Download Kyushu JR map
Complete coverage of Kyushu's rail network including the Kyushu Shinkansen, scenic trains, and routes to volcanic hot springs and historic cities.
Famous scenic trains
JR Kyushu operates Japan's most creative and beautiful sightseeing trains. All covered by the JR Pass.
Yufuin no Mori
Most popularHakata → Yufuin/Oita
Elegant green train through mountains to famous onsen town. Reservations essential.
Aso Boy!
Kid-friendlyKumamoto → Aso
Family-friendly train with panoramic windows and kids' play area. Views of Mt. Aso caldera.
A-Train
Unique designKumamoto → Misumi
Jazz-themed art deco train to the Amakusa islands connection. Sophisticated interior.
Ibusuki no Tamatebako
Sand bathsKagoshima → Ibusuki
Black and white train to sand bath hot springs. Smoke effect on departure.
Kawasemi Yamasemi
River viewsKumamoto → Hitoyoshi
Dual-colored train along Kuma River valley. Named after kingfisher birds.
SL Hitoyoshi
Steam trainKumamoto → Hitoyoshi
Steam locomotive experience through mountain scenery. Weekend service.
JR lines in Kyushu
Kyushu's JR network connects volcanic landscapes, historic cities, and numerous hot spring resorts.
Kyushu Shinkansen
High-speed line from Hakata to Kagoshima-Chuo via Kumamoto. Sakura and Tsubame trains covered by JR Pass.
Nishi Kyushu Shinkansen
New line opened 2022 connecting Takeo-Onsen to Nagasaki. Features unique Kamome trains.
Kagoshima Main Line
Major conventional line from Moji to Kagoshima via Hakata and Kumamoto.
Nagasaki Main Line
Connects Tosu to Nagasaki via Saga. Gateway to Huis Ten Bosch theme park.
Nippo Main Line
Scenic east coast route from Kokura to Kagoshima via Beppu and Miyazaki.
Hohi Main Line
Crosses Kyushu's volcanic heart from Kumamoto to Oita via Aso.
Sasebo Line
Access to Sasebo city and the famous Huis Ten Bosch Dutch theme park.
Ibusuki Makurazaki Line
Southern tip of Kyushu. Famous for Ibusuki sand baths and Tatsuta train.
Popular routes
Common journeys in Kyushu. All covered by the JR Pass.
| Route | Train | Time | Fare |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hakata → Kagoshima-Chuo | Sakura/Tsubame | 1h 20min | ¥10640 |
| Hakata → Kumamoto | Sakura/Tsubame | 35 min | ¥5230 |
| Hakata → Nagasaki | Kamome + Relay | 1h 50min | ¥5030 |
| Hakata → Beppu | Sonic Limited Express | 2h | ¥5780 |
| Hakata → Yufuin | Yufuin no Mori | 2h 15min | ¥4670 |
| Kumamoto → Aso | Aso Boy!/Local | 1h 30min | ¥1350 |
| Kagoshima → Ibusuki | Ibusuki no Tamatebako | 50 min | ¥2170 |
| Hakata → Huis Ten Bosch | Huis Ten Bosch Express | 1h 50min | ¥3210 |
Key stations
Major JR stations across Kyushu serving as gateways to different experiences.
Hakata Station
Kyushu's main hub in Fukuoka. Terminal for Sanyo and Kyushu Shinkansen. Famous for tonkotsu ramen.
Kagoshima-Chuo Station
Southern terminus with views of Sakurajima volcano. Hot springs and samurai heritage nearby.
Nagasaki Station
Historic city rebuilt after WWII. Peace Park and atomic bomb museum nearby.
Kumamoto Station
Gateway to Kumamoto Castle and Mt. Aso. Famous for horse meat sashimi (basashi).
Beppu Station
Japan's most famous hot spring resort town. Known for the 'Hells' geothermal features.
Oita Station
Prefecture capital with castle ruins and access to Yufuin onsen resort.
Miyazaki Station
Tropical atmosphere with palm trees. Access to Takachiho Gorge.
Huis Ten Bosch Station
Dedicated station for the Dutch-themed theme park. Direct trains from Hakata.
Must-visit destinations
Top Kyushu destinations accessible by JR trains.
Fukuoka/Hakata
JR Pass OKVibrant city with street food stalls, temples, and famous ramen
Nagasaki
JR Pass OKHistoric port city with WWII memorial, Chinatown, and Dutch heritage
Kumamoto
JR Pass OKCastle town with restored castle, Mt. Aso access, and bear mascot Kumamon
Beppu
JR Pass OKSteaming hot spring city with 'Hells' tour and sand baths
Yufuin
JR Pass OKCharming onsen resort town in the mountains with art museums
Kagoshima
JR Pass OKCity facing active Sakurajima volcano with samurai district
Travel tips
Make the most of your Kyushu rail adventure.
Scenic train reservations
JR Kyushu's scenic trains are extremely popular. Reserve seats at ticket offices as soon as you arrive in Kyushu.
Kyushu Rail Pass option
For Kyushu-only travel, the regional JR Kyushu Rail Pass offers good value for 3-5 day trips.
Typhoon season
June-October can see typhoons affecting train services. Check weather forecasts and have backup plans.
Hot springs everywhere
Kyushu has more hot springs than any other region. Many are near train stations - bring a small towel!
Hakata food paradise
Hakata Station area is famous for tonkotsu ramen, mentaiko, and yatai (street food stalls). Try them all.
Volcano viewing
Mt. Aso is one of the world's largest calderas. Check volcanic activity status before visiting - access sometimes restricted.