Kyushu Shinkansen is a high-speed railway network in Japan that connects Fukuoka in the north with Kagoshima in the south. The first section of the line, between Hakata and Kagoshima-Chuo, opened in 2004, and the line was extended to Nagasaki in 2022. The Kyushu Shinkansen is a part of Japan’s Shinkansen network, which is known for its speed, safety, and punctuality.
it is operated by JR Kyushu, which is a subsidiary of Japan Railways Group. The line is served by several types of trains, including the 800 Series and 700 Series Shinkansen trains, which are known for their sleek and modern design. The trains are equipped with comfortable seats, spacious interiors, and advanced safety features, making them a popular choice for both business and leisure travelers.
The Kyushu Shinkansen is a major transportation artery in Kyushu, providing fast and convenient access to major cities and tourist destinations in the region. With its high-speed trains, the Kyushu Shinkansen has transformed travel in Kyushu, making it easier and more efficient than ever before.
Kyushu Shinkansen Map
here’s a map of Kyshu’s train network. The shinkansen Lines are Dashed.
Route and Stations
The line is an extension of the San’yō Shinkansen from Hakata Station to Shin-Yatsushiro Station and the Kyushu Shinkansen from Shin-Yatsushiro Station to Kagoshima-Chuo Station.
The Kyushu Shinkansen Line has a total length of 257.8 km and passes through seven prefectures: Fukuoka, Saga, Nagasaki, Kumamoto, Oita, Miyazaki, and Kagoshima. The bullet trains have a maximum speed of 260 km/h (160 mph).
There are 18 stations on the Kyushu Shinkansen Line, including the starting and ending stations. The stations are:
Travel Times And Ticket Costs For The Kyushu Shinkansen
Here 12 stations, approximate travel times, and costs for the Kyushu Shinkansen, which connects Hakata (Fukuoka) with Kagoshima-Chuo.
The travel times and costs are calculated from Hakata Station, and the fares listed below are for one-way travel in an ordinary class car:
| Station | Time from Hakata | Fare from Hakata |
|---|---|---|
| Hakata Station (Fukuoka) | 0 hours | 0 |
| Shin-Tosu Station (Saga) | 0 hours 25 minutes | 2,750 |
| Kurume Station (Fukuoka) | 0 hours 35 minutes | 3,440 |
| Chikugo-Funagoya Station (Fukuoka) | 0 hours 50 minutes | 4,150 |
| Shin-Tamana Station (Kumamoto) | 1 hour | 4,720 |
| Shin-Omuta Station (Fukuoka) | 1 hour 5 minutes | 4,790 |
| Kumamoto Station (Kumamoto) | 1 hour 20 minutes | 5,870 |
| Shin-Yatsushiro Station (Kumamoto) | 1 hour 45 minutes | 6,960 |
| Shin-Minamata Station (Kumamoto) | 2 hours 5 minutes | 8,050 |
| Izumi Station (Kagoshima) | 2 hours 25 minutes | 9,180 |
| Sendai Station (Kagoshima) | 2 hours 45 minutes | 10,230 |
| Kagoshima-Chuo Station (Kagoshima) | 3 hours 10 minutes | 11,260 |
Note that the cost may be different for Green Car seats.
The Kyushu Shinkansen Line has several types of trains, including the Sakura, Mizuho, and Tsubame. The Sakura and Mizuho are the fastest trains, while the Tsubame is the slowest.
Kyushu Shinkansen Line is known for its scenic views, including the Ariake Sea, Mount Aso, and the Kirishima Mountains. The line also passes through several hot spring resorts, such as Ureshino, Takeo, and Kurokawa, making it a popular tourist attraction.
Train Services
The Kyushu Shinkansen is a high-speed rail line that connects Fukuoka, the largest city on the island of Kyushu, with Kagoshima in the south. The line has three train services that operate at different speeds: Mizuho, Sakura, and Tsubame.
| Train Service | Speed | Stops |
|---|---|---|
| Mizuho | 300 km/h (186 mph) | Stops at limited stations |
| Sakura | 260 km/h (162 mph) | Stops at more stations than Mizuho |
| Tsubame | 240 km/h (149 mph) | Stops at all stations |
The Mizuho service is the fastest and makes only limited stops, while the Tsubame service is the slowest and stops at all stations. The Sakura service is in between, with more stops than the Mizuho but fewer than the Tsubame. All three services provide through service with the Sanyo Shinkansen to/from Osaka, making it easy to travel between Kyushu and western Japan.
Kyushu Shinkansen is one of the most modern and comfortable train services in Japan, with spacious seats and panoramic windows that offer stunning views of the Kyushu countryside. The trains are also equipped with free Wi-Fi and power outlets, making it easy to stay connected and charged during your journey.
Shinkansen Times And Ticket Costs From Tokyo To Kyushu
Here’s a table with more specific approximate travel times from Tokyo to Fukuoka (Hakata Station), Kumamoto, and Kagoshima (Kagoshima-Chuo Station) using the Shinkansen. The fares listed below are for one-way travel in an ordinary-class car:
| Destination | Travel Time | Fare from Tokyo |
|---|---|---|
| Hakata Station (Fukuoka) | 5 hours 10 minutes | 22,950 |
| Kumamoto Station | 6 hours 25 minutes | 27,260 |
| Kagoshima-Chuo Station | 7 hours 20 minutes | 29,750 |
So if you are embarking on a journey from Tokyo to the captivating cities of Kyushu, The Shinkansen allows for a swift and pleasurable journey, providing ample time to immerse yourself in the charm and beauty of these destinations.
