Kyushu and Okinawa

Travel Guide

Museum of Natural and Human History showing interior views
Yufu
Museum of Natural and Human History showing interior views
Kyushu and Okinawa featuring street scenes as well as a small group of people
Sanno Shrine
These areas of Japan have seen major influences from Western nations during times of peace and war.

Kyushu and the Okinawa Prefecture are the southernmost islands of Japan. See the contrasts of modern cities, blended cultures, World War II aftermath and picturesque beaches.

One of the most famous cities on Kyushu is Nagasaki, an area developed with Japanese, Portuguese, Spanish, and French influences. The city is also one of two significantly damaged by atomic bombs during World War II. Learn the story of this disastrous event at the Nagasaki Atomic Bomb Museum. At the Peace Park nearby, reflect on the lost lives of city residents and the hope that nuclear weapons will never again be used. Nagasaki City has been rebuilt into a modern center of commerce and culture.

See Western-style residences at Glover Garden, the Ouro Catholic Church and the restored Dejima Protestant Seminary now holding Japanese archeological finds. Take a boat trip to Hashima, an island of coal shaped to appear as a battleship. Sample Shiboku cuisine, a mix of Japanese and Western foods eaten as a shared meal around a lacquered table. Follow it with castella, a Portuguese sponge cake.

More than 500 miles (800 kilometers) southwest of Kyushu Island is Okinawa, far closer to China than to Tokyo. The prefecture includes more than 200 of the Ryukyu islands. Tour some of the islands by boat to enjoy rugged coastlines, coral reefs and sandy beaches.

Visit the Okinawa Prefectural Peace Memorial Museum, which gives a local perspective of the island’s invasion during World War II and the American occupation that followed. Visit the Okinawa Prefectural Museum and Art Museum for displays of local artists, without any political perspective. Other popular spots include the aquarium, botanical gardens, zoo, Hiji Falls near Nago and scenic cliffs on the northern shores. U.S. military complexes occupy a portion of the island of Okinawa.

Tour other islands in the Ryukyu chain to explore ruins of ancient castles, hike forested trails and enjoy splendid beaches.

For a pleasant mix of East meets West, visit Japan’s Kyushu Island and Okinawa Prefecture.

Where to stay in Kyushu and Okinawa

Hakata-ku

Hakata Ward

4.5/5(330 area reviews)

Home to government and commercial establishments, Hakata-ku offers shopping and entertainment at Canal City Hakata and traditional crafts like Hakata ningyō dolls. Savor local cuisine in Nakasu, such as Hakata ramen. Easy access to Hakata Station and Fukuoka Airport.

Hakata Ward
Hakata Ekimae

Hakata Ekimae

Hakata Ekimae is noteworthy for its shopping, and you can make a stop at top attractions like Canal City Hakata and Amu Plaza Hakata.

Hakata Ekimae
Tenjin

Tenjin

4.5/5(42 area reviews)

Unique features of Tenjin include the shopping and restaurants. Make a stop by Solaria Plaza or Yatai while you're exploring the area.

Tenjin
Okinawa showing rainforest and a cascade

Naha City Centre

4.5/5(302 area reviews)

The parks and historic sites are just a few things visitors like about Naha City Centre. Kokusai Dori and Tomari Port are worthwhile spots to check out, and you can hop on the metro at Miebashi Station or Kenchomae Station to get around the larger area.

Naha City Centre
Ohori Park

Chuo Ward

4.5/5(130 area reviews)

Centered in Fukuoka city, Chūō-ku boasts bustling downtown areas like Tenjin and Daimyō, and the renowned Nagahama fish market. Explore attractions such as Fukuoka Art Museum, Ōhori Park, and Acros Fukuoka for a diverse experience.

Chuo Ward
Yufuin Onsen showing a river or creek, a small town or village and a bridge

Yufuin Onsen

4.5/5(42 area reviews)

Unique features of Yufuin Onsen include the hot springs and lake views. Make a stop by Kyushu Yufuin Folk Village or Kinrin Lake while you're exploring the area.

