Training Around Captivating
Kagoshima.

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Traveling by train around Japan’s stunning region of hot springs and history.

Kagoshima Prefecture lies at the southern tip of Kyushu, the third largest of Japan's four main islands.
This subtropical cauldron of bubbling hot springs and imposing mountains is a traveler's dream, with an abundance on offer including stunning nature spots and rich history, not to mention the area's delectable local cuisine cooked lovingly by warmhearted locals.

View Travel Details

About
JR Kyushu Rail Pass

JR Kyushu Rail Pass is a pass that allows you get on and off freely.
It covers not only local and rapid trains operated by JR Kyushu,
but also popular limited express trains, tourist trains, and even the Shinkansen!

Fares and Passes

All Kyushu Area Pass

All Kyushu Area Pass
Validity Price Seat
reservation limit
3-day Pass JPY 15,000 10 Times
5-day Pass JPY 18,000 16 Times
All Kyushu Area Map

Southern Kyushu Area Pass

Southern Kyushu Area Pass
Validity Price Seat
reservation limit
3-day Pass JPY 7,000 10 Times
Southern Kyushu Area Map

Terms of Purchase

Non-Japanese citizens who are visiting Japan for the purpose of sightseeing and traveling on a short-stay visa.

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Conditions

  1. [1] You must hold a passport issued by a country other than Japan.
  2. [2] You must reside outside Japan and are visiting Japan on a short-stay visa(*).

Those who satisfy conditions [1] and [2] above.

* When entering Japan, please receive proof of "short-stay" with a stamp or seal on your passport. If you are using an automated gate when entering Japan, please offer to the airport staff and receive a certificate from your passport with a stamp or seal.

The trains operated by JR Kyushu

Take the 800 series TSUBAME
Kyushu Shinkansen to travel to Kagoshima

  • Hakata
  • Kagoshima-Chuo
Route map
Hakata

Hakata

Hakata Station is easily accessible, just 5 minutes from Fukuoka Airport by subway. Enjoy shopping to your heart's content in the largest city in Kyushu!

800 series Kyushu Shinkansen

800 seriesKyushu Shinkansen

Take a seat and immerse yourself in the comfort of the Kyushu Shinkansen, the epitome of traditional Japanese craftsmanship and the latest technologies. It will transport you to Kagoshima in a jiffy!

Approximately
1 hour 35 minutes
Kagoshima

Kagoshima

Kagoshima is renowned for its nature, food, and hot springs. Enjoy hot spring hopping that allows you to bath in the quality water, while surrounded by nature!

Take the limited express "Ibusuki no Tamatebako" to travel to Ibusuki

  • Kagoshima-Chuo
  • Ibusuki
Route map

Advance reservation services are available at our online reservation
site for all reserved seats

Kagoshima

Kagoshima

Kagoshima is renowned for its nature, food, and hot springs. Enjoy hot spring hopping that allows you to bath in the quality water, while surrounded by nature!

Limited express Ibusuki no Tamatebako

Limited express"Ibusuki no Tamatebako"

The train designed under the theme of Ryugujo (an undersea dragon palace in Japanese folklore) features characteristic bright and spacious sofa-type seats. It departs from Kagoshima-Chuo Station to take you to Ibusuki.

Approximately
50 minutes
Ibusuki

Ibusuki

Ibusuki is renowned for its sand steamed baths, which allow you to unwind while gazing at the sea stretching out in front of you.

  • All Kyushu Area Pass
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Other recommended routes that allow you to fully enjoy other parts of Kyushu

Day 1
  • Hakata Station
    Approximately
    1 hour
    18 minutes
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    N700 Series Shinkansen
  • Kagoshima-Chuo Station
    Approximately
    1 hour
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    Hayate no Kaze
  • Kirishima Onsen Station
    Taxi
  • Kirishima Onsen Market
    Taxi
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  • Yakakutei
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Day 2
  • Yakakutei
    Taxi
  • Kirishima Jingu Station
    Approximately
    50 minutes
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    Kirishima
  • Kagoshima-Chuo Station
    Approximately
    50 minutes
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    Ibusuki no Tamatebako
  • Ibusuki Station
    Taxi
  • Sandbath Hall Saraku
    Taxi
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  • Shusuien
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Day 3
  • Shusuien
    Taxi
  • Ibusuki Station
    Approximately
    50 minutes
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    Ibusuki no Tamatebako
  • Kagoshima-Chuo Station
    Bus
  • Sengan-en
    Bus
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  • Kagoshima-Chuo Station
    Approximately
    1 hour
    50 minutes
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    800 Series Shinkansen
  • Hakata Station

JR Kyushu Rail Pass transports you to as many
places in Kyushu as you can imagine…

Normal price 25,960yen
If you opt fou a 3-day pass, it costs you only 15,000yen

Online Booking

Here are some of the advantages of purchasing JR Kyushu Rail Pass online!

