Kyushu and Okinawa

Travel Guide
Yufu
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)

Travelers choose Hakata Ward for its abundant dining options. Hop aboard the metro at Higashi-Hie Station or Fukuoka Airport Station and check out top sights like Canal City Hakata.

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
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 Yufuin Stained Glass Museum or Kyushu Yufuin Folk Village while you're exploring the area.

Yufuin Onsen
Ohori Park

Chuo Ward

4.5/5(130 area reviews)

You might enjoy the shopping while in Chuo Ward. PayPay Dome is a notable sight, and you can get around town at Akasaka Station or Sakurazaka Station to see more of the city.

Chuo Ward
Zonk Hotel Hakata
Zonk Hotel Hakata
3 out of 5
1-15-1 Hakataekiminami, Hakata Ward, Fukuoka, Fukuoka
The price is ¥8,433 per night from Apr 2 to Apr 3
¥8,433
per night
Apr 2 - Apr 3
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! (408 reviews)
"Staff 能用英語溝通而酒店乾淨清潔, 己這價位己無特別其他要求。"

Reviewed on Mar 16, 2024

Zonk Hotel Hakata
The Basics Fukuoka
The Basics Fukuoka
4 out of 5
2-14-1, Hakataeki Higashi, Hakata-ku, Fukuoka, Fukuoka
The price is ¥14,267 per night from Apr 24 to Apr 25
¥14,267
per night
Apr 24 - Apr 25
Stay at this 4-star hotel in Fukuoka. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast, and a fitness center. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in our reviews. ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (693 reviews)
A beautiful hotesl
"A clean and comfortable hotel from which to explore Fukouka. A short walk from Hakata station and equally short drive to the airport. I sent my luggage over from Tokyo and at check-in they had already left it in my room. I love that there's great ramen and coffee all within a short walk from the ..."

Reviewed on Mar 25, 2024

The Basics Fukuoka
Halekulani Okinawa
Halekulani Okinawa
5 out of 5
1967-1 Nakama, Onna, Okinawa Prefecture
The price is ¥62,273 per night from Apr 10 to Apr 11
¥62,273
per night
Apr 10 - Apr 11
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Onna. Enjoy free WiFi, an outdoor pool, and 4 restaurants. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in our reviews. Popular ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (1,592 reviews)
Perfect hotel
"Perfect hotel!! Amazing service, we enjoyed staying this hotel."

Reviewed on Jan 8, 2024

Halekulani Okinawa
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.
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 Port of Hakata ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (89 reviews)
Stay in Hakata Fukuoka
"It is located in a quiet neighbourhood. While the room’s conditions are very good and well maintained, it may not be convenient for those who do not drive."

Reviewed on Jun 11, 2023

Grand STAY Hakata Station North
Hoshino Resorts BEB5 Okinawa Seragaki
Hoshino Resorts BEB5 Okinawa Seragaki
3.5 out of 5
1860-4 Serakaki Onnason, Onna, Okinawa
Stay at this 3.5-star aparthotel in Onna. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast, and a free beach shuttle. Popular attractions Manza Beach and Cape Manza are located nearby. ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (70 reviews)
"Limited dining options, otherwise everything was great"

Reviewed on Dec 12, 2023

Hoshino Resorts BEB5 Okinawa Seragaki
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, a flat-screen TV, and a kitchen. Our guests praise the clean rooms and the property condition in our ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (359 reviews)
"My family of 4 loved the proximity to the subway station and comvenience store around the property. Though the building is near the train track but surprisingly, it was not noisy. The room was spacious enough to accomodate 4 of us and our luggages. Will definitely book this place again if we were ..."

Reviewed on Mar 19, 2024

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