Kyushu and Okinawa

Travel Guide

Museum of Natural and Human History which includes interior views
Kyushu and Okinawa
Museum of Natural and Human History which includes interior views
Kyushu and Okinawa
Kyushu and Okinawa

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(41 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
Tenjin

Tenjin

4.5/5(3 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
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
Okinawa showing rainforest and a cascade

Naha City Centre

4.5/5(36 area reviews)

The parks and historic sites are just a few things visitors like about Naha City Centre. Kokusai-dori Shopping Street 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(19 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(6 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
THE BASICS FUKUOKA
THE BASICS FUKUOKA
4 out of 5
2-14-1, Hakataeki Higashi, Hakata-ku, Fukuoka, Fukuoka
The price is CA $123 per night from Jul 6 to Jul 7
CA $123
CA $135 total
Jul 6 - Jul 7
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! (1,697 reviews)
"Hair was found in bath tub when we arrived."

Reviewed on Jun. 19, 2025

THE BASICS FUKUOKA
Vessel Hotel Campana Okinawa
Vessel Hotel Campana Okinawa
4 out of 5
9-22 Mihama, Chatan Cho, Nakagami-gun, Chatan, Okinawa-ken
The price is CA $210 per night from Jul 14 to Jul 15
CA $210
CA $258 total
Jul 14 - Jul 15
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Chatan. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and an outdoor pool. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,064 reviews)
"Good hotel, close to shopping area"

Reviewed on Jun. 15, 2025

Vessel Hotel Campana Okinawa
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 CA $98 per night from Jul 6 to Jul 7
CA $98
CA $108 total
Jul 6 - Jul 7
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)
"Very convenient, clean room, comfortable bed, helpful staff"

Reviewed on Jun. 17, 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.
ALFACIO RIVERSIDE STAY HAKATA
ALFACIO RIVERSIDE STAY HAKATA
3.5 out of 5
2-chome-21-15 Sumiyoshi, Hakata Ward, Fukuoka, Fukuoka
Stay at this 3.5-star apartment in Fukuoka. Enjoy free WiFi, laundry facilities, and slippers. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in our ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (221 reviews)
"communication between us so difficult"

Reviewed on Apr. 18, 2025

ALFACIO RIVERSIDE STAY 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! (269 reviews)
"Modern spacious rooms, great amenities"

Reviewed on May 25, 2025

BEB5 Okinawa Seragaki by Hoshino Resorts
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 ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (420 reviews)
"Very nice accommodation only a short walk from Hakata station. Room was clean and well appointed with comfortable beds. Highly recommended."

Reviewed on Jun. 5, 2025

SG Residence Inn Hakata
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.

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