Kyushu Travel After the 2026 Kumamoto Earthquake: What’s Open, What’s Disrupted, and What Travelers Should Check

August 10, 2026

Kumamoto and surrounding travel destinations after the 2026 earthquake

This article is based on official information checked through August 10, 2026, 12:27 a.m. JST.

This page brings together current official guidance from local tourism authorities, transportation operators, and the Japan Meteorological Agency. Conditions vary by destination and route, so use the information that applies to your itinerary rather than treating all of Kyushu as having the same travel conditions. Before traveling, check the latest official information for your destination and transportation route, as conditions may change.

The July 28 Kumamoto earthquake continues to affect transportation in parts of southern Kyushu. However, the impact varies considerably depending on where you are traveling and which route you plan to use.

Some destinations outside the most heavily affected areas are operating normally, while travelers trying to cross southern Kumamoto may still encounter major railway and highway disruptions. Safety guidance also differs by area, so operating status alone should not be treated as the only factor in a travel decision.

That distinction matters.

If you are planning a trip to Kyushu, the most useful question is not simply, “Is Kyushu affected?”

Instead, look at the conditions that apply to your specific trip. Check the latest safety guidance from local authorities and the Japan Meteorological Agency, whether your destination is operating normally, whether your planned transportation route is available, and whether ongoing seismic activity or other official advisories could affect your travel dates.

These factors do not determine the decision for you. Conditions can change, and individual circumstances differ. The goal is to give you enough reliable information to decide whether to continue, change, or cancel your plans.

This guide explains the current situation in Kumamoto, Beppu, Yufuin, Kagoshima, Miyazaki, Fukuoka, and nearby areas so you can make your own travel decision based on current information.

The Short Answer

You do not need to assume that the entire Kyushu region is closed or experiencing the same level of disruption.

The most significant travel problems remain concentrated around southern Kumamoto and transportation routes passing through the affected area.

Based on the latest official information checked shortly after midnight on August 10:

Kumamoto–Shin-Minamata on the Kyushu Shinkansen remains suspended.
Uto–Yatsushiro on the Kagoshima Main Line remains suspended.
Major sections of the Kyushu Expressway in southern Kumamoto remain closed to general traffic.
JMA says earthquake activity is gradually decreasing overall but remains active, and its current portal continues to carry safety guidance for areas that experienced strong shaking.
Beppu and other parts of Oita Prefecture are operating normally according to local official information.
Fukuoka and Saga tourism facilities are generally operating normally.
Accommodation and tourism facilities in Kagoshima are operating normally, although access from northern Kyushu remains affected.
Miyazaki’s accommodation and tourism facilities are generally operating normally, while some long-distance bus routes remain disrupted.

For your own itinerary, check three things together: the latest safety guidance for the area, the operating status of your destination, and every transportation segment you plan to use.

Why Travelers Are Reconsidering Kyushu Trips

The earthquake has affected travel demand beyond the areas with direct damage.

Japanese media reported that accommodation cancellations have occurred in Beppu and Yufuin even though the facilities and surrounding areas covered in the report had not suffered earthquake damage. TV Asahi reported at least 4,400 canceled guests across 388 accommodation facilities in the Beppu and Yufuin areas. One hotel in Beppu reported around 600 canceled guests.

At the same time, Oita Prefecture’s official tourism organization says the impact on tourism and accommodation within the prefecture is minimal. Some facilities initially experienced minor issues such as stopped elevators or damaged pipes, but those problems had been repaired and accommodation facilities were operating normally as of its August 7 update.

The cancellation figures and the official operating information describe different things. The reports show changes in travel demand, while the local official information describes current damage and operating conditions.

For travelers, cancellation numbers alone do not show whether a destination is closed, damaged, or difficult to reach. Check the current local conditions and transportation information separately.

Current Kumamoto Travel Status

Kumamoto remains the part of Kyushu where travelers need to check conditions most carefully. The July 28 earthquake caused major damage to transportation infrastructure, and important rail and highway links in southern Kumamoto remain unavailable.

Earthquake Activity and Safety

The Japan Meteorological Agency’s current Kumamoto Earthquake portal says earthquake activity is gradually decreasing overall but remains active. The portal continues to carry JMA’s August 4 guidance advising people in areas that experienced strong shaking to remain alert for earthquakes that could produce maximum shaking of around Shindo 5 Upper or stronger for about one week.

JMA also advises people not to enter damaged buildings, unstable slopes, or other dangerous places in the areas that experienced the strongest shaking unless there is an unavoidable reason to do so.

Kyushu Shinkansen and JR Services

The Kyushu Shinkansen between Kumamoto and Shin-Minamata remains suspended. JR Kyushu says reopening this section during August is difficult.

