JR Kyushu and JR West Launch the “Kumamoto DC Campaign”
JR Kyushu and JR West are holding the “Kumamoto DC Campaign” from July 1 to December 31, 2026, in conjunction with the Kumamoto Destination Campaign (DC). The lineup is packed with value, including unlimited-ride passes for the Kumamoto area and specially wrapped trains featuring the popular mascot Kumamon. This article clearly summarizes the pass prices, valid sections, expiry dates, and the schedule of special trains.
Unlimited-Ride Pass: “Kumamotto! Adventure Ticket”
The “Kumamotto! Adventure Ticket” (くまもっと！冒険きっぷ) offers unlimited rides on JR lines within the Kumamoto area, at an affordable 2,990 yen for adults (2-day pass). Sales began progressively from June 17, 2026.
Free Ride Sections
- Kagoshima Main Line: Omuta – Yatsushiro
- Hohi Main Line: Kumamoto – Takimizu
- Misumi Line: Uto – Misumi
You can ride freely mainly on the non-reserved ordinary-car seats of local and rapid trains in these sections — perfect for Kumamoto sightseeing and rail travel.
Bullet-Train Combo: “Hakata ⇔ Kumamotto! Friends Adventure Ticket”
For travelers coming from the Fukuoka area, the “Hakata ⇔ Kumamotto! Friends Adventure Ticket” is a great choice. It combines a round trip on the Kyushu Shinkansen between Hakata and Kumamoto with the Kumamoto free-ride area, priced from 9,990 yen for adults (2-day pass), also on sale progressively from June 17. Zip into Kumamoto by Shinkansen, then explore locally with unlimited rides.
Bus Add-On: “Kumamotto! B&S Miyazaki Ticket”
As an add-on available with either pass, the “Kumamotto! B&S Miyazaki Ticket” (1,200 yen for adults) lets you board the “B&S Miyazaki” bus between JR Shin-Yatsushiro Station and the Hitoyoshi Interchange (IC) — a convenient way to reach the Hitoyoshi area.
Kumamon Wrapped Trains & Special Services
Kumamon Adventure (Series 200 conventional-line train)
The Kumamon-designed Series 200 conventional-line wrapped train, the “Kumamon Adventure” (くまモンアドベンチャー号), will run from July 4 to December 31, 2026, mainly on:
- Misumi Line: Kumamoto – Misumi
- Hohi Main Line: Higo-Ozu – Miyaji
In addition, a special service will run between Kumamoto and Yatsushiro on July 4, and from late July to late August an all-reserved rapid “Kumamon Adventure” will operate between Kumamoto and Aso/Miyaji.
Series 800 Wrapped Shinkansen
The Series 800 wrapped Shinkansen will run from July 18 to mid-October between Hakata and Kumamoto / Kagoshima-Chuo. A departure ceremony is planned at Kumamoto Station on the first day of service for each train.
Digital Stamp & Check-In Rallies
Digital Check-In Rally
A digital check-in rally touring Kumamon wrapped trains and stations across Kumamoto Prefecture runs from July 4 to December 31. Users who scan the QR code inside the trains via the JR Kyushu app will receive original goods.
Kumadventure Stamp Rally
The “Kumadventure Stamp Rally”, with stamps at 15 locations across the prefecture, will be held in a summer edition (July 1 – Sep 30) and an autumn edition (Oct 1 – Dec 31).
Station Stamp App “Ekitag”
The Kumamoto area of the station-stamp app “Ekitag” will also expand from July 1 to 15 stations, including Arao, Tamana, and Aso.
Sightseeing Trains: Special Services & Tours
Furthermore, special services and tours between Hakata and Kumamoto using the limited express “Kawasemi Yamasemi” and the D&S train “Aru Ressha” will run progressively from July through September — a rare chance to enjoy Kumamoto aboard these popular sightseeing trains.
Summary
The “Kumamoto DC Campaign” runs from July 1 to December 31, 2026. With unlimited-ride passes from just 2,990 yen for adults, plus Kumamon trains, sightseeing services, and stamp rallies, there’s plenty to enjoy. If you’re planning a trip to Kumamoto over summer or the autumn travel season, make the most of these free passes for great-value travel. Check the official JR Kyushu and JR West websites for the latest details and how to buy.