Seishun 18 Train Ticket Japan

Brad on a Japanese train.

Knowing that we've got a few longer leg trips and being as money is more of a concern then speed and being as were in Japan during the spring, we thought we’d try the Seishun 18 train ticket. It’s a special promotion that’s run three times per year. One ticket costs 11,500 yen and allows travel for five days, no matter how far or how many trains are taken during that day. The ticket can also be split between friends allowing two people to use one ticket — they'll just stamp it for each person traveling that day.

We used Hyperdia to check timetables. After entering your station information, click “SearchDetails” and unselect the Airplane, Airport Shuttle Bus, Bullet Train (SHINKANSEN), NOZOMI / MIZUHO / HAYABUSA (SHINKANSEN), Limited Express and Express options.

If you decide to get lunch or otherwise get off schedule, just ask the conductor on the train. They'll walk through the train periodically and have a book with timetables.

Sleeping on a Japanese train.

We took the train from Osaka to Fukuoka — things were not as I expected. First, let it be known that I love trains and overall the experience was good. But there are some things I wish I’d have known before leaving. I assumed that there would be assigned seating like trains I've taken in the US and Thailand but these were commuter trains (think subway trains), there were toilets on the train but no food. I didn't know which station to stop for dinner and chose Iwakuni since we were changing trains there. There was one restaurant within walking distance of the station …it wasn't great.

If you're going to use the Seishun 18 ticket, know your timetable and plan better than I did for meals.

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