Kyushu JR Pass

Hi Elle,

It could be worth it if you want to travel by Shinkansen to Kamamato and Kagoshima.

Kagoshima is a really nice place and I would not miss it. The view of Sakura-Jima alone is worth it in my opinion. Flying from Fukuoka is an alternative. All I can say here is, read about both options and choice which you like best.

Hope this helps,
Daniel

Hi Elle,
Just by what you write the pass would not pay off - if you did a round trip then it may be a different story.
Flying from Fukuoka certainly saves time but it also is quite expensive. The typical tourist air passes are not applicable for that route. You could save a bit by going to a travel agency, but it would likely need to be one in Japan - it is very doubtful agencies outside Japan have the ticket stock to issue a ticket for that route. If you're only passing through though, flying might make more sense. But Kagoshima could fill up a whole day nicely too - Sakurajima is wonderful, plus the Senganen Garden is superb.

Fukuoka has some very good places too. There's a good local guide here. Dazaifu is nice but not too exciting. The wisteria may be a problem though - presumably you mean the Kawachi Wisteria Garden . You'd need to get tickets ahead of time and getting there is a royal pain. They are overwhelmed during the season, but your time may be a bit early so it could be OK. This thread gives more info.

Currently Kumamoto Castle is closed, but there are other sights like the lovely Suizenji Garden.

Good luck.