Kyushu and Okinawa Travel Guide

Tourist Guide
Museum of Natural and Human History showing interior views
Kyushu and Okinawa
Museum of Natural and Human History featuring 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

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Hakata Ward

4.5/5(79 area reviews)

Consider exploring the abundant dining options in Hakata Ward. If sightseeing is on the list, Canal City Hakata is a top attraction. Hop on the metro at Higashi-Hie Station or Fukuoka Airport Station to see more of the area.

Hakata Ward
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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
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Tenjin

4.5/5(13 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 featuring rainforest and a cascade

Naha City Centre

4.5/5(22 area reviews)

The parks and historical 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
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Yufuin Onsen

4.5/5(24 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
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Chuo Ward

4.5/5(27 area reviews)

Chuo Ward is a destination travellers like for its shopping, and you might hop aboard the metro at Akasaka Station or Sakurazaka Station to explore sights like Mizuho PayPay Dome Fukuoka.

Chuo Ward
THE BASICS FUKUOKA
THE BASICS FUKUOKA
4 out of 5
2-14-1, Hakataeki Higashi, Hakata-ku, Fukuoka, Fukuoka
Stay at this 4-star hotel in Fukuoka. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and a fitness centre. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,195 reviews)
"10 min walk from Hakata Station, situated on a quiet street but close enough to the department stores. Very easy to find and staffs were very friendly."

Reviewed on 20 Nov 2024

THE BASICS FUKUOKA
ZONK HOTEL HAKATA
ZONK HOTEL HAKATA
3 out of 5
1-15-1 Hakataekiminami, Hakata Ward, Fukuoka, Fukuoka
Stay at this 3-star hotel in Fukuoka. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, 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! (605 reviews)
"Good location. Clean facilities with helpful staff."

Reviewed on 16 Nov 2024

ZONK HOTEL HAKATA
THE BLOSSOM HAKATA Premier
THE BLOSSOM HAKATA Premier
4 out of 5
2-8-12 Hakataekimae, Hakata-Ku, Fukuoka, Fukuoka
Stay at this 4-star hotel in Fukuoka. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, 2 coffee shops/cafes and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (1,269 reviews)
"It’s very convenient. The staff are very friendly and helpful."

Reviewed on 5 Nov 2024

THE BLOSSOM HAKATA Premier
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 business-friendly apartment in Fukuoka. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, in-room deep-soaking baths and slippers. Our guests praise the property condition in their ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (368 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 11 Oct 2024

SG Residence Inn Hakata
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 Wi-Fi, free parking and Netflix. Popular attractions Canal City Hakata and Marine Messe ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (168 reviews)
"We loved it here! We hope to stay here again in the future!!!"

Reviewed on 9 Oct 2024

Grand STAY Hakata Station North
Ala MAHAINA CONDO HOTEL
Ala MAHAINA CONDO HOTEL
3.5 out of 5
1421-1 Yamakawa, Motobu, Okinawa
Stay at this 3.5-star aparthotel in Motobu. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and an outdoor pool. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the property condition ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (448 reviews)
"Beautiful views and excellent hospitality."

Reviewed on 4 Nov 2024

Ala MAHAINA CONDO HOTEL
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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