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
Station | Mizuho | Sakura | Tsubame |
---|---|---|---|
Hakata (博多) | x | x | x |
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) | x | x | x |
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) | x | x | x |
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.
Hotels in Fukuoka
Hotels in Kumamoto
Hotels in Kagoshima
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.
1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 |
NR | NR | NR | R | R | R |
R:Ordinary class reserved seat NR:Ordinary class non-reserved seat
N700-7000/8000 series
This type is used for all Mizuho, Sakura that is go through Sanyo Shinaksen and some Tsubame.
1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 |
NR | NR | NR | R | R | R/G | R | R |
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
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.
Hi Diana san,
There are several options:
1. Sanyo Sanin Northern Kyushu Pass
http://www.westjr.co.jp/global/en/ticket/ssnk/
If you don’t go to Kagoshima, this covers all.
2. Hiroshima Yamaguchi area pass + Kyushu rail pass
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-visitors/hiroshima-yamaguchi-area-pass-designed-for-the-tourists-who-travel-to-hiroshima-from-hakata.html
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-visitors/kyushu-rail-pass-the-best-deal-for-rail-trip-in-kyushu-for-oversea-visitors.html
Use Hiroshima Yamaguchi area pass for trip to Hiroshima, and use Kyushu rail pass for trip to Kyushu.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
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
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!
Hi Fred,
You can purchase a ticket at either vending machine or ticket window:
http://www.jrkyushu.co.jp/english/ticket.html#buy
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com