Sanyo-San’in Northern Kyushu Pass

The widest JR West pass, combining the whole Sanyo and San’in region with northern Kyushu. Seven days from Kansai across to Nagasaki, Kumamoto and Beppu, which makes it the most comprehensive option short of a national pass.

What it covers

Everything the Sanyo-San’in Area Pass covers, plus northern Kyushu.

• Sanyo Shinkansen between Shin-Osaka and Hakata
• JR West lines across Kansai, the Sanyo coast and the San’in coast
• JR Kyushu lines in the northern half of the island, including Nagasaki, Kumamoto, Oita and Beppu
• Nishikyushu Shinkansen to Nagasaki
• JR Miyajima ferry, Kyoto Tango Railway and local JR buses

Is it worth it?

This is the pass for a genuinely long west-Japan trip. Osaka to Hiroshima to Fukuoka to Nagasaki, with the San’in coast on the way back, is the kind of route it is designed for and it will comfortably beat individual tickets.

It is poor value for anything shorter. Seven days and a wide area only pay off if you are actually moving.

Highlights across the area

On the Sanyo side: Himeji, Kurashiki, Hiroshima and Miyajima. On the San’in side: Matsue, Izumo Taisha, Tottori and Hagi, all far quieter.

In northern Kyushu: Fukuoka for the yatai food stalls, Nagasaki for its foreign-trade history and hidden Christian sites, Kumamoto for the castle, and Beppu and Yufuin for hot springs.

How to buy

Available through overseas agents and at JR West and JR Kyushu ticket offices in the area. Seat reservations are free, with the usual limit of six via ticket machine before you need a staffed counter.

Frequently asked questions

Does it cover all of Kyushu?

No, the northern half only. It does not reach Kagoshima or Miyazaki in the south.

How does it differ from the Sanyo-San’in Area Pass?

That one stops at Hakata. This adds JR Kyushu coverage in the north, including Nagasaki, Kumamoto and Beppu.

Is it better than a national Japan Rail Pass?

For a west-Japan trip, usually yes on price. It cannot take you east towards Tokyo, so compare against your actual route.

Check Sanyo-San’in Northern Kyushu Pass prices