Yufuin Onsen
Canal City Fukuoka Washington Hotel
Canal City Fukuoka Washington Hotel
3 out of 5
1-2-20 Sumiyoshi, Hakata-ku, Fukuoka, Fukuoka-ken
The price is ¥11,653 per night from Apr 6 to Apr 7
¥11,653
¥14,100 total
includes taxes & fees
Apr 6 - Apr 7
Stay at this 3-star hotel in Fukuoka. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
8/10 Very Good! (1,000 reviews)
"An affordable alternative to the Hyatt next door. But like the Hyatt, it's attached to the Canal City Mall, so it's got many food and shopping options in addition to the restaurant. Rooms are small, but affordable and the location is a very short taxi ride to Hakata Station. On a nice day, you can ..."

Reviewed on Dec 6, 2024

Canal City Fukuoka Washington Hotel
THE BASICS FUKUOKA
THE BASICS FUKUOKA
4 out of 5
2-14-1, Hakataeki Higashi, Hakata-ku, Fukuoka, Fukuoka
The price is ¥16,867 per night from Apr 23 to Apr 24
¥16,867
¥18,554 total
includes taxes & fees
Apr 23 - Apr 24
Stay at this 4-star hotel in Fukuoka. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a fitness center. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,393 reviews)
"非常好的酒店!好漂亮很有特色,特別是我們的房間還可以享用一樓休息室,我們特別享受在休息室看書喝酒的時光"

Reviewed on Mar 30, 2025

THE BASICS FUKUOKA
Hotel Oriental Express Fukuoka Tenjin
Hotel Oriental Express Fukuoka Tenjin
3 out of 5
3-chome-3-14 Tenjin, Cho, Fukuoka, Fukuoka
The price is ¥15,732 per night from Apr 21 to Apr 22
¥15,732
¥17,305 total
includes taxes & fees
Apr 21 - Apr 22
Stay at this 3-star hotel in Fukuoka. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and daily housekeeping. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,147 reviews)
"Good hotel. Location close to station very close to main areas."

Reviewed on Mar 3, 2025

Hotel Oriental Express Fukuoka Tenjin
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
SG Residence Inn Hakata
SG Residence Inn Hakata
2.5 out of 5
2-17-20 Toko, Hakata-Ku, Fukuoka, Fukuoka
Stay at this apartment in Fukuoka. Enjoy free WiFi, in-room soaking tubs, and slippers. Our guests praise the property condition in our reviews. Popular attractions ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (391 reviews)
"The apartment is well located and vonvenient - it's a 8 minute walk to the Hakata Station. It is true to description but well equipped especially thd kitchen. Thr bathroom was excellent as it's modern and thr ling bath is superb. Management was super helpful and responsive to every query andvrequest ..."

Reviewed on Dec 4, 2024

SG Residence Inn Hakata
BEB5 Okinawa Seragaki by Hoshino Resorts
BEB5 Okinawa Seragaki by Hoshino Resorts
3.5 out of 5
1860-4 Serakaki Onnason, Onna, Okinawa
Stay at this 3.5-star aparthotel in Onna. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a fitness center. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (235 reviews)
"Our stay at BEB5 was absolutely fantastic! The rooms were spacious, providing plenty of room for the whole family to relax and unwind. The resort’s location was ideal, just a short walk to the beach, making it incredibly convenient for beach lovers. The amenities were top-notch, with a heated pool ..."

Reviewed on Mar 25, 2025

BEB5 Okinawa Seragaki by Hoshino Resorts
Tomariehotel & condominium
Tomariehotel & condominium
3 out of 5
4-26-22 Katakasu, Hakata, Fukuoka, Fukuoka
Stay at this 3-star apartment in Fukuoka. Enjoy free WiFi, in-room washers/dryers, and slippers. Our guests praise the clean rooms and the property condition ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (538 reviews)
"Nice place will stay again"

Reviewed on Mar 27, 2025

Tomariehotel & condominium
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Cities near Kyushu and Okinawa