JR Kyushu Rail Pass (Northern Kyushu)
JR Kyushu trains north of Kumamoto and Oita, including the shinkansen to Kumamoto and Nagasaki
JR Kyushu
Adults from¥15,000Price checked 2026/09/26
Provider prices may differ from the price above. Booking through our links earns us a commission, at no extra cost to you.
Fares
| Ticket | Adult | Child |
|---|---|---|
| 3 days | ¥15,000¥5,000 a day | ¥7,500¥2,500 a day |
| 5 days | ¥17,000¥3,400 a day | ¥8,500¥1,700 a day |
Child fares are for ages 6 to 11. From age 12, the adult fare applies. Age is counted on the date you buy a voucher from a travel agency outside Japan, or on the first day of the pass if you buy it in Kyushu or online.
Prices for vouchers from travel agencies and passes bought in Kyushu. JR Kyushu's own online booking site sells at different prices.
Is the JR Kyushu Rail Pass (Northern Kyushu) worth it?
- You make two long trips from Hakata in 3 days, such as Nagasaki and Beppu, and ride back each time.
- You go Hakata to Yufuin, on to Beppu, and back to Hakata, then add Kumamoto or Nagasaki.
- You take the 5-day pass for a loop such as Hakata, Nagasaki, Kumamoto, Aso and Beppu.
- You make a single return trip from Hakata, such as Nagasaki and back (¥12,980), within the 3 days.
- You need the Sanyo Shinkansen from Hakata to Kokura or beyond, or the shinkansen to Kagoshima: neither is covered.
- You stay in Fukuoka and use the subway and buses.
Fares are regular-season reserved-seat fares; seat charges change by about ¥200 with the season.
What's covered
- Kyushu Shinkansen between Hakata and Kumamoto (Mizuho, Sakura and Tsubame)
- Nishi Kyushu Shinkansen Kamome between Takeo-Onsen and Nagasaki, with the Relay Kamome from Hakata
- JR Kyushu limited expresses in the area, including the Sonic to Oita and Beppu, the Yufuin no Mori and Yufu, the Midori and Huis Ten Bosch, and the Kyushu Odan Tokkyu
- Sightseeing trains such as the Aso Boy!, Two Stars 4047, Kawasemi Yamasemi and A-Train
- Local trains in the area, as far as Misumi and Miyaji in Kumamoto and Shimonoseki across the strait
- Up to 6 free seat reservations, booked in Kyushu
- The Sanyo Shinkansen between Hakata and Kokura, run by JR West
- Trains beyond the area, such as the Kyushu Shinkansen south of Kumamoto
- Green Cars and the 36+3, which is Green Car only; both cost extra
- The Seven Stars cruise train, the Aru Ressha and the Kanpachi/Ichiroku
- Subways, buses (including JR Kyushu buses) and other companies' railways
How to use it
The pass runs for 3 or 5 consecutive days, for example 1, 2 and 3 January. Put it through the automatic ticket gates; reserved seat tickets don't open the gates.
You get up to 6 free seat reservations, booked at a JR Kyushu ticket office (Midori no Madoguchi) or a reserved seat ticket machine. After that, reserved seats need an express ticket, but non-reserved seats stay free. Seats booked in advance on JR KYUSHU RAIL PASS Online Booking cost ¥1,000 per section (¥1,500 on sightseeing trains) and don't count toward the 6.
Carry your passport: staff can ask to see it on the train to confirm you're a visitor. Show the pass at participating shops and facilities for special offers.
Before you buy
The pass is for non-Japanese passport holders who live outside Japan and enter as Temporary Visitors. Make sure you get a Temporary Visitor stamp or sticker in your passport; if you use the automated immigration gates, ask airport staff for one.
Buy a voucher from a travel agency outside Japan, buy online on JR KYUSHU RAIL PASS Online Booking, or buy in Kyushu at major stations such as Hakata, Kokura, Nagasaki, Kumamoto, Oita and Beppu. Fukuoka Airport also has an exchange counter.
Refunds: if you bought online, request it by 23:00 on the first day of the pass (10% fee). If you bought at a station, only until the day before the pass starts (10% fee). Agency vouchers are refunded by the agency. Once the pass has started, there are no refunds, even if trains are cancelled.
Questions
Does the JR Kyushu Rail Pass (Northern Kyushu) cover the shinkansen from Hakata to Kokura?
No. That stretch is the Sanyo Shinkansen, run by JR West. Take the Sonic limited express or local trains instead, which are covered.
Can I get to Nagasaki with it?
Yes. Take the Relay Kamome from Hakata to Takeo-Onsen, then the Nishi Kyushu Shinkansen Kamome to Nagasaki. Both are covered.
Does it cover the Yufuin no Mori?
Yes. Book a seat before boarding; it counts as one of your 6 free reservations.
Can I go to Kagoshima with it?
No. The shinkansen is covered only as far as Kumamoto. For Kagoshima, you need the All Kyushu or Southern Kyushu version of the JR Kyushu Rail Pass.
How many free seat reservations do I get?
Up to 6, booked at JR Kyushu ticket offices or reserved seat ticket machines. After that, you pay for reserved seats or ride in non-reserved seats.
Does it go to Aso?
Yes. The line from Kumamoto to Aso and Miyaji is covered, including the Aso Boy! and the Kyushu Odan Tokkyu.
Do children need their own pass?
Children aged 6 to 11 need a child pass at half the adult price: ¥7,500 for 3 days or ¥8,500 for 5 days. From 12 they pay the adult fare.
You might also like
teamLab: Digitized Fukuoka Castle Ruins 2026-2027
A night-time art exhibition by teamLab among the stone walls of Fukuoka Castle Ruins, where the works change with wind, rain and the people walking through.
30 Oct 2026 – 11 Jan 2027Fukuoka
Saga International Balloon Fiesta
One of Asia's largest hot-air balloon events, where around 100 balloons rise over the Kase River in Saga each autumn in a five-day competition and festival.
30 Oct – 3 Nov 2027Exact date not confirmed yetSaga
Friday Road Show and Ghibli Exhibition
A touring exhibition on the long partnership between Friday Road Show, Nippon TV's weekly film slot, and Studio Ghibli, with storyboards, photo spaces and AR.
3 Nov 2026 – 14 Feb 2027Saga
Harmonyland
Sanrio Character Park in Hiji, Oita, built around Hello Kitty and her friends, with character rides, live shows and greetings.
Hiji · Oita
Nakasu
A narrow island between two rivers in central Fukuoka, known as the largest nightlife district in western Japan, with yatai food stalls along the riverside.
Fukuoka
Attack on Titan in Hita
A regional revitalization initiative in the hometown of Attack on Titan creator Hajime Isayama, featuring two museums dedicated to the manga series.
Hita · Oita