If you start your trip by traveling from Tokyo to Fukuoka, where Hakata Station can be reached in around 5 hours and 10 minutes. With a fare of approximately 22,950 JPY, you’ll have the opportunity to delve into the city’s rich culinary scene, including the renowned Hakata ramen and bustling yatai (street food stalls) that come alive in the evening.
Further south lies Kumamoto, a city steeped in history and natural splendor. Arrive at Kumamoto Station in roughly 6 hours and 25 minutes for a fare of about 27,260 JPY. Don’t miss the impressive Kumamoto Castle and the picturesque Suizenji Garden during your visit.
The final leg of your journey takes you to Kagoshima-Chuo Station in the city of Kagoshima, with an estimated travel time of 7 hours and 20 minutes from Tokyo and a fare of 29,750 JPY. Here, you can marvel at the breathtaking Sakurajima volcano and unwind in the soothing hot springs that dot the region, and maybe even have a drop of the local sweet potato Shochu drink..
Shinkansen Times And Ticket Costs From Osaka To Kyushu
The approximate travel times and costs from Osaka to Fukuoka (Hakata Station), Kumamoto, and Kagoshima (Kagoshima-Chuo Station) using the Shinkansen for one-way travel in an ordinary-class car.
| Destination | Travel Time | Fare from Osaka |
|---|---|---|
| Hakata Station (Fukuoka) | 2 hours 30 minutes | 9,970 |
| Kumamoto Station | 3 hours 45 minutes | 14,280 |
| Kagoshima-Chuo Station | 4 hours 40 minutes | 16,770 |
So if you’re planning a trip from Osaka to the vibrant destinations in Kyushu, the Shinkansen makes it easy and comfortable to reach these cities while enjoying the scenic views along the way.
When heading to Fukuoka, you can reach Hakata Station in just about 2 hours and 30 minutes. With a fare of approximately 9,970 JPY.
Continuing southwest after switching to the Kyushu shinkansen line and you’ll arrive at Kumamoto Station in around 3 hours and 45 minutes, with a fare of about 14,280 JPY.
Finally, you can reach Kagoshima-Chuo Station in approximately 4 hours and 40 minutes at a fare of 16,770 JPY.
History of The Kyushu Shinkansen
The idea of a shinkansen line in Kyushu dates back to the 1950s, but it wasn’t until the 1990s that construction began on the Kyushu Shinkansen. The line was completed in stages, with the first section between Hakata and Kagoshima-Chuo opening in 2004.
The Kyushu Shinkansen was extended further north to Shin-Yatsushiro in 2011 and then to Kumamoto in 2012. The final section of the line, connecting Kumamoto to Nagasaki, was completed in 2022, making the Kyushu Shinkansen the first shinkansen line to connect the main island of Honshu to Nagasaki.
The Nishi Kyushu Shinkansen, a separate shinkansen line on the northwest part of Kyushu Island, opened in 2023. This line connects Hakata with Nagasaki via Saga and Isahaya.
The Kyushu Shinkansen has had a significant impact on tourism in Kyushu, with increased accessibility to popular destinations such as Kumamoto Castle, Mount Aso, and Nagasaki’s Atomic Bomb Museum. It has also helped to boost the local economy by providing faster and more convenient transportation options for both tourists and residents.
Future Developments
The Kyushu Shinkansen has been hailed as a success since its initial launch in 2011, and it has continued to expand ever since. There are several future developments currently underway that will further improve the rail network in Kyushu.
One of the most significant developments is the ongoing construction of the Nagasaki Shinkansen, which will extend the line from its current terminus in Nagasaki Prefecture to the city of Nagasaki itself. The new line is set to open in 2023, and it will significantly reduce travel times between Nagasaki and other major cities in Kyushu.
Another development is the proposed extension of the Kyushu Shinkansen from Kagoshima to the city of Miyazaki. This extension is expected to significantly improve transportation links between the two cities and boost tourism in the region. The extension is currently in the planning stages, and construction is expected to begin in the near future.
Additionally, there are plans to introduce new, faster train models to the Kyushu Shinkansen. In 2022, JR Kyushu purchased four six-car N700S trains, which are derived from the 16-car N700Ss developed for JR Central. These new trains are expected to increase the speed and efficiency of travel on the Kyushu Shinkansen.
Impact on Tourism
Kyushu Shinkansen has had a significant impact on tourism in the region. A study conducted by de T. Hiramatsu in 2018 found that the HSR has unequal effects on tourism among prefectures. The study found that some prefectures, such as Fukuoka and Kumamoto, experienced a significant increase in the number of tourists after the introduction of the Kyushu Shinkansen, while other prefectures, such as Saga and Nagasaki, did not see a significant increase in tourist numbers.
One reason for the unequal impact on tourism is the location of the stations. The stations located in major cities, such as Fukuoka and Kumamoto, have benefited from the increased accessibility provided by the Kyushu Shinkansen. Tourists can now easily travel to these cities, which has led to an increase in the number of visitors. However, the stations located in smaller cities and towns have not seen the same level of increase in tourist numbers.
Another factor that has impacted tourism is the time savings provided by the Kyushu Shinkansen. The travel time between Fukuoka and Kumamoto has been reduced from 2 hours and 20 minutes to just 35 minutes, making it easier for tourists to visit both cities in a single day. This has led to an increase in day-trippers and has also made it easier for tourists to visit other destinations in the region.
