Train fares in Japan can add up to be pretty costly when you’re travelling on shinkansen between cities. However, there are always deals to grab, especially if you’re a tourist here in Japan. These money-saving rail passes offer unlimited trips on shinkansen, limited express and local trains, so they are perfect for those who are looking to pack more into their short time here in Japan.
If you’re visiting Kyushu, consider getting the JR Kyushu rail pass, especially if you’ll be travelling a lot. Kyushu is Japan’s third largest island, home to Fukuoka, Kumamoto, Nagasaki, Oita, Saga, Kagoshima and Miyazaki prefectures. With the rail pass you’ll be able to cover all of them with a set price. The pass is available to tourists – foreign passport holders who reside outside of Japan.
There are three types of JR Kyushu Rail Pass. Here’s the breakdown.
- The Northern Kyushu Pass covers Fukuoka, Oita, Kumamoto, Nagasaki and Saga prefectures. A three-day pass costs ¥10,000 (children ¥5,000) while a five-day pass will set you back ¥14,000 (children ¥7,000).
- The Southern Kyushu Pass is valid within Oita, Kumamoto, Miyazaki and Kagoshima prefectures. A three-day pass costs ¥8,000 (children ¥4,000).
- The comprehensive All Kyushu Pass lets you travel across the island’s all seven prefectures. There are three-, five- and seven-day options for this pass, priced respectively at ¥17,000 (children ¥8,500), ¥18,500 (children ¥9,250) and ¥20,000 (children ¥10,000).
As the all-mighty Japan Rail Pass has announced a price hike, JR Kyushu Pass will follow suit, albeit not as steep an increase. Here are the new prices effective October 1 2023.
- Northern Kyushu Pass: three-day ¥12,000 (children ¥6,000), five-day ¥15,000 (children ¥7,500)
- Southern Kyushu Pass: three-day ¥10,000 (children ¥5,000)
- All Kyushu Pass: three-day ¥20,000 (children ¥10,000), five-day ¥22,500 (children ¥11,250), seven-day ¥25,000 (children ¥12,500)
Despite the price increase, these passes offer a practical option for exploring Kyushu's various attractions. This includes the hot springs of Beppu, Fukuoka's culinary scene, the teamLab forest exhibition in Saga, and the scenic Kagoshima prefecture.
It's worth noting that the new prices will apply to passes bought on or after October 1 2023. You can still buy passes at the current rates if you make your purchase before this date.
You can purchase JR Kyushu pass and get more information including terms and conditions here.
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