Discover Japan’s third largest island with a JR Kyushu Pass! Get an All Kyushu Pass, North Kyushu Pass, or South Kyushu Pass at the best price here.
In a nutshell
- What is the JR Kyushu Pass? A regional variant of the JR Pass for Whole Japan, the JR Kyushu Pass provides unlimited access to the local trains, limited express trains, and select Shinkansen trains in Kyushu. The pass, which is intended for use of foreign travelers only, is the best way to discover the region’s 7 prefectures without breaking the bank.
- How much is JR Kyushu Pass? If you plan to travel in the entire region, book the JR All Kyushu Pass starting at only $127 here. However, if your itinerary covers a few prefectures only, you can choose to buy the JR North Kyushu Pass for $76.2 here or the JR South Kyushu Pass for $63.5 here.
- Where can you go with JR Kyushu? On the one hand, the 3 or 5-day North Kyushu Pass can be used to travel in Fukuoka, Nagasaki, Saga, and Oita. On the other hand, the 3-day South Kyushu Pass can be used to enjoy the unlimited train rides in Kumamoto, Miyazaki, and Kagoshima. With the 3, 5, or 7-day All Kyushu Pass, you can travel to all 7 prefectures in the northern and southern parts of the island. (For reference, find the JR Kyushu Pass map that illustrates the coverage of each pass here.)
- Can I buy a JR Kyushu Pass in Japan? Yes, unlike the JR Pass for Whole Japan, the JR Kyushu Pass can be purchased in select train stations in the region. However, if you want a simpler and more convenient booking process in your own language, you can book a JR Kyushu Pass on Klook here. After purchase, you will receive an electronic Exchange Order (e-Exchange Order), which you only need to show along with your passport to redeem your JR regional pass.
- Is JR Kyushu Pass worth buying? Definitely — but don’t just take our word for it. Read this 5-star review from a satisfied traveler: “This is a pass you must buy if you want to explore more of Japan’s south area. Did a few hikes within our trip and it was also made possible by the JR passes we have bought. Make the most out of your pass by availing the reserved seats either on the website or on the machine in the stations.”
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JR Kyushu Pass in Japan
From Fukuoka’s mouthwatering Tonkotsu Ramen and Nagasaki’s stunning Mt. Inasa to the colorful ceramic culture in Saga and the thousands-year-old forest in Kagoshima, there are a lot of reasons why you should visit the Kyushu region. As the third largest island in Japan, Kyushu offers foreign travelers many unique experiences. If you are planning your travel itinerary, know that you can visit all 7 prefectures of Kyushu — namely Fukuoka, Nagasaki, Saga, Oita, Kumamoto, Miyazaki, and Kagoshima — using just 1 transportation pass: the JR Kyushu Pass.
JR Kyushu Pass Map & Types: All Kyushu, North Kyushu, & South Kyushu
The JR Kyushu Pass, specifically the All-Kyushu Pass, provides unlimited rides for 3, 5, or 7 days on local trains, limited express trains, and select Shinkansen trains (the Kyushu Shinkansen and Nishi Kyushu Shinkansen). This is the pass to book if your travels will require a commute across the region. However, if you’re thinking about visiting only a few prefectures that are close to each other, you may also get the JR North Kyushu Pass (mainly used for trips in Fukuoka, Nagasaki, Saga, and Oita as shown in ORANGE on the map above) or the JR South Kyushu Pass (for Kumamoto, Miyazaki, and Kagoshima as shown in GREEN on the map).
To see if these 3 passes are available on your travel dates, click below:
What’s included with the pass?
Aside from the coverage of each JR Kyushu Pass type, it is also good to know the other perks of getting this popular integrated transportation pass in Japan. These include:
- Reserved seating. While you are entitled to both non-reserved and reserved seats with your purchase, booking a seat online or at the train station guarantees your ride at the date and time of your choosing. Note that JR Kyushu Pass (All Kyushu) will give you unlimited seat reservations, while the JR North Kyushu and the JR South Kyushu passes only provide seat reservations for up to six (6) times.
