I remember the first time I heard about 青春18 きっぷ (Seishun 18 Ticket). It was from a friend who was planning a trip to Japan. He told me that it was a pass that allowed you to travel on all JR trains for 18 days for only 12,050 yen (about $110). I was immediately intrigued. I had always wanted to travel around Japan, but I had always been put off by the cost of train tickets.
I decided to do some research on the 青春18 きっぷ. I found out that it is a seasonal pass that is only available during the spring and summer months. It is also only available to people between the ages of 12 and 25. I was 24 at the time, so I was just barely eligible.
I decided to buy the pass and use it to travel around Japan for two weeks. I started my trip in Tokyo and traveled to Kyoto, Osaka, Hiroshima, and Fukuoka. I took a variety of trains, including the bullet train, the local train, and the sleeper train. I saw some of the most beautiful scenery in Japan, and I met some amazing people along the way.
One of my favorite experiences was taking the overnight sleeper train from Tokyo to Kyoto. I had never slept on a train before, but it was actually very comfortable. I slept in a private compartment, and I had access to a bathroom and a shower. I woke up in the morning to see the sun rising over the Japanese countryside. It was a truly magical experience.
Another highlight of my trip was visiting the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park. I learned about the atomic bombing of Hiroshima and its devastating effects. I was deeply moved by the stories of the survivors, and I left the park with a new appreciation for peace.
I also had the opportunity to experience some of Japan's traditional culture. I visited a tea ceremony, a sumo wrestling match, and a Japanese bathhouse. I learned about Japanese history, art, and religion. I came away from my trip with a much deeper understanding of Japanese culture.
The 青春18 きっぷ is an amazing way to travel around Japan. It is affordable, convenient, and it gives you the freedom to explore at your own pace. I highly recommend it to anyone who is planning a trip to Japan.
Here are some tips for using the 青春18 きっぷ: