SUNQ Pass: Unlimited Bus & Ferry E-Ticket for Kyushu + Shimonoseki/Nagato | Japan

Must Do Experiences

• Take an express bus from Fukuoka to Beppu to soak in the famous hot spring towns of Yufuin and Beppu.

• Ride the ferry included in the pass to cross the Kanmon Strait between Shimonoseki and Mojiko for stunning ocean views.

• Hop on a local route bus to explore the beautiful coastal views of the Shimabara Peninsula or the volcanic landscapes of Mount Aso.

• Use the pass to reach the historic Kumamoto Castle and the serene Suizenji Jojuen Garden without worrying about transit costs.

Hidden Gems

• The pass covers buses to the lesser-known Yanagawa, where you can enjoy traditional punting boat rides through peaceful canals.

• Use the local buses to reach the quiet, historic samurai town of Chiran in Kagoshima, famous for its beautiful gardens and peace museum.

• Take advantage of the included ferries to visit the tranquil island of Nokonoshima, just a short ride from Fukuoka, for breathtaking flower parks and bay views.

What Makes it Special

• Unmatched coverage that includes not just local buses but also highway express buses and selected ferries, which are usually excluded from standard regional passes.

• The convenience of an e-ticket format, allowing you to simply show your smartphone screen to the driver without needing to exchange physical vouchers.

• Incredible cost-effectiveness for extensive itineraries, as a single round trip on an express bus between Fukuoka and Kagoshima nearly pays for the entire pass.

Perfect Timing

When to visit for the best experience

Spring and autumn offer the most comfortable weather for bus travel, with cherry blossoms in March and April, and vibrant foliage in November providing stunning views from your window. Summer brings lush green landscapes and exciting coastal festivals, though you should book express buses well in advance due to peak holiday crowds.

Photography Guide

Capture the perfect shots

• Capture the stunning aerial views of the Kanmon Strait from the upper decks of the included ferries during the golden hour just before sunset.

• Use the large windows of the highway express buses to shoot time-lapse videos of Kyushu's rolling mountains and coastal highways, ensuring your lens is pressed close to the glass to avoid reflections.

• Snap photos of the charming, retro bus stops and local transit stations in rural areas like Kurokawa Onsen, which make for excellent, authentic travel memories.

Cultural Etiquette

Respect local customs and traditions

When riding local and express buses in Japan, it is customary to queue orderly and avoid talking loudly or making phone calls to respect fellow passengers. Always have your exact change ready if you need to pay for a non-covered route, and remember to bow slightly or say a polite thank you to the driver when alighting.

Special Events & Experiences

Enhanced experiences and seasonal highlights

• Travel during the Hakata Dontaku Port Festival in May to see vibrant parades and use your pass to easily navigate the festive crowds in Fukuoka.

• Ride the buses to Saga in November to witness the spectacular hot air balloons filling the sky during the Saga International Balloon Fiesta.

• Use the pass in summer to reach the coastal towns of Miyazaki and Kagoshima for spectacular local fireworks festivals and traditional Obon dances.

Important Guidelines & Safety

Essential safety information and guidelines

• Hold onto the handrails firmly when moving around the ferry, as the ocean waters around the Kanmon Strait can occasionally be choppy.

• Keep your personal belongings and valuables close to you on local route buses, especially when the bus makes frequent stops in crowded city centers.

• Pay attention to the digital displays and audio announcements on buses, which provide important safety information and upcoming stop details in multiple languages.