Shinkansen Fares and Ticket Reservation Methods from Nagoya to Kagoshima

Overview of Travel Methods from Nagoya to Kagoshima

You can travel from Nagoya to Kagoshima using the Tokaido, Sanyo, and Kyushu Shinkansen lines (with transfers). *Note: A transfer at Hakata Station is required for travel from Nagoya to Kumamoto or Kagoshima-Chuo. This article explains Shinkansen fares, travel time from departure to arrival, and how to book tickets. We've also compiled useful information for your trip to Japan, including JR Pass usage rules and the types of trains you can use.

Basic Information on Travel from Nagoya to Kagoshima

• Estimated travel time when using "Nozomi" + "Sakura" or "Mizuho": Approximately 4 hours 35 minutes to 5 hours (including transfer time)
• Fare for unreserved seats (no advance reservation required): Approximately 26,810 yen (Nagoya to Hakata unreserved seat 17,830 yen + Hakata to Kagoshima-Chuo unreserved seat 8,980 yen)
• The fare for reserved seats (advance reservation required) is approximately 29,340 yen ("Nozomi" reserved seat 19,110 yen + "Sakura" reserved seat 10,230 yen).
• Available trains: "Nozomi" → Transfer at Hakata to "Sakura" or "Mizuho"
• When traveling between Nagoya and Kagoshima-Chuo by Shinkansen, a transfer at Hakata Station is required. From Nagoya, take the "Nozomi" Shinkansen to Hakata (approximately 3 hours 17-20 minutes), then transfer at Hakata Station to the Kyushu Shinkansen "Sakura" or "Mizuho" to Kagoshima-Chuo (Hakata to Kagoshima-Chuo: approximately 1 hour 18-30 minutes). The total travel time, including transfers, is approximately 4 hours 35 minutes to 5 hours. The "Nozomi" and "Mizuho" cannot be ridden with the JR Pass alone, but they can be used by purchasing an additional "Japan Rail Pass Exclusive Nozomi/Mizuho Ticket". If you do not purchase the ticket, choose "Hikari" + "Sakura".
• JR Pass: Please refer to "5. Can the JR Pass be used between Nagoya and Kagoshima?" below.

The Appeal of Kagoshima as a Tourist Destination

Kagoshima-Chuo is the terminal station of the Kyushu Shinkansen and a hub for accessing Sakurajima, Sengan-en Garden, Kirishima Onsen, and Yakushima. It boasts a wealth of local delicacies, including Kurobuta pork, chicken sashimi, and satsuma-age (fried fish cake), and offers a warm climate and abundant natural beauty. From Nagoya, a transfer in Hakata is required, and the total travel time, including transfers, is approximately 4 hours 35 minutes to 5 hours.

Shinkansen Fare from Nagoya to Kagoshima

Overview of Shinkansen Fares from Nagoya to Kagoshima

The Shinkansen fare from Nagoya Station to Kagoshima-Chuo Station varies depending on the seat class and train type you choose. On the Tokaido, Sanyo, and Kyushu Shinkansen lines (with transfers), you can take the "Nozomi" train and transfer at Hakata to either the "Sakura" or "Mizuho" train. The fares are approximate, and during peak seasons (the period from the end of December to the beginning of January, Golden Week, and Obon), a peak season surcharge may be added to reserved seats and Green Car seats that require advance reservations. You can purchase tickets at a discounted fare by using SmartEX or EX Reservation.

Comparison of Fares for Unreserved Seats (No Advance Reservation Required), Reserved Seats (Advance Reservation Required), and Green Car Seats.

Features and Benefits of Unreserved Seats (No Advance Reservation Required)

Unreserved seats, which do not require advance reservations, are the cheapest seating option. However, they can fill up during peak season and busy times, so it's recommended to get to the platform early and queue up.

Features and Usage Scenarios of Reserved Seats (Advance Reservation Required)

Reserved seats, which require advance reservation, allow you to secure your seat number before boarding, so you can travel without worrying about crowds. Early bird discounts and other discounted fares may also be available when booking online in advance using EX Reservation or SmartEX.

