JR Kyushu Rail Pass belongs to JR Kyushu and is sold only to foreign tourists. It allows unlimited rides on JR trains across all of Kyushu (except the Sanyo Shinkansen) for 3, 5, or 7 consecutive days. There are three types available based on the coverage area: one covering all of Kyushu, one for the northern part of the island, and one for the southern part.
* The new post-COVID JR Pass format is no longer a booklet that requires you to exit through the side gate at ticket barriers. Instead, it now looks like a regular train ticket that you can insert directly into the automatic ticket gates. Just remember to take it back from the machine.
The new JR Pass format can be inserted into the gate like a regular train ticket. Photo from klook.com
Comparison of the coverage areas for all 3 types of JR Kyushu Pass - Photo from https://www.jrkyushu.co.jp/
The pass is divided into 3 types
Can be used across the entire Kyushu region, covering major cities including Fukuoka, Nagasaki, Kumamoto, Beppu, Sensai, Kagoshima, Miyazaki, and Yoshimatsu. Available as a 3-, 5-, or 7-consecutive-day pass. It offers the best value for travelers going from north to south.
Can be used in the northern part of Kyushu, covering major cities including Fukuoka, Nagasaki, Kumamoto, and Beppu. Available as a 3- or 5-consecutive-day pass. It offers the best value for travelers visiting several cities in northern Kyushu only.
Can be used in the southern part of Kyushu, covering major cities including Kumamoto, Kagoshima, and Miyazaki. Available only as a consecutive 3-day pass. It offers the best value for travelers visiting several cities in southern Kyushu only.
How to Use:
- All 3 types of pass can be used on both Local and Limited Express trains, as well as the Mizuho, Sakura, and Tsubame Shinkansen, except on the line between Kokura and Hakata
- The pass is valid for 90 days from the date of purchase
- Once you arrive in Japan, exchange the voucher for the actual pass before using it
- Seat reservations are free but limited in number: 10 reservations for the 3-day pass, 16 for the 5-day pass
- Sold only to foreign tourists
Where to Buy:
- Buy from a distributor and then exchange it for the actual pass at Hakata, Kokura, Mojikō, Saga, Nagasaki, Sasebo, Beppu, Oita, or Kumamoto Station
- Buy on the official website - https://www.jrkyushu.co.jp/
- Buy within Japan You can buy it at Hakata, Kokura, Mojikō, Saga, Nagasaki, Sasebo, Beppu, Oita, Kumamoto, Kagoshima-chuo, Miyazaki and Miyazaki Airport train stations, as well as travel agencies in Kyushu (however, the Northern Kyushu Pass is not sold in the Southern Kyushu area)
- Children aged 6-11 pay half the adult price; children under 6 ride free
| All Kyushu Area | 3 Days | ￥17,000 |
|---|---|---|
| 5 Days | ￥18,500 | |
| 7 Days | ￥20,000 | |
| Northern Kyushu Area | 3 Days | ￥10,000 |
| 5 Days | ￥14,000 | |
| Southern Kyushu Area | 3 Days | ￥8,000 |
Seat Reservations
Seat reservations for certain trains, such as the shinkansen, can be made directly on the official website or at ticket machines at train stations.
Recommendation:
The JR Kyushu Rail Pass is an interesting and worthwhile option for a round trip between Fukuoka and Kagoshima, where a regular round-trip ticket can cost as much as about 20,000 yen. Anyone planning to visit several cities in Kyushu should not miss it.
Other Recommended Passes
The Sun Q Pass bus ticket covers routes similar to the JR Kyushu Rail Pass, but can only be used on buses, such as local buses and highway buses only. The Sun Q Pass is also sold to Japanese tourists.
Official Site - https://www.jrkyushu.co.jp/