Northern Kyushu discussion thread.

[rrr2015]

but I did buy Shinkansen directly from the machine in may. That is without jr pass. U may want to do your maths as jr pass now not very worthwhile

imo really depends on how u travel. for those tends to stick itinerary may/may not be worthwhile. for me i tend to change plans frequently even when i japan, so with JR pass i can change plans freely without worrying if it will bust my budget

 

[jfalcon]

imo really depends on how u travel. for those tends to stick itinerary may/may not be worthwhile. for me i tend to change plans frequently even when i japan, so with JR pass i can change plans freely without worrying if it will bust my budget

Same here, I changed an outdoor activity to a Sanda Premium Outlet shopping day trip when an unexpected day of storm took over. As long as the intended train service had not commenced, the station staff is able to accommodate same day changes.

🫡

 

[Barnhouse]

hi, I'm also heading to Kyushu this Dec. Can you share the transport details on how you got around the cities?

 

[zoossh]

hi, I'm also heading to Kyushu this Dec. Can you share the transport details on how you got around the cities?

I didn’t drive, so basically I used

1. Klook JR pass for JR lines: I predecide the date/timing and printed out the train details from google map on paper highlighting key info, show the staff at JR station which makes it language free and easy to tally. They can advice you which train do not need reserved seats (free seating) or if any route not covered by JR ***

2. e-suica on iPhone wallet app using Mastercard to topup: suggest start with 5000 yen increments, near end of the trip can use smaller increments of 2000 yen. Can use on various transports (most bus not under JR) can also use in convenience stores

3. Coins: prepare 5-6 of 100 yen coins in the rare situation of minivan that dun accept e suica

*** all my trains are covered under jr pass, but I heard the scenic trains not covered. I didn’t take the scenic trains so maybe u need google or ask others

 

[flowerpalms]

I didn’t drive, so basically I used

1. Klook JR pass for JR lines: I predecide the date/timing and printed out the train details from google map on paper highlighting key info, show the staff at JR station which makes it language free and easy to tally. They can advice you which train do not need reserved seats (free seating) or if any route not covered by JR ***

2. e-suica on iPhone wallet app using Mastercard to topup: suggest start with 5000 yen increments, near end of the trip can use smaller increments of 2000 yen. Can use on various transports (most bus not under JR) can also use in convenience stores

3. Coins: prepare 5-6 of 100 yen coins in the rare situation of minivan that dun accept e suica

*** all my trains are covered under jr pass, but I heard the scenic trains not covered. I didn’t take the scenic trains so maybe u need google or ask others

hi, i read abt the JR northern kyushu pass. but its split between 3 days and 5 days
so if i am there for 9d8n then i have to buy 2 passes? 1 for 3 days and 1 for 5 days?
is that how it works

 

[zoossh]

hi, i read abt the JR northern kyushu pass. but its split between 3 days and 5 days
so if i am there for 9d8n then i have to buy 2 passes? 1 for 3 days and 1 for 5 days?
is that how it works

You need to see which are the days that u r likely to take longer distance trains under JR. if u can travel all those within the 5 days, then it might work for you.

when I went, I have 10 days for two pax which I bought in one ticket for 4, which I intend to redeem on different dates. But end up Klook print out had no name, causes a lot of confusion at JR and a rude staff

but if u buy 5+3, you likely going to buy separately with less confusion. But u got to decide if your itinerary is worth the price tag

 

[MajiMax]

hi, i read abt the JR northern kyushu pass. but its split between 3 days and 5 days
so if i am there for 9d8n then i have to buy 2 passes? 1 for 3 days and 1 for 5 days?
is that how it works

If you plan your route accordingly, you can do away with 1 pass.

 

[zoossh]

If you plan your route accordingly, you can do away with 1 pass.

9d8n means two days likely on flying dates so minus 2 days (unless densely packed starting on day of arrival). If not traveling far on last second day, minus 3 days, so only need to see

1. itinerary of remaining 5 or 6 days

2. to get 5+3, 3+3, 5+0 or dun buy JR pass.

 

[flowerpalms]

9d8n means two days likely on flying dates so minus 2 days (unless densely packed starting on day of arrival). If not traveling far on last second day, minus 3 days, so only need to see

1. itinerary of remaining 5 or 6 days

2. to get 5+3, 3+3, 5+0 or dun buy JR pass.

Like for example

Day 1 fukuoka arrival
Day 2 oita beppu
Day 3 oita yufuin
Day 4 kumamoto
Day 5 kumamoto
Day 6 nagasaki
Day 7 saga
Day 8 fukuoka
Day 9 fukuoka departure

 

[zoossh]

Like for example

Day 1 fukuoka arrival
Day 2 oita beppu
Day 3 oita yufuin
Day 4 kumamoto
Day 5 kumamoto
Day 6 nagasaki
Day 7 saga
Day 8 fukuoka
Day 9 fukuoka departure

Looks cramped. Most of your trips are 2hrs apart. Beppu and yufuin in 2 days a little cramped. Nagasaki and saga also.

have you considered the scenic train to yufuin? I dun have details but if it needs to be separately purchased (you need to research on that) then it makes your planning easier.