Service between Shin-Minamata and Kagoshima-Chuo resumed on August 7 with a reduced timetable. There is still no normal through Shinkansen service between Kumamoto and Kagoshima-Chuo.

Between Hakata and Kumamoto, Kyushu Shinkansen service is operating, although some extra Sakura services are canceled during the Obon period.

On the Kagoshima Main Line, Kumamoto–Uto is operating with fewer trains, while Uto–Yatsushiro remains suspended. JR Kyushu also says reopening the Uto–Yatsushiro section during August is difficult.

JR Kyushu is preparing replacement bus transportation between Uto and Yatsushiro, but the detailed operating plan and start date have not yet been announced.

If your original JR itinerary is no longer usable because of the earthquake, check JR Kyushu’s refund guidance before purchasing replacement transportation. Eligible tickets affected by the disruption may qualify for special refund handling, with procedures varying by purchase method.

Highways and Driving

NEXCO West’s latest closure notice available when this article was checked, dated August 9 at 8:00 a.m., says the Kyushu Expressway between Matsubase IC and Ebino IC remains closed to general traffic. The Minami-Kyushu Expressway between Yatsushiro JCT and Taura IC also remains closed.

Some parts of the closed corridor are passable by emergency and disaster-response vehicles, but that does not mean ordinary travelers can use them. NEXCO West, the regional transport authorities, and Kumamoto Prefecture are also asking people to avoid non-essential travel where possible during the Obon period to reduce congestion around the affected area. Follow the latest restrictions and check current road information shortly before departure.

Aso Kumamoto Airport

Aso Kumamoto Airport says flights are planned to operate normally, although schedules may change depending on further earthquake activity. Check your airline’s latest flight information before departure and confirm airport ground transportation separately.

Kumamoto City and Kumamoto Castle

Kumamoto City is not uniformly closed to visitors. The city’s official tourism website continues to publish the opening status of individual tourist facilities, and several facilities have reopened or resumed operations.

Kumamoto Castle itself remains temporarily closed. Some nearby facilities have reopened, including the Fukko Joshu donation counter and the Ninomaru rest area, while Sakuranokoji shops and restaurants and the tourist information center in Josaien are operating normally.

If Kumamoto City is your destination, check the individual attractions you plan to visit rather than assuming the entire city is closed. If your itinerary continues south toward Yatsushiro, Minamata, or Kagoshima, check each transportation segment separately.

Current Travel Status Elsewhere in Kyushu

Beppu

Beppu’s official tourism website states that the city has no earthquake damage and that transportation, accommodation, and tourist facilities are operating normally.

The reported hotel cancellations and Beppu’s current operating status should be read separately: the cancellation reports describe demand, while the city’s official tourism information describes local damage and operations.

If you already have a reservation in Beppu, check your accommodation and your transportation route before deciding whether to change your plans.

For road travel during Obon, NEXCO West expects additional congestion on detour routes in Kyushu and is asking people to avoid non-essential travel where possible. Check current road conditions before departure.

Yufuin and Oita Prefecture

Oita Prefecture says tourism and accommodation across the prefecture have experienced little direct impact from the earthquake.

According to its August 7 update:

Accommodation facilities are operating normally.
There are no earthquake-related highway closures within Oita Prefecture.
JR services within Oita are operating normally.
Flights to and from Oita are operating normally.

Yufuin is also continuing to receive visitors. Its official tourism website is listing scheduled August events, including the Yufuin Basin Festival on August 15 and 16, along with accommodation information and other current tourism activities.

However, driving conditions deserve attention.

Because drivers are being diverted around closures in southern Kumamoto, NEXCO West has revised its Obon traffic forecast and expects additional congestion on the East Kyushu Expressway and Oita Expressway during August 7–16.

If you are driving to Beppu or Yufuin during Obon, check highway traffic before departure. NEXCO West and regional authorities are also asking people to avoid non-essential road travel where possible during the holiday period to reduce congestion around the affected area.

Kagoshima

Kagoshima’s tourism and accommodation facilities are operating normally according to the prefecture’s official tourism organization.

The difficulty is getting there from northern Kyushu by the usual overland route.

The Kumamoto–Shin-Minamata section of the Kyushu Shinkansen remains suspended, meaning there is no normal through Shinkansen service from Fukuoka or Kumamoto to Kagoshima-Chuo.

The Kyushu Expressway closure through southern Kumamoto also affects road travel between northern Kyushu and Kagoshima.

Kagoshima’s official tourism site therefore recommends checking current transportation information before traveling. It also notes alternative access from other regions, including flights and ferry services.

