JR Kyushu offers 3 types of regional rail passes that offer some of the best value out there to explore the island of Kyushu by rail. We’ve collected all the details, including pricing, validity and best spots to visit.

Table of contents:

Intro to the Kyushu Rail Pass
Types of Passes
Pricing and validity
Making seat reservations
What to keep in mind
Commonly asked questions

Intro to the Kyushu Rail Pass

Kyushu has everything we love about Japan, on one hand the cities like Fukuoka are modern and efficient, while on the other hand there’s the island’s varied natural scenery. Just to name a few: active volcanoes, green inland mountain ranges, national parks, beaches and onsen all around - Kyushu has it all!

A visit to Kyushu is the best way to avoid the rush of metropolitan life, and instead enjoy life and a slower place, linger and explore rather than always be in a rush. That’s exactly if you would ask us, “What Kyushu is all about?” That would be, o get away from the slur of daily life, and instead relax in an Onsen surrounded by nature.

Now, what is the best way to travel around Kyushu? Call us biased, but by far the best way to travel around Kyushu is by rail. There’s the high speed Kyushu Shinkansen running from Fukuoka to Kagoshima city, a circular rail line runs around the entire island, the newly opened Nagasaki Shinkansen line, not to forget about the multiple local lines running throughout the island.

(Pictured above, one of the famous Onsen in Kyushu)

This is why the Kyushu Rail Pass is such a great option, with just a few rides, you already save money over normal fares and the pass will get you nearly anywhere within Kyushu. 

Even if you are not planning on exploring that much, there’s a Northern and Southern option available at an even lower cost. We’ll explore each option individually.

Types of Passes

JR Kyushu offers 3 types of passes, with various duration options. There’s an individual breakdown for each pass below.

The ALL Kyushu Rail Pass

The ALL Kyushu Rail Pass is available for a duration of 3, 5 and 7 consecutive days. This pass covers the entire JR Kyushu network and is valid on all JR train lines in Kyushu, including the high-speed bullet trains and conventional lines. It also includes all ltd. express trains operated by JR Kyushu, think of the famous Yufuin-No-Mori, Sonic and Aso Boy! Trains.

(Pictured above - Yufuin no Mori train)

The pass includes access to all major cities, like Fukuoka, Kumamoto, Kagoshima, Nagasaki, Beppu and more! It is the best option for those wanting to explore the entire island without limit. 

What’s included:

• All highspeed Shinkansen lines operated by JR Kyushu. This includes both the Kyushu Shinkansen between Hakata and Kagoshima-Chuo stations and the Nagasaki Shinkansen line.
• All ltd. express trains operated by JR Kyushu, such as the Sonic, Nishirin, Kirishima, Midori/Huis then Bosch, relay Kamome and many others.
• All JoyFul / sightseeing trains operated by JR Kyushu, such as the Yufuin-no-mori, Aso Boy!, Ibusuki no Tamabaki, Aru Ressha, among others.
• All local and commuter trains operated by JR Kyushu
• Complementary seat reservations on all Shinkansen, limited express trains and joyful trains covered by the Pass.

  

The Northern Kyushu Pass

The Northern Kyushu Rail Pass is available for a duration of 3 and 5 consecutive days. This pass includes travel between Fukuoka, Kumamoto and everything in between. Other highlights include Nagasaki, Aso-san, Yufuin and Beppu. It’s one of the best regional passes in terms of value, especially the 5 day option.

This pass is recommended for a visit between Fukuoka/Kokura and Kumamoto/Aso/Beppu. In addition to Nagasaki and any of these cities.

In other words, travel south of Oita and Kumomoto (Misumi station) are not included in the Northern Kyushu Pass.

What’s included:

• The Kyushu Shinkansen between Hakata and Kumamoto, in addition to the Nagasaki Shinkansen line.
• All ltd. express trains within the validity area. Including the Sonic, Midori/Huis then Bosch, relay Kamome and others.
• JoyFul / sightseeing trains operated by JR Kyushu within the validity area, such as the Yufuin-no-mori, Kyushu Odan Tokkyu and Aso Boy! among others.
• All local trains operated by JR Kyushu within the validity area.
• Free seat reservations on trains included.

The Southern Kyushu Pass

The Southern Kyushu Rail Pass is available for a duration of 3 consecutive days only. This pass connects Kumamoto with Kagoshima on the west side and Miyazaki to Oita on the east side of Kyushu. All train lines within this area are covered, including the JR Hohi line between Kumamoto (note that this is not pictured on the map but is included). 

