Northern Kyushu Area Pass

Your JR Rail Pass

Explore the 'Land of Fire' with a special rail pass designed perfectly for foreign tourists discovering the island for the first time. Get the option to choose between a 3 or 5-day pass and make the most of your vacation. Gain access to reserved and non-reserved seating across Shinkansen including Mizuho, Sakura, and Tsubame, express trains as well as local trains. Make sure to get on the Shinkansen and feel yourself floating through the air on the world's fastest train.

Exploring North Kyushu

This tourist destination is perfect for any kind of vacation whether it is a hint of adventure at active volcanoes or relaxing at beaches, and natural hot springs. Visit heritage sites at Miyazaki, witness dramatic thermal pools and the rough side of nature at Beppu, and the birthplace of ceramics at Sage among others.

Northern Kyushu Area Pass

Discover the island of Kyushu, known as the "Land of Fire," on this rail pass tour that includes reserved and non-reserved seating across Shinkansen trains, express, and local lines. Choose between a 3 or 5-day pass to make the most of your time exploring active volcanoes like Mount Aso, coastal cities such as Nagasaki, and heritage sites in Kumamoto. This comprehensive travel package covers over 100 kilometers of rail routes, providing access to key destinations like Mount Aso Caldera, an expansive volcanic crater covering approximately 250 square kilometers, and the Peace Park in Nagasaki, a memorial site spanning 473,000 square meters dedicated to the victims of World War II. The pass includes visits to historical landmarks such as the Glover Garden, which was established in 1863 and features 19th-century Western-style buildings, and the Suwa Shrine, founded in 1282. Additionally, you can explore the vibrant city center of Kumamoto, home to the Kumamoto Castle, a fortress built in 1607 that stands at an impressive height of over 45 meters. The tour also offers access to offshore islands like Tsushima Island and Iki Island, where visitors can enjoy scenic beaches and natural landscapes. With this pass, you will get to ride the Shinkansen, the fastest train in the world reaching speeds up to 320 kilometers per hour, and other express trains connecting major cities across Kyushu.

Explore Mount Aso Caldera

Your tour stops at Mount Aso where visitors can witness one of the largest calderas on Earth. Established over a million years ago, this volcanic crater measures approximately 250 square kilometers and features five peaks within its walls, including Naka-dake, which stands at an impressive height of 1,592 meters above sea level. The area is known for its unique geological formations, such as the Nakadake Crater Lake, formed by a lava dam in 1854, and the Aso Volcanic Museum, showcasing volcanic activity dating back to the Jomon period. Visitors typically spend around two hours exploring the caldera, hiking along trails that offer panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. The site's significance lies not only in its geological features but also in its cultural importance as a sacred place for local Shinto rituals and festivals. Unlike other volcanoes, Mount Aso offers visitors a chance to experience both active volcanic activity and historical sites within a single location.

Visit Nagasaki Peace Park

At the Nagasaki Peace Park, guests can reflect on one of the most tragic events in human history at a site dedicated to peace and remembrance. Established in 1955, this memorial park spans over 473,000 square meters and includes numerous monuments such as the Atomic Bomb Hypocenter Cenotaph, built in 1962, which marks the exact spot where the bomb exploded on August 9, 1945. The park also features the Nagasaki National Peace Memorial Hall for the Atomic Bomb Victims, inaugurated in 2009 and designed to provide visitors with a comprehensive understanding of the bombing's impact through interactive exhibits and historical documents. Visitors typically spend about an hour exploring the various memorials and learning centers within the park. Unlike other war-related sites, Nagasaki Peace Park offers a unique blend of historical education and spiritual reflection, making it a vital destination for those seeking to understand the lasting effects of nuclear warfare.

Discover Glover Garden

Your tour stops at Glover Garden where visitors can explore one of Japan's most well-preserved examples of 19th-century Western architecture. Established in 1863, this garden features several historic buildings including the former residence of Thomas Blake Glover, a Scottish businessman who played a significant role in Japan's modernization efforts during the Meiji Restoration period. The main house measures approximately 250 square meters and is surrounded by lush gardens covering an area of about 4,800 square meters. Visitors typically spend around one hour exploring the garden and learning about its historical significance through guided tours available in Japanese, English, Chinese, and Korean. Unlike other tourist attractions focused solely on architectural beauty, Glover Garden provides a unique glimpse into the cultural exchange between Japan and the West during a critical period of history.

Tour Highlights

• Explore Mount Aso Caldera with extensive hiking trails
• Choose 3 or 5-day pass for flexibility across Kyushu
• Audio guide available in Japanese, English, Chinese, Korean
• Experience the Peace Park at Nagasaki with historical exhibits
• Ride Shinkansen – fastest train reaching up to 320 km/h
• Access Kumamoto Castle built in 1607 and spanning 45 meters high
• Visit Glover Garden established in 1863 with Western-style buildings
• Enjoy scenic beaches on Tsushima Island and Iki Island offshore

Perfect for history enthusiasts, nature lovers, and cultural explorers, this rail pass tour provides unparalleled access to Kyushu's diverse landscapes and historical sites. The flexible duration allows you to delve into the geological wonders of Mount Aso Caldera, reflect at Nagasaki Peace Park, and immerse in the architectural heritage of Glover Garden, giving you a comprehensive understanding of Kyushu's rich cultural tapestry while enjoying seamless travel across its scenic regions.