JR Kyushu Rail Pass (Southern Kyushu)
JR Kyushu trains south of Kumamoto and Oita, including the shinkansen from Kumamoto to Kagoshima
JR Kyushu
Adults from¥12,000Price checked 2026/09/27
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Fares
| Ticket | Adult | Child |
|---|---|---|
| 3 days | ¥12,000¥4,000 a day | ¥6,000¥2,000 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 (Southern Kyushu) worth it?
- You go from Kumamoto to Kagoshima and back: ¥15,940 on the shinkansen in reserved seats, against ¥12,000 for the pass.
- You ride Kumamoto to Kagoshima one way (¥7,970) and add a day trip to Ibusuki on the Ibusuki no Tamatebako (¥5,900 return): ¥13,870 in single tickets.
- You add sightseeing trains like the Aso Boy! (Kumamoto to Aso, ¥3,080) or the Kirishima to Miyazaki (¥5,190 from Kagoshima).
- You start from Fukuoka: Hakata to Kumamoto (¥5,840) is not covered, and the All Kyushu pass at ¥22,000 covers the whole route.
- You stay in Kagoshima and only go to Ibusuki and back (¥5,900), or rely on buses and ferries, such as to Sakurajima, which the pass does not cover.
Fares are regular-season reserved-seat fares.
What's covered
- Kyushu Shinkansen between Kumamoto and Kagoshima-Chuo (Mizuho, Sakura and Tsubame)
- JR Kyushu limited expresses in the area, including the Kirishima, the Nichirin and Nichirin Seagaia, and the Kyushu Odan Tokkyu
- Sightseeing trains such as the Ibusuki no Tamatebako, Umisachi Yamasachi, Kawasemi Yamasemi, A-Train and Aso Boy!
- Local trains in the area, from Misumi and Aso to Ibusuki, Makurazaki, Aoshima, Nobeoka and Miyazaki Airport
- Up to 6 free seat reservations, booked in Kyushu
- Trains north of Kumamoto and Oita, including the shinkansen to Hakata and the Sonic, Yufuin no Mori and Kamome
- 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
- Buses (including JR Kyushu buses and B&S Miyazaki) and other companies' railways
How to use it
The pass runs for 3 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 Kumamoto, Kagoshima-Chuo, Miyazaki, Miyazaki Airport or Oita station.
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 (Southern Kyushu) cover the shinkansen from Hakata?
No. It covers the Kyushu Shinkansen only between Kumamoto and Kagoshima-Chuo. For Hakata, you need the All Kyushu or Northern Kyushu version of the JR Kyushu Rail Pass.
Can I get to Ibusuki with it?
Yes. Local trains to Ibusuki are covered, and so is the Ibusuki no Tamatebako sightseeing train. Book a seat on it first; it counts as one of your 6 free reservations.
Does it cover Miyazaki and Aoshima?
Yes. The Kirishima and Nichirin limited expresses run to Miyazaki, and local trains go on to Aoshima and Miyazaki Airport.
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.
Can I use it on trams or buses in Kagoshima?
No. Buses and railways run by other companies aren't covered, only JR Kyushu trains.
Do children need their own pass?
Children aged 6 to 11 need a child pass at half the adult price: ¥6,000. From 12 they pay the adult fare.
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