Features and Comfort of Green Cars

Green Cars are a premium class offering more spacious seats and enhanced amenities compared to standard cars. They are recommended for those who want a more comfortable journey between Nagoya and Kagoshima, as well as for business travelers and special trips.

Travel Time from Nagoya to Kagoshima

Estimated Travel Time for the Shinkansen from Nagoya to Kagoshima

The estimated travel time from Nagoya Station to Kagoshima-Chuo Station using "Nozomi" + "Sakura" or "Mizuho" trains is approximately 4 hours 35 minutes to 5 hours (including transfer time). Since a transfer is required at Hakata Station, this is the total travel time from departure to arrival, including the transfer time.

Shinkansen Speed and Features

Japan's Shinkansen bullet trains boast world-class safety and punctuality, and are used by many tourists visiting Japan. They are also appreciated for their minimal delays due to weather, making it easy to plan travel schedules.

Comparison of Travel Time with Air Travel

When traveling between Nagoya and Kagoshima by plane, in addition to the flight time, you need to factor in the time required for airport access, check-in, security checks, boarding procedures, and travel from the arrival airport to Kagoshima city. With the Shinkansen (bullet train), although there are transfers, it connects major stations, so in many cases the Shinkansen is more advantageous when considering the total travel time.

Time Comparison with Cars and JR Conventional Lines

Traveling by car is prone to traffic congestion on expressways, and especially during peak seasons and long holidays, travel time from departure to arrival can be significantly extended. Taking a conventional JR line takes several times longer than taking the Shinkansen. In terms of comfort and punctuality, the Shinkansen is one of the best modes of transport between Nagoya and Kagoshima.

Which Train is the Fastest?

Types of Trains Operating Between Nagoya and Kagoshima

Between Nagoya and Kagoshima, you can take the "Nozomi" Shinkansen and transfer at Hakata to either the "Sakura" or "Mizuho" Shinkansen. When traveling between Nagoya and Kagoshima-Chuo by Shinkansen, a transfer at Hakata Station is required. Travel from Nagoya to Hakata on the "Nozomi" (approximately 3 hours 17-20 minutes), then transfer at Hakata Station to the Kyushu Shinkansen "Sakura" or "Mizuho" to Kagoshima-Chuo (Hakata to Kagoshima-Chuo: approximately 1 hour 18-30 minutes). The total travel time including transfers is approximately 4 hours 35 minutes to 5 hours. The "Nozomi" and "Mizuho" cannot be ridden with the JR Pass alone, but they can be used by purchasing an additional "Japan Rail Pass Exclusive Nozomi/Mizuho Ticket". If you do not purchase the ticket, choose "Hikari" + "Sakura".

Stations Where Each Train Stops and Their Characteristics

The fastest train, the "Nozomi" + "Sakura" or "Mizuho" combination, has the fewest stops and the shortest travel time from departure to arrival. Reserved seats (advance reservation required) tend to sell out quickly during peak season and on weekends, so advance reservation is recommended.

Nagoya to Kagoshima-Chuo: Travel Time by Train

A transfer at Hakata Station is required between Nagoya and Kagoshima-Chuo. The journey from Nagoya to Hakata takes approximately 3 hours and 17-20 minutes on the "Nozomi" train and approximately 3 hours and 35-55 minutes on the "Hikari" train. The journey from Hakata to Kagoshima-Chuo takes approximately 1 hour and 18 minutes on the "Mizuho" train and approximately 1 hour and 25-38 minutes on the "Sakura" train. The total journey, including transfer time, is approximately 4 hours and 35 minutes or more. If you have a JR Pass, you cannot ride the "Nozomi" train with the JR Pass alone, but you can use it by purchasing an additional "Japan Rail Pass Exclusive Nozomi/Mizuho Ticket". If you do not purchase a ticket, please use the "Hikari" train from Nagoya to Hakata and the "Sakura" train from Hakata to Kagoshima-Chuo.

