The cheapest way to travel in Japan
Unlimited JR Rail Network Train Ticket (for Regular Trains)
Everyone wants to know how to save moolah on their trip to Japan and even the people living here! This tip is available for both travelers and locals.
The Seishun 18 is a train ticket that offers unlimited travel across the entire country on the JR train network for 5 days of travel for just 12,050 yen! That works out to just 2,410 yen per day.
Where can it be used?
From Hokkaido to Kyushu on the “regular trains” on the map below.
When to buy?
There are three periods per year when this is available to buy and travel.
Spring: Travel Mar 1 to Apr 10 Buy Feb 20 to Mar 31
Summer: Travel July 20 to Sept 10 Buy July 1 to Aug 31
Winter: Travel Dec 10 to Jan 10 Buy Dec 1 to Dec 31
Where to buy?
Reserved seat ticket vending machines at the major JR East stations, JR ticket offices, and JR East Travel service centers.
Who can use the Seishin 18?
Anyone!
Can it be shared?
Yes! You can buy 5 tickets and divide the tickets between people. All can be used on the same day or on different days.
Does it need to be used on consecutive days?
No. The tickets can be used any day within the travel period noted above.
This all sounds great! What’s the catch??
The ticket covers all non-reserved seats in ordinary cars on ordinary or rapid trains on any JR line in Japan. It EXCLUDES SHINKANSEN AND LIMITED EXPRESS TRAINS. This means travel will take more time with more connections and changing trains.
There might also be some extra planning involved but I would recommend to speak to the station staff who are usually very helpful.
Who is this recommended for?
People that wish to save money over time and train enthusiasts. It’s also a great way to see things a little off the conventional and more direct path.
How much money will I save using Seishun 18?
This is an example from the JR East website:
5-person group trip from Tokyo to Nikko
The round-trip fare for 5 adults using JR trains (Tokyo Station to Nikko Station) is about ¥26,000.
If you use a Seishun 18, the fare for the above trip is ¥12,050.
How does the Seishun 18 compare to the JR Pass?
JR Pass Cost = 7 consecutive days (least days avail.) 29,650 yen or 4,235 yen. The Seishun 18 is 12,050 yen or 2,410 yen per day which is a little more than double.
The biggest difference is that the JR Pass includes Shinkansen. It also has rail passes for 7, 14, and 21 days. However, unlike the Seishin 18, the JR Pass must be used on consecutive days and cannot be shared with other people.
Also, from October 2023, the JR Pass prices will be increasing up to 77%! This makes the Seishun 18 an even more interesting option for those looking to save money.
JR Pass or Seishun 18?
If your priority is time then the JR Pass would be for you.
JR Pass discount
I have a 5% discount link on Klook (MATTGUY5OFF) if you would like to save a little more on a JR Rail Pass. Check out the link HERE.
Happy travels!
Matt :)
