The Kyushu Rail Pass by JR Kyushu is a rail pass for exclusive use by foreign visitors to Japan, providing unlimited travel on JR trains on the island of Kyushu (except Sanyo Shinkansen) for three or five consecutive days.
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Kyushu Rail Pass (train only)
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All Kyushu
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3 days
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14,000 yen
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5 days
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17,000 yen
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Northern Kyushu
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3 days
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7,000 yen
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5 days
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9,000 yen
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Reduced rates (50% off) apply to children aged 6-11.
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Below is a map of JR train lines, which can be used with the JR Kyushu Rail Pass. The All Kyushu pass is valid on the entire island, while the Northern Kyushu pass is only valid in the darker colored area in northern Kyushu:
Validity
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1)
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Unlimited use of JR Kyushu trains on Kyushu, including all trains along the Kyushu Shinkansen (Fukuoka-Kagoshima) and limited express trains, but excluding the Sanyo Shinkansen (Fukuoka-Osaka, operated by JR West). The Northern Kyushu version of the pass is not valid south of Oita and Kumamoto.
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2)
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Seat reservations can be made for free.
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3)
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The pass is valid on three or five consecutive days.
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4)
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Only foreign temporary visitors to Japan can use the Kyushu Rail Pass. It cannot be used by residents of Japan.
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Points of Sale
The Kyushu Rail Pass can be purchased via the internet, through travel agencies outside of Japan and at a few major JR railway stations and travel agencies in Kyushu (the Northern Kyushu Pass is not available for sale at stations in Southern Kyushu).
When purchasing the pass outside of Japan, you will receive an exchange order, which has to be exchanged into an actual rail pass after your arrival in Japan and within three months of the purchase.
When purchasing the pass inside Japan, you are limited to the purchase of one pass per person, and have to present your passport and return air (or sea) ticket.
Assessment
This pass can be of great value, considering the fact that a roundtrip from Fukuoka to Kagoshima by regular tickets alone costs around 20,000 yen, which compares to 14,000 yen for a 3-day pass and 17,000 yen for a 5-day pass.
Alternative Tickets
The Sun Q Pass is a very similar offer to the Kyushu Rail Pass except that it is valid on local buses and highway buses instead of trains. Depending on the individual itinerary, either pass could be more suitable. Unlike the Kyushu Rail Pass, the Sun Q Pass is also available to residents of Japan.
Any Questions? Ask them in our question forum.
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