Kyushu vs Hokkaido in June, 2nd time Japan

Hi! I've read other related topics, but still can't decide, please help 🙂

We're a couple in our 40s, it's our second time in Japan. On our first trip we did Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, Nara, Nikko, and Hiroshima. Interested in: food (wagyu, ramen, sushi), wandering around the city, "authentic" vibe. Not very interested: hiking, long nature walks, nightlife. Not a fan of hot and humid (yeah I know, but we could only take vac in June)

This time we're starting in Okinawa and finishing in Tokyo. In between, we have around 7 days. Mid-June. We're fine with either 3-4 days across 2 locations or 2-2-3 across 3 locations.

Should we go north or south?

From what I've read:

  • Hokkaido (Sapporo + Otaru) – better weather, better sushi, more varied food, but more of a "big city" vibe. And if we spend 4 days there, where should we go for the remaining 3 days? Sendai? AIs are arguing if it's worth visiting.
  • Kyushu (Kagoshima, Fukuoka) – better wagyu, volcanic views, more traditional, but hot and humid. More options for stops on the way to Tokyo. Kobe, for example, though I'm not sure if it's worth it.

It would also be great to do a cooking class, a jiu-jitsu class, and some stationery shopping.

Thank you!

Edit: or change to Hokuriku for traditional vibe and better weather?

by AppleNo7287