Traveling in Kyushu | Guide to JR Rail Pass & Getting Around in Japan

Last Updated: September 30, 2019

Whether you are traveling in Kyushu to enjoy some peace and quiet in the great outdoors or heading to Fukuoka to shop until you drop at one of the mega malls, traveling around the island is easy thanks to a world-famous public transportation system! A picturesque island located in the southern waters of Japan, Kyushu attracts visitors who have an unwavering sense of adventure. It is the third largest island of the country and features backpack-worthy mountains and volcanoes, beautiful beaches, and Nagasaki’s chic downtown scene.

Traveling in Kyushu | Tips for Communication in Japan

Japan is a forward-thinking country that loves its technology and you will be hard-pressed to find a location within the various prefectures that does not have a good wi-fi connection. Wi-fi is essential for navigating public transportation and speaking to locals. Before heading off to Japan, be sure to download a translator app so that you can have conversations, read important information, and ask questions.

Traveling in Kyushu | Getting Around Kyushu

Kyushu knows how to roll out the red carpet for visitors who want to get to all the hottest tourist attractions in a fast and efficient manner for the most affordable prices. To get the best deal on public transportation, consider purchasing one of these travel passes before landing on the island.

JR Kyushu Rail Pass

The JR Kyushu Rail Pass is reserved exclusively for non-Japanese visitors and offers transportation between the various villages and attractions at lightening-fast speed. Travelers have a choice of three passes according to the route they want to take – the All Kyushu Area Pass, the Northern Kyushu Area Pass, or the Southern Kyushu Area Pass. Each route offers a relaxing experience that winds through meadows, across mountains, and through downtown regions.

Guests must show their passports before boarding the train to prove they are guests to the country, and passports must be stamped with a “short-stay” visa. Train rates vary depending on demand, but it is usually most economical to purchase a 5-day pass at 18,000 JPY. A 3-day pass can also be purchased for as little as 7,000 JPY depending on the route.

The train allows visitors to go between Fukuoka Prefecture attractions such as Ohori Park and Kushida Shrine in less than 15 minutes and between Kyushu Railway History Museum and Canal City Hakata in less than an hour.

Check In to Nest Hotel Hakata Station, Step Out to Fukuoka Prefecture

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SUNQ Pass

Looking for unlimited bus rides around Kyushu? Consider purchasing the SUNQ Pass. There are over 2,400 routes included with the pass and it is valid for all highway, city street, and ferry travel.

SUNQ Passes range between 8,000 and 14,000 JPY and are valid for 3-4 days. This pass can be purchased on the island or online and comes with coupons to some local businesses, making it an exceptional value for tourists.

The SUNQ Pass makes traveling between the various cities of Kyushu quick and easy. Travel between Saga and Fukuoka in less than 1.5 hours, from Oita to Beppu in less than 45 minutes, and between Kitakyushu Airport and Kurosaki in less than 55 minutes.

Check In to Nishitetsu Resort Inn Beppu, Step Out to Beppu

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Kyushu Expressway Pass

An efficient way to get around Kyushu by car, the Kyushu Expressway Pass allows visitors to cruise around the expressways of the city without having to stop at the tollbooths. The pass goes hand-in-hand with rental cars and can be purchased for 2- to 10-day increments.

The 10-day pass is the best value and costs approximately 11,500 JPY without any limitations on the amount of trips made while traveling in Kyushu on the expressway.

Using the Kyushu Expressway, guests can travel between Fukuoka and Saga in less than 1.25 hours, from Kumamoto to Nagasaki in approximately 2.5 hours, and from Saga to Kushida Shrine in approximately 1.5 hours.

Check In to Garden Terrace Nagasaki Hotel & Resort, Step Out to Nagasaki

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