Hakata to Kyoto

Hi there,

You are right. Using the JR Pass you would make a transfer at Shin-Osaka station and from there take the Sakura Shinkansen to Hakata station. The Nozomi unfortunately is not covered by the JR Pass.

Hope this helps,
Daniel

Hi,
While you can't take the fastest Nozomi train, as long as you take the next fastest like the Sakura, the time difference is not that significant. Most people paying regular train fare naturally try for the faster Nozomi anyway, and you might get a better seat by the Sakura anyways.
Hakata is a very enjoyable, underrated place by the way, with enough to keep you busy. The Nanzoin Temple is one of Japan's finest yet almost totally unknown, plus the Yusentei and Rakusuien Gardens are very beautiful. The city has the best nightlife on the island, and the people are very proud of their tonkotsu ramen - try some at a ramen stall (yatai) at night if you have the chance. There are many great places to see, and they are not overrun by crowds of tourists like in Osaka or Kyoto. For train schedules etc, look at Hyperdia.

Hi Daniel-San, it certainly help, thanks.

Hi Torenako

Thanks for the advise.

Can i use the JR pass traveling in Kyushu. i am thinking of staying a night in Yufuin to enjoy its onsen, any recommendation and suggestion for onsen hotel?

thanks
monimoku

Hi,
Yes, you can easily use your JR Pass in Kyushu and go to Yufuin. Beppu is another possibility. Yufuin is quiet (perhaps too quiet) with nice hot springs and some quaint shopping. Beppu has some other good tourist draws though, like its Hells Tour, plus the nearby Takasakiyama monkey park/aquarium. Kurokawa in Kumamoto is another option, which is famous for its forested area and outdoor baths - but you'd need to take a bus or rental car to get there.

Another possibility is Unzen in Nagasaki - and Nagasaki City is one of the most interesting in Japan.