The Kyushu Rail Pass by JR Kyushu is a rail pass for exclusive use by foreign visitors to Japan, providing unlimited travel on JR trains on the island of Kyushu (except Sanyo Shinkansen) for three or five consecutive days. In January 2008, a 3-day pass for just the northern half of Kyushu was added to the assortment.
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Kyushu Rail Pass
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All Kyushu
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3 days
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13,000 Yen
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5 days
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16,000 Yen
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Northern Kyushu
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3 days
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7,000 Yen
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Reduced rates (50% off) apply to children aged 6-11.
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Below is a map of JR train lines, which can be used with the JR Kyushu Rail Pass. The All Kyushu pass is valid on the entire island, while the Northern Kyushu pass is only valid in the darker colored area in northern Kyushu:
Validity
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1)
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Unlimited use of JR Kyushu trains on Kyushu, including the Kyushu Shinkansen and limited express trains, but excluding the Sanyo Shinkansen (which is operated by JR West). The Northern Kyushu version of the pass is not valid south of Oita and Kumamoto.
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2)
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Seat reservations can be made for free.
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3)
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The pass is valid on three or five consecutive days.
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4)
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Only foreign temporary visitors to Japan can use the Kyushu Rail Pass. It cannot be used by residents of Japan.
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Points of Sale
The Kyushu Rail Pass can be purchased through travel agencies outside of Japan and at major JR railway stations and travel agencies in Kyushu and at Narita Airport.
When purchasing the pass outside of Japan, you will receive an exchange order, which has to be exchanged into an actual rail pass after your arrival in Japan and within three months of the purchase.
When purchasing the pass inside Japan, you are limited to the purchase of one pass per person, and have to present your passport and return air (or sea) ticket.
Assessment
This pass is of great value, considering the fact that a roundtrip from Fukuoka to Kagoshima by regular tickets alone costs around 18,000 Yen, which compares to 13,000 Yen for a 3-day pass and 15,000 Yen for a 5-day pass.
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