JR Group Launches Winter Seishun 18 and Hokkaido Shinkansen Ticket Options
The JR Group is launching special travel options for the winter season, including the popular “Seishun 18 Ticket” and the “Seishun 18 Ticket Hokkaido Shinkansen Option Ticket.” These passes offer extensive travel opportunities across various JR lines, catering to both residents and tourists.
Seishun 18 Ticket Features
The “Seishun 18 Ticket” allows unlimited travel on non-reserved ordinary cars across JR lines, Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) systems, and even the JR