Southern Kyushu Area Pass at Southern Kyushu Area
Southern Kyushu Area Pass
Choose your experience
Southern Kyushu Area Pass Tickets
The Southern Kyushu Area Pass gives you unlimited travel across the region's railways for three consecutive days. This pass is exclusively for international visitors with temporary visitor status and covers JR local trains, limited express services, and the Kyushu Shinkansen between Kumamoto and Kagoshima-Chuo.
You can explore destinations from Kumamoto's castle town to the volcanic landscapes around Mt. Aso, from the historic hot springs of Hitoyoshi to the subtropical beauty of Kagoshima. The pass eliminates the complexity of individual ticket purchases whilst giving you the flexibility to change your plans as you discover new places along the route.
Highlights
- Unlimited rides on JR trains including the Kyushu Shinkansen for three consecutive days
- Access to Kumamoto, home to Japan's largest active volcanic crater at Mt. Aso
- Coverage of historic hot spring towns like Hitoyoshi along scenic riverside routes
- Free seat reservations up to six times at station counters or online
- Valid across multiple prefectures including Kumamoto, Kagoshima, and Miyazaki
- Both reserved and non-reserved seating options available
Plan Your Visit to Southern Kyushu
You must present your non-Japanese passport with a temporary visitor stamp or seal to collect your physical pass at designated JR Kyushu ticket offices. The pass becomes active from your first use and remains valid for exactly three consecutive days.
Peak travel periods including Japanese national holidays and weekends see heavier train usage, so reserve your seats early during these times. You can make seat reservations at station counters or through the online system at no additional cost. The pass covers travel between major stations including Shin-Yatsushiro, Kumamoto, Hitoyoshi, Yoshimatsu, Hayato, Sendai, Kirishima-onsen, and Kagoshima-Chuo.
Allow extra time during busy seasons and consider starting your journey early in the day to make the most of your three-day validity period. The volcanic region offers excellent onsen experiences and dramatic natural scenery that changes with the seasons.
Why you'll love it
- Save big with this handy pass that lets you access local trains, limited express trains, and Shinkansen (bullet trains) in Southern Kyushu
- This pass has been specially put together for foreign tourists with a temporary visitor visa to explore the vibrant Southern Kyushu
- Enjoy hassle-free travel for 3 consecutive days as you discover the subtropical subregion of Kyushu
- Ride to Hayato, Sendai, Hitoyoshi, Yoshimatsu, Shin-Yatsushiro, and Kumamoto with a single pass
- The pass also covers the city of Kumamoto, home to the world’s largest active volcanic crater - Mt
- Aso.
What's included
- Southern JR Kyushu Area Pass valid for 3 consecutive days: Reserved & non-reserved seats on all JR local trains, limited express trains, and Shinkansen (Mizuho, Sakura, and Tsubame) Kyushu Shinkansen between Kumamoto - Kagoshima-Chuo stations
- Access to Green Car (superior class) Shinkansen between Hakata and Kokura JR Kyushu and B&S Miyazaki buses Cruise Train Seven Stars Sweet train (Aru Ressha) Travel beyond Kumamoto Entry to any attractions
Good to know
- Age suitability
- Suitable for all ages
- Know before you go
Always carry your passport and rail pass for inspection on trains
Passes are non-transferable and only valid for the original user
Seat reservations can be made up to 6 times for free
Follow signage and staff instructions at all participating JR stations
- Visitor guidelines
Always carry your passport and rail pass for inspection on trains
Passes are non-transferable and only valid for the original user
Seat reservations can be made up to 6 times for free
Follow signage and staff instructions at all participating JR stations
- Cancellation policy
Cannot be canceled or rescheduled
Frequently asked
Who can use the Southern Kyushu Area Pass?
This pass is available to non-Japanese tourists holding a temporary visitor visa stamp or seal in their passport.
How do I activate and use my pass?
Redeem and collect the pass at designated JR Kyushu offices by presenting your passport before boarding your first train.
Which trains are covered by the pass?
The pass includes unlimited rides on JR local, limited express and Kyushu Shinkansen (between Kumamoto and Kagoshima-Chuo) trains.
How can I reserve seats, and how many times?
You may reserve seats up to 6 times at no extra charge at train stations or online.
Can I use the pass during busy seasons?
Yes, but trains are more crowded during Japanese national holidays and weekends. Reserve early if possible.
Where you'll be
Explore more
Similar
You might also like
Explore tokyo
Map of nearby experiences