The JR Sanyo-Shikoku-Kyushu Rail Pass is a new rail pass for exclusive use by foreign tourists, providing five consecutive days of unlimited travel on designated JR train lines (including shinkansen and limited express trains) in Western Japan, including the Sanyo Coast, Shikoku and Kyushu. The pass comes in two versions: one that includes southern Kyushu and a slightly cheaper one that does not.
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JR Sanyo-Shikoku-Kyushu Rail Pass
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5 Days - All Kyushu Version
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25,000 yen
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5 Days - Northern Kyushu Version
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22,000 yen
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Reduced rates apply to children aged 6-11 (50% off).
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Validity
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1)
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Unlimited use of trains along the JR Sanyo Shinkansen and JR Kyushu Shinkansen, including Nozomi and Mizuho trains.
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2)
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Unlimited use of all other JR trains on Shikoku, on Kyushu, along the JR Sanyo Line, in central Osaka, and between Kansai Airport and Osaka. Note, however, that trains between Kyoto and Osaka are not covered. A small number of JR trains, which partially run on the tracks of non-JR railway companies, are not covered, either.
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3)
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Unlimited use of the JR ferry to Miyajima.
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4)
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The Northern Kyushu version of the pass is not valid south of Oita and Kumamoto.
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5)
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Seat reservations can be made for free.
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6)
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The pass is valid on consecutive calendar days (midnight to midnight).
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7)
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Green car (first class) seats cannot be used.
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8)
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Only foreign visitors to Japan (on a temporary visitor visa) can use the JR Sanyo-Shikoku-Kyushu Rail Pass. It cannot be used by residents of Japan.
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9)
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The pass can only be used by a single person. It cannot be transfered between multiple persons. The pass holder has to carry his/her passport at all times.
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Points of Sale
The JR Sanyo-Shikoku-Kyushu Rail Pass is sold at major stations in the area covered by the pass including Kansai Airport, Osaka, Shin-Osaka, Hiroshima and Hakata Stations and several more. The pass can also be purchased overseas through travel agents, in which case a voucher is initially issued that has to be exchanged to the actual pass after arrival in Japan.
Assessment
The JR Sanyo-Shikoku-Kyushu Rail Pass can be a good value for travelers intent on exploring Western Japan, particularly those with plans to travel along the Sanyo and Kyushu Shinkansen.
Alternative Tickets
For just an additional 3,300 yen or 6,300 yen respectively you can get a Japan Rail Pass that covers the entire country of Japan and is valid two days longer than the JR Sanyo-Shikoku-Kyushu Rail Pass; however, the Japan Rail Pass is not valid on Nozomi and Mizuho trains.
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