A Two-Night, Three-Day Train Journey Through Kyushu Using the “JR Kyushu Rail Pass,” Complete with Stunning Views Along the Way

The “JR Kyushu Rail Pass” is a money-saving travel pass for JR Kyushu, available exclusively to short-term foreign visitors to Japan.
It allows unlimited rides on local lines, limited express trains, and Shinkansen services, as well as popular sightseeing trains, including the option to reserve seats.
The biggest draw is the ability to move freely around Kyushu while keeping travel costs low.

By using the JR Kyushu Rail Pass, you can efficiently tour four of Kyushu’s prefectures in just two nights and three days.
More than just transportation, you’ll find that the views and onboard meals add color to your journey.
Below is a model itinerary covering Fukuoka, Nagasaki, Kumamoto, and Saga.

Your journey begins at Hakata Station in Fukuoka Prefecture.
First, take the Limited Express Relay KAMOME to Takeo Onsen Station.

From Takeo Onsen Station, transfer to the sightseeing train “TWO STARS 4047” and enjoy the scenic coastline of western Kyushu.
Onboard, you can also savor local specialties such as the “Two Stars Bento” featuring Saga beef and the “4047 Bento” (advance reservation required).

Once you arrive at Nagasaki Station, spend some time sightseeing.
You might head to the summit observation deck on Mt. Inasa for a panoramic view of Nagasaki’s cityscape, or immerse yourself in the exotic atmosphere at Glover Garden and Dejima.

In the evening, board the Nishi Kyushu Shinkansen “KAMOME” to reach Ureshino Onsen.
Relax at the “Fairfield by Marriott Saga Ureshino Onsen,” located adjacent to the station, to relieve your travel fatigue.

A complimentary shuttle bus from the hotel can take you to the onsen district, where you can enjoy Ureshino Onsen—celebrated as one of Japan’s three great beauty hot springs—and its famous Hot-Spring Tofu (tofu cooked in hot spring water).

On the following morning, take the Nishi Kyushu Shinkansen and the Nagasaki Main Line to travel by Shinkansen to Kumamoto.
From Kumamoto Station, switch to the sightseeing train “Limited Express Aso Boy!” and head toward Aso.

“Limited Express Aso Boy!” is packed with features that appeal to both adults and children.
You can fully enjoy the scenery through amenities such as panoramic observation seats and large windows with counter benches.
Car 3 includes a ball pit, a Japanese-style room, and a picture-book corner, making it an especially good choice for families with children.

After arriving in Aso, head to the vast natural area known as Kusasenrigahama.
Its seasonal landscapes are breathtaking—lush green fields in summer and magical snowy scenery in winter.
You can interact with grazing horses, try horseback riding, or take part in hot-air ballooning and paragliding activities.

Your accommodations for the night are at the “Fairfield by Marriott Kumamoto Aso.”
Adjacent to the “Michi-no-Eki Aso,” with views of the Aso Five Peaks, you can look out over the grand natural sights of places like Kusasenrigahama and the crater of Aso Nakadake.

For dinner, enjoy the local Aso specialty “Akaushi-don” (red beef bowl) served at various spots in the area.

Depart Aso’s majestic scenery and head back to Kumamoto Station.
From there, board the retro-style sightseeing train “Limited Express A Train,” bound for Misumi Station.
Let the soothing jazz music and nostalgic atmosphere of the train cabin surround you, so you can relax and reflect on your trip.

Upon arriving at Misumi Station, you’ll be greeted by a tranquil sea view through the station building.
A short walk away is the Misumi Port Ferry Terminal, where you can enjoy panoramic vistas that blend sea and sky. Feel the ocean breeze as you reminisce about your travels.

Transfer between trains once again to return to Hakata Station.
As a final stop, consider visiting the “Hakata Machiya Folk Museum,” where you can learn about life and culture in Hakata during the Meiji and Taisho eras, and try your hand at painting Hakata dolls and papier-mâché.
This is a wonderful way to wrap up your trip with a uniquely Japanese experience.

To use the JR Kyushu Rail Pass, you must reserve the pass in advance and pick it up at a designated location.

Payment is by credit card only, and you can purchase up to seven passes at once.
If you reserve through JR Kyushu’s official booking website, you can receive a 1,000-yen discount.
Keep in mind that this pass is limited to foreign visitors in Japan on a short-term stay visa, and a passport is required when exchanging the pass.

There are many distinctive sightseeing trains you can ride affordably with the JR Kyushu Rail Pass, including ones not mentioned in this article—like the “Limited Express YUFUIN NO MORI,” which connects Hakata and Yufuin.
If you plan to explore the scenic wonders of Kyushu, consider a rail journey where even the travel time itself becomes a memorable experience. And for accommodation, make the most of the conveniently located and comfortable “Fairfield by Marriott” hotels to fully enjoy all that Kyushu has to offer.