Joined 2022
Harry M.
Available Areas
Okinawa Main Island (Living), Okinawa Remote Islands
Languages
English, Japanese (Native)
Response Time
14 hours on average
Availability Updated
--
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)
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
All tours can be customized for you. Send me a message with your requests!
Categories
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.
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.
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.
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.
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).
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!
Reviews
Andrea A.
“Moving Owinawa Battle sites tour with Harry M.”
Harry M. was a wonderful guide. His English is excellant and he has a great sense of humor. We only had one day in Okinawa. So we worked with Harry prior to our arrival to compress his two day tour down to one. It was a great success! We visited Kakazu Ridge, the Japanese Navy underground headquarters, Mabuhi Hill and the Peace Memorial Museum. Harry made these sites come alive. It was a very moving experience. We also had a fun and tasty lunch experience. Harry took us to a small locally owned restaurant and helped us navigate the ordering process. The meal was very good and it was so interesting going to a place we never could have managed on our own. I recommend Harry M. to anyone planning on visiting Okinawa.
Harry M.
Thank you so much for your kind and thoughtful review, Andrea-san! It was truly a privilege to guide you through Okinawa and share the history of the Battle of Okinawa with you. I’m glad to hear that our customized itinerary worked well for your visit and that you found the experience both moving and meaningful. Exploring local restaurants is always a special part of any trip, and I’m happy you enjoyed the meal and the experience of dining like a local. Thank you again for your recommendation—I truly appreciate it. I hope you have many lasting memories of your time in Okinawa, and perhaps our paths will cross again in the future. Safe travels!
Nao C.
“WWII Battle of Okinawa Tour - One Day (Customized)”
Harry was professional and knowledgeable and took us through the key sites of the Battle of Okinawa which occurred in 1945. Harry began the tour on time and this enabled us to see many of the battle locations. He had a warm and personal demeanor so my husband and I felt comfortable with him as our guide. Thank you so much Harry!!
Harry M.
Hello Nao-san, Thank you so much for your kind review! I truly enjoyed exploring Okinawa with you as well. How was the rest of your stay in Japan? Were you able to see the Sakura in Mainland Japan? I hope our paths cross again someday. It would be wonderful to see you again! Best regards, Harry
Elizabeth L.
“A well crafted personalised tour ”
Harry was very accommodating and made on the spot change of our itinerary when he learnt that my husband was a history buff and was interested in the battle of Okinawa . There was also a last minute change of our lunch venue but it turned out to be a blessing in disguise as the venue and meal was superb . This reflected not only reflected the flexibility of the tour guide but also his knowledge of the local area and history . Thank you Harry we throughly enjoyed our day out !
Harry M.
Dear Elizabeth-san, Thank you so much for your kind words and for sharing your experience! It was truly a pleasure guiding you two. I'm glad I could adjust the itinerary to include more historical insights. I'm also happy to hear that the lunch turned out to be a delightful surprise! (I need to thank my wife for her recommendation!) Your positive feedback means a lot, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to have spent the day with you. If you ever find yourselves back in Okinawa, I’d be more than happy to explore more hidden gems with you. Thank you once again for joining the tour — Please have a nice and safe rest of your journey in Japan! Best regards, Harry
Other Popular Tour Guides in Okinawa Main Island
Tateo U.
My name is Tateo. I am officially registerd English tour guide and introducing about Okinawa's history,culture, and nature.I am elderly person but have gone through lots of expericences that happened during US occupation after WW2. For the example, change of monetary system(US dollar to Yen),Change of traffic regulation(driving vehicle from right to left).The reversion of Okinawa to main land Japan was biggest historical event.The US administered Okinawa for 27 years. As a result, thing were Americanized in many aspects. Historically, Okinawa was once independent nation until 1872.During Kingdum era, Okinawa actively traded with China, South Asia Countries, Korea, and Japan. In the end, our culture is quite differ much from main land Japan. For instance, architectural technique, daily customs, and culture are also unique. Okinawa is the only prefecture belong to subtropical climate zone. Even winter time, it's neither hot nor cold. People can enjoy marine sport all through the year.Canoeing, Kayaking, Diving, and Snorkeling are popular. Besides, beatiful white sand beaches and attractive coastline are abundant. Green sea water and blue sky have been lured people from all over the world. Traditional music and dance are worth seeing. Please visit Okinawa and enjoy extraordinary trip. I will be looking forward to seeing you soon.
Noriko Y.
Hi. I was a tour guide for Japanese speak in Japanese in main-land Japan around Tokyo. Now, I live in Okinawa for over ten years with my family. I wanted to be a tour guide for foreigners because I appreciate people's helps when I traveled around world. I traveled over seventy countries. I like traveling because I learn a lot from people who I meet. Finally, I got a certificate for being an English tour guide. I would like you to spend meaningful time in Okinawa. Okinawa has unique culture, they mixed Japanese and Chinese way, then, built up a new own culture. With limited time, I hope you enjoy seeing a lot and knowing a lot.
Yukihiro(hero) N.
Hello, everyone!! My name is Yukihiro, call me "HERO". I'm eager to introduce this unique country, Japan to foreign guests. I am not a professional interpreter. I have retired from Japan Ground Self-Defense Force(JGSDF=Japanese Army) on March 2018. 大家好! 我名字叫xing2 bo2, 請叫我xing bo(行博)。我喜歡跟外國遊客分享這個很有意思的國家---日本國。我是個業餘的翻譯導遊, 不太專業, 在2018年3月我退休了日本陸上自衛隊(日本陸軍)。 I have spent most of my career as a Army NCO(Non-commissioned officer) . My job experiences are only in the military, but there are variety of specialties, so I didn't feel boredom. I lived in many places all over Japan, such as Hokkaido 10years, Chiba 15years, Okinawa 8years and more places. 我在軍隊當陸軍士官過了大部分的生活。我的工作經驗只在軍隊內,但是它有很多兵種和工作,所以我沒有膩了。我住過日本各地的很多地方,例如北海道10年,千葉縣15年,沖繩16年還有別的有些地方。 I am working for a half of month in Okinawa, and the rest of month in Nagasaki as a Triple Lights interpreter tour guide. 我一邊在沖繩縣大概半個月, 一邊在九州長崎周邊當Triple Lights的翻譯導游工作剩餘的月。 I am registered as a Okinawa prefectural interpreter tour guide (English & Chinese), but don't have a whole Japan certification. So I am brushing my skill up to get it. 我登記了沖繩縣的地域翻譯導遊(英/中文),可是沒有全國的。所以為了獲得全國導遊資格,我正在繼續學外語。 I speak English, Chinese (simplify & traditional) , no problem to guide you, not like a native though. 我會說英語和中文(簡/繁),作為您的導游沒問題,沒有母語的人那麼好。
