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How to travel between Minamata and Tokyo
By train:
Take the Tokaido/Sanyo Shinkansen from Tokyo to Fukuoka's Hakata Station and transfer to the Relay Tsubasa limited express train for Shin-Yatsushiro. At Shin-Yatsushiro, transfer to the Kyushu Shinkansen and get off at Shin-Minamata Station just outside of Minamata city center.
The one way trip from Tokyo to Shin-Minamata takes about 7.5 hours and costs around 27,000 Yen. If you use a Japan Rail Pass, you will require an additional hour, since you cannot use nozomi trains along the Tokaido/Sanyo Shinkansen. Instead you should take hikari trains with an additional transfer at Shin-Osaka Station.
By airplane:
The closest airport to Minamata is Kagoshima Airport. JAL and ANA operate frequent flights between Tokyo's Haneda Airport and Kagoshima Airport. Flight duration is two hours. While the regular one way fare is about 35,000 Yen, discount tickets are usually available for around 13,000 to 30,000 Yen. And with an air pass you can do the journey for even less.
Between Kagoshima Airport and Minamata Station, there are three direct bus round trips per day. The one way trip takes slightly under two hours and costs 1650 Yen. Furthermore, various rental car companies have an outlet at Kagoshima Airport.
Above fees and schedules are subject to change. For the current yen exchange rate, click here.
Orientation
Located in the city center, Minamata Station is served by the Hisatsu Orange Railway. The Kyushu Shinkansen stops at Shin-Minamata Station, about three kilometers east of the city center (4 minutes, 230 yen by Hisatsu Orange Railway). Note that the Japan Rail Pass is not valid on the Hisatsu Orange Railway.
Buses connect Minamata Station with Shin-Minamata Station, Yunotsuru Onsen and Yunoko Onsen. A taxi ride from the station to the Eco Park takes about five minutes and costs less than 1000 yen. Alternatively, the Eco Park can be reached on foot in about 20-30 minute from Minamata Station.
Rental bicycles are available at Minamata Station between 9:00 and 17:00 for 300 yen (up to 4 hours) or 500 yen (whole day). Motorized bicycles are available for 1000 yen (up to 4 hours) or 1500 yen (whole day).
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