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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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
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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
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 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
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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
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Nakasu

Get to know Nakasu by checking out its shopping, river views and restaurants. Consider a visit to nearby sights like Canal City Hakata or Marine Messe Fukuoka during your time in the area.

Nakasu
THE BASICS FUKUOKA
THE BASICS FUKUOKA
4 out of 5
2-14-1, Hakataeki Higashi, Hakata-ku, Fukuoka, Fukuoka
The price is Rp1.705.392 per night from 6 Aug to 7 Aug
Rp1.705.392
Rp1.875.931 total
6 Aug - 7 Aug
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! (1,736 reviews)
"整體滿意"

Reviewed on 30 Jun 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 Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. ...
8/10 Very Good! (1,003 reviews)
"Amazing location for a great price!"

Reviewed on 7 May 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 Rp1.365.333 per night from 23 Jul to 24 Jul
Rp1.365.333
Rp1.501.866 total
23 Jul - 24 Jul
Stay at this 3.5-star hotel in Fukuoka. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (615 reviews)
"Nice stay."

Reviewed on 29 Jun 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 Wi-Fi, laundry facilities and slippers. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in their ...
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 25 Jun 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 Wi-Fi, 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 29 May 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 Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and a fitness centre. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (279 reviews)
"Excellent services and location"

Reviewed on 25 Jun 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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