About Tour Guide Sara E.

"Chuuganabira" or "Hello" as we say here in Shuri!

I'm Sara. My mother is Japanese from Nagasaki and my father is American from Pennsylvania. I spent my formative years between Japan and the U.S. giving me a naturally bicultural outlook and global sensibility.

I am a hospitality professional with over 35 years of experience in Japan’s international hotel and tourism industries having held senior positions with world-renowned hotels. I have also worked as a simultaneous interpreter for major Japanese organizations supporting large scale cultural and international events.

I relocated from Tokyo to Naha in 2003 because I totally fell in love with this beautiful port city during my travels - the warm friendly people, delicious local food, rich history and culture and most of all the breathtaking turquoise ocean and magnificent blue sky.

My passion is making people happy through "omotenashi" - the Japanese art of polite, thoughtful and respectful hospitality.

I specialize in Shuri Castle tours. I have insider access to Shuri Castle through my onsite research, a membership in the Shuri Castle Friendship Association and a strong connection with both the castle's staff and the Okinawa Churashima Foundation which operates the castle. I also have deep ties with the Sho royal family giving me unparalleled insights into the history and culture of the Ryukyu Kingdom.

I am looking forward to introducing you to the royal, majestic and fascinating world of Shuri!