JR Kyushu Rail Passes
The JR Kyushu Rail Pass offers unlimited travel on JR Kyushu trains within designated areas of the Kyushu region for 3, 5, or 7 consecutive days. Available pass types include the All Kyushu Area Pass, Northern Kyushu Area Pass, and Southern Kyushu Area Pass. Prices range from 3,000 JPY to 20,000 JPY, depending on the pass type and duration. The pass is available to foreign tourists with a temporary visitor status and can be purchased online or at selected locations in Japan.
JR Kyushu Rail Passes Types & Duration
| Name | Duration | Adult Price (JPY) | Child Price (JPY) |
|---|---|---|---|
| All Kyushu Area Pass | 3 days | 20,000 | 10,000 |
| All Kyushu Area Pass | 5 days | 22,500 | 11,500 |
| All Kyushu Area Pass | 7 days | 25,000 | 12,500 |
| Northern Kyushu Area Pass | 3 days | 12,000 | 6,000 |
| Northern Kyushu Area Pass | 5 days | 15,000 | 7,500 |
| Southern Kyushu Area Pass | 3 days | 10,000 | 5,000 |
| Fukuoka Wide Pass | 2 days | 3,000 | 1,500 |
JR Kyushu (Kyushu Railway Company) Coverage
JR Kyushu covers the southern region of Japan, including the island of Kyushu. It covers such cities: Fukuoka (Hakata), Kumamoto, Kagoshima (Kagoshima-Chuo), Nagasaki, Oita, Miyazaki, Beppu, Sasebo, Saga, Kurume, Yufuin, Kitakyushu (Kokura), Karatsu, Aso, Nobeoka.
The travel operator covers the Kyushu Shinkansen and Nisji Kyushu Shinkansen (Takeo-Onsen to Nagasaki). This rail pass operator covers travel on the Sakura, Tsubame, and Mizuho trains on the Kyushu Shinkansen, connecting cities like Fukuoka, Kumamoto, and Kagoshima.
Popular Routes Covered by JR Kyushu
- Fukuoka to Kumamoto This route is commonly served by the Kyushu Shinkansen (Sakura and Tsubame trains).
- Kyushu to Odan Tokkyu (Trans-Kyushu Limited Express): This scenic train connects Beppu on the east coast of Kyushu to Kumamoto on the west, passing through Aso.
- Fukuoka to Nagasaki This route is served by the Kamome limited express train.
- Fukuoka to Yufuin The Yufuin no Mori limited express train serves this popular route to the hot spring town of Yufuin.
- Kumamoto to Aso (Aso Boy!) The Aso Boy! is a special scenic train that runs between Kumamoto and Aso, offering beautiful views of the Aso region.
How to Book And Use JR Kyushu Rail Pass
- Book the desired JR Pass:
- Select the specific Rail Pass, its type (Adult or Child), class, and the duration;
- During checkout, ensure that you enter the correct personal information, including the passenger names as they appear on their passports.
- Receive the QR code:
- After purchasing the JR Pass, you will receive an e-ticket voucher (QR Code) via email.
- Exchange the QR code for the actual Rail Pass:
- In Japan, visit a JR Pass exchange office and present your voucher, along with your passport, to receive the actual JR Pass. Exchange offices are located at major airports, railway stations, or designated tourist centers;
- Another way is to use a ticketing machine at every major JR station.
Seat reservation for JR Kyushu Rail Pass
Seat reservations for the JR Kyushu Rail Pass can be made at JR Kyushu ticket offices or online through the JR Kyushu website. Some trains, like the Kyushu Shinkansen and limited express trains (e.g., Yufuin no Mori), require seat reservations, especially during peak travel periods.
The reservation process is simple and ensures you have a guaranteed seat on your desired train. It is recommended that you make reservations in advance to secure your preferred travel times. The pass holder must present the JR Kyushu Rail Pass when making a reservation.
How to Refund the JR Kyushu Pass?
If you have any inquiries or need assistance, please visit the 12Go Support page. When contacting support, ensure you have your booking number ready for a quicker resolution.
Ensure that the pass has not been activated or used. Refunds are typically only available if the pass has not been used. Refunds are not provided in cases of train delays or non-operations.
Customer Support for JR Kyushu Rail Pass
For customer support regarding the JR Kyushu Rail Pass, visit the official JR Kyushu website. You can also call the customer support hotline at +81-92-474-7892, visit a JR Kyushu ticket office, or email their support team (contact details available on the website). For quick updates and inquiries, reach out via JR Kyushu's official social media channels.
Travel Tips with JR Kyushu Rail Pass
Check the timetable: check the train schedules, especially for Shinkansen and limited express trains. This will help you avoid waiting for extended periods at the train station.
Avoid peak travel times: Golden Week (late April to early May), Obon (mid-August), and New Year (late December to early January) are the peak travel times. Avoid weekday mornings (7:30 AM to 9:00 AM) and evenings (5:00 PM to 7:00 PM).
Luggage restrictions: Your luggage should not exceed 160cm (total height, width, and depth) and a weight limit of 30kg. Some Shinkansen trains have designated spaces for large luggage. Reserve these spaces in advance.
JR Kyushu Pass FAQ
Does JR Kyushu cover the Sakura Train?
Yes, the JR Kyushu Pass covers the Sakura Shinkansen, which runs between Fukuoka (Hakata) and Kagoshima-Chuo. Seat reservations are recommended and can be made at JR Kyushu ticket offices or online.
Does JR Kyushu Pass cover Yufuin no Mori?
Yes, the JR Kyushu Pass covers the Yufuin no Mori, a scenic limited express train between Hakata and Yufuin. Seat reservations are required and can be made at JR Kyushu ticket offices or online.
Can I use the JR Kyushu Pass on non-JR trains?
No, the pass is only valid on JR Kyushu trains. It does not cover non-JR lines, buses, or other transportation.