So the current situation is:

Kagoshima itself is open, but your usual route to Kagoshima may not be.

Miyazaki

Miyazaki Prefecture says accommodation facilities and tourist attractions are generally operating normally.

Local railways, regular route buses, Miyazaki Airport, and Miyazaki Car Ferry are also operating normally according to the prefecture’s August 7 tourism update.

Long-distance transportation is more complicated.

B&S Miyazaki between Miyazaki and Shin-Yatsushiro is suspended through August 31.

The Phoenix highway bus between Fukuoka and Miyazaki is operating only selected services via the Higashi-Kyushu Expressway through August 16.

If you are flying directly to Miyazaki or traveling locally within the prefecture, your situation may therefore be very different from someone traveling from Kumamoto or using an affected highway bus.

Fukuoka

Fukuoka Prefecture’s official tourism organization says tourist facilities, accommodation, and restaurants are generally operating normally.

Fukuoka itself is not experiencing the same disruption as southern Kumamoto.

However, Fukuoka is a major gateway to the rest of Kyushu, so travelers heading south need to pay attention to their onward route.

You can currently travel by Kyushu Shinkansen between Hakata and Kumamoto, although some extra Sakura services are canceled during the Obon period.

Travel between Fukuoka and Kagoshima or parts of Miyazaki requires more planning because the usual north–south railway, highway, and bus networks remain partially disrupted.

Saga

Saga Prefecture says tourist attractions, accommodation facilities, and restaurants are operating normally.

Its official tourism organization also states that transportation within Saga Prefecture is operating normally.

As with Fukuoka and Oita, travelers should distinguish between conditions at the destination and conditions on a longer route that may pass through affected areas.

A trip focused on Saga is different from a road journey from Saga through Kumamoto to southern Kyushu.

Nagasaki

Nagasaki Prefecture’s official tourism portal has not issued the same prefecture-wide “normal operations” statement used by some other Kyushu destinations. Instead, it provides a disaster and transportation information page and updates individual facilities when needed.

For example, the Unzen Disaster Memorial Hall (Gamadasu Dome) temporarily closed after the July 28 earthquake for safety checks, reopened its permanent exhibition and temporary aquarium on August 5, and reopened all areas after inspections were completed on August 6.

If you are traveling to Nagasaki, check current transportation information and the official page for any attraction you plan to visit rather than assuming that one prefecture-wide status applies to every facility.

Transportation Across Kyushu: What Matters Most

Kyushu Shinkansen

The most important railway interruption remains:

Kumamoto → Shin-Minamata: suspended

JR Kyushu says reopening during August is difficult.

Shin-Minamata → Kagoshima-Chuo: operating with a reduced timetable since August 7.

Hakata → Kumamoto: operating, although some additional Sakura services are canceled during Obon.

Do not assume that “the Kyushu Shinkansen has reopened” means you can ride normally from Fukuoka to Kagoshima.

You cannot currently make the usual through Shinkansen journey across the suspended Kumamoto–Shin-Minamata section.

Highways

The major road interruption remains on the Kyushu Expressway through southern Kumamoto.

NEXCO West’s August 9, 8:00 a.m. notice says Matsubase IC–Ebino IC remains closed to general traffic, as does Yatsushiro JCT–Taura IC on the Minami-Kyushu Expressway.

This affects more than travelers whose destination is Kumamoto.

Traffic that would normally travel through the closed corridor is being diverted toward other routes, including the East Kyushu Expressway and Oita Expressway.

NEXCO West therefore expects additional Obon congestion on those roads. It and other regional authorities are asking people to avoid non-essential travel where possible and, when travel is necessary, to help disperse traffic by changing travel times, carpooling, or using designated detours.

Highway Buses

Some long-distance buses remain suspended or are operating on modified routes.

For example:

B&S Miyazaki: suspended through August 31.
Phoenix, Fukuoka–Miyazaki: selected services only via the Higashi-Kyushu Expressway through August 16.
Some Fukuoka–Kagoshima bus services remain affected by the highway closure.

Do not automatically assume a highway bus is available as an alternative when rail service is suspended.

Check the bus operator before changing your ticket.

If Your Original Route Is Disrupted: What Official Guidance Suggests

A disrupted train or highway does not always mean that the destination itself is closed. Several prefectural tourism authorities say facilities remain open while also directing travelers to check alternative transportation. In other areas, especially southern Kumamoto, confirmed alternatives are more limited.

If You Are Traveling to Kumamoto City

Kyushu Shinkansen service is operating between Hakata and Kumamoto, and Aso Kumamoto Airport says flights are planned to operate normally. Kumamoto City’s tourism website is also publishing attraction-by-attraction opening information.