Recommended Trains Between Nagoya and Kagoshima

If your top priority is minimizing travel time from departure to arrival, we recommend the "Nozomi" + "Sakura" or "Mizuho" trains. If you have a JR Pass, you can use the "Nozomi" and "Mizuho" trains by purchasing a separate "Japan Rail Pass Exclusive Nozomi/Mizuho Ticket." Please refer to the JR Pass section below to select the appropriate train.

Points to Consider When Choosing a Train

When choosing a train between Nagoya and Kagoshima, first check which trains arrive at Kagoshima-Chuo Station (including transfers) at your desired departure time. Securing your seat in advance using SmartEX or EX Reservation will make your journey smoother.

How to Book Shinkansen Tickets

Basic Methods for Purchasing Shinkansen Tickets

Shinkansen tickets between Nagoya and Kagoshima-Chuo can be purchased in three ways: at the station's ticket office (Midori no Madoguchi), at ticket machines, or online. During peak season, reserved seats (advance reservation required) tend to sell out quickly, so it's recommended to book as soon as your travel dates are decided. Don't forget to book your connecting train tickets in Hakata as well.

 

 

How to Purchase Tickets at the Station's Ticket Office (Midori no Madoguchi)

Shinkansen tickets can be purchased at the ticket offices (Midori no Madoguchi) (manned counters) at JR stations throughout Japan. Nagoya Station also has an English-speaking counter, so even those who are not confident in their Japanese can use the service with peace of mind.

How to Use a Ticket Vending Machine

You can also purchase Shinkansen tickets at the "reserved seat ticket vending machines" installed at train stations. An increasing number of these machines support multiple languages, including English, Chinese, Korean, and French, and you can also purchase tickets using a credit card.

Online Reservations (SmartEX/EX Reservation)

For online reservations, JR Central and JR West's SmartEX and EX Reservation services are convenient. SmartEX allows you to pass through ticket gates using your smartphone or IC card without needing a physical ticket, by linking it to your transportation IC card (such as Suica). Visitors from overseas can also utilize official websites and travel booking sites (such as Klook) that support English.

 

 

Points to Note When Making a Reservation

If you need to transfer in Hakata, you will need two tickets: one for the Nagoya to Hakata section and another for the Hakata to your destination section. During peak season (the period from the end of December to the beginning of January, Golden Week, and Obon), reserved seats (advance reservation required) tend to sell out quickly, so we recommend booking as soon as your travel plans are finalized.

Can the JR Pass be Used Between Nagoya and Kagoshima?

Overview of JR Pass

The JR Pass is a special ticket for travelers who do not reside in Japan, allowing unlimited travel on JR lines without additional charges. It comes in 7-day, 14-day, and 21-day versions, and during its validity period, it allows unlimited travel on JR Shinkansen, limited express trains, and JR conventional lines without additional fees. It can be purchased at travel agencies outside of Japan or at select ticket counters within Japan. A passport is required for use.

Regarding the Use of JR Pass Between Nagoya and Kagoshima

Trains That Cannot Be Used with JR Pass

When traveling between Nagoya and Kagoshima-Chuo by Shinkansen, a transfer at Hakata Station is required. From Nagoya, take the "Nozomi" Shinkansen to Hakata (approximately 3 hours 17-20 minutes), then transfer at Hakata Station to the Kyushu Shinkansen "Sakura" or "Mizuho" to Kagoshima-Chuo (Hakata to Kagoshima-Chuo: approximately 1 hour 18-30 minutes). The total travel time, including transfers, is approximately 4 hours 35 minutes to 5 hours. The "Nozomi" and "Mizuho" cannot be ridden with the JR Pass alone, but they can be used by purchasing an additional "Japan Rail Pass Exclusive Nozomi/Mizuho Ticket". If you do not purchase the ticket, choose "Hikari" + "Sakura".

Conditions for Using Trains with JR Pass

With a JR Pass, you can board trains with unreserved seats (no advance reservation required). If you wish to use a reserved seat (advance reservation required), you must reserve your seat at the station's ticket office (Midori no Madoguchi) or a reserved seat ticket vending machine before boarding. There is no additional charge for seat reservations.