- Special offers. Show your JR Kyushu Pass in select restaurants, attractions, and shops in the region to get a discount or a free item! Some perks include getting a 20% discount on admission at the Nagasaki Museum of History and Culture, FREE drink at select restaurants in Huis Ten Bosch, and preferred rates at JR Kyushu Hotel Nagasaki. Find all offers here.
What’s NOT Included with JR Kyushu Pass?
Following are the transportation services that are unavailable for JR Kyushu Pass holders:
- Sanyo Shinkansen (travels between Hakata and Kokura)
- Subway trains and buses
- Railways owned by other companies or organizations
- JR Kyushu bus and B&S Miyazaki bus
- Cruise Train Seven Stars in Kyushu
- ARU RESSHA
Book JR Kyushu Pass Online
Now that we’ve covered the basics of the JR Kyushu Pass, let’s now look into the best deals online. While you can buy an All-Kyushu, North Kyushu, or South Kyushu pass in Japan, booking online is a lot simpler. When you purchase a JR Kyushu Pass in Japan, you will have to fill out an application form in paper. However, booking online here saves you time and you can book at your native language.
1. All Kyushu
This is the standard JR Kyushu Pass that provides unlimited rides in the region (both north and south).
- PRICE: Book here starting at $127 for adults and $63.5 for children!
- INCLUSIONS: This JR Kyushu Pass (All-Kyushu) provides 3, 5, or 7 days worth of unlimited train rides on local trains and limited express trains, Kyushu Shinkansen (Hakata – Kagoshima-chuo), and Nishi Kyushu Shinkansen (Takeo-onsen – Nagasaki)
- BEST REVIEW:
The pass is really [value-for-money] as we travelled to many places like Kumamoto, Nagasaki, Yufuin, Aso, Amakusa, Kagoshima. Had the opportunity to take a few special trains such as the Asoboy!, A Train, Yufuin No Mori, Kawasemi Yamasemi. Definitely going [back to] Kyushu again in the future!
2. North Kyushu
Explore the northern prefectures of Kyushu for 3 or 5 days with the JR North Kyushu Pass!
- PRICE: Book here starting at $76.20 for adults and $38.10 for children
- INCLUSIONS: This JR Kyushu Pass (North Kyushu) provides 3-5 days worth of unlimited train rides on local trains and limited express trains in North Kyushu zone, Kyushu Shinkansen (Hakata – Kagoshima-chuo), and Nishi Kyushu Shinkansen (Takeo-onsen – Nagasaki)
- BEST REVIEW: “We optimized the utilization of the 3-day North Kyushu JR passes by strategically traveling to diverse locations within Northern Kyushu, including Kumamoto, Huis Ten Bosch, and Yufuin. During our journey, we experienced the distinct types of JR trains, encompassing the Kyushu Shinkansen, Yufuin No Mori, and Huis Ten Bosch train.”
3. North Kyushu (5 Days) + Huis Ten Bosch Ticket
Thinking about visiting Huis Ten Bosch? Get this bundled North Kyushu Pass and a one-day pass to the theme park!
- PRICE: Book here starting at $139.5 for adults and $133.2 for children!
- INCLUSIONS: Five (5) days worth of unlimited train rides on local trains and limited express trains in North Kyushu zone, Kyushu Shinkansen (Hakata – Kagoshima-chuo), Nishi Kyushu Shinkansen (Takeo-onsen – Nagasaki), and one-day passport to Huis Ten Bosch
- BEST REVIEWS: “Redeeming this pass was smooth and easy to do, and we definitely saved a lot of money by having this pass. We got around to many beautiful sites in Northern Kyushu at a much lower cost thanks to this, so I highly recommend getting it! You won’t regret it,” reads a JR Kyushu Pass review on Klook.
Visiting Huis Ten Bosch after many years… the park is still very beautiful! Although it’s only half a day, it’s more than enough time to enjoy the night light show, take a boat ride, and ride the Ferris wheel! There are many places to watch the light show at night, so you have to arrange your viewing order and walk around so that you won’t regret it! (The recommended must-see is the sky lantern show once a day).