This means a trip ending in Kumamoto City is different from a trip that continues south through the suspended Kumamoto–Shin-Minamata section. Check the specific attractions in your itinerary and follow any local restrictions or safety guidance.

If You Are Traveling to Yatsushiro, Minamata, or Southern Kumamoto

This is where alternatives are currently more limited. The Kumamoto–Shin-Minamata section of the Kyushu Shinkansen remains suspended, and Uto–Yatsushiro on the Kagoshima Main Line is also suspended.

JR Kyushu is preparing replacement bus transportation between Uto and Yatsushiro, but the start date has not yet been announced. If your itinerary depends on these sections and no confirmed alternative fits your travel dates, changing that part of your itinerary may be more practical than assuming a replacement service will be available.

Follow local safety restrictions and transportation guidance in the affected area rather than trying to create an unofficial workaround through damaged or restricted routes.

If You Are Traveling to Kagoshima

Kagoshima Prefecture says accommodation and tourism facilities are operating normally and specifically provides alternative access information for travelers whose usual route is affected.

From Fukuoka: the prefecture points travelers to road information and air travel.
From Kansai: the prefecture lists flights and ferry services.
From the Kanto region: the prefecture lists air travel.
From Miyazaki: the prefecture lists road and rail information.

JAL has also added extra flights between Fukuoka and Kagoshima in response to the earthquake, with additional services currently scheduled through August 19.

If you already hold a JR ticket for an affected journey, check JR Kyushu’s refund conditions before purchasing replacement transportation.

If You Are Traveling to Miyazaki

Miyazaki Prefecture says accommodation and tourist facilities are generally operating normally. Local railways, regular route buses, Miyazaki Airport, and Miyazaki Car Ferry are also operating normally.

Some long-distance highway buses remain suspended or modified. If your original intercity bus is affected, use the transportation links provided by the prefecture to check the current rail, air, ferry, or bus options that apply to your route before changing the destination itself.

If You Are Traveling to Beppu, Yufuin, or Elsewhere in Oita

Oita Prefecture says accommodation facilities are operating normally and that there are no earthquake-related highway closures within the prefecture. It also says JR services and flights are operating normally.

Beppu’s official tourism site separately states that the city has no earthquake damage and that transportation, accommodation, and tourist facilities are operating normally.

For travelers whose itinerary is focused on Oita, the official guidance is therefore different from the guidance for southern Kumamoto. Check your exact route before departure, especially during Obon, because detour traffic elsewhere in Kyushu may still increase congestion.

What to Check Before Changing Your Kyushu Travel Plans

There is no single answer that applies to every Kyushu itinerary.

Your decision may depend on your destination, route, travel dates, mobility needs, bookings, risk tolerance, and other personal circumstances. Start with the official guidance for the places and transportation you actually plan to use.

When a local authority, the Japan Meteorological Agency, or a transportation operator issues a restriction or specific safety instruction, follow that guidance even if another part of Kyushu is operating normally.

1. Check the official guidance for your destination

Is your hotel open?

Are the attractions you plan to visit operating?

Has the prefecture or local tourism organization issued specific advice?

For destinations such as Beppu, Yufuin, Fukuoka, Saga, Kagoshima, and Miyazaki, current official information indicates that many tourism and accommodation facilities are operating normally.

2. Check every transportation segment

A destination can be open even when your planned route is disrupted.

This is currently especially important for:

Fukuoka → Kagoshima by Shinkansen
Kumamoto → Kagoshima
Road travel through southern Kumamoto
Long-distance buses connecting Kumamoto, Miyazaki, and Kagoshima
Driving on detour routes during Obon

3. Check alternatives and booking conditions

If your transportation is canceled or your original itinerary becomes impractical, check refund and change rules before purchasing replacement transportation.

When a prefecture, tourism authority, or transportation operator provides an alternative route, use that as your starting point. Do not assume that an unofficial detour is safe or practical simply because it appears possible on a map.

JR Kyushu is providing special refund handling for eligible tickets affected by the earthquake. Procedures vary depending on whether you purchased through JR Kyushu, an online reservation service, EX services, or a travel agency.

Some individual hotels have also introduced temporary changes to their cancellation policies, so contact your accommodation if you are unsure about your reservation.

4. Recheck shortly before travel

Earthquake recovery is not static.

Railway sections may reopen, road restrictions may change, and bus operators may revise schedules.

Even if your trip looks straightforward today, check official transportation information again shortly before departure.

Travelism Tip

Do not make a travel decision from a general headline about “Kyushu” alone.

