I got exactly the information i wanted. We visited all the historical sites i wanted to see. I'm glad I have chosen this two days tour. I would recommend you any time to other people and will inform my Travel Agent. Cheers from Hans from Switzerland.
Peter P.
“Wonderful!”
Harry-san was outstanding. His tour of the Okinawa battlefields was extremely comprehensive, no doubt due to his detailed knowledge of the Okinawa campaign. He did not hesitate to take me to places that were off the beaten track or barely accessible. Harry is also very familiar with Okinawa’s long history and explained many aspects of it as we drove. On top of all this, Harry’s enthusiasm, friendliness and concern to ensure that the tour was memorable have left a deep impression. I cannot speak highly enough of Harry-san. He was superb in every way. I wish him all the very best for the future.
Harry M.
Dear Peter-san, Thank you so much for your generous and thoughtful review. It was truly an honor to be your guide. Exploring Okinawa’s battlefields together was a deeply meaningful experience for me as well. I learned so much from you, as your deep knowledge and passion for World War history added a whole new dimension to the tour. I sincerely hope our paths cross again in the future. Until then, I will continue studying the history of the Battle of Okinawa to be even better prepared for our next conversation. Wishing you all the very best, Harry
Nozomi O.
“He is one of the best 5 stars!”
Harry is an excellent guide. We rate him with a 5-star mark. He is very knowledgeable, has a varied background and interest in all sorts of things. We all liked his approach to relaying information which was entertaining and memorable. We came away with a more personal connection with the local people, their culture, history and problems. We enjoyed the way he presented things in a fun way with quizzes that even our children participated in. He is one of the best 5 stars. We would definitely choose him as a guide the next time we come to Okinawa.
Harry M.
Thank you so much for your wonderful review! I’m truly honored to be considered “one of the best 5-star guides.” It was a genuine pleasure and honor to be a guide for the Adaniya family reunion tour. I would be thrilled to guide you again when you return to Okinawa. Until then, take care of yourself! Best, Harry
$271/ per group
More tours by Harry M.
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Tracing the Front Line! - WWII Battle of Okinawa Tour
Unveil Wonders of Okinawa! - Interactive Virtual Tour
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Journey to the Birthplace! - Karate Heritage Tour
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Other Popular Art, Culture, & Historical Tours in Okinawa Main Island
Deep Dive to Okinawa! - Edutainment Tour
Deep Dive to Okinawa! - Edutainment Tour
Tracing the Front Line! - WWII Battle of Okinawa Tour
Tracing the Front Line! - WWII Battle of Okinawa Tour
Journey to the Birthplace! - Karate Heritage Tour
Journey to the Birthplace! - Karate Heritage Tour