Kyushu is the southwesterly Japanese island province that’s home to majestic volcanoes, serene hot springs, a warm tropical climate, and an abundance of natural wonders.

As the early centre of Japanese civilization, travellers visiting Kyushu will find themselves immersed in Japan’s history and mythology while enjoying its rich abundance of gourmet cuisine, relaxing onsens and awe-inspiring sights from the cherry-blossom adorned slopes of Kumamoto castle to the mystical island of Yakushima, a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Much of Kyushu remains surprisingly under the radar for many Western tourists—though perhaps not for long, with Kyushu being an easy two-hour flight from Tokyo. These new hotels will be the perfect jumping-off points for Kyushu exploration:

• The Ritz-Carlton, Fukuoka (opening spring 2023) – This marks the first Ritz-Carlton in Kyushu and the seventh in Japan. The new property will be situated within a new 24-story building in the Tenjin area, Fukuoka’s central business district — a bustling shopping, tourism, and business hub. It will boast a convenient location, within short walking distance to multiple train stations. The hotel will feature 162 guest rooms with picturesque views from high floors and six unique in-house restaurants and bars, including a boutique patisserie.
• Nishitetsu Hotel Croom Hakata Gion, Fukuoka (opening spring 2023) – This centrally located, extended-stay hotel will provide a residential-style experience for guests visiting Fukuoka.
• Marriott Nagasaki (opening fall 2023) – Marriott International will open its first Marriott branded full-service hotel in the port city of Nagasaki, which stands as an enduring symbol of peace known for its historic Atomic Bomb Museum and various UNESCO World Heritage-listed sites including Oura Cathedral, Glover Garden and Hashima Island.
• Fairfield by Marriott Ukiha and Fairfield Marriott Ureshino Onsen (opening summer 2023) – These midscale hotels are part of a major initiative by Suiseki House and Marriott International to create new accommodations throughout Japan along major tourist routes.