
N700-7000 series is new fleet to use for Sakura and Mizuho. (C) Mitsuki-2368
I have received the email from JR West. They confirmed Japan Rail Pass can be used for Kyushu Shinkansen. But Japan Rail Pass can be used for only Sakura that is the second fastest train between Shin-Osaka and Kagoshima-Chuo. We cannot take Mizuho that is the fastest train between Shin-Osaka and Kagoshima-Chuo by Japan Rail Pass. JR West and Kyushu applied same fare table as Nozomi. So Japan Rail Pass does not cover even the basic fare. If you take Mizuho, you have to pay the full fare.
Of course we take Tsubame that is operated between Hakata and Kagoshima-Chuo. If you cannot take Sakura, you can take Hikari or Kodama to Hakata, then transfer to Tsubame.
If you want to see the images of trains’ interior, please see the post, N700 series for Kyushu Shinkansen Mizuho and Sakura

ANA Hotel Kumamoto New Sky Located by Shirakawa river
Tokyu Hotel Kagoshima Spectacular views of Mt. Sakurajima
Comments
Thanks for the info, I was planning to take the Sakura anyway. Shame about the Mizuho, but not unexpected.
Actually I expected it too. I had a rumor that JR West and JR Kyushu applied same fare table as Nozomi to the Government…
It’s a pity, but there is not that many Mizuho services in the March 2011 timetable anyway.
James
Yes, it’s okay now. But I worry that JR West and Kyushu will increase the trips of Mizuho and decrease the trips of Sakura and Hikari. We might have a same situation as Nozomi and Hikari on Tokaido Shinkansen.