JR KYUSHU RAIL PASS: Video Introduction

Photo：JR Kyushu, Tsubame 800 Series Shinkansen

This video, titled [4K] JR KYUSHU RAIL PASS (Northern Kyushu ver.), was uploaded by JR KYUSHU WORLD.

The JR KYUSHU RAIL PASS is a rail pass that allows you to ride not only regular and rapid trains operated by JR Kyushu, but also limited express trains, sightseeing trains, and even the Kyushu Shinkansen. The JR KYUSHU RAIL PASS is an unlimited train pass for the Kyushu area, and there are three types of passes to choose from. The passes are available to foreign tourists with passports issued outside of Japan.

Check out the promotional video to get an idea of what a train trip in Kyushu is like.

JR KYUSHU RAIL PASS: Prices and Types

Photo：JR Kyushu, Limited Express 'Aso Boy!'

Here we'll introduce JR KYUSHU RAIL PASS prices and types. There are three types of passes, which cover the following areas: Northern Kyushu, Southern Kyushu, and all of Kyushu. Fees for each area vary according to how many days you plan to use the pass. Be sure to choose the one that fits your itinerary.

●JR KYUSHU RAIL PASS: 3-Day Pass
・All Kyushu - Adults: 17,000 yen (~$121 USD), Children: 8,500 yen (~$61 USD)
・Northern Kyushu - Adults: 10,000 yen (~$71 USD), Children: 5,000 yen (~$36 USD)
・Southern Kyushu - Adult: 8,000 yen (~$57 USD), Children: 4,000 yen (~$29 USD)

●JR KYUSHU RAIL PASS: 5-Day Pass
・All Kyushu - Adults: 18,500 yen (~$132 USD), Children: 9,250 yen (~$66 USD)
・Northern Kyushu - Adults: 14,000 yen (~$100 USD), Children: 7,000 yen (~$50 USD)

●JR KYUSHU RAIL PASS: 7-Day Pass
・All Kyushu - Adults: 20,000 yen (~$143 USD), Children: 10,000 yen (~$72 USD)

The above information is current as of February 2023. Please check the JR Kyushu official website for up-to-date information.

※Please keep in mind that passes must be used consecutively, meaning you cannot use the pass on one day, skip the next day, and then continue using it for 2 more days (in the case of a 3-day pass). As an example, a 3-day pass that starts on February 1 can be used on February 1, 2, & 3.

※Please note that you must meet the following conditions to be eligible for the pass:
1. You must hold a passport issued by a country other than Japan.
2. You must reside outside of Japan and must be visiting Japan on a temporary visitor visa.

The Best Places to Visit in Kyushu to Make the Most of Your JR KYUSHU RAIL PASS

Photo：Glover Garden, Nagasaki City, Nagasaki

Here is a brief introduction of the best routes for traveling in Kyushu.

●Northern Kyushu Area
This route takes visitors around Nagasaki, Hita in Oita Prefecture, and the hot spring resorts of Beppu, using Fukuoka and Hakata as a hub. Highlights include the Nagasaki Atomic Bomb Museum, Glover Garden, onsen (hot springs), and the Jigokudani Meguri (Beppu Onsen hot spring tour). You can enjoy sampling the local cuisine with dishes such as chanpon (champon) and Hita Yakisoba.

●Southern Kyushu Area
This route takes visitors around Obi, Aoshima, and Miyazaki, using Kagoshima as a hub. Visitors can experience Satsuma Kiriko (cut glass), Obiten (Obi-style tempura), the hot springs of Ibusuki Onsen, Oni no Sentaku Ita (the Devil's Washboard, a beautiful beach in Miyazaki), Aoshima Shrine, Obi Castle Ruins, Takachiho Gorge and a variety of other tourist attractions.

●All Kyushu
Using Hakata as a base, this route takes visitors to Mt. Aso in Kumamoto, Ibusuki and Kirishima Onsen in Kagoshima, and Beppu Onsen in Oita, where they can enjoy the Jigokudani Meguri (Beppu Onsen hot spring tour), Lake Kinrin, and enjoy touring around in horse-drawn carriages, before returning to Hakata where visitors can enjoy shopping and entertainment at Canal City, among various other activities. You can also enjoy the local flavors at the various food stalls in Hakata. [Video] 0:26 - Yufuin Station

Other Tickets and Rail Passes for Traveling in Kyushu on a Budget

Photo：JR Kyushu Series 787 Limited Express Train

So far, we've introduced the JR KYUSHU RAIL PASS, a rail pass useable by foreign residents visiting Japan. However, JR Kyushu also offers a variety of other railroad passes and discount tickets for residents of Japan as well.

KYUSHU NET KIPPU, KYUSHU NET HAYATOKU7, and KYUSHU NET HAYATOKU3 are discount tickets sold exclusively online.

KYUSHU NET KIPPU is a convenient ticket for using the Kyushu Shinkansen and limited express trains, and can be changed as many times as necessary as long as the change is made before receiving the ticket and before the train departs. KYUSHU NET HAYATOKU7 and KYUSHU NET HAYATOKU3 are special tickets with a limited number of seats that offer discounts for reservations made 7 and 3 days in advance, respectively.

Additionally, JR Kyushu offers the Gurutto Kyushu Kippu (ぐるっと九州きっぷ) rail pass, which allows unlimited rides on non-reserved ordinary and rapid trains on all JR Kyushu lines for three consecutive days.

In addition, there is also the Nimai Kippu (2枚きっぷ), which allows you to ride on limited express trains and reserved seats of ordinary trains at a discounted price, although the stations you can travel to and from are limited.

JR Kyushu offers a wide variety of special train passes and tickets, so you can choose the one that best fits your travel itinerary. If you're traveling by train, you can also enjoy train travel not only in Kyushu but also further away by combining them with the Seishun 18 Ticket.

Summary of the JR KYUSHU RAIL PASS

Photo：A 415 series train, JR Kyushu

The JR KYUSHU RAIL PASS allows you to visit the most popular attractions in Kyushu for an affordable price. If you're traveling on a budget, be sure to make use of the pass as you enjoy the nature and culture of Kyushu, as well as its delicious food, all while saving money.

If you're a resident of Japan, be sure to make sure of the other discount tickets available, and tell your friends visiting from outside of Japan to pick up the JR KYUSHU RAIL PASS!

【Official Website】JR KYUSHU RAIL PASS

【Official Website】Kyushu Railway Company