Bus from Yufuin to beppu is 1hr. Then you see JR pass from D4-8 (5 days) worth or not . Need to do the maths. If you want no hassle then 5+3 but do note that certain things not under JR so need to pay on top of it eg the buses

 

[flowerpalms]

Looks cramped. Most of your trips are 2hrs apart. Beppu and yufuin in 2 days a little cramped. Nagasaki and saga also.

have you considered the scenic train to yufuin? I dun have details but if it needs to be separately purchased (you need to research on that) then it makes your planning easier.

Bus from Yufuin to beppu is 1hr. Then you see JR pass from D4-8 (5 days) worth or not . Need to do the maths. If you want no hassle then 5+3 but do note that certain things not under JR so need to pay on top of it eg the buses

I saw the scenic train yufuin. But read somewhere it starts like 10am+.

Hmm then how to make it less cramp to be 9 days

 

[zoossh]

I saw the scenic train yufuin. But read somewhere it starts like 10am+.

Hmm then how to make it less cramp to be 9 days

Everyone has different pace. Different season different daylight hours. Some people tired easily some have lots of energy so what’s for you?

Look into specific shops specific streets specific locations then drop those locations that interest you less.

https://forums.hardwarezone.com.sg/threads/gpgt-a-trip-to-north-kyushu.6994975/

im nobody but a first timer there but I had some pictures that may help u get an idea. You can also watch some YouTubes and see what’s on your must go.

 

[jfalcon]

I saw the scenic train yufuin. But read somewhere it starts like 10am+.

Hmm then how to make it less cramp to be 9 days

Day 2 oita beppu
Day 3 oita yufuin

This arrangement is do-able as i had only visited Umi Jigoku(supposedly most scenic) in the morning.

https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e4702.html

After which i made my way to Yufuin to enjoy the rest of the afternoon till evening. The evening or so called "golden hour" will be great for picture taking.

I presumed that you have planned / booked accommodation at Yufuin for 2-nites.

In addition to @zoossh 's recommendation of 1 hour bus ride, you may wish to check out Beppu --> Yufuin train schedules when you have arrived at Beppu station to decide how much time you wish to avail yourself at Beppu.

I took Yufu 3 train which definitely is much enjoyable while maximising the JR pass.

Day 6 nagasaki
Day 7 saga

Again, i would presume you would be based at Nagasaki for 2-nites to enjoy the night illumination at Inasa-yama and offerings of Saga.

From Nagasaki --> Hakata, you would be riding the Shinkansen and a limited express relay train to end destination of Hakata City.

Therefore the JR pass will proved itself to be useful and cost-effective while transferring with luggage across the platform seamlessly.

https://www.jrkyushu.co.jp/english/train/relay_kamome.html

*If you are traveling to Nagasaki, please make a transit from Limited express to Nishi Kyushu Shinkansen at Takeo Onsen Station.

*If you transfer to the ""Nishi Kyushu Shinkansen KAMOME"" without exiting the ticket gate on the day of boarding, a single ticket will be issued. In this case, your reservations for the continual reserved seats (free) with the JR Kyushu Rail Pass will be counted together as one.

*""Relay KAMOME"" and ""Nishi Kyushu Shinkansen KAMOME"" are not covered by the JR KYUSHU RAIL PASS Online Booking service. If you are a JR Kyushu Rail Pass holder and would like to reserve a seat, please contact us to inquire at the ticket counter in a JR station after your arrival in Japan. (If you would like a non-reserved seat, you can ride with the JR Kyushu Rail Pass alone.)

 

[70niner]

Any recommendations for snacks / titbits to bring back for friends and family from Fukuoka?

Or anyhow just whack from the duty-free at the airport?

 

[flowerpalms]

Day 2 oita beppu
Day 3 oita yufuin

This arrangement is do-able as i had only visited Umi Jigoku(supposedly most scenic) in the morning.

https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e4702.html

After which i made my way to Yufuin to enjoy the rest of the afternoon till evening. The evening or so called "golden hour" will be great for picture taking.

I presumed that you have planned / booked accommodation at Yufuin for 2-nites.

In addition to @zoossh 's recommendation of 1 hour bus ride, you may wish to check out Beppu --> Yufuin train schedules when you have arrived at Beppu station to decide how much time you wish to avail yourself at Beppu.

I took Yufu 3 train which definitely is much enjoyable while maximising the JR pass.

Day 6 nagasaki
Day 7 saga

Again, i would presume you would be based at Nagasaki for 2-nites to enjoy the night illumination at Inasa-yama and offerings of Saga.

From Nagasaki --> Hakata, you would be riding the Shinkansen and a limited express relay train to end destination of Hakata City.

Therefore the JR pass will proved itself to be useful and cost-effective while transferring with luggage across the platform seamlessly.

https://www.jrkyushu.co.jp/english/train/relay_kamome.html

*If you are traveling to Nagasaki, please make a transit from Limited express to Nishi Kyushu Shinkansen at Takeo Onsen Station.

