Getting around Kyushu
Tips for easy travel
Kyushu has an extensive network of trains and buses within the major cities, and connecting each prefecture. Some of the more distant areas are easier to reach by car, or even ferry. You can also fly to many of Kyushu's beautiful islands, including Yakushima and Amami Oshima.
There are several rail pass options from JR Kyushu. Depending on your travel plans and your budget, you can get an all-Kyushu pass, or focus on the northern or southern part of the island. Speed between major cities by shinkansen to maximize sightseeing time. Within the cities, local and express trains are easy to use. Kyushu is famous for its scenic trains, such as the Limited Express Yufuin no Mori and Limited Express Kawasemi Yamasemi. Some are covered by a JR Kyushu Rail Pass. For a luxurious experience, you can travel around Kyushu on the grand Seven Stars cruise train, with private suites and dishes by Kyushu's top chefs.
Kyushu is surrounded by sea and dotted with islands, ranging from charming fishing ports to World Heritage sites. Ferries offer a scenic way to get around, and can be more direct than the road routes. The SunQ Pass for buses also covers many ferry services, and there are discount passes in many cities. There are private ferry companies covering different parts of Kyushu. Visit the Sakurajima Ferry Guide for timetables and travel information to Sakurajima, and the Yakushima Tourism Association for information on ferries to Yakushima.
