Traveling from Hakata (Fukuoka) to Nagasaki is now faster and easier thanks to the new Nishi Kyushu Shinkansen “Kamome”.
Opened in 2022, this is Japan’s newest Shinkansen line.
However, many travelers are surprised to learn that you still need to transfer once on the way to Nagasaki.
In this guide, I’ll explain:
- How to travel from Hakata to Nagasaki
- How the transfer works
- Travel time
- What the Kamome Shinkansen is like
- Super Mario Shinkansen information
- Whether the JR KYUSHU RAIL PASS is worth it
Can You Take a Shinkansen from Hakata to Nagasaki?
Yes — but there is currently one transfer.
The route looks like this:
Hakata Station
↓
Relay Kamome Limited Express
↓
Takeo-Onsen Station
↓
Nishi Kyushu Shinkansen “Kamome”
↓
Nagasaki Station
So:
- Hakata → Takeo-Onsen = Limited Express Train
- Takeo-Onsen → Nagasaki = Shinkansen
The reason for this transfer is that the Nishi Kyushu Shinkansen is not fully extended to Hakata yet.
Travel Time from Hakata to Nagasaki
The total travel time is about:
- 1 hour 20 minutes to 1 hour 30 minutes
This makes Nagasaki much easier for day trips from Fukuoka.
Taking the Relay Kamome from Hakata
The journey starts at Hakata Station with the “Relay Kamome” limited express train.
This train connects Hakata and Takeo-Onsen Station.
The ride was surprisingly comfortable.
The seats felt much more spacious than I expected, and the wooden interior gave the train a warm atmosphere.
Kyushu trains are famous for unique designs, and this one definitely felt different from ordinary trains in Japan.
Transferring at Takeo-Onsen Station
At Takeo-Onsen Station, passengers transfer to the Nishi Kyushu Shinkansen.
The transfer is actually very easy.
The station layout is designed for smooth connections, so even first-time visitors to Japan should not have much trouble.
What is the Nishi Kyushu Shinkansen “Kamome”?
The Nishi Kyushu Shinkansen “Kamome” opened in 2022 and is currently Japan’s newest Shinkansen.
The current route only runs between:
- Takeo-Onsen
- Nagasaki
The train itself feels very different from the Shinkansen around Tokyo or Osaka.
Features include:
- White exterior design
- Warm wooden seating
- Japanese-style interior atmosphere
It feels more modern and stylish than many older Shinkansen trains.
Is the JR KYUSHU RAIL PASS Worth It?
If you plan to travel around Kyushu, the JR KYUSHU RAIL PASS can be a very good deal.
The pass covers:
- Kyushu Shinkansen
- Limited Express trains
- Many JR trains around Kyushu
It can save a lot of money if you plan to visit places like:
- Fukuoka
- Nagasaki
- Kumamoto
- Kagoshima
- Beppu
- Yufuin
For foreign tourists traveling across Kyushu, it is definitely worth checking.
Final Thoughts
Honestly, traveling from Hakata to Nagasaki felt much easier than I expected.
The transfer process was smooth, the trains were comfortable, and the scenery changed beautifully once leaving Fukuoka.
If you:
- want to ride a Japanese Shinkansen
- are planning a Kyushu trip
- love unique trains
- want to ride the Super Mario Shinkansen
then this route is highly recommended.