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
- 9:00 Hotel, travel to Shuri Castle (Monorail Asahibashi Station ⇒ Shuri Station) 『Guide transportation fee JPY600』
- 10:00 Shuri Castle 11:00
- 11:20 Okinawa soba lunch 12:00 Travel to Tamaudun (on foot)
- 12:15 Tamaudun 13:00 Travel to Shikinaen (Taxi JPY1400)
- 13:15 Shikinaen 14:00 Travel to Monorail Shuri Station (Taxi JPY900) 『Guide transportation fee JPY575』(2300 yen) ÷ 4 =575 yen
- 14:08 Travel by monorail, Shuri Station ⇒ Asahibashi Station 14:26 『Guide transportation fee JPY600』
- 14:30 Travel from Asahibashi Station to Naminoue Shrine (on foot)
- 14:45 Naminoue Shrine 15:00
- 15:15 On the route back to the hotel from Naminoue Shrine, accompany the customer to a place where they can easily find their way back, then part ways
Title: What Is a Private Okinawa History and Culture Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report from Shuri Castle
From the moment I met the guests and throughout the monorail ride and at each site we visited, they were very satisfied with the discussions about Okinawan history and culture, which were their main interests. For lunch, they had requested noodles, rice dishes, and local cuisine, so I guided them to a popular "Okinawa soba" restaurant within walking distance of Shuri Castle. As you can see from the photo, it is a hidden-gem restaurant located in a residential area despite being near a tourist site, and it does not usually take reservations. Thanks to arriving before noon, we were seated at a corner table for four in a calm space decorated with Okinawan yachimun pottery, where the guests could rest and enjoy their lunch during a very hot day of walking, which they were also very pleased with.
The guests also appreciated the recommendations for nearby dining options.
I received a 5-star review and consent to post photos, and I could sense their high level of satisfaction.
Click here for more details: Okinawa Battlefields & Peace Memorial Tour, Licensed Guide
Transportation cost per person
| No. | Transportation | Route | Fare |
| Section 1 | Train | Asahibashi Station～Shuri Station | 600JPY |
| Section 2 | Train | Shuri Station～Asahibashi Station | 600JPY |
| Total | 1,200JPY | ||
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
maxmU8561BR
Tripadvisor review: Port Pick-Up: Naha Private Tour Licensed Guide＆ Vehicle
Ein schöner Tag in Naha
Es war ein schöner Tag mit…
Apr 23, 2026
maxmU8561BR
Tripadvisor review: Port Pick-Up: Naha Private Tour Licensed Guide＆ Vehicle
Ein schöner Tag in Naha
Es war ein schöner Tag mit Kumiko. Voller Geschichte aus den letzten Tagen des Krieges
und aus dem Umfeld von Naha. Zudem ein nettes Restaurant mit super leckerem Essen. Ein
gutes Preis/Leistungsverhältnis.
那覇での素晴らしい一日でした。
クミコさんと過ごした一日はとても素晴らしいものでした。戦争末期の歴史や那覇周辺の話など、興味深い内容がたくさんありました。さらに、料理がとても美味しい素敵なレストランにも案内していただきました。コストパフォーマンスも良かったです。
Aug 1, 2025
michelepL115IL
This is a great way to experience okinawa….such a beautiful island
Tripadvisor review: Naha 6hr Private Walking Tour with Government Licensed…
Aug 1, 2025
michelepL115IL
This is a great way to experience okinawa….such a beautiful island
Tripadvisor review: Naha 6hr Private Walking Tour with Government Licensed Guide
This is a great way to see okinawa. It has an exciting history and a lot more to be
experienced than just shopping streets. We saw waterfalls and castles and beautiful
scenery
May 26, 2025
Climber36185086226
We loved our tour!
Tripadvisor review: Naha 6hr Private Walking Tour with Government Licensed Guide
Our tour guide Kumiko, was wonderful,…
May 26, 2025
Climber36185086226
We loved our tour!
Tripadvisor review: Naha 6hr Private Walking Tour with Government Licensed Guide
Our tour guide Kumiko, was wonderful, she created a personalized tour for us of what we wanted to see and experience. She was so knowledgeable about every site we visited, we learned so much. The lunch she reserved for us was authentic and amazing. This is a “must do” in Okinawa!
Nov 12, 2024
htaxeras
Perfect quick day in Naha!
Viator review: Port Pick-Up: Naha Private Tour Licensed Guide＆ Vehicle
Kumiko was awesome. She made a…
Nov 12, 2024
htaxeras
Perfect quick day in Naha!
Viator review: Port Pick-Up: Naha Private Tour Licensed Guide＆ Vehicle
Kumiko was awesome. She made a custom trip for us to see my childhood apartment, go to Hacksaw Ridge, Japanese underground Naval headquarters, and then took us to Pottery Street and to find Ryukyu glass.
She was very knowledgeable about the Battle of Okinawa and knew the market like the back of her hand!
The taxi she arranged for the private tour was perfect. He was patient, flexible, and very friendly.