Points to Note When Using JR Pass

Since the JR Pass is valid for consecutive days from the start date, it's important to carefully set the start date to match your travel schedule. If your travel plans involve visiting multiple cities, not just Nagoya to Kagoshima, you'll often get your money's worth out of the JR Pass.

Shinkansen Timetable Between Nagoya and Kagoshima

Frequency of Shinkansen Service Between Nagoya and Kagoshima

The Shinkansen between Nagoya and Kagoshima-Chuo operates with a transfer from the "Nozomi" train to either the "Sakura" or "Mizuho" train at Hakata Station. A transfer at Hakata Station is required. Please check the timetable considering the transfer. For the latest timetable information, please check transportation information services such as Ekitan.

Guidelines for the First and Last Trains

The first trains departing from Nagoya Station leave as early as 6:00 AM, and the last trains to Kagoshima-Chuo Station depart around 8:00-9:00 PM. By taking an early morning train, you can enjoy sightseeing in Kagoshima from the morning.

How to Read a Shinkansen Timetable

You can check the Shinkansen timetable between Nagoya and Kagoshima on the JR official website or on transportation information services such as Ekitan. When searching, enter your departure station "Nagoya", arrival station "Kagoshima-Chuo", travel date, and time to see a list of train times and fares.

Shinkansen (Bullet Train) Timetable from Nagoya Station to Kagoshima-Chuo Station (Excerpt/Approximate)

*Arrival times may vary depending on transfer times and connection status. Please check the actual times on Ekitan or similar services.

Peak Hours and Points to Note

The Nagoya-Kagoshima Chuo route is particularly crowded during peak seasons (the period from the end of December to the beginning of January, Golden Week, and Obon) and on weekends. Booking your reserved seat (advance reservation required) online in advance will allow you to travel comfortably without worrying about crowds on the day of travel.

Summary: Shinkansen from Nagoya to Kagoshima

For travel from Nagoya to Kagoshima, the Tokaido, Sanyo, and Kyushu Shinkansen (with transfers) is convenient. Fares are approximately 26,810 yen for unreserved seats (no advance reservation required) (17,830 yen for Nagoya to Hakata unreserved seats + 8,980 yen for Hakata to Kagoshima-Chuo unreserved seats), approximately 29,340 yen for reserved seats (advance reservation required) ("Nozomi" reserved seats 19,110 yen + "Sakura" reserved seats 10,230 yen), and over 40,000 yen (estimate) for Green Car seats. The travel time from departure to arrival using "Nozomi" + "Sakura" or "Mizuho" is approximately 4 hours 35 minutes to 5 hours (including transfer time). When traveling between Nagoya and Kagoshima-Chuo by Shinkansen, a transfer at Hakata Station is required. Travel from Nagoya to Hakata on the "Nozomi" Shinkansen (approximately 3 hours 17-20 minutes), then transfer at Hakata Station to the Kyushu Shinkansen "Sakura" or "Mizuho" bound for Kagoshima-Chuo (Hakata to Kagoshima-Chuo: approximately 1 hour 18-30 minutes). The total travel time, including transfers, is approximately 4 hours 35 minutes to 5 hours. The "Nozomi" and "Mizuho" trains cannot be ridden with the JR Pass alone, but you can use them by purchasing an additional Japan Rail Pass Exclusive Nozomi/Mizuho Ticket. If you do not purchase the usage ticket, choose "Hikari" + "Sakura". Tickets can be purchased at station ticket offices (Midori no Madoguchi), designated seat ticket machines, or online (SmartEX, EX Reservation, etc.). Choose the train that best suits your travel plans and enjoy a comfortable Shinkansen journey between Nagoya and Kagoshima.

Ekitan Travel Media Editorial Department

The Ekitan Travel Media editorial team provides information on transportation in Japan, including Shinkansen (bullet trains), regular trains, intercity travel, and access to tourist destinations. We also offer easy-to-understand travel information for international visitors.
This article is published by Ekitan Co., Ltd., the provider of the train transfer information service "Ekitan," and is based on Japanese railway and transportation information. Ekitan's website and app are used by over 10 million users per month.