  • The easily
    exchangeable E-ticket!

  • Allows you to
    book reserved seats of
    tourist trains in advance!

  • Allows to pay easily
    with a credit card!

How to purchase tickets online

  • 1

    Access our online reservation site.

  • 2

    Register your e-mail address in the Rail Pass reservation page.

  • 3

    Open an e-mail sent to the registered e-mail address, then access the online reservation site again by clicking the URL included in the e-mail.

  • 4

    Enter the required information to purchase JR Kyushu Rail Pass (such as your name and passport number).

  • 5

    Make payment with a credit card.

  • 6

    Your e-ticket will be sent to the registered e-mail address.

  • 7

    Present your passport, e-ticket, and the credit card that you used to make payment at Rail Pass exchange office.

  • 8

    Receive your JR Kyushu Rail Pass!

Reservable train

  • SL Hitoyoshi
  • Limited express
    "Aso Boy!"
  • Limited express
    "A-TRAIN"
  • Limited express
    "KAWASEMI YAMASEMI"
  • Limited express
    "Umisachi-Yamasachi"
  • Limited express
    "Yufuin no Mori"
  • Limited express
    "Yufu"
  • Limited express
    "Ibusuki no Tamatebako"
Click hereFor more details or Purchase tickets online

Training Around Captivating Kagoshima

Traveling by train around Japan’s stunning region of hot springs and history

Nishi-Oyama Station with Majestic Mount Kaimon in the background
Nishi-Oyama Station with Majestic Mount Kaimon in the background

Kagoshima Prefecture lies at the southern tip of Kyushu, the third largest of Japan's four main islands. This subtropical cauldron of bubbling hot springs and imposing mountains is a traveler's dream, with an abundance on offer including stunning nature spots and rich history, not to mention the area's delectable local cuisine cooked lovingly by warmhearted locals.

The prefecture is well-connected by public transport, and another of the unique charms not just limited to Kagoshima but Kyushu as a whole is that train travel is an experience in itself, with various beautifully-designed carriages from which awe-inspiring views can be had of the landscape they traverse.

So began my three-day jaunt around the region, in which I was to take in many of Kagoshima Prefecture's most breathtaking sites utilizing trains in one of the most fun and convenient methods of travel I've been lucky enough to experience. After arriving at Fukuoka Airport on my first day, I swiftly transferred to the city's main transport hub, Hakata Station, for the real journey to begin.

All aboard; heading south on the Kyushu Shinkansen
All aboard; heading south on the Kyushu Shinkansen
The bullet train's stylish interior
The bullet train's stylish interior

For foreign tourists JR Kyushu offers three rail passes that offer unlimited use of JR trains on the island for three or five consecutive days, and so can prove great value as part of an excursion on the island. The three passes consist of the All Kyushu Pass which covers JR trains all over the island excluding the Sanyo Shinkansen, and the Northern Kyushu and Southern Kyushu area passes. The passes can be purchased via the internet.

In addition to unlimited train travel, the passes offer benefits to holders, including discounts, free gifts and tax free shopping at a multitude of stores, restaurants and attractions across Kyushu. On this trip, I could experience such benefits at Black Pork and Local Cuisine Aoba in Ibusuki and Sengan-en in Kagoshima City.

Those purchasing a pass online will receive an exchange coupon, which has to be exchanged into an actual rail pass after arrival in Japan. In order to obtain the rail pass once in Japan, visitors must show their passport along with the exchange coupon at one of the counters including that at Hakata Station. JR Kyushu English website

Hakata Station
Hakata Station
The ticket center from where the JR rail passes can be purchased
The ticket center from where the JR rail passes can be purchased
The JR All Kyushu Pass
The JR All Kyushu Pass

I boarded the Kyushu Shinkansen at Hakata Station for the hour-and-a-half journey to Kagoshima; looking out of the window all the while as the Kyushu countryside sailed past. Upon arrival at Kagoshima-Chuo Station in Kagoshima City, I grabbed my first meal of the trip at Satsuma Shimuja, a ramen shop just a few minutes' stroll from the station. Inside the stylish restaurant I devoured a delicious bowl of local-style ramen topped with burdock chips. A satisfying interlude, it was time to continue the journey to Kirishima Onsen.