*If you transfer to the ""Nishi Kyushu Shinkansen KAMOME"" without exiting the ticket gate on the day of boarding, a single ticket will be issued. In this case, your reservations for the continual reserved seats (free) with the JR Kyushu Rail Pass will be counted together as one.

*""Relay KAMOME"" and ""Nishi Kyushu Shinkansen KAMOME"" are not covered by the JR KYUSHU RAIL PASS Online Booking service. If you are a JR Kyushu Rail Pass holder and would like to reserve a seat, please contact us to inquire at the ticket counter in a JR station after your arrival in Japan. (If you would like a non-reserved seat, you can ride with the JR Kyushu Rail Pass alone.)

hmm...for a first timer

is it the prefectures selected besides fukuoka too much or just nice?

oita
kumamoto
nagasaki
saga

all of this need at least 2d1n ? or can be done simpler as a day trip. My previous trips were to kyoto, osaka and Tokyo. But kyushu because of the prefectures abit harder to plan for me

 

[zoossh]

hmm...for a first timer

is it the prefectures selected besides fukuoka too much or just nice?

oita
kumamoto
nagasaki
saga

all of this need at least 2d1n ? or can be done simpler as a day trip. My previous trips were to kyoto, osaka and Tokyo. But kyushu because of the prefectures abit harder to plan for me

How much time are you willing to spend in a day on travel?

if a train is 2hrs one way, to fro is 4-5hrs. Not to mention these are just train station to train station. Bus in town can take even longer depending on how u plan it

that said, I know some people do that and is fine. They went many places.

 

[jfalcon]

hmm...for a first timer

is it the prefectures selected besides fukuoka too much or just nice?

oita
kumamoto
nagasaki
saga

all of this need at least 2d1n ? or can be done simpler as a day trip. My previous trips were to kyoto, osaka and Tokyo. But kyushu because of the prefectures abit harder to plan for me

If I had read your itinerary correctly, you would require :
1st nite in Hakata
2 x nite(s) in Yufuin
2 x nite(s) in Kumamoto
2 x nite(s) in Nagasaki
Final nite in Hakata

Depending on your own pace & previous experience of transferring trains while in Japan you could :

head straight for Yufuin ie.

FUK —> Hakata —> Yufuin (Pretty do-able if departing on SQ656, reached Hakata station & booked whichever available train connection to Yufuin)

1) 2 x nite(s) in Yufuin
2) 2 x nite(s) in Kumamoto
3) 2 x nite(s) in Nagasaki

4) Final 2 x nite(s) in Hakata purely for recovery / shopping / preparation for departure back to SG.

The decision is yours to match your travel pace and after consultation with your traveling party.

 

[flowerpalms]

If I had read your itinerary correctly, you would require :
1st nite in Hakata
2 x nite(s) in Yufuin
2 x nite(s) in Kumamoto
2 x nite(s) in Nagasaki
Final nite in Hakata

Depending on your own pace & previous experience of transferring trains while in Japan you could :

head straight for Yufuin ie.

FUK —> Hakata —> Yufuin (Pretty do-able if departing on SQ656, reached Hakata station & booked whichever available train connection to Yufuin)

1) 2 x nite(s) in Yufuin
2) 2 x nite(s) in Kumamoto
3) 2 x nite(s) in Nagasaki

4) Final 2 x nite(s) in Hakata purely for recovery / shopping / preparation for departure back to SG.

The decision is yours to match your travel pace and after consultation with your traveling party.

Nth for saga? Nth to see there so not worth? For hakata to yufuin, you mean taking JR or the scenic train?

 

[zoossh]

Nth for saga?

Nagasaki have enough to fill up more than 1 day. And excursions into saga takes time

Dun trust the physical distance. High speed train can bring you fast between the big cities faraway. But short distance buses can burn few hours but if u drive u can shave some time

 

[MajiMax]

Nth for saga? Nth to see there so not worth? For hakata to yufuin, you mean taking JR or the scenic train?

Nothing much in Saga.

The scenic train is just a diff train interior.

I would do the trip in this manner.

Day 1 - FUK Airport > Yufuin *Activate Northern Kyushu 5 days pass
Day 2 - Yufuin > Beppu > Yufuin
Day 3 - Yufuin > Kumamoto
Day 4 - Kumamoto (can depart in the morning if you completed seeing the few places of interest on Day 3) > Nagasaki (Mount Inasayama night view)
Day 5 - Nagasaki (depart in the late evening) > Hakata *End of Northern Kyushu 5 days pass
Day 6 - Hakata > Dazaifu > Hakata *Activate Fukuoka Wide Pass 2 days pass https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e2361_fukuoka.html could do away with this pass if you don't mind spend a little more time in the train
Day 7 - Hakata > Kitakyushu > Hakata
Day 8 - Hakata
Day 9 - FUK Airport > SIN

2 nights @ Yufuin
1 night @ Kumamoto
1 night @ Nagasaki
4 nights @ Hakata