North Kyushu Trip using the Japan Rail Pass

Although the Japan Rail Pass ticket prices increased last October 2023,  I still recommend to use it depending on your planned itinerary in Japan.  It is economical if it is maximized by having multiple and long journeys within the active number of days  of the ticket.

Last June of 2023, I travelled to Fukuoka for 6 days and bought the JR Unli pass via Klook that cost only around 10,000 Yen or 70 Dollars round-off equivalent.  In my local currency, it is about 4,000 Pesos. This is the 3 days pass on North Kyushu covering north of the island extending to central in Kumamoto and on the west is Nagasaki. It also covers Oita in the east side.

Used JR tickets with Unlimited Pass

Disclosure:   This post contains affiliate links. If you click and make a purchase, I may earn a small commision at no extra cost to you.

With the increased rate of the Unlimited pass, based on the ticket price in Klook, it is now around 15,000 Yen or 100 Dollars.  Around 2,000 pesos increase in our local currency. Please take note, costs mentioned are in round-off values because exchange rates are fluctuating and ticket retail price changes without notice.

In spite of the inflation, I still recommend to see the places in North Kyushu coming from Hakata Station. Take advantage of the unlimited ticket pass, that will save you money and make most of your Kyushu, Japan tour.

Nagasaki
Nagasaki is one of the largest city in Kyushu situated in the south west.  Famous for it's international port and it's historical place in memorial of the World war 2 event.  I have visited Nagasaki castle, Peace Park, Nagasaki Atomic Bomb museum and Twenty-Six Martyrs Museum and Monument.

Twenty-Six Martyrs Museum and Monument.

Other places to visit - Oura Cathedral, Urakami Cathedral, and Nagasaki History Museum. There are more tourist attractions in Nagasaki that you can still visit in your day trip.

Kumamoto

It is famous for the Kumamoto castle which has a rich historical artificants and largest castle in Kyushu area. It was raining when I visited Kumamoto that constrained me to visit other Kumamoto tourist spot instead I strolled in AMU Plaza near the station.

Kitakyushu

Kitakyushu is in the northern part of Kyushu, famous as an industrial city, a gateway to Honshu island. I have visited the Kokura Castle, the River Mall, and Mojiko Retro.  There are still a lot of top attractions to visit in Kitakyushu.  The Shinkansen bullet train from Hakata to Kitakyushu is not covered in the JR Unli Pass because of the Shinkansen train type.  However, you can take the standard local express train to Kokura station.  You can select convenient time and fastest duration without additional fee.

Mojiko Station Building

Other places to add in your North Kyushu itinerary for  maximization of the JR Unli pass:

Saga Prefecture. Takeo Onsen is famous attraction in Saga which is situated in the west area. Extend your ride to Take Onsen station and walk about 15 minutes.  You can also visit the Takeo Library which is just nearby.  You can still use the JR Unlimited pass for the local trains taking you to other attractions in Saga.

Huis Ten Bosch. A Netherland theme park in Nagasaki with famous attraction designs of Dutch buildings, various amusement parks and rides. There's a straight Shinkansen ride from Hakata station.  The Huis Ten Bosch sets variety of events and shows on some occassions and there's an entrance fee to this park.

Beppu. Famous city for its hot springs with an unmatched hot water baths to find compared to onsen baths outside Kyushu.  Aside from that, Beppu boasts other beautiful attractions in the Oita Prefecture. You have to ride a bus to take you to other Beppu attractions. There will be additional fare for the local bus because this is not operated by JR Transit.  Local bus stations is located near Beppu station. 


Comparison of Round Trip Ticket prices

See potential saving on these trip from Hakata Stations with the JR pass estimated standard round trip ticket price in Yen and Dollar.

JR Pass Standard Round trip ticket estimated prices

The North Kyushu Ticket Price in 3 Days is the JR Unlimited Pass based on ticket price offered by Klook.  Create an account and check out deals for your travels, including stays and essentials such as tickets.The amount of the JR Pass depends on the inclusion, the coverage, train type and number of days.  How to pay and redeem the voucher are stated upon purchase. 

I have also used the JR Unlimited Pass for 14 days to travel Honshu Island from Hiroshima to Tokyo.  It was worth it for the convenience and accessibility.  You can still add up savings and maximize your day by squeezing in additional itineraries, as suggested above.

Enjoy your train trip to these destinations.  If you are in Fukuoka, plan to visit places and stroll in the city via bike like a local.  Check out my other blogs for travelling tips.