Satsuma Shimuja
Satsuma Shimuja
Delicious ramen in stylish surroundings
Delicious ramen in stylish surroundings

The Hayato no Kaze train connects Kagoshima and Kirishima Onsen twice per day, taking riders on a thoroughly enjoyable journey with exquisite surroundings, both outside the train and inside. The stylish lightwood interior contrasts with the train's jet black exterior to bestow it with an atmosphere reminiscent of decades past.

The journey took us along the coast with many opportunities to gaze out over the water upon Sakurajima, a majestic volcano and one of the most famous natural icons in the area.

Hayato no Kaze
Hayato no Kaze
The train's elegant interior
The train's elegant interior
Stunning views of Sakurajima along the coast
Stunning views of Sakurajima along the coast

From Kirishima Station, it is a short taxi ride to Kirin Shoten, a small indoor and outdoor market where independent artisans purvey crafts as well as local produce and snacks.

I met here with Sugikawa Akihiro, the market's owner and tea master, and he spoke to me about the importance of tea in Kagoshima's culture whilst preparing one type of local tea in various ways and at different temperatures such that each serving had a different taste and character. The venue has a relaxed and cool vibe and is a recommended stop for visitors to these parts.

Local produce and crafts galore!
Local produce and crafts galore!
The resident tea master whips me up a few cups
The resident tea master whips me up a few cups
Simply delicious
Simply delicious

The next stop was at the local Kirishima Onsen Market, where, in addition to a number of restaurants and shops selling local produce, the complex offers food cooked using steam from the market's thermal vents. An interesting place, the nibble I had here whetted my appetitie for dinner, to be had at the night's lodgings.

Kirishima Onsen Market
Kirishima Onsen Market
An array of steamed foods on offer
An array of steamed foods on offer
Kimono-clad ladies make use of the market's footbath
Kimono-clad ladies make use of the market's footbath
I made a quick stop at Maruo Waterfall on the way to my accommodation, one of the area's impressive natural features.
I made a quick stop at Maruo Waterfall on the way to my accommodation, one of the area's impressive natural features.

After a fun-filled first day of exploration, I arrived at the Yakakutei Ryokan where I was to be spending the night. This traditional Japanese inn made an impression on me immediately, with its pristine Japanese garden which can be viewed from a number of points including the complex's atmospheric outdoor walkways and the comfortable lounge area.

My room was nothing short of stellar, and included a multi-room tatami suite with a private garden and secluded outdoor bath to top it all off. My night was spent predominantly enjoying a feast of fish, vegetables and shabu shabu (meat dipped into a hot soup) and bathing. An amazing experience, this was among the most dazzling accommodation at which I had been lucky enough to stay, in Japan or otherwise.

Yakakutei's serene outdoor corridors
Yakakutei's serene outdoor corridors
The lobby lounge with an impressive view of the complex's garden
The lobby lounge with an impressive view of the complex's garden
Room with a view
Room with a view
My accommodation even included my own private outdoor bath!
My accommodation even included my own private outdoor bath!
A shabu shabu feast
A shabu shabu feast
The meal finished off with a glass of local shochu. Perfection.
The meal finished off with a glass of local shochu. Perfection.

After a delicious breakfast, I checked out of Yakakutei and began my second day of exploration with a trip to Ibusuki. I made my way to the seismic seaside town via the Ibusuki no Tamatebako, a beautiful train that is related to the myth of Urashima Taro the fishing boy who accepts an invitation to a magical world of youth that exists under the sea.

Taro spends what he deems to be three years in the depths but upon surfacing finds that 300 years have elapsed and that all his relatives are long-deceased. In despair he opens a box given to him as a parting gift by a sea princess and in an instant his youth disappears and he becomes a old man.

The train is then named after the box that Taro opens, and boasts many interesting features including mist that sprays from the doors as they open when the train arrives at a station; in reference to the smoke that comes from the box as Taro opens it in the tale.

The Ibusuki no Tamatebako pulls into the station
The Ibusuki no Tamatebako pulls into the station
The spacious and colorful interior
The spacious and colorful interior
Views out to sea
Views out to sea

I arrived in Ibusuki and headed to Black Pork and Local Cuisine Aoba, a restaurant that serves some local favorites including Ontamaran-don. This hearty dish consists of rice topped with local vegetables and pork below an egg. A delectable lunch, I was now ready to experience something I'd been eagerly looking forward to; taking a sand bath.

