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

  • 8:00 Hotel 9:45 Ta Waterfall River Trekking 11:20
  • 11:30 Lunch at Kunigami Port Restaurant 12:10
  • 12:15 Shopping at Kunigami Roadside Station 12:25
  • 13:05 Kouri Bridge & Heart Rock Beach 13:25 
  • 13:50 Nakijin Castle Ruins 14:20
  • 16:00 Arrive at Hotel

What Is a Private Day Tour of Northern Okinawa (Yanbaru) Like? A Licensed Guide's Report

Because we discussed the plan thoroughly in advance and customized it to the guests' wishes, the group was delighted from the river trekking onward. Since one of the guests loves fish, they enjoyed lunch at "Kunigami Port Shokudo," which serves fish caught on its own fishing boat. Hearing that one of the guests likes cinnamon, we went shopping at "Kunigami Roadside Station," where they happily purchased bitter doughnuts (karagi flavor), karagi tea, whale shark–patterned socks, and a Yanbaru long-armed scarab beetle–patterned T-shirt as a souvenir. They seemed very pleased to be able to buy what they wanted. They were also soothed by the stunning scenery of Kouri Island, and although it made for a tight schedule, with their consent we visited "Nakijin Castle Ruins" for the history-loving member of the group. They found it fascinating to learn about a history different from that of mainland Japan, and the spectacular view from the fortress walls was a wonderful surprise! With a beaming smile, the guests thanked me, saying, "Unlike the tours in Tokyo, this was so unique and relaxing. We truly had a wonderful day today."

I have been guiding in Okinawa since 2008! I love guiding visitors around Okinawa because I have been interested in a unique history and culture of Okinawa, which are very different from those of mainland Japan. Also how can I resist introducing tourists to amazing natural wonders of Okinawa including lush green subtropical rain forest, unbelievably clear beautiful sea and underwater world, and heavenly beautiful starry sky?

I love the peace-loving spirit of Okinawa. Okinawa is the birthplace of karate. I take karate lessons twice a week as I have been impressed by the karate spirit: “the spirit focusing not on winning, but rather on not losing; of not attacking, but rather defending life; and the continual training of the self to achieve this. ” In order to satisfy you with a great experience about Okinawa Karate and Okinawa Kobudo, I go to one of the most famous traditional Okinawa Kobudo dojos “Bunbukan”. I am a black belt holder (2nd dan) for karate and a black belt holder (2nd dan) for kobudo. I can arrange visits or experience lessons to these dojos for you!

While I am not working, I enjoy outdoors and try to go to the gym as much as possible to take classes (boxercise, dance, and muscle-building). I like training my body and having fun with everybody in the classes as well as I feel refreshed after that and feel recharged for work the next day. Also I love joining a study tour led by a university professor, a staff member from the culture section of board of education of local municipalities, or a curator of a museum. For a history-loving person like me, it is always interesting to know more deeply about the history of Okinawa. I am extremely energetic and have been researching many nice places for you to dine in.

I can make your stay in Okinawa a memorable one, hoping you will become a big fan of Okinawa as well!dummy

Apr 23, 2026
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