For many international families visiting Kyushu, Fukuoka City is the obvious basecamp. However, just an hour south lies a region that offers a completely different, slower-paced side of Japan: Ukiha and Kurume.
Known as the “Fruit Kingdom” of Kyushu, Ukiha is famous for its strawberry, grape, and peach picking, as well as the stunning Ukiha Inari Shrine with its vermillion torii gates ascending the mountain. Neighboring Kurume is a larger city, famous as the birthplace of Tonkotsu ramen and a hub for traditional crafts.
While many visitors treat this area as a day trip, staying overnight changes the experience entirely. It allows you to beat the morning crowds at the fruit farms, enjoy quiet evenings in the countryside, and experience a more local side of Fukuoka Prefecture.
If you are wondering where to stay in Ukiha and Kurume with kids, this guide breaks down the best family-friendly hotels, ryokans, and logistical tips to make your rural adventure stress-free.
Why Choose Ukiha or Kurume for a Family Stay?
Choosing to spend a night or two in the Chikugo region (which includes Ukiha and Kurume) is a strategic move for families who want to escape the bustle of Hakata and Tenjin.
1. Slower Pace for Toddlers: Unlike the busy subways of Fukuoka City, Ukiha is dominated by rice fields, orchards, and open skies. It is incredibly stroller-friendly and safe for toddlers to waddle around. 2. Access to Nature: You are minutes away from fruit picking farms and the Chikugo River. 3. Cheaper Accommodation: Generally, hotel rates in Kurume and Ukiha are lower than in prime Fukuoka City locations, offering better value for larger families.
However, the accommodation style here is different. You won’t find the massive luxury high-rises of Hakata. Instead, you will find functional roadside hotels, charming local bases, and traditional ryokans tucked away along the river.
Ukiha: The Best Base for “Slow Travel”
If your main goal is fruit picking or visiting the famous “floating” torii gates, staying directly in Ukiha is your best option. The town is spread out, so having a base here means you can wake up and be at the farms within 10 minutes.
Fairfield by Marriott Fukuoka Ukiha: The Modern Family Choice
For international families, the standout option in Ukiha is the Fairfield by Marriott Fukuoka Ukiha. Unlike traditional full-service hotels, this property is part of the “Michi-no-Eki” (Roadside Station) project. It is designed specifically for travelers exploring the countryside by car.
We have explored this location extensively and found it to be an ideal “home base” for a few reasons:
- Reliability: It offers the cleanliness and standard of a Marriott, which can be reassuring when you are deep in the Japanese countryside.
- Location: It is located immediately next to Michi-no-Eki Ukiha, one of the best roadside stations in Kyushu. This means you have immediate access to fresh local fruits, bento boxes, and snacks right next door.
- Room Design: While the rooms are compact (typical for Japan), they are modern, soundproof, and designed with smart storage.
The concept here is simple: the hotel provides a great bed and shower, but for food, they encourage you to go out and support local restaurants. There is a communal kitchen and lounge area where you can heat up food bought at the roadside station—a lifesaver when you have tired kids who just want to eat a simple dinner and sleep.
For a deep dive into what it is like to stay here, read our full review: Family-Friendly Base in Kyushu: Exploring Ukiha from Fairfield by Marriott Fukuoka Ukiha
Traditional Ryokans: Chikugogawa Onsen
Just a short drive from Ukiha center lies the Chikugogawa Onsen area. This is a small collection of traditional inns (ryokans) located along the Chikugo River. If you want the experience of sleeping on tatami mats and soaking in hot springs, this is where you should look.
- Kiyonoya: This ryokan is known for being relatively family-friendly. Some rooms offer private baths, which are excellent for families with children who are not yet potty-trained or are too shy for public baths.
- The Experience: Staying here is about slowing down. Dinner is usually a Kaiseki-style multi-course meal featuring local river fish and seasonal vegetables.
If you are specifically looking for ryokans with private baths near Fukuoka, we have compiled a list of spots that are reachable within an hour, many of which are in this general southern region: 5 Best Family-Friendly Ryokans with Private Onsen near Fukuoka (Less Than 1 Hour)
Kurume: The Convenient City Hub
If Ukiha feels a bit too quiet for you, or if you are traveling by train rather than car, Kurume City is an excellent alternative. It is the third-largest city in Fukuoka Prefecture and serves as a major transport hub.
Why Stay in Kurume?
- Shinkansen Access: The Kyushu Shinkansen stops at Kurume Station, making it incredibly easy to get to from Hakata (about 15 minutes) or Kumamoto.
- Food Scene: Kurume is the birthplace of Tonkotsu ramen. The city is packed with famous ramen shops (like Taiho Ramen) that are often more authentic and cheaper than tourist spots in Fukuoka.
- Amenities: You have access to large supermarkets, drugstores, and department stores if you run out of diapers or baby supplies.
Hotel Styles in Kurume
Accommodations in Kurume are mostly “Business Hotels.” These are functional, clean, and affordable.
- Green Rich Hotels / The Candeo (nearby): Look for chains that offer public baths (sento) on the top floor. These are great for families to relax after a day of walking.
- Near Nishitetsu Kurume Station: Staying near this station puts you closer to the downtown food scene and the bus terminal.
- Near JR Kurume Station: Stay here if you plan to hop on the Shinkansen the next morning.
Logistics: Do You Need a Car?
This is the most critical question when planning a stay in Ukiha or Kurume.
For Ukiha: Yes, a rental car is highly recommended. The fruit farms, the Inari Shrine, and the cafes are spread out across the foothills. While there are some local buses, waiting for them with a toddler in the summer heat or winter cold is challenging. The Fairfield by Marriott, for example, is designed for car travelers.
For Kurume: You can easily manage without a car. The train connections are fantastic, and taxis are readily available for short trips within the city.
If you are unsure whether you should rent a vehicle for your Kyushu trip, check our detailed breakdown here: Do You Need a Rental Car for a Family Trip to Fukuoka?
Practical Tips for Families Staying in the Region
1. Booking Meals
In Ukiha, many restaurants close early (around 5:00 PM or 6:00 PM) or require reservations, especially the popular countryside cafes.
- Tip: If you are staying at a hotel without a restaurant (like the Fairfield), research dinner options beforehand or buy a bento lunch at Michi-no-Eki Ukiha before it closes in the late afternoon.
2. Supermarkets are Your Friend
In Kurume, look for “MaxValu” or “YouMe Town” supermarkets. They are massive and offer a huge selection of ready-to-eat meals, baby food, and supplies. In Ukiha, the “A-Coop” is a good local option for supplies.
3. Hot Springs Etiquette
If you choose a ryokan in Chikugogawa Onsen, remember that swimsuits are generally not allowed in the shared baths. If this is a hurdle for your family, prioritize booking a room with a “Kashikiri” (private rental) bath. Where to Stay in Fukuoka with Kids: Best Family Hotels & Onsens
Final Thoughts
Staying in Ukiha or Kurume offers a refreshing contrast to the neon lights of Fukuoka City. Ukiha provides a stylish, nature-focused retreat perfect for families who love food and scenery. Kurume offers urban convenience with a distinct local flavor and history.
Whichever you choose, you will find that the hospitality in this part of Fukuoka is warm, welcoming, and wonderfully geared toward families taking the slow road through Kyushu.