Naha: Okinawa Shuri Castle Peace Walking Tour
ID: GYG1021408-1578360
Category:
Country: Ecuador
Duration:
04:00 hours
Description
Discover Okinawa’s rich history on a guided tour of Shurijo Castle, Tamaudun, and sacred sites. Stroll cobbled streets, explore museums, and savor Okinawa soba at a Ryukyu-style restaurant.
Step into the vibrant heart of Okinawa’s royal past on this immersive walking tour through Shuri, where centuries of Ryukyuan history, culture, and resilience come alive. You’ll explore the iconic Shurijo Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and stroll through atmospheric cobblestone streets lined with sacred Utaki sites, ancient banyan trees, and traditional architecture. Along the way, a local guide shares rich insights into the Ryukyu Kingdom’s unique blend of influences from China, Japan, and Southeast Asia, including visits to Tamaudun, the royal family’s stone mausoleum, and hidden historical spots that reveal Okinawa’s spiritual and wartime legacy.
Set atop a hill overlooking Naha, Shuri was once the proud center of the Ryukyu Kingdom. Its vivid red palace, graceful gardens, and spiritual sites remain powerful symbols of a culture that thrived on diplomacy, artistry, and deep respect for nature and ancestors. Even after the devastation of World War II, the community has rebuilt and preserved its heritage with quiet strength and pride. This tour offers not only a historical journey but a deep connection to the spirit of a resilient people.
Perfect for history buffs, cultural explorers, and travelers who want more than surface-level sightseeing, this tour is a great fit for couples, friends, and solo adventurers alike. If you’re curious about Okinawan traditions, local beliefs, or Ryukyuan arts like bingata dyeing, you’ll find this experience especially enriching.
First-time visitors to Okinawa? No worries. Our knowledgeable local guide will lead you with care, offering context and stories that bring each site to life. The pace is gentle, with plenty of breaks and no need to worry about difficult terrain. And yes—come hungry! You’ll enjoy a delicious Okinawan meal at a charming, locally loved restaurant that evokes the royal gardens of old. Whether you’re traveling solo or with company, you’ll leave with full memories—and a full heart.
Highlights
- Explore World Heritage sites Shurijo Castle and Tamaudun with a local guide.
- Visit Shuri Castle and Museums to learn and feel the history of Ryukyu history.
- learn about Okinawa's daily life through local cobblestone streets.
- You can also learn about Okinawa's daily beliefs through Utaki (sacred sites).
- Enjoy Okinawa soba noodles and other (gardens from the Ryukyu Kingdom period)
Guiding languages
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
Vegetarian options are limited as most Japanese restaurants aren’t fully equipped for such menus. Please inform us at least a day in advance of any dietary needs or allergies. Unfortunately, we cannot accommodate gluten-free requests. Meals are prepared in external kitchens, so allergy-free meals or full dietary restrictions cannot be guaranteed. You are not required to cover the guide’s food or drinks. This tour involves steep inclines and is not recommended for those with mobility issues. Okinawa’s weather can be extreme—up to 40°C in summer and down to -5°C in winter—so please dress accordingly. The tour starts promptly out of respect for all participants. If you arrive more than 15 minutes late, you cannot join, reschedule, or receive a refund.
In front of Shuri Textile Museum Suikara
Our guide will be holding a red/orange sign saying "Magical Trip"
About 10-minute walk from Shuri Station (Yui Rail)
INCLUDED
- Admission Fee
- Tamaudun Mausoleum entrance fee included
- Admission Fee
- Shurijo Castle entrance fee included
- Local Cuisine
- Enjoy a satisfying lunch by choosing from a variety of traditional Okinawan dishes on the menu.
- Photos during the tour
- You'll get photos taken during the tour by your guide which will be sent to you after the tour via email.
- An english-speaking guide
- All parts of the itinerary are guided by a local guide who speaks English.
NOT INCLUDED
- Additional food and drink (Available for purchase)
When should I book?
To guarantee availability book as soon as possible. Early booking is worth consideration especially if you planning the trip during high season like public holidays or weekends.
Cancellations
This excursion you can cancel with no cost up to 24 hours before the start of the trip. If you cancel it after 24 hours or not show up on the excursion you will still be charged the full price of the activity. Being late on pick-up or departure will be considered as not showing up.
