When you say rail travel, almost always people think of taking the Eurail. Not many have considered traveling by rail around Japan.

Sure, rail travel in Japan may just be the most expensive, in comparison to rail travel everywhere else in the world. But just like European Trains, Japan Railways also have budget tickets, Japan Rail Passes or Seishun 18 kippu.

Seishun 18 kippus lets you travel local trains freely. It costs around 11,500yen. A ticket (or sheet) can be used for 5 days, consecutive days or not. 1 day is counted as 24 hours, from 00am to midnight the next day. When translated, the name "Seishun 18 kippu" means "Youth 18 ticket". But, technically, this ticket can be used by anyone, not just the youth. Note, though, that this kind of ticket is seasonal. It can only be used during the vacation seasons.

As for Japan Rail Passes, which -- like the Eurail -- can only be bought by foreigners or those who live outside the country, you have the option of getting: a Japan Rail Pass, JR East Pass, Hokkaido Rail Pass, JR West Rail Pass and/or a JR Kyushu Rail Pass.

Japan Rail Passes are valid for travel on all trains, except on the Nozomi. You can also use it to travel using the bus run by JR companies and on the JR Miyajima ferry . You can buy: 7 days for 28,300yen, 14 days for 45,100yen, 21 days for 57,700yen.

Don't know which rail pass to get? Check this site and compare it against your travel itinerary.