Kyushu and Okinawa

Travel Guide

Museum of Natural and Human History which includes 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

Hakata-ku

Hakata Ward

4.5/5(11 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
Tenjin

Tenjin

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

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

5/5(2 area reviews)

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

Chuo Ward
Nakasu

Nakasu

Nakasu is well-liked for many features, particularly its shopping, river views, and restaurants. Though there might not be top sights in Nakasu, consider a stop by Canal City Hakata or Marine Messe Fukuoka, located nearby.

Nakasu
THE BASICS FUKUOKA
THE BASICS FUKUOKA
4 out of 5
2-14-1, Hakataeki Higashi, Hakata-ku, Fukuoka, Fukuoka
The price is P5,961 per night from Aug 6 to Aug 7
P5,961
P6,557 total
Aug 6 - Aug 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! (1,727 reviews)
"整體滿意"

Reviewed on Jun 30, 2025

THE BASICS FUKUOKA
Canal City Fukuoka Washington Hotel
Canal City Fukuoka Washington Hotel
3 out of 5
1-2-20 Sumiyoshi, Hakata-ku, Fukuoka, Fukuoka-ken
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! (1,003 reviews)
"Amazing location for a great price!"

Reviewed on May 7, 2025

Canal City Fukuoka Washington Hotel
Hotel Forza Hakataeki Chikushi - Guchi II
Hotel Forza Hakataeki Chikushi - Guchi II
3.5 out of 5
1-13-3 Hakataekihigashi, Hakata, Fukuoka, Fukuoka
The price is P4,197 per night from Jul 9 to Jul 10
P4,197
P4,617 total
Jul 9 - Jul 10
Stay at this 3.5-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 ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (614 reviews)
"Nice stay."

Reviewed on Jun 29, 2025

Hotel Forza Hakataeki Chikushi - Guchi II
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! (226 reviews)
"Great for multiple persons, you can cook and prepare meals inside, do laundry and dry clothes. Price is cheap for multiple persons or groups of 6 above."

Reviewed on Jun 25, 2025

ALFACIO RIVERSIDE STAY HAKATA
Legatio HAKATA
Legatio HAKATA
3 out of 5
2-21-14 Sumiyoshi, Hakata Ward, 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! (110 reviews)
"We really enjoyed our stay here. A very nice layout with a practical kitchen. We had trouble with the room tablet that gives the WiFi info so we messaged the property and the responded within minutes. Very walkable area with plenty of food and entertainment options. Comfy and quiet room. Will stay ..."

Reviewed on May 29, 2025

Legatio 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! (277 reviews)
"Excellent services and location"

Reviewed on Jun 25, 2025

BEB5 Okinawa Seragaki by Hoshino Resorts
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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