What is the Nishi-Kyushu Shinkansen?

Opened in September 2022, the Nishi-Kyushu Shinkansen is Japan’s newest bullet train line. It currently operates only between Takeo-Onsen and Nagasaki. To travel from Hakata (Fukuoka) to Nagasaki, you must use a “Relay System.”

  • Section: Takeo-Onsen 〜 Nagasaki (Approx. 66 km)
  • Top Speed: 260 km/h
  • Trains: N700S (Kamome)
  • JR Pass: All trains accepted

🚄 Compare Trains and Prices

Kamome

Only train on this route

  • Time：Approx. 23-30 mins
  • Stops：Takeo-Onsen, Ureshino-Onsen, Shin-Omura, Isahaya, Nagasaki
Hakata (via Relay)→Nagasaki
Approx. 1 hr 20 minsApprox. 6,050 JPY
Takeo-Onsen→Nagasaki
Approx. 23 minsApprox. 3,050 JPY

The “Relay Kamome” System (Important)

Because the Shinkansen tracks do not yet reach Hakata, you cannot take a direct bullet train from Hakata to Nagasaki. Instead, you will do a same-platform transfer at Takeo-Onsen Station.

  1. Hakata to Takeo-Onsen: Ride the Limited Express “Relay Kamome” (Local train).
  2. Transfer at Takeo-Onsen: Walk straight across the platform (takes 1 minute).
  3. Takeo-Onsen to Nagasaki: Ride the Shinkansen “Kamome.”

The entire journey from Hakata to Nagasaki takes about 1 hour and 20 minutes.

Key Features

The Kamome Train Design

The “Kamome” (Seagull) uses a specially customized 6-car N700S train. The exterior is bright white with striking red accents, and the interior uses custom textiles and patterns that reflect the culture of Kyushu. It is considered one of the most beautiful Shinkansen trains in Japan.

Access to Hot Springs

The route stops at Ureshino-Onsen and Takeo-Onsen, two of Kyushu’s most famous and historic hot spring towns.