The JR Kyushu Rail Pass is perfect for exploring Japan’s southern Island
What is the JR Kyushu Rail Pass?
The JR Kyushu Rail Pass is a rail pass for exclusive use by travellers visiting Japan for the purpose of sightseeing and traveling on a short-stay visa.
The pass gives you unlimited access to JR Kyushu trains for 3, 5 or 7 consecutive days, allowing you to discover the charms of the third largest island in Japan.
This Rail Pass offers great value and you can explore the magnificent scenery and historically important regions like Nagasaki, Mt Aso and the hot springs of Beppu – reputed throughout Japan for their healing properties.
Types and Prices of JR Kyushu Rail Pass
JR Kyushu offers a rail pass with three different durations. You can choose from a consecutive 3, 5 or 7 day pass. All passes are available in Ordinary class only.
| Type | Ordinary | |
| Duration | Adult (12+) | Child (6-11) |
| 3 days | $221 | $111 |
| 5 days | $255 | $128 |
| 7 days | $276 | $138 |
Prices are subject to exchange rate fluctuations.
* No credit card charges for Visa, MasterCard or AMEX. 2% credit card surcharge for JCB and Diner’s Club
* Reissue fees apply
Delivery Methods
The JR Kyushu Rail Pass is delivered as an electronic voucher.
How to buy a JR Kyushu Rail Pass
You can purchase a JR Kyushu Rail Pass Exchange Order before you go to Japan.
Upon arrival in Japan, you need to turn in the Exchange Order to receive your JR Kyushu Rail Pass at a JR train station that has an exchange office. We will provide you with a list of applicable stations.
At the exchange office, you will be asked to fill in a short application form and to show your passport with the ‘Temporary Visitor’ stamp/sticker you received on entry into Japan.
Your Exchange Order must be turned in for a JR Kyushu Rail Pass within three months of the date the Order was issued.
After turning in your Exchange Order, you can make seat reservations at a “Midori-no-madoguchi” Reservation Office.
Who is eligible for a JR Kyushu Rail Pass?
The JR Kyushu Rail Pass is available exclusively to travellers visiting Japan from abroad on a non-Japanese passport for sightseeing, under the entry status of ‘Temporary Visitor’.
If you are a Japanese citizen you can use a JR Kyushu Rail Pass if you meet the following three conditions:
- you have a permanent resident status in a foreign country;
- you hold an airline ticket to depart Japan within three months; and
- you purchased a Voucher for a JR Kyushu Rail Pass overseas
Where can I use the JR Kyushu Rail Pass?
The JR Kyushu Rail Pass is valid for unlimited travel on the reserved and non-reserved trains in Kyushu, which are operated by JR Kyushu. Trains covered include all Kyushu Shinkansen (Mizuho, Sakura and Tsubame – running between Fukuoka (Hakata) and Kagoshima), all limited express trains and all local JR Kyushu trains.
The pass does not cover the Sanyo Shinkansen, operated by JR West, which runs between Hakata and Kokura.
The Pass is not valid for sleeper trains or JR Kyushu buses.
*Use of the Green Car (superior class) is allowed but subject to an additional charge.
Click here to see the valid train route map
Should I buy a JR Kyushu Rail Pass?
If you are wondering whether a JR Kyushu Rail Pass is worth it, we’d recommend you have a look at your itinerary and do a quick search on the costs of each train journey you intend to take when you travel to Japan.
There are two sites that you can use to search for both JR and non-JR train timetables and the prices of your journeys.
The first is Hyperdia and the second is Jorudan. Use both sites to ensure that you get the most accurate information to help you to determine if a JR Kyushu Rail Pass is right for you, or whether you should just buy your train tickets when you need to use them.
When you organise your package tour of Japan through us, we include the best Japan rail pass or area pass to match your itinerary.
Important information
For further information including refund policies, please read the Rail Pass Terms and Conditions