Some of the official updates used for this page are available only in Japanese, and the information is spread across prefectural tourism sites, railway operators, highway agencies, airports, and individual attractions. That can make it difficult for international travelers to see the full picture.

The most useful approach is to separate your trip into three questions:

What do the local authorities say about my destination?
Is every transportation segment I plan to use operating?
If something is disrupted, has an official alternative or replacement service been announced?

A destination can be operating normally while the most direct route to reach it is not. The reverse is also important: a serious disruption in one part of Kyushu does not mean that every destination on the island has the same conditions.

Use official local guidance as the basis for your decision, then consider your own travel dates, bookings, mobility, budget, and comfort level. If authorities restrict access or advise people to stay away from a location, follow that guidance.

For practical advice on earthquakes, emergency alerts, evacuation information, and other natural disasters in Japan, read:

Natural Disasters in Japan: What Every Traveler Should Know

Official Information

For the most up-to-date information, please refer to:

Earthquake and Kumamoto

Other Kyushu Destinations and Alternative Access

Frequently Asked Questions

Is all of Kyushu affected by the Kumamoto earthquake?

No. The most serious current transportation disruptions are concentrated in parts of Kumamoto and routes crossing southern Kumamoto.

Official tourism organizations in Oita, Fukuoka, Saga, Kagoshima, and Miyazaki report that many tourism and accommodation facilities are operating normally. However, long-distance transportation between regions may still be affected.

Is Beppu open after the Kumamoto earthquake?

Yes. Beppu’s official tourism website says the city has no earthquake damage and that transportation, accommodation, and tourist facilities are operating normally.

If you are driving during Obon, check road conditions because detour traffic may increase congestion on routes through Oita.

Is Yufuin open after the Kumamoto earthquake?

Yufuin remains open to visitors. Oita Prefecture says accommodation facilities across the prefecture are operating normally, and Yufuin’s official tourism website continues to list August events and accommodation information.

Check your specific transportation before departure, especially if you are driving during Obon.

Can I travel from Fukuoka to Kumamoto by Shinkansen?

Yes. Kyushu Shinkansen service between Hakata and Kumamoto is operating.

Some additional Sakura services are canceled during the Obon period, so check your specific train before departure.

Can I travel from Fukuoka to Kagoshima by Shinkansen?

Not by the usual through Shinkansen route.

The Kumamoto–Shin-Minamata section remains suspended. Service is operating between Hakata and Kumamoto and separately between Shin-Minamata and Kagoshima-Chuo.

Check JR Kyushu’s current information before choosing an alternative route.

What if I need to travel to Yatsushiro or Minamata?

Transportation options are more limited in southern Kumamoto. The Kumamoto–Shin-Minamata Shinkansen section and Uto–Yatsushiro on the Kagoshima Main Line remain suspended, and JR Kyushu has not yet announced a start date for replacement bus service between Uto and Yatsushiro.

If your itinerary depends on these sections, check JR Kyushu and local guidance before departure and consider changing the affected part of your itinerary if no confirmed alternative works for your travel dates.

Are there alternatives to the Shinkansen for traveling to Kagoshima?

Yes. Kagoshima Prefecture’s official tourism site lists alternative access depending on where you are coming from, including air travel from Fukuoka and the Kanto region and flights or ferry services from Kansai.

JAL is also operating extra flights between Fukuoka and Kagoshima, with additional services currently scheduled through August 19. Check availability and current schedules before changing your booking.

Is Kagoshima open to tourists?

Yes. Kagoshima Prefecture’s official tourism organization says accommodation and tourism facilities are operating normally.

The main issue is transportation access from northern Kyushu because parts of the Shinkansen and highway network through Kumamoto remain disrupted.

What should I check if I am traveling to Nagasaki?

Nagasaki Prefecture’s official tourism portal provides disaster and transportation information rather than a single prefecture-wide statement covering every attraction. Some individual facilities carried out earthquake-related safety checks and later reopened.

Check current transportation information and the official page for each major attraction in your itinerary before departure.

Is Miyazaki affected by the Kumamoto earthquake?

Tourism and accommodation facilities in Miyazaki are generally operating normally, as are local railways, regular buses, Miyazaki Airport, and Miyazaki Car Ferry.

However, some long-distance highway buses connecting Miyazaki with other parts of Kyushu remain suspended or are operating on modified routes.

How should I decide whether to change my Kyushu trip?

Start with the official guidance for your destination and every transportation segment in your itinerary. Conditions differ significantly across Kyushu.

If local authorities and transportation operators say your destination and route are operating normally, that is different from an itinerary that depends on a suspended railway or closed highway. Your final decision should also reflect your travel dates, bookings, mobility needs, budget, and comfort level.