I received a warm welcome from the locals upon my arrival at Ibusuki
I received a warm welcome from the locals upon my arrival at Ibusuki
Ontamaran-don
Ontamaran-don

A short taxi ride away from the station and Aoba stands Sandbath Hall Saraku, a beachside complex where visitors can take a sand bath on the beach before washing off in the indoor public bath. After checking in I received a yukata (traditional Japanese gown) and towels and changed before heading out to the beach to relax in the naturally warm, thermally heated sand.

My time lying in the sand was utterly blissful, and allowed me to relax in a way I've never had the pleasure of doing before. This is an experience that is certainly worthwhile for those visiting Ibusuki.

Digging my time in the sand
Digging my time in the sand
Beachfront bliss
Beachfront bliss

The mid afternoon sun beamed from high in the sky as we left Sandbath Hall Saruku and headed via a 20-minute taxi ride to Unagi Onsen. This quaint hamlet is located on the banks of Lake Unagi, the second largest in Kagoshima Prefecture, and boasts an interesting history and some charming features. Upon arrival one of the village's English-speaking tour guides led me around the tranquil streets revealing more about the pretty place with the first stop being at a small yet striking statue of Saigo Takamori.

This son of Kagoshima Prefecture is widely revered across the country, being one of the leading forces behind Japan's shift from a feudal society into modernity with the Meiji Restoration in 1868. Said to be a fierce warrior with a warm heart, the tour guide revealed how Saigo Takamori came to Unagi Onsen for one month in the 1870s to rest and enjoy the area's placidity in the company of his many dogs.

After allowing me to take in some more of the town's features, the short walking tour came to its conclusion back in the village center, where I was treated to food cooked by the thermal steam that rises up from beneath the earth's surface. The food was delicious and rounded off an enjoyable day's exploration.

Steamed food in this village of wonders
Steamed food in this village of wonders
Saigo Takamori statue
Saigo Takamori statue

I arrived at twilight at Shusuien Ryokan, where I was to be staying the night. This is a historic traditional Japanese inn with beautiful rooms and a nice garden.
Here I enjoyed great food both for dinner and breakfast, and got the chance to see some of the inn's most impressive features; its private baths. There are two styles in all; Western and Japanese, and both can be reserved for 50 minutes following payment of a fee.

Arriving at Shusuien
Arriving at Shusuien
My room for the night
My room for the night
A delicious traditional breakfast
A delicious traditional breakfast
Shusuien's Japanese-style private bath
Shusuien's Japanese-style private bath

After the delicious breakfast at Shusuien I headed back to Kagoshima-Chuo Station in Kagoshima City and from here took a short taxi ride to the final stop of my tour of the area. Sengan-en is a traditional Japanese garden and stately home that was once resided in by members of the Shimadzu clan, the region's ruling family during the feudal era.

Today visitors can wander around the stunning garden and even enter the opulent house to acquire an understanding of how the Shimadzu clan lived during their time here. In addition to the garden and the house, the estate boasts a string of beautiful recent renovations with buildings that house multiple eateries and shops purveying the highly-esteemed Satsuma Glassware and Satusmayaki; exquisitely crafted pottery synonymous with the region.

I had one last meal of tonkatsu, delicious pork cutlets in bread crumbs, and then it was time to leave. My departure of Sengan-en marked the conclusion of my excursion around this breathtaking part of the country. From here it was back up to Fukuoka from where I'd depart Kyushu with a heavy heart.

The old house's entrance
The old house's entrance
A picturesque garden with Sakurajima as a backdrop
A picturesque garden with Sakurajima as a backdrop
The old Shimadzu residence
The old Shimadzu residence
Pristine and opulent
Pristine and opulent
The complex's recently-renovated shop and eatery area
The complex's recently-renovated shop and eatery area
A delectable meal including tonkatsu in one of the complex's eateries
A delectable meal including tonkatsu in one of the complex's eateries
Click hereMore details or
Purchase tickets

All Kyushu Area Map

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The following routes have been suspended due to damage to the tracks caused by heavy rainfall and earthquakes (current as of 1st December 2017):

  • Hōhi Line: Between Higo-Ōzu and Aso
  • Kyūdai Line: Between Teruoka and Hita
  • Hitahikosan Line: Between Soeda and Yoake

Southern Kyushu Area Map

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800 series Kyushu Shinkansen

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Limited express Ibusuki no Tamatebako

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