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Harry M.
Available Areas
Okinawa Main Island (Living), Okinawa Remote Islands
Languages
English, Japanese (Native)
Response Time
1 day on average
Availability Updated
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Tour Categories
About Tour Guide Harry M.
Trying to find a tour guide who is knowledgeable about Okinawa?
I am a guide-interpreter based in Okinawa who majored in oceanology at the University of Ryukyus in Okinawa and has 13-year experience of teaching science in Okinawa and Hawaii.
Therefore, I love introducing Okinawan precious nature both on land and in the sea with care for the conservation.
Besides science, my other strength is introducing culture, especially, Japanese Budo (Martial Arts) and Okinawan traditional "Sanshin" music.
If you want to make your trip to Okinawa unique, worthwhile, and unforgettable, let's travel together!
(In addition to Okinawa, I can guide Mt. Fuji area where I was born and raised. An additional transportation fee is needed.)
Important
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.
Tours
Online Tour! - Grasping Okinawa's Charms
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.
Ryukyu Castle Hopping! - Gosamaru vs Amawari
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.
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.
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.
Feel the Energy of Nature! - Yambaru Eco Trekking Tour
The World Natural Heritage Site, Yambaru, occupies only 0.1% of the Japanese land, but 1/4 of the entire species in Japan inhabit! Most of them are endemic species that adapted to the unique subtropical environment isolated from the Eurasia continent and mainland Japan. By trekking in the forest with a nature guide who has an experience as a local science teacher, you can notice the unique features of the forest that you can't realize when walking on your own!
Finding a Favorite Yachimun! - Pottery Village Walking Tour
Yachimun, Okinawan traditional pottery, is well-known for its coexistence of colorful design and naive texture. Many top chefs in Japan use Yachimun dishes because they boost the allure of the cuisine without over-decoration and increase customers' appetites. The best way to find your favorite Yachimun is to visit as many studios with a guide-interpreter as possible and talk to the artists or shop staff at Yachimun no sato, or Yachimun pottery village, at Yomitan!
Harry M. Japan Tour Reviews
Roy L.
Ryukyu Castle Hopping! - Gosamaru vs Amawari
“A fantastic guide and a delightful young man”
If you are looking for somebody who can help you understand the rich culture, history and ecology of Okinawa, then you need look no further than Harry. Harry is fluent in English, knowledgeable and willing to discuss openly the issues faced by the citizens of Okinawa since the end of WW2. My original trip had to be modified as the day progressed because of the weather but the outcome was still enjoyable and so interesting. I thoroughly recommend Harry.
Harry M.
(7 reviews)Although there was an unexpected closure of Nakagusuku Castle due to weather conditions, your strong curiosity and keen insight made the modified tour very "edutaining". Thank you very much! I hope our tour helped you understand the next day's tour of the Battle of Okinawa deeper! Next time you come to Okinawa, please let me introduce you to Nakagusuku Castle and Katsuren Castle!
Doug A.
Deepen Understanding of Okinawa - The Birthplace of Karate
Customized
“Cannot imagine a better guide to Okinawa”
My tour with Harry was one of the best things I've experienced in Okinawa, and this is my sixth visit (I practice Okinawan karate). He is knowledgeable, articulate (excellent English!) and personable, He is a trained teacher, and it really shows in his fluent ability to help someone understand the subtleties of Okinawan culture and traditions. I recommend him without reservation. I hope to return next year with my wife, and I will book him in advance to make sure my trip is a success and I can continue to learn about and enjoy this beautiful place and its people.
Harry M.
(7 reviews)I’m really grateful and appreciate you taking the time to post your review! As a Karate lover as same as you, I learned a lot with you and from you by exploring Okinawa together. I am looking forward to seeing you and your wife again next year! Please have a wonderful rest of your stay in Okinawa! Harry
“Great guide”
He met us on time, excellent English. He was very flexible as to what we wanted and how much time we had before going back to our cruise ship
Harry M.
(7 reviews)Naomi-san! Thank you very much for your review! It was an exciting day to visit the Karate dojo and “experience” its technique. I hope you will have a wonderful rest of the cruise! Harry