4. South Kyushu
Discover the charming southern part of Kyushu region for 3 days with this option!
- PRICE: Book here starting at $63.50 for adults and $31.75 for children!
- INCLUSIONS: This JR Kyushu Pass (South Kyushu) provides 3-5 days worth of unlimited train rides on local trains and limited express trains in South Kyushu zone and Kyushu Shinkansen (Hakata – Kagoshima-chuo)
- BEST REVIEW: “Worth it for use. covering many provinces You can reserve express limited trains, it’s very worthwhile. You can use it in conjunction with the Japan travel official app.”
How to Use the JR Kyushu Pass e-Exchange Order
After booking your regional JR Pass for Kyushu, you will receive an electronic Exchange Order (or e-Exchange Order). This is a voucher that you can show at the following JR train stations to redeem your actual pass:
- Hakata Station
- Kokura Station
- Mojiko Station
- Saga Station
- Nagasaki Station
- Sasebo Station
- Beppu Station
- Oita Station
- Kumamoto Station
- Kagoshima-chou Station
- Miyazaki Station
- Miyazaki Airport
Except for Miyazaki Airport, these JR Kyushu Pass redemption counters open at 7 or 7:30am and closes between 7pm and 9pm.
Note that your e-Exchange Order voucher is valid for redemption up to 90 days from the date of issuance. Moreover, you will need to select an activate date of the pass upon redemption. Learn more here.
JR Kyushu Pass Seat Reservation
You can make seat reservations with your redeemed JR Kyushu Pass on the official website here or at the train station.
Refund and Cancellation
The good thing about booking on Klook is that they offer flexible refund of JR Kyushu Passes. Just make sure that you have not redeemed the actual pass (or used the e-Exchange Order) to be eligible for a refund.
Reviews: Is the JR Pass for Kyushu worth it?
With an excellent 4.8 out of 5-star rating from 12k+ travelers and more than 300k+ bookings on Klook, the JR Kyushu Pass definitely shows to be a travel essential in Japan that you’d want to book. One user left this review that includes their itinerary (how they used their JR Kyushu Pass): “I have used the JR Pass to go to many places, including Hakata, Yufuin, Beppu, Mojiko, etc. I think it is worth buying! Kyushu’s railways are well developed and there are many special trains, which are also very beautiful to take pictures~”
Another review of booking the JR Kyushu Pass on Klook reads:
Amazing place. [Love] everything about Japan. Easy to redeem…thank you [Klook] for an easy process.
JR Kyushu vs. JR Pass (Whole Japan)
In this blog, we’ve covered the regional Japan Rail Pass for Kyushu. If you want to explore more regions and cities in the country (outside Kyushu region), then get a JR Pass for Whole Japan. Read more here.
FAQ
1. Can I buy a JR Kyushu Pass in Japan?
While the JR Pass for Whole Japan should be purchased before arrival in Japan, the regional Kyushu Pass can be purchased in the country. However, note that booking online saves you the hassle of filling out a paper application form and may help reduce any confusion should there be a language barrier between the traveler and the staff.
2. Who are eligible to purchase?
All non-Japan passport holders with a temporary visa (tourist visa) are eligible to buy a JR Kyushu Pass. Note that foreign residents (non-Japanese passport holders with a permanent residence in Japan) are NOT ELIGIBLE to purchase the pass. Learn more here.
3. Do kids ride for free?
Aside from the adult option, there’s also a JR Kyushu Pass for children aged 6-11 years old. Kids below 5 years old need not have a JR Kyushu Pass. However, you can book one if you want your child to take up their own seat.
4. Can I cancel my pass booking?
Yes. As long as the pass has not been redeemed, the booking can be cancelled and you can get a refund. (Fees MAY apply.)
5. Can I use the pass on subway trains and JR Kyushu buses?
No, unfortunately these modes of transport are not covered by the All Kyushu, Northern Kyushu, or Southern Kyushu Pass.
6. Are there Klook promo codes available for the JR Kyushu Pass?
Book here using Klook promo code BETTERONAPP to get 5% on your first in-app purchase.
