Is the new Nishi-Kyushu Shinkansen in service?

Yes, the Nishi-Kyushu Shinkansen has been in service since September 23, 2022. It operates on the section between Takeo-Onsen and Nagasaki, providing a high-speed rail link for this region. The line does not extend to Hakata, hence the necessity of a transfer at Takeo-Onsen for travelers coming from Fukuoka.

Ticket - Train - Hakata - Nagasaki

Q: How do I reserve seats on Japanese trains with the JR Pass?

Seat reservations are free and unlimited with the JR Pass. They are made in Japan, once you have your pass in hand.Where to reserveThe simplest way is to use the ticket machines in the station: the QR code printed on your pass lets you reserve your seats there directly, without queuing at the counter. You can also go to the JR ticket office ("midori no madoguchi"), but the wait there often reaches 20 to 30 minutes.Either way, online reservation is not possible with an exchange order bought through an agency: it is done on the spot, as soon as you have exchanged your order.Reserve several journeys at onceEach trip to the ticket office can mean 20 to 30 minutes of queuing. Prepare the list of your journeys and have them all booked in one go, rather than coming back before every train.You can also travel without a reservationMost Shinkansen have a few non-reserved cars, which you can board with your pass without any prior step. That's handy for a journey decided on the day — but at peak times and in high season these cars fill up, and you may end up standing.In the Green Car, reservation is compulsoryEach train has only one or two Green cars, and in high season they sell out quickly. Reserve as early as possible after exchanging your order, and check at the counter that your reservation has indeed been recorded for the Green Car and not for an ordinary car.Oversized luggageIf your luggage measures between 160 cm and 250 cm in total, you must also reserve a luggage space, located at the front or the rear of the car.

Q: How long does the Hakata to Nagasaki journey take?

The total travel time from Hakata to Nagasaki, including the transfer, is approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes to 1 hour and 30 minutes. The Limited Express Kamome takes about 1 hour to reach Takeo-Onsen, and the Nishi-Kyushu Shinkansen Kamome covers the distance between Takeo-Onsen and Nagasaki in about thirty minutes. The renowned punctuality of Japanese trains ensures that connections are generally met.

Q: What is the train ticket price to Nagasaki?

The cost of a combined train ticket from Hakata to Nagasaki is approximately 5,000 to 6,000 Japanese Yen (JPY) for an unreserved seat. Fares may vary depending on the seat type chosen (unreserved, reserved, Green Car) and the time of year. For Japan Rail Pass holders, this journey is fully covered, including both the Limited Express Kamome and the Nishi-Kyushu Shinkansen Kamome. We recommend checking exact fares and schedules before your departure.

Adults (+12yo)

Children* (< 12yo)

*the price displayed is for dedicated seats; children under 6 and babies can be seated on adults'lap free of charge.

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The railway line between Hakata (Fukuoka) and Nagasaki underwent a major evolution with the introduction of the Nishi-Kyushu Shinkansen in September 2022. This new high-speed train section, although not directly connecting to Hakata, was designed to offer an optimized transfer at Takeo-Onsen Station. Travelers transition from the Limited Express Kamome to the Shinkansen Kamome on the same platform, which minimizes connection time and significantly improves Nagasaki's accessibility.

Frequently asked questions

Seat reservations are free and unlimited with the JR Pass. They are made in Japan, once you have your pass in hand.

Where to reserve

The simplest way is to use the ticket machines in the station: the QR code printed on your pass lets you reserve your seats there directly, without queuing at the counter. You can also go to the JR ticket office ("midori no madoguchi"), but the wait there often reaches 20 to 30 minutes.

Either way, online reservation is not possible with an exchange order bought through an agency: it is done on the spot, as soon as you have exchanged your order.

Reserve several journeys at once

Each trip to the ticket office can mean 20 to 30 minutes of queuing. Prepare the list of your journeys and have them all booked in one go, rather than coming back before every train.

You can also travel without a reservation

Most Shinkansen have a few non-reserved cars, which you can board with your pass without any prior step. That's handy for a journey decided on the day — but at peak times and in high season these cars fill up, and you may end up standing.

In the Green Car, reservation is compulsory

Each train has only one or two Green cars, and in high season they sell out quickly. Reserve as early as possible after exchanging your order, and check at the counter that your reservation has indeed been recorded for the Green Car and not for an ordinary car.

Oversized luggage

If your luggage measures between 160 cm and 250 cm in total, you must also reserve a luggage space, located at the front or the rear of the car.

The total travel time from Hakata to Nagasaki, including the transfer, is approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes to 1 hour and 30 minutes. The Limited Express Kamome takes about 1 hour to reach Takeo-Onsen, and the Nishi-Kyushu Shinkansen Kamome covers the distance between Takeo-Onsen and Nagasaki in about thirty minutes. The renowned punctuality of Japanese trains ensures that connections are generally met.

The cost of a combined train ticket from Hakata to Nagasaki is approximately 5,000 to 6,000 Japanese Yen (JPY) for an unreserved seat. Fares may vary depending on the seat type chosen (unreserved, reserved, Green Car) and the time of year. For Japan Rail Pass holders, this journey is fully covered, including both the Limited Express Kamome and the Nishi-Kyushu Shinkansen Kamome. We recommend checking exact fares and schedules before your departure.