Kyushu and Okinawa

Travel Guide
Museum of Natural and Human History which includes interior views
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
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(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
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 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 Yufuin Stained Glass Museum or Kyushu Yufuin Folk Village while you're exploring the area.

Yufuin Onsen
ZONK HOTEL HAKATA
ZONK HOTEL HAKATA
3 out of 5
1-15-1 Hakataekiminami, Hakata Ward, Fukuoka, Fukuoka
The price is CA $60 per night from Nov. 4 to Nov. 5
CA $60
CA $89 total
includes taxes & fees
Nov 4 - Nov 5
Stay at this 3-star hotel in Fukuoka. Enjoy free WiFi, in-room massages, and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (588 reviews)
"Property location was great, staff was amazing, and for a more budget hotel, the size was great. Bathrooms were dirty but the rest of the hotel outweighed the gross showers!"

Reviewed on Oct. 12, 2024

ZONK HOTEL HAKATA
Mitsui Garden Hotel Fukuoka Nakasu
Mitsui Garden Hotel Fukuoka Nakasu
4 out of 5
Nakasu 5-5-1, Hakata, Fukuoka, Fukuoka
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is CA $140 per night from Nov. 28 to Nov. 29
CA $140
CA $156 total
includes taxes & fees
Nov 28 - Nov 29
Stay at this 4-star hotel in Fukuoka. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
9/10 Wonderful! (840 reviews)
"Excellent customer service; excellent amenities"

Reviewed on Oct. 31, 2024

Mitsui Garden Hotel Fukuoka Nakasu
THE BASICS FUKUOKA
THE BASICS FUKUOKA
4 out of 5
2-14-1, Hakataeki Higashi, Hakata-ku, Fukuoka, Fukuoka
The price is CA $121 per night from Dec. 2 to Dec. 3
CA $121
CA $133 total
includes taxes & fees
Dec 2 - Dec 3
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! (1,161 reviews)
"The hotel interior was different to other hotels being circular. Location was about 5 minutes walk from the station."

Reviewed on Nov. 1, 2024

THE BASICS FUKUOKA
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
Book a stay at this business-friendly apartment in Fukuoka. Enjoy free WiFi, in-room soaking tubs, and slippers. Our guests praise the property condition in ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (369 reviews)
"I liked that it was spacious, elevator, bathroom was great. There was a washer that spun clothes but not sure if it dries so i hung it in the balcony. Walked to underground station for dinner. Only complaint are the beds and couch is work out. Other than that it was cute and perfect for me and my ..."

Reviewed on Oct. 11, 2024

SG Residence Inn Hakata
Grand Inn Canalside
Grand Inn Canalside
3 out of 5
Sumiyoshi 2-21-2, Fukuoka, Fukuoka
Stay at this 3-star apartment in Fukuoka. Enjoy free WiFi, slippers, and climate control. Popular attractions Canal City Hakata and Port of Hakata are located ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (276 reviews)
적당한 위치
"가족 여행으로 머물렀어요.. 모든게 무인시스템이라 조금은 불편합니다. 위치가 좋지만 지하철과 버스정류장에서는 거리가 있어서 조금 걸어야 합니다. 주변에 캐날시티도 있고 나카스 포장마차도 가까운점은 장점입니다. 다마누하카타역 또는 텐진과 어정쩡하게 위치한 점도 있어요 이틀 연박했지만 중간 청소는 안해주네요 텔레비젼도 안되지만 위치와 청결은 좋습니다 가족이 머물기에는 좋았어요."

Reviewed on Jul. 29, 2024

Grand Inn Canalside
Grand STAY Hakata Station North
Grand STAY Hakata Station North
3 out of 5
3-chome-15-4 Katakasu, Hakata Ward, Fukuoka, Fukuoka
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly apartment in Fukuoka. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and Netflix. Popular attractions Canal City Hakata and Marine Messe ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (156 reviews)
"We loved it here! We hope to stay here again in the future!!!"

Reviewed on Oct. 9, 2024

Grand STAY Hakata Station North
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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