(Pictured above, the Ibusuki no Tamabaki joyful train between Kagoshima and Ibusuki)

This pass is recommended for travel between Kagoshima and Kumamoto, visiting Mt. Aso and using the ltd. express for a day trip to Ibusuki.

In other words, north of Kumamoto and Oita are not included in the Southern Kyushu Pass.

What’s included:

• The Kyushu Shinkansen between Kumamoto and Kagoshima-Chuo stations.
• All ltd. express trains within the validity area. Including the Sonic, Nishirin trains among others.
• JoyFul / sightseeing trains operated by JR Kyushu within the validity area, such as the Aso Boy! and Ibusuki no Tamabaki, among others. 
• All local trains operated by JR Kyushu within the validity area.
• Free seat reservations on trains included.

This pass is low cost but is mostly a niche product due to its limited area of use and validity period, and pass users already need to be in the validity area to start using it. Still, there is good value to be had here. For example, even just a return trip from Kumamoto to Kagoshima will result in savings over normal fares. Major points of interest include Ibusuki, Kirishima and Miyazaki.

Pricing and validity

Overview of the JR Kyushu pricing and validity options, all options are for consecutive days.

ALL Kyushu Rail Pass

3 Days - 22.000yen
5 Days - 24.000yen
7 Days - 26.000yen

Northern Kyushu Rail Pass

3 Days - 15.000yen
5 Days - 17.000yen

Southern Kyushu Rail Pass

3 Days - 12.000yen

The price per day goes significantly down, for passes of a longer duration. If you have the time, we highly recommend the 7-day ALL Kyushu Rail Pass and explore at your own pace.

Making seat reservations

A big perk is that seat reservations are complementary with the Kyushu Rail Pass. This applies to both the Ltd. express trains and Shinkansen. At the same time, feel free to hop and off anytime without have to make a seat reservation, just take a non-reserved seat. The choice is yours. A few special trains like the Yufuin No Mori and Ibutsuki No Tamatebako do require a seat reservation ahead of time.

Seat reservations can be made in person at any JR ticket desk. Show your pass and tell the staff when/where you wish to travel and they will make the seat reservation for you.

Alternatively, seat reservations can be made at the JR Kyushu ticketing machines. 

When starting the reservation process look for the on screen button called [Seat Reservation with coupon ticket], after this you will be asked to insert your JR Kyushu Pass and route search can be made. Note that this is different from making a reservation with the Japan Rail Pass.

What to keep in mind

Here's what the keep in mind when using the JR Kyushu Railpass

• Each pass is valid for a consecutive period of days, and the first day will be counted no matter what time you start using the pass. The pass will then expire at midnight of the last day. For example, starting a 7-day pass on a Monday, means the last day of use is the following Sunday.
• Regional passes are only available to those entering Japan with a foreign passport + temporary visitor visa. You will not be able to use a regional pass with any other kind of visa, or a Japanese passport.
• The Shinkansen between Hakata and Kokura is operated by JR West and thus can’t be used with a regional Kyushu pass, but ltd. express trains are available instead.
• Threat the pass like cash, it can’t be replaced or reissued when stolen or lost.
• While rare, JR Staff may ask for your passport to verify your eligibility, please carry it with you during travel.
• The JR Kyushu pass is a digital ticket and will be delivered by e-mail, usually within 24hours during business hours. In Japan, you will receive a physical pass for your travel.

A final word, the Kyushu rail pass is the best way to explore the island of Kyushu. If you have the leisure of time on your side, we highly recommend the 7-day ALL Kyushu Rail Pass due to its amazing value per day of travel and full freedom to explore. While the Northern Kyushu Rail Pass makes for a great budget option and still allows you to explore many of the highlights Kyushu has to offer.

Commonly asked questions

Q: Can I exchange the JR Kyushu Pass at the airport? 

A: No, the pass can only be activated at one of the exchange stations operated by JR Kyushu.

Q: Can a pass be extended or changed?

A: Once issued, a pass can’t be changed - please be careful to order the correct pass for your trip.

Q: Can the JR Kyushu Pass be refunded

A: Yes, refunds are possible up to 1 year after the issue date. This is only possible for passes that were never activated. A refund processing fee may also apply.

Q: Does the JR Kyusu Pass cover the Sanyo Shinkansen?

A: No, this railway is operated by JR West and thus not included.

Q: When is it recommended to make seat reservations”?

A: We recommend making seat reservations during peak travel periods, like Golden Week and the New Year period. Kyushu is also a popular destination for visitors from Korea and China and we also recommend making reservations for their national holidays, like the Chinese new year.

For any other questions, please reach out to us on the JR Pass community forum.