Around Japan with the Youth 18

Filed in archive Budget Asia on October 24, 2007

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Although Japan is not really one of the top destinations for budget travelers due to it's high cost of living. Little do people know, that there is also an economical way of seeing the sights of Japan with the Seishun Juu-Hatchi Kippu.

Seishun Ju-Hachi Kippu, is literally translated as the "Youth 18 Ticket" (it is not limited to this age group), is the cheapest way to go around Japan. For just JPY 11,500 (or around U$100), you can go around Japan for 5-days of unlimited travel. Ticket holders can travel through Japan using the local, rapid and super/special rapid trains which are mostly used for regional trips.

This ticket is best for travelers who have lots of time in their hands since you would have to spend quite some time hopping from one regional train to the other. Unlike the Japan Rail Pass, Youth 18 Ticket holders are not allowed to use super express, limited express, express and all trains in the Schinkansen (bullet train) network.

One should also take into account that the Youth 18 Ticket is not sold and used throughout the year. So if you're planning on exploring Japan with the ticket, then you have to take note of the schedules:

Ticket Sale for

Spring 20th February - 31st March
Summer 1st July - 31st August
Winter December - 10th January

Validity

Spring 1st March - 10th April
Summer 20th July - 10th September
Winter 10 December - 20th January