Travel across Kyushu by bus with the SUNQ PASS — no worries even if you take the wrong bus, since it’s an all-you-can-ride pass!

▲ A new way to explore Kyushu: ride buses all you want with the “SUNQ PASS.” (Photo by reporter Huang Junhan)

Reporter Huang Junhan / reporting

In recent years, traveling abroad has become increasingly popular among Taiwanese, with Japan being the most favored destination. In 2015, on average, one out of every three outbound tourists went to Japan. While most people choose the subway for independent travel in Japan, there is actually another high value option for visiting Kyushu — purchase the “SUNQ PASS,” issued by Nishitetsu and offering unlimited rides, to enjoy a carefree “bus journey”!

The name “SUNQ PASS” carries an interesting meaning. “Sun” represents the sun, symbolizing “Kyushu’s warm and sunny climate,” while “Q” stands for the first sound of “Kyushu” in Japanese.“SUNQ” also sounds like “Thank You,” expressing gratitude to every visitor who comes to explore Kyushu.

▲ You can activate your “SUNQ PASS” at the counter in Fukuoka Airport, Japan. (Photo by reporter Huang Junhan)

▲ If you only plan to explore Fukuoka city, you can also buy the Fukuoka City One-Day Pass, “GREEN PASS.” (Photo by reporter Huang Junhan)

For independent travelers heading to Kyushu, using the SUNQ PASS is a highly convenient and economical transportation option. Currently, it can be used on 99% of bus routes across Kyushu, covering approximately 2,400 lines — including both short-distance city buses and long-distance express buses. It can even be used for ferry services, such as from Mojiko Port to Karato, and from Kumamoto to Nagasaki. Just look for vehicles displaying the “SUNQ PASS” sign — no need for change, just show your pass and ride for free.

There are three types of SUNQ PASS available:“All-Kyushu 4-Day Pass,” “All-Kyushu 3-Day Pass,” and “Northern Kyushu 3-Day Pass.”The “Northern Kyushu” pass can be used in Shimonoseki, Fukuoka, Saga, Nagasaki, Oita, and Kumamoto, priced at 8,000 yen (approx. NT$2,465) for 3 days; the “All-Kyushu” pass covers the aforementioned five prefectures plus Shimonoseki, as well as Miyazaki and Kagoshima, with the 3-day pass at 10,000 yen (approx. NT$3,082) and the 4-day pass at 14,000 yen (approx. NT$4,314).

▲ Boarding is orderly and efficient. (Photo by reporter Huang Junhan)

▲ As long as the bus displays the “SUNQ PASS” logo, you can ride for free. (Photo by reporter Huang Junhan)

The official SUNQ PASS website provides very detailed information. Taiwanese travelers don’t need to worry about language barriers because the entire interface, maps, and various materials are available in Chinese. Bus schedules can also be checked online (in Japanese). Additionally,purchasing the SUNQ PASS through major travel agencies in Taiwan comes with a 25% discount,for example, the Northern Kyushu 3-Day Pass, originally 8,000 yen, is only 6,000 yen (approx. NT$1,849), which is quite a good deal.

Based on my personal experience riding buses in Kyushu over several days, the SUNQ PASS is indeed very convenient. Taiwanese people can roughly understand kanji, so taking the bus isn’t too difficult. Moreover, many buses offer Chinese announcements and digital signage, so there’s no need to worry about getting off at the wrong stop. Also, Japanese buses are really comfortable — in the city, the ride can only be described as “smooth.” When stopping to pick up passengers, it’s often so seamless that you barely notice the bus has stopped, offering a completely different experience from taking buses in Taiwan.

▲ Fukuoka Tourist Information Center, which offers Chinese-language travel advice. (Photo by reporter Huang Junhan)

For independent travelers, bus stops are numerous, buses run frequently, and they cover almost all major and minor attractions in the city and suburbs. You can get on any bus you like, and if you feel like changing your itinerary once you arrive, it’s no problem. Want to get on? Go ahead. Want to get off? Just do it.Even if you accidentally take the wrong direction, it’s okay — after all, it’s an all-you-can-ride pass, and you won’t incur extra charges. Who knows, you might even stumble upon some unique scenery.

Of course, compared to taking the subway, riding the bus definitely requires more time and effort to plan your route. If you’re very strict about schedules and don’t like spending a lot of time researching routes, the SUNQ PASS might not be as suitable. But for seasoned travelers who have visited Japan multiple times, the SUNQ PASS can bring a whole new travel experience, and the price is very affordable. Next time you visit Kyushu, Japan, try this new mode of transportation — you’ll likely gain a deeper appreciation for this beautiful region.

▲ Kushida Shrine in Fukuoka, Kyushu. (Photo by reporter Huang Junhan)

▲ View of Fukuoka City. (Photo by reporter Huang Junhan)

▲ Ichiran Ramen, world-famous, with its flagship store located in Fukuoka City. (Photo by reporter Huang Junhan)

SUNQ PASS Information

Prices: Northern Kyushu 3-Day Pass (8,000 yen), All-Kyushu 3-Day Pass (10,000 yen), All-Kyushu 4-Day Pass (14,000 yen) Purchase methods:China Airlines and major travel agencies
Official Chinese website: http://www.sunqpass.jp/traditional/index.shtml