Explore the many marvels of Kyushu with the JR Kyushu Discover Rail Pass
Three days of discovery
Eager travellers to Japan will find a plethora of passes patiently waiting to help them explore the distant reaches of the Japanese archipelago. While many tours focus on the country’s largest island, Honshu (本州), some of these rail passes provide a glimpse of a lesser-seen side of Japanese life on the smaller islands. One such of these is JR Kyushu’s Kyushu Rail Pass, which provides unlimited usage of JR trains throughout the island of Kyushu (九州) for a period of either three, five, or seven consecutive days. And for a limited time, visitors can purchase the JR Kyushu Discover Rail Pass and get 3-day access to nearly all of the island’s railways at an even more discounted rate.
Day 1: A foodie’s paradise in Fukuoka (福岡)
A hearty bowl of motsunabe hot pot. (Image credit: photoAC)
Located at the very top of Kyushu, Fukuoka Prefecture (福岡県 Fukuoka-ken) offers the perfect place to start any journey around this richly diverse island. As the largest city in Kyushu, Fukuoka shares much in common with Japan’s other major metropolises. Yet as many Japanese and Japan-loving foreigners are quick to point out, Fukuoka walks among giants when it comes to one part of its municipal culture, and that’s its food. Fukuoka is a mecca for food lovers, both Japanese and foreign alike. From hakata ramen (博多ラーメン) and mentaiko (明太子) to motsunabe (もつ鍋), mizutaki (水炊き), and more, Fukuoka is home to a lineup of mouthwatering dishes that find their ultimate expression here. Few people in Japan readily admit another city’s food is better than their own, but when it comes to Fukuoka, it’s not uncommon to hear a Tokyoite or Osakan say the best food in Japan is found in Fukuoka. Stroll the areas of Tenjin (天神) and Hakata (博多) to discover streets filled with restaurants, standing bars, izakaya (居酒屋), and more, all serving some of the tastiest dishes you may ever try in Japan.
Day 2: A dip in Oita’s (大分) onsen
Hells of Beppu in Oita. (Image credit: photoAC)
What Fukuoka is to food, Oita is to hot springs. When arriving in Oita Prefecture (大分県 Ōita-ken), one of the first things you’ll notice is the smell. A bubbling bonanza of volcanic activity, Oita is home to some of Japan’s most renowned onsen (温泉), and it’s got the sulphur to prove it. With towns like Beppu (別府) and Yufuin (由布院) overflowing with hot springs, you’ll need more than a day to explore everything, but a quick stopover offers plenty of time to take a relaxing dip in Oita’s restorative waters and get some silky smooth skin for the next leg of your journey. For the more modest who prefer to enjoy the beauty of onsen from afar, Oita is also the site of the Hells of Beppu (別府地獄めぐり Beppu-jigoku-meguri), which are a nationally designated “place of scenic beauty” and a must-visit spot on any trip to Kyushu. After filling your belly in Fukuoka, Oita provides a welcome getaway for experiencing a little rest and relaxation as you continue onward.
Day 3: The castle of Kumamoto (熊本)
Kumamoto Castle from below. (Image credit: photoAC)
Now that you’re refreshed and ready for the road, it’s time to head southwest to the neighbouring prefecture of Kumamoto (熊本県 Kumamoto-ken). Kumamoto is a land of lush forests and exquisite mountains that are best represented by Aso Kuju National Park (阿蘇くじゅう国立公園 Aso kujū kokuritsu kōen), which is home to the active Mount Aso (阿蘇山 Aso-san) volcano. A perfect place for exploring nature, Kumamoto is also the site of the legendary Kumamoto Castle (熊本城 Kumamoto-jō) that sits at the centre of the prefecture’s capital city. Although severely damaged during the Kumamoto Earthquake of 2016, the main tower was repaired in 2019, and the structure itself is still a magnificent sight to behold. After walking around the castle grounds, be sure to take a stroll down the tranquil streets of the surrounding neighbourhoods and pop in somewhere cosy for a quick bite to eat. After all, it is Japan, and no matter where you go something delicious always awaits. Once you’ve had your fill of Kumamoto, feel free to use what remains of your pass to head back to Fukuoka, or set out to explore one of the many other beautiful prefectures of Kyushu.
Getting around
From Hakata Station (博多駅 Hakata-eki), take the limited express Yufuin no Mori to Yufuin Station (由布院駅 Yufuin-eki). You can get off here to explore the onsen at Yufuin or transfer to the Kyudai Line (久大本線 Kyūdaihon-sen) and head to Oita Station (大分駅 Ōita-eki). From Oita Station, take the Sonic 56 Limited Express Hakata to Beppu Station (別府駅 Beppu-eki) to visit Beppu. Alternatively, you can head straight to Beppu Station from Hakata using the Shinkansen and Sonic 56 Limited Express Hakata and head to Yufuin from there. From Yufuin Station, take Yufuin no Mori to Kurume Station (久留米駅 Kurume-eki) and transfer to the Kyushu Shinkansen (九州新幹線) to reach Kumamoto Station (熊本駅 Kumamoto-eki). To return to Hakata Station from Kumamoto, take the Kyushu Shinkansen from Kumamoto Station and get off at Hakata Station.
JR Kyushu Discover Rail Pass*
Sales period: 11 December 2020 to 28 June 2021
Usage period: 11 December 2020 to 30 June 2021
Validity: Three consecutive days
Price: ¥6,500 (Northern Kyushu), ¥12,000 (All Kyushu)**
Area: Northern Kyushu / All of Kyushu
*While slightly more expensive, the Kyushu Rail Pass is available year-round to non-Japanese nationals.
**Prices are for non-Japanese nationals only.
Header image credit: photoAC
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