Overnight Bus 'Sakurajima-go' Connecting Fukuoka and Kagoshima to Resume After 6-Year Hiatus!

Nishitetsu Co., Ltd. (Chuo Ward, Fukuoka City; President and CEO: Koichi Hayashida) and JR Kyushu Bus Co., Ltd. (Hakata Ward, Fukuoka City; President: Kazunari Noda) will begin operating the overnight highway bus 'Sakurajima-go' between Fukuoka and Kagoshima starting Tuesday, September 1, 2026. This marks the return of the overnight service after approximately six years.

Since its launch in March 1990, the 'Sakurajima-go' has served as a vital highway bus link connecting Fukuoka and Kagoshima, widely used by many customers. However, due to declining ridership caused by the impact of the novel coronavirus pandemic, the overnight service was discontinued in June 2020. In recent years, travel demand—centered on tourism—between Fukuoka and Kagoshima has increased significantly. Additionally, rising accommodation costs have heightened the need for overnight travel options. In response, the companies have decided to resume the overnight service. Furthermore, the Kagoshima-to-Fukuoka route will now include access to Fukuoka Airport International Terminal, aiming to attract new passenger demand.

To enhance customer comfort and accessibility, the service will introduce 4-abreast seating (36 seats total), including 14 female-only seats. Additionally, seat divider curtains will be installed at all seats, creating a secure and comfortable environment for passengers.

Nishitetsu and JR Kyushu Bus aim to contribute to the further revitalization of regional exchange between Fukuoka and Kagoshima by improving passenger convenience and expanding mobility services.

Overview of the 'Sakurajima-go' Overnight Service

【Route Name】Fukuoka–Kagoshima Line (Overnight Service)

【Operating Companies】Nishitetsu Co., Ltd., JR Kyushu Bus Co., Ltd. (Joint Operation)

【Service Start Date】September 1, 2026 (Tuesday)

【Reservation Start Date】Saturday, August 1, 2026, 8:00 AM

【Number of Daily Round Trips】One round trip per day

【Fare Information】

※ No round-trip discounts, transfer discounts, ticket booklets, or commuter passes available.

※ SUNQ Pass, ALL KYUSHU PASS, and shareholder special ride tickets cannot be used.

※ Grand Pass and Holiday Act Pass cannot be used at half price.

※ The Fukuoka–Kagoshima Line is a reserved-seating route. Reservations can be made up to one month before the travel date.

【Route and Schedule】

Fukuoka → Kagoshima and Kagoshima → Fukuoka route details and timetable

※ Restroom breaks: Fukuoka-bound buses stop at Hirokawa SA; Kagoshima-bound buses stop at Mizube PA.

※ Crew rest stops: Fukuoka-bound buses stop at Ebino PA; Kagoshima-bound buses stop at Tamana PA for driver rest breaks.

【Vehicle Specifications】

Nishitetsu and JR Kyushu Bus vehicles

· 4-abreast seating, 36 passengers maximum · 14 female-only seats, onboard restroom

· Seat divider curtains between all seats

· Smartphone charging (outlets or USB ports) and Wi-Fi available

【Reservation Methods】

＜Online Reservations＞Highway Bus.com website

(URL: https://www.highwaybus.com/gp/index)

※ Reservation cutoff: 30 minutes before departure time from boarding location

＜Phone Reservations＞

· Kyushu Highway Bus Reservation Center TEL: 092-734-2727 (8:00–19:00)

＜Main Ticket Counters＞

· Nishitetsu Tenjin Highway Bus Terminal (Mon–Thu 5:15–22:15, Fri–Sun & holidays until 22:50)

· Hakata Bus Terminal (7:00–21:00)

· Nangoku Kotsu Bus Terminal (8:30–19:00)

【Additional Information】

· Nishitetsu: https://www.nishitetsu.jp/bus/highwaybus/rosen/sakura/

· JR Kyushu Bus: https://www.jrkbus.co.jp/kousoku/detail/4

(Reference) Sakurajima-go (Daytime Service)

【Reservation】Reserved seating (reservation required)

【Number of Daily Round Trips】13 round trips (excluding overnight service)

【Travel Time】Approximately 4 hours 15 minutes (Tenjin Highway Bus Terminal to Kagoshima-Chuo Station)

【Operating Companies】Nishitetsu Co., Ltd., Nangoku Kotsu Co., Ltd., Kagoshima Kotsu Co., Ltd., Kagoshima Kotsu Kanko Bus Co., Ltd., JR Kyushu Bus Co., Ltd.