This is a private guided tour report by Japan Guide Agency (JGA Inc.), a network of 1,000+ government-licensed, English-speaking local guides across all 47 prefectures of Japan. Not affiliated with the Japan Guide Association.
Tour Itinerary
- 09:00 Hotel
- 09:35 Hacksaw Ridge
- 10:20 Kakazu Ridge
- 10:55 Shuri Jo Castle and Kinjo chou stone paved road
- 13:05 Peace Memori Museum
- 14:11 Himeyuri Monument (short stop)
- 14:55 Navy Underground HQ
- 16:05 Makishi Market place
Tour Itinerary in Detail
Over the course of the day the route took in Hacksaw Ridge at 09:35, Kakazu Ridge at 10:20, Shuri Jo Castle and Kinjo chou stone paved road at 10:55, Peace Memori Museum at 13:05, Himeyuri Monument (short stop) at 14:11, Navy Underground HQ at 14:55 and Makishi Market place at 16:05.
What Is a Private Okinawa History Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report
Yesterday's tour ended with an ANA departure flight from Naha Airport, and the guest was somewhat tired after a tour lasting more than two weeks. Today's guest was visiting Okinawa for the first time since being born at a military hospital in Okinawa in 1953. It seems this was their first visit to Okinawa since leaving the island at the age of one. While explaining the film Hacksaw Ridge and the Urasoe Castle ruins, perhaps because we were of a similar era, I felt that we were communicating well. Along the way there were various jokes and questions, and the guest appeared to be enjoying themselves. In the first half, Hacksaw Ridge, Kakazu Ridge, and the Shuri Castle ruins took some time, and by the time we reached the Peace Memorial Museum and the final Navy Underground Headquarters, the 6-hour tour was about to run out, so I had it extended by one hour. Finally, I guided them around the area near the hotel and we parted ways at the Makishi Public Market. As I am not sure how to transfer the guest photo images, I will save them temporarily. That is all.
Click here for more details: Okinawa Battlefields & Peace Memorial Tour, Licensed Guide
Hello, I’m Hidemitsu Maeshiro, your tour guide on Okinawa. Please call me Hyde. I was born in 1947 three years after the war and brought up in Shuri. I live near Shurijo Castle and my family run a small nursery school for more than 50 years. I was adapted to Maeshiro when I was about 7 years of age, my family and given name has been changed for three times. I would like to tell you the secret when you come to see me in Okinawa. My older brother who was also adopted to Maeshiro when he was young. His brother and father was killed in battle of Okinawa near the Naha Port. He has to go back to his old family to continue his family’s name Matsuyama.
Well, one out of every four people was killed in this war. Especially Shuri area was heavily damaged and completely destroyed because 32nd Imperial Army dug banker under the site of Shurijo Castle. Ancient capital of Ryukyu has disappeared.
In 1912, Japanese Government decided to rebuild of Shurijo Castle again. It was completed in the year 2019, but unfortunately Shurijo Castle was burnt down 31st of October 2019. The cause of the fire is unknow, many valuable cultural assets has gone. The castle will be rebuild
three yeas later.
After I was retired from local company in 2017, I applied on base tour guide. Guiding Okinawa is very exciting job, we have long history of Okinawa. The first trade with China is in 1372, twenty years later we have 36 family emigrant from China. Thy have been great help to trade with China for next 450 years.
Apr 30, 2026
jeffrey_f
Viator review: Port Pick-Up: Naha Private Tour Licensed Guide＆ Vehicle
Outstanding tour of Okinawa with Mr Hyde
Outstanding day in Naha…
Apr 30, 2026
jeffrey_f
Viator review: Port Pick-Up: Naha Private Tour Licensed Guide＆ Vehicle
Outstanding tour of Okinawa with Mr Hyde
Outstanding day in Naha with Mr Hyde. Communications were excellent before and during tour. Seamless pickup at the port. We saw and learned a lot about the history and culture of Okinawa and its strategic importance today. Mr Hyde shared his personal stories of life after WW2. The Navy underground Headquarters is amazing as well as the peace memorial & museum. Both are very well done. The car was spotless and very comfortable.
We highly recommend this tour as top notch way to see and understand the relationship of Okinawa to Japan, the region and the world.
Mar 22, 2026
Manuel_M
Viator review: Port Pick-Up: Naha Private Tour Licensed Guide＆ Vehicle
Great visit of Naha : Full of History
We booked the…
Mar 22, 2026
Manuel_M
Viator review: Port Pick-Up: Naha Private Tour Licensed Guide＆ Vehicle
Great visit of Naha : Full of History
We booked the Port Pick-Up: Naha Private Tour Licensed Guide＆ Vehicle during our cruise stop in Naha. Wanting a personalized, hassle-free experience instead of a crowded bus tour, this private setup with a national government-licensed guide, dedicated vehicle, and seamless port pickup/drop-off right at the cruise terminal and everything handled smoothly.
Our guide (Hide) was incredibly knowledgeable, spoke fluent English, super friendly, patient, and deeply passionate about Okinawan history and culture. He customized our full 6-hour itinerary based on our interests (Ryukyu Kingdom history, WWII insights, scenic views, and a bit of shopping), sharing fascinating stories and using photos/slides in his booklet to provide extra context and bring everything to life.
We saw the majestic Shurijo Castle (its almost ready rebuilt beauty and powerful Ryukyu history were such a highlight!), delved into the sobering yet essential Former Japanese Navy Underground Headquarters (walking the tunnels and learning about the Battle of Okinawa was moving and eye-opening), visited the poignant Peace Memorial Park and Himeyuri Peace Museum (profound tributes to the war’s human cost), discovered a couple of hidden gems along the way, and wrapped up exploring the vibrant Kokusai Dori street. Thanks Hide.
Mar 12, 2026
Katie_C
Wonderful Day!
Viator review: Port Pick-Up: Naha Private Tour Licensed Guide＆ Vehicle
The guide was very communicative prior to the day…
Mar 12, 2026
Katie_C
Wonderful Day!
Viator review: Port Pick-Up: Naha Private Tour Licensed Guide＆ Vehicle
The guide was very communicative prior to the day of the tour. He was open to our requests
and planned a perfect day! He was very knowledgeable and engaging. We really enjoyed
our day with him.
Jul 13, 2025
J
Jared_A
Naha 6hr Private Walking Tour with Government Licensed Guide w/ Hide
Viator review: Naha 6hr Private Walking Tour with Government…
Jul 13, 2025
J
Jared_A
Naha 6hr Private Walking Tour with Government Licensed Guide w/ Hide
Viator review: Naha 6hr Private Walking Tour with Government Licensed Guide
Hide was very knowledgeable and flexible with my guided tour and I was able to learn a lot and experience places in Okinawa I would not have normally been able to go to. Hide even had a kind friend that was able to drive us around to areas that we wouldn’t have been able to reach by the monorail, such as Mihama American Village, which added to the experience and positive memories from my trip to Okinawa. I would definitely recommend a guided tour, especially if you are lucky enough to get someone as knowledgeable, kind, and customer-service oriented as Hide.