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.
This itinerary can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Send me a message with your requests!
At your hotel
On April 1, 1945, U.S. troops landed on the shore from Yomitan to Chatan to swiftly occupy Yomitan and Kadena airfield, which were the strategic foothold to air-raid mainland Japan. Since there was almost no counterattack, some Americans recorded that it was like a picnic and others thought it might be an April Fool's Day prank.
By the end of the L-Day, the landing parties completed the occupation of the destroyed Japanese airfield and started repair work. Since then, it has been used as the Kadena Airbase by the U.S. military.
Let's enjoy "Taco-rice" which is a hybrid of Tacos, brought by American soldiers to Okinawa, and Rice, the Asian staple food, in the ex-Koza city.
The first severe battle took place over this outpost with underground positions on April 5. Japanese troops repelled the American assaults 8 times but retreated on April 6.
On April 8, American troops started an attack against a Japanese position of connected hills constructed underground. In the beginning, the U.S. military believed that they could occupy it in one day, but it continued for 16 days due to the Japanese severe resistance including a suicide bomb attack on tanks.
After Kakazu ridge's occupation by the U.S., the front moved to the southern Maeda escarpment, a.k.a. Hacksaw ridge. Since its sheer cliff was considered an essential defense line for the Japanese military headquarters located in Shuri, the Japanese resistance from April 25 to May 6 was extremely fierce. The self-sacrificing service by a combat medic, Desmond Doss, at the battle is well-known and filmed in 2016.
The front line gradually moved southward. Sugar Loaf Hill was one of the underground positions to obstruct the intrusion of U.S. troops into the Okinawan capital city, Naha, and the headquarters of the Japanese imperial army, Shuri. A weeklong Japanese precise sniping and crossfire from 3 different positions started on May 12 and resulted in nearly 3000 casualties and over 1000 combat fatigue for the U.S. troops.
End of the first day's tour.
Beginning of the second day's tour
On May 22, the Japanese Army headquarters decided to retreat to the southern end of the island, where a lot of civilians were evacuated, to protract the battle and gain time to prepare for decisive fighting on mainland Japan. Due to the fierce bombardment for 2 months, precious buildings and artifacts of the Ryukyu kingdom, including Shuri castle, were destroyed and only burnt fields were left in the old capital.
Let's enjoy Okinawan traditional cuisines such as soba (noodle) and Champuru (Okinawan-style stair fry).
After the transfer of the headquarters, a new battlefront was formed in the southern part of Okinawa island. Mt. Yaese was an important Japanese position to protect the new headquarters located in Mabuni. After a severe battle, Japanese troops stationed at Mt. Yaese were annihilated on June 14.
On June 18, the U.S. commander of the battle of Okinawa, Lieutenant General Buckner, was killed by Japanese fire at an outpost while observing the front.
On June 23, the Japanese commander of the battle of Okinawa, General Minoru Ushijima, committed suicide in the cave used as their headquarters after the last order to the remaining Japanese soldiers to continue fighting. Now, June 23 is a prefectural war memorial day in Okinawa, but actually, the battle was continued by soldiers that lost the systematic command until September 7.
To pray for eternal world peace, all the names who died during the Battle of Okinawa are inscribed on the Cornerstone of Peace regardless of their nationalities.
You can deepen your understanding of the background history and the overall perspective of the Battle of Okinawa. The testimonies of the survivors are a must-see spot.
At your hotel
This tour can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Click below to send me a message with your requests.
Guide fee
Transportation fee (you and the guide), Lunch, Entrance fee
By tracing the main frontline of the Battle of Okinawa from Yomitan on April 1 to Mabuni on June 23, you can experience the progress of the battle vicariously and understand what it was like realistically.
Please wear comfortable clothes and shoes because You need to walk the slopes. The entrance fee for the Peace Memorial Museum is 300 yen per person.
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.
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)
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
$517/ per group
Reserve