Sample itinerary Kyushu 7 days by Japan Rail Pass 7 days pass

Former Glover Residence is one of the popular spot in Nagasaki. Ā©Nagasaki City/Ā© JNTO7 to 9 days
Former Glover Residence is one of the popular spot in Nagasaki. Ā©Nagasaki City/Ā© JNTO
Former Glover Residence is one of the popular spot in Nagasaki. Ā©Nagasaki City/Ā© JNTO

Former Glover Residence is one of the popular spot in Nagasaki. Ā©Nagasaki City/Ā© JNTO

This itinerary includes all part of Kyushu and covers many popular spots in Kyushu island in 7 days. So you can simply use Japan Rail Pass 7 days. You may start this itinerary either from Tokyo or from Osaka. But if you can start this from Tokyo, you need to skip Sasebo and Saikai National Park because of the time. And also you need to take the overnight train Sunrise Seto/Izumo if you start this from Tokyo on 7th day. Otherwise you cannot complete this itinerary. As long as you catch ā€œNobi Nobi seatā€ on Sunrise Seto or Izumo before the date change, you can continue to travel without any extra charge. (Please refer Japan Rail Pass official site, ā€œNotes regarding useā€ point 6.)

If you start this trip from Osaka, you can add sightseeing in Osaka, Kyoto and Kobe before or after trip. You donā€™t need to use Japan Rail Pass for Osaka, Kyoto and Kobe. You can take the private railway company, such as Hankyu Railway (Kyoto-Osaka-Kobe), Keihan Railway (Osaka-Kyoto), and Hanshin Railway (Osaka-Kobe). You can buy a single fare or day pass. And also JR West sell JR West Kansai Area Pass. This pass covers Kyoto, Osaka, Kobe, Nara and Kansai Airport. If you want to take an easy ride, this pass lets your trip easier.

Day 1

Kujukushima cruise in Saikai National Park Ā©JNTO

Kujukushima cruise in Saikai National Park Ā©JNTO

Departing from Osaka.
06:25am Depart from Shin-Osaka by Sanyo Shinkansen Hikari 541.
09:13am Arrive at Hakata station.
09:32am Depart from Hakata station by Limited Express Midori 5.
11:25am Arrive at Sasebo station.
Enjoy sightseeing in Sasebo or Kujukushima cruise in Saikai National Park.
I recommend you to take Sasebo Burger for your lunch.
15:24pm Depart from Sasebo station by Rapid train Seaside Liner.
16:59pm Arrive at Nagasaki station. After arrival, enjoy exploring Nagasaki.

Former Glover Residence is one of the popular spot in Nagasaki. Ā©Nagasaki City/Ā© JNTO

Former Glover Residence is one of the popular spot in Nagasaki. Ā©Nagasaki City/Ā© JNTO

Departing from Tokyo
06:26am Depart from Tokyo by Tokaido Shinkansen Hikari 501.
09:30am Arrive at Shin-Osaka station.
09:59am Depart from Shin-Osaka station by Kyushu Shinkansen Sakura 549.
12:39pm Arrive at Hakata station.
12:55pm Depart from Hakata station by Limited Express Kamome 23.
14:48pm Arrive at Nagasaki. After arrival, enjoy exploring Nagasaki.

*If you want to depart from Tokyo a bit later, you can make an adjustment. And also some of the travellers arrive at Haneda airport in early morning. Even though it will be very busy day to get Nagasaki from Tokyo on same day as arrival at Haneda, some of the travellers still want to go. In this case, if you can give up your time on the first day at Nagasaki, you can take this itinerary. Hikari departs at Tokyo station every 30 minutes. If you need to check the timetable of Shinkansen, please check JR Central timetable.

Overnight in Nagasaki

Day 2

You can enjoy Nagasaki in the morning.
13:21pm Depart from Nagasaki station by Limited express Kamome 24.
14:47pm Arrive at Shin-Tosu station. After arrival, transfer to Kyushu Shinkansen.
14:56pm Depart from Shin-Tosu station by Kyushu Shinkansen Sakura 553.
15:23pm Arrive at Kumamoto station. After arrival, enjoy sightseeing in Kumamoto.

*I choose only major cities to stay in this itinerary because you can find the accommodation very easily. But you can skip Kumamoto and go straight to Aso to get more time there. You can take Trans-Kyushu Limited Express 8 that departs from Kumamoto at 18:19 and arrives in Aso at 19:32. But even if you go to Aso on this day, you can take only one earlier bus to Mt. Aso. The first bus to Mt. Aso departs at 09:05am. It is only 55 minutes difference from staying in Kumamoto.

Overnight in Kumamoto

Day 3

Kusasenri at Mt.Aso Ā©JNTO

Kusasenri at Mt.Aso Ā©JNTO

08:35am Depart from Kumamoto from Trans-Kyushu Limited express2
09:43am Arrive at Aso station. After arrival, take a local bus to one of very popular active volcano, Mt. Aso.

10:00am The bus to Mt. Aso depart from Aso station.
10:40am Arrive in Mt. Aso West (Gondola station). The bus fare is 730 yen for one way to Aso Nishi station. The gondola fare is another 1,000 yen for round trip.
13:05pm Depart from Mt Aso West by bus to Kusasenri/Mt. Aso Museum. The bus fare is 140 yen.
13:10pm Arrive at Kusasenri/Mt. Aso Museum.
15:40pm The bus depart to Aso station from Kusasenri/Mt. Aso Museum. The bus fare is 670 yen.
*You can spend your time for the gondola only. In case of that, the bus leave rfom Mt. Aso West at 15:35pm.
*Unfortunately the bus company (Kyushu Sanko Bus Line) does not have any English website. But the gondola company Mt. Aso Ropeway has English site.

16:13pm Depart from Aso station by Trans-Kyushu Limited express 6.
18:13pm Arrive at Beppu station. Stay at most famous hot springs resort in Kyushu.

Overnight in Beppu

Day 4

Takachiho Gorge is one of must-see spot in Takachiho. Ā©JNTO

Takachiho Gorge is one of must-see spot in Takachiho. Ā©JNTO

09:51am Depart from Beppu station by Lmited Express Nichirin Seagaia 7
12:07pm Arrive at Nobeoka station

12:40pm The bus to Takachiho departs from Nobeoka Bus center. The bus fare is 1740 yen one way.
14:10pm Arrive at Takachiho Bus Center. After arrival, enjoy exploring in Takachiho.
17:30pm Depart from Takachiho Bus Center by the bus.
18:49pm Arrive at Nobeoka Bus Center.
*The bus to Takachiho is operated by Miyazaki Kotsu. But this company does not have any English information. Nobeoka Bus Center is located in front of Nobeoka station. Takachiho Bus Center is located at the center of Takachiho. It is 30 to 40 minutes walk away from Takachiho shrine and Takachiho Gorge.

19:09pm Depart from Nobeoka station by Limited Express Nichirin 21.
20:21pm Arrive at Miyazaki station.

Overnight in Miyazaki

Day 5

Udo Jingu shrine is located along the beautiful Nichinan coast. Ā©Miyazaki Prefecture Tourist Association and Miyazaki Convention Bureau/Ā© JNTO

Udo Jingu shrine is located along the beautiful Nichinan coast. Ā©Miyazaki Prefecture Tourist Association and Miyazaki Convention Bureau/Ā© JNTO

10:30 Depart from Miyazaki station by local train.
11:00 Arrive at Aoshima station. You may walk around Aoshima that is a small island just off the coast.

12:34 Depart from Aoshima by local bus to Udo Shrine. The bus fare is 1020 yen.
13:10 Arrive at Udo Shrine.
15:20 Depart from Udo Shrine by the bus. The bus fare is 570 yen.
15:41 Arrive at Aburatsu Bus Center. Aburatsu Bus Center is located in front of Aburatsu station.
*The bus among Aoshima, Udo Shrine and Aburatsu is operated by Miyazaki Kotsu too. So there is no English information. We have a train between Aoshima and Aburatsu, and can take the bus to Udo shrine from Aburatsu. But Nichinan line (between Miyazaki and Aburatsu) is very local. We donā€™t have many trains. So I choose the bus from Aoshima to Aburatsu via Udo shrine.

15:50 Depart from Aburatsu station by Limited Express Umisachi-Yamasachi.
17:14 Arrive at Miyazaki station.
*I did not introduce Limited Express Umisachi-Yamasachi yet on this site. But this train is very unique and has good interior. It is a kind of cruising train. I strongly recommend to take this train. But this train is so popular. This train has some non reserved seat. But it is not many seats there. If you are worry about it, take the bus to Miyazaki station from Udo shrine. I introduce one of good Japanese website about this train. You can see a lot of images.

17:36 Depart from Miyazaki station by Limited Express Kirishima 17.
19:42 Arrive at Kagoshima station

Overnight in Kagoshima

Day 6

Sakurajima is one of the active volcano in Kyushu. Ā©Yasufumi Nishi/Ā© JNTO

Sakurajima is one of the active volcano in Kyushu. Ā©Yasufumi Nishi/Ā© JNTO

Enjoy half day sightseeing in Kagoshima
15:57pm Depart from Koagoshima-Chuo station by Sanyo Shinkansen Sakura 420.
17:36pm Arrive at Hakata. After arrive at Hakata, enjoy sightseeing in downtown Hakata.
Overnight in Hakata

Hakata give you casual supper experience at Yatai (屋台=Food stalls). You can enjoy many kinds of Japanese comfort food there.

Day 7

Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine is one of the most important Tenmangu Shrine in Japan.  Ā©Fukuoka Prefecture/Ā© JNTO

Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine is one of the most important Tenmangu Shrine in Japan. Ā©Fukuoka Prefecture/Ā© JNTO

Enjoy half day sightseeing in Hakata. I recommend to go to Dazaifu Tenmangu shrine. Of course you can enjoy shopping in the biggest city in Kyushu.

19:53pm Depart from Hakata station by Sanyo Shinkansen Sakura 580.
22:49pm Arrive at Shin-osaka

*If you go back to Tokyo, get off Sakura 580 at Okayama.
21:57pm Arrive at Okayama station
22:33pm Take Sunrise Seto/Izumo at Okayama station. Overnight in the train.
*As far as you donā€™t get off overnight train, Japan Rail Pass 7 days cover your basic fare and express surcharge. If you donā€™t exit the station, Japan Rail Pass still cover basic fare.

Day 8

07:08am Arrive at Tokyo station.
If you donā€™t exit the station, you can continue your trip. Japan Rail Pass cover the basic fare. But it does not cover surcharge. So if you go to Narita airport, you can take Rapid Airport Narita with no extra charge.

Comments

  1. Jacky says:

    Hi,
    I plan to travel in June by JR pass. If I were to follow your itinerary where I can put my luggages from places to places before I check into the hotel? For example in Day 1, arrive Sasebo for sightseeing and overnight stay in Nagasaki. Where can I put my luggages in Sasebo?
    Is June a raining season in Kyushu?
    Thanks.

  2. Jessie says:

    Hello Takeshi,

    I am wondering, from Hakata to Beppu, with transit stop at Kokura, using the JR Pass, do I need to pay any extra charges? I planned to take Kodama & Sonic instead of Nozomi & Sonic.

    Jessie

  3. donna paul (sharkley) says:

    Hi Does the Takachiho Train Line still exists?

  4. David says:

    Hi,

    My family and I (2 adults, 1 child) will be traveling throughout Kyushu from August 2-14. We know Obon Festival will occur during that time and have read that the busiest travel time is between August 11-12 and August 15-16. Do you think we will have any trouble traveling around Kyushu using a Japan Rail Pass during that time? Are there certain areas that will be most difficult to travel to?

    Thank you.

    Sincerely,

    David

    • JPRail says:

      Hi David,

      It will be hard to book some trains. But Shinkansen and most of major trains have non reserved seat in Kyushu. You will be able to take a train anyway. But it will be very crowded in the train that go to major spot, like Aso, Nagasaki, Kirishima, Ibusuki and Yufuin. As long as you travel on the route of Kyushu Shinkansen between Hakata, Kumamoto and Kagoshima.

      Usually the direction from Fukuoka to other places is busier than the opposite direction on Aug 9-12. Because most of passengers go back to hometown. Meanwhile on Aug 14-16, everybody go back to Fukuoka, Osaka or Tokyo. When you make a plan, keep this in your mind.

      By the way, it will be very hot and humid. Take care of yourself and your family.

      Cheers,

      Takeshi / JP Rail

  5. Vincentchua says:

    My family (2 adults and 1 girl, 5 years) would like to visit Kyushu. When is the best time of the year to visit? How is the weather condition in December?

    • JPRail says:

      Hi Vincentchua,
      I recommend you Spring (Mar-May) and Autumn (Oct and Nov). December is not bad. But it is cold in some part of Northern Kyushu.
      Takeshi / JP Rail

  6. Scott says:

    Hi Takeshi,

    Thank you for creating such a great resource about rail travel in Japan. It is very useful!

    Just one small question; for Day 6, you write:

    17:36pm Arrive at Hakata. After arrive at Hakata, enjoy sightseeing in downtown Hiroshima.
    Overnight in Hiroshima

    Donā€™t you mean Fukuoka, rather than Hiroshima?

    Regards,

    Scott

  7. Yoke says:

    Hi Takeshi San

    This itinerary is good start for my impending trip. Is there a train service that I can take from Miyazaki to Yufuin? And how long will it take?

    Thank you

    • JPRail says:

      Hello Yoke san,
      We donā€™t have any train from Miyazaki to Yufuin directly. You need to take Nichirin from Miyazaki to Oita, and then Yufuin no Mori or Yufu from Oita to Yufuin.
      You can check the timetable here.
      Takeshi / JP Rail

      • Yoke says:

        Thank you Takeshi San.

        I have another question ā€“ is it faster to take a bus from Nagasaki to Kumamoto or the train? We hope to take the train from Fukuoka to Nagasaki and spend the night there before going to kumamoto the next day.

        • JPRail says:

          Hello Yoke san,
          Iā€™m not familiar with the bus. But I think the bus is a bit faster than a train. Because it connects Nagasaki with Kumamoto directly. You donā€™t need to transfer.
          Takeshi / JP Rail

  8. hissyfit says:

    Hi Takeshi san,

    I plan to take Hamanasu (2200 Sapporo -Aomori 0540), then take the Aomori (0629) JR Ou Line to Shin Aomori, and then take the Hayate at 0635 to Tokyo?

    Is it very difficult to make the transfer in 6 minutes (0629-0635)? I have got bags and 4 chidlren with me.

    Thank you.

  9. dan says:

    Hi Takeshi,

    Thanks for your quick reply!

    Does that mean that if I opt for the free seating option, I do not have to pay for any extra charges?

    • JPRail says:

      Hello Dan,
      You donā€™e have any choice to get non reserved seat. Hayate has only reserved seat. Even if Hayate has non reserved seat, you still need to pay a limited express surcharge.
      Takeshi / JP Rail

  10. dan says:

    Hi, this is a really informative site! I think the sample itineraries are awesome.

    Iā€™m just wondering for Day 8, you mentioned that ā€œ*As far as you donā€™t get off overnight train, Japan Rail Pass 7 days cover your basic fare and express surcharge. If you donā€™t exit the station, Japan Rail Pass still cover basic fare.ā€ Is it possible to use the jr pass for subsequent bullet trains after getting off the overnight train? For example, after getting off sunrise seto/izumo, will I be allowed to board, say the hayate bullet train up to aomori?

    • JPRail says:

      Hello Dan,

      Thanks for your comment.
      Technically you can take Hayate to Aomori, but you need to pay the surchage. Once you change the train, the pass cover the basic fare only. The surcharge for reserved seat of Hayate is 6500 yen to Shin-Aomori.

      Takeshi / JP Rail

Copied title and URL