Direct access to Fukuoka (Hakata), Kumamoto, Kagoshima from Osaka. Kyushu Shinkansen

Kyushu Shinkansen Sakura and Mizuho give you direct trainsfer to Shin-Osaka from Kyusyu.Hakata, Kokura
Mizuho and Sakura are operated by N700-7000/8000 series.

Kyushu Shinkansen runs between Hakata and Kagoshima-Chuo. But many trains run from Shin-Osaka and carry many passengers from Kansai area to Kyushu. This is the best way to get Kyushu from Osaka and Hiroshima. But some trains are not covered by JR Pass. I would like to show you about this Shinkansen system in this post.

Types of trains

There are three types of trains, the fastest train “Mizuho”, second fastest “Sakura” and “Tsubame” that stops at all station. on Kyushu Shinkansen. All Mizuho and most of Sakura go through Sanyo Shiknasen to/from Shin-Osaka. You can ride a train from Shin-Osaka to Kagoshima without transfer. But the fastest train, Mizuho is not covered by Japan Rail Pass. Mizuho is in same restriction as Nozomi of Tokaido-Sanyo Shinkansen.

Mizuho connects Shin-Osaka with Kumamoto in just 3 hours and with Kagoshima Chuo in 3 hours 45 minutes.

Sakura is a bit slower than Mizuho. It connects Shin-Osaka with Kumamoto in 3 hours 10 minutes to 3 hours 45 minutes and with Kagoshima-chuo in 4 hours 10 minutes to 40 minutes. It takes much more minutes for taking some of Sakura as it stops at many more stations than Mizuho and faster Sakura.

Tsubame is slowest train on Kyushu Shinkansen now. It is operated between Hakata and Kagoshima-chuo only. This train does not go through Sanyo Shinkansen. It connects Hakata and Kagoshima-Chuo around 2 hours. Of course if you need to move to Kagoshima-chuo or Kumamato from Hakata, you can take Sakura, or if you are not Japan Rail Pass user, take Mizuho.

Route and stations


View Kyushu Shinkansen (Bullet Train) in a larger map

Click to enlarge the image of map (C) Hisagi (Own work) [CC-BY-SA-3.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0) or GFDL (http://www.gnu.org/copyleft/fdl.html)], via Wikimedia Commons
Click to enlarge the image of map (C) Hisagi (Own work) [CC-BY-SA-3.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0) or GFDL (http://www.gnu.org/copyleft/fdl.html)], via Wikimedia Commons
StationMizuhoSakuraTsubame
Hakata (博多)xxx
Shin-Tosu (新鳥栖)*x
Kurume (久留米)**x
Chikugo-Funagoya (筑後船小屋)*x
Shin-Omuta (新大牟田)*x
Shin-Tamama (新玉名)*x
Kumamoto (熊本)xxx
Shin-Yatsushiro (新八代)*x
Shin-Minamata (新水俣)*x
Izumi (出水)*x
Sendai (川内)**x
Kagoshima-Chuo (鹿児島中央)xxx

x:All trains stop *:Some of trains stop -All trains pass by

Accommodation

There are two types of cars, newer N700-7000/8000 series and JR Kyushu original 800 series. 800 series is used for Sakura and Tsubame. This train does not go through Sanyo Shinkansen. N700 series was introduced for Mizuho and Sakura depart from Shin-Osaka.

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800 series

This type is used for the trains running on the Kyushu Shinkansen segment (Hakata – Kagoshima-Chuo) only. This series does not have any Green class. But even Ordinary class offers you 2+2 seat configuration. This is a big difference as the standard of the Shinkansen Ordinary class is 2+3 seat configuration. And also this series has many Japanese decoration in the train. It offers you very unique Japanese atmosphere.

123456
NRNRNRRRR

R:Ordinary class reserved seat NR:Ordinary class non-reserved seat

Ordinary class seat interior (C) Sonic Rail Garden
The seat of Ordinary class and Japanese style sun shade (C) Sonic Rail Garden
The entrance deck (C) Sonic Rail Garden
Bathroom (C) Sonic Rail Garden

N700-7000/8000 series

Kyushu Shinkansen Sakura and Mizuho give you direct trainsfer to Shin-Osaka from Kyusyu.
All Shinkansen trains non reserved seat on Sanyo Shinkansen are covered by this deal.

This type is used for all Mizuho, Sakura that is go through Sanyo Shinaksen and some Tsubame.

12345678
NRNRNRRRR/GRR

R:Ordinary class reserved seat NR:Ordinary class non-reserved seat G:Green class

Please refer the post, N700 series for Kyushu Shinkansen Mizuho and Sakura for the details about N700 series.

Comments

  1. Diana says:

    Hello Takeshi-san,

    I plan to go to Kyushu and Hiroshima next year. In Kyushu, I am looking at Fukuoka, Nagasaki, Beppu, Daizafu, Nanzoin Temple, Kitakyushu, and if time permits, Kagoshima. But from Fukuoka Airport, I plan to directly go to Hiroshima and spend 2 nights there to visit Miyajima as well. What would be the best combination of passes to purchase?

    Looking forward to your reply.

  2. Phitchaya says:

    I think there is a mistake on the Mizuho stopping pattern on the Kurume station the Mizuho 615 Departing from Shin-Osaka about 11:50.Thankyou

    • Hi Phitchaya,

      You are right. Since this past March, seasonal operation Mizuho stops at Kurume and Sendai. But these trains almost run everyday. Thank you for letting me know.

      Cheers,

      Takeshi / JPRail.com

  3. fred says:

    Hello, I would like to ask if how can I purchase ticket from hakata station to sendai kagoshima? Can I purchase it thru ticket machine?

    Thank you!

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