Overview
Kyushu offers a unique rail experience with JR Kyushu’s famous design-focused trains, including several scenic “D&S Trains” (Design & Story) that are tourist attractions in themselves. The Kyushu Shinkansen connects Hakata (Fukuoka) to Kagoshima, making north-south travel fast and convenient.
IC Cards
SUGOCA (clock and frog logo) is JR Kyushu’s IC card. nimoca and Hayakaken are also common in Fukuoka. Your Suica from Tokyo works everywhere in Kyushu.
Fukuoka Airport (FUK)
One of Japan’s most convenient airports — only 5 minutes by subway to Hakata Station!
🔵 Fukuoka City Subway
Recommended: Take the Kuko (Airport) Line from the Domestic Terminal basement directly to Hakata Station in approximately 5 minutes, or Tenjin (downtown) in approximately 11 minutes. Trains run every 5-8 minutes. International Terminal users take a free shuttle bus to the Domestic Terminal first.
Kyushu Shinkansen
🔴 Mizuho / Sakura / Tsubame
Connects Hakata (Fukuoka) → Kumamoto → Kagoshima-Chuo.
- Mizuho — Fastest, limited stops. Hakata → Kagoshima-Chuo in ~1h15m. Not covered by JR Pass.
- Sakura — Fast, more stops. ~1h30m. JR Pass valid.
- Tsubame — All stops. ~2h. JR Pass valid. Good for Kumamoto access.
The Shinkansen has a distinctive red and white livery with sleek design by Eiji Mitooka.
JR Kyushu Limited Express
JR Kyushu is famous for beautifully designed limited express trains.
🔴 Sonic
Hakata → Kokura → Beppu → Oita. Blue metallic “883 Series” with unique tilting design. ~2 hours to Beppu. Access to hot spring resorts.
🟢 Yufuin no Mori
Hakata → Yufuin. Iconic green train with wood-paneled interior and large windows. Japan’s most popular sightseeing train. Reservations essential — often sold out weeks in advance.
🔴 Kamome (Limited Express)
Hakata → Nagasaki via the Nishi-Kyushu route. Following the 2022 Shinkansen partial opening, the limited express now runs Hakata → Takeo-Onsen, connecting to the new Shinkansen.
Other Limited Express
- Huis Ten Bosch — Hakata → Huis Ten Bosch theme park
- Aso Boy! — Scenic train to Mount Aso (seasonal)
- A-Train — Kumamoto → Misumi. Jazz-themed retro train.
Nishi-Kyushu Shinkansen
🔴 Kamome (Shinkansen)
Opened 2022. Connects Takeo-Onsen → Nagasaki in approximately 30 minutes. To reach from Hakata, take the Limited Express Relay Kamome to Takeo-Onsen first (~1h), then transfer to Shinkansen.
Note: The route between Hakata and Takeo-Onsen is not yet Shinkansen — full connection is planned for the future.
Fukuoka City Transport
🔵 Fukuoka City Subway
Three lines covering Fukuoka city:
- Kuko (Airport) Line — Fukuoka Airport → Hakata → Tenjin → Meinohama. Main tourist line.
- Hakozaki Line — Nakasu-Kawabata → Hakozaki (Kyushu University area)
- Nanakuma Line — Hashimoto → Tenjin-Minami → Yakuin
Nishitetsu Railway
Private railway connecting Fukuoka (Tenjin) to Dazaifu (shrine) and Kurume. The Nishitetsu Tenjin-Omuta Line is the main route.
Nagasaki Transport
Nagasaki Streetcar
Extensive streetcar network covering central Nagasaki. Flat fare of ¥140. Essential for reaching:
- Peace Park and Atomic Bomb Museum
- Glover Garden
- Dejima
- Chinatown
A one-day pass (¥600) is available for unlimited rides.
Kumamoto Transport
Kumamoto Streetcar
Two lines (A and B) connecting Kumamoto Station to the city center and Kumamoto Castle area. Retro charm with some modern low-floor cars.
Kagoshima Transport
Kagoshima City Tram
Two lines serving central Kagoshima. Useful for reaching Tenmonkan shopping area and the Sakurajima Ferry Terminal.
Sakurajima Ferry
24-hour ferry service between Kagoshima city and Sakurajima volcano. 15-minute crossing. A unique experience — you can buy udon on board!
Scenic & Sightseeing Trains
Kyushu is famous for “D&S Trains” — design and story trains that are experiences in themselves:
- 🟢 Yufuin no Mori — Green “forest” train to Yufuin hot springs
- 🔵 Aso Boy! — Family-friendly train with play area, to Mount Aso
- 🟤 Hitoyoshi — Wooden interior, traditional design
- 🔴 Ibusuki no Tamatebako — Half black, half white exterior. To Ibusuki sand baths.
- 🟡 A-Train — Jazz-themed retro design
Useful Passes
- JR Kyushu Rail Pass — All Kyushu (3/5 days) or Northern/Southern Kyushu versions. Includes Shinkansen (except Mizuho), limited express, and D&S trains.
- Fukuoka Tourist City Pass — Unlimited subway and bus in Fukuoka for 1 day.
- SUNQ Pass — Unlimited highway and local buses across Kyushu. Good for areas without rail.
🚆 Popular rail & transit passes for Kyushu
If you plan several train trips, a pass is often cheaper than single tickets. Buy online in advance and activate on arrival:
This section contains affiliate links. We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Coverage and validity vary — check each pass before buying.
Kyushu city guides: Fukuoka · Kumamoto · Beppu & Yufuin
Tips
- Reserve D&S trains early — Popular sightseeing trains like Yufuin no Mori sell out weeks in advance.
- Mizuho exclusion — Remember that JR Pass doesn’t cover the fastest Shinkansen. Take Sakura instead.
- Ferry options — Ferries connect Beppu, Kagoshima, and other ports to Osaka/Kobe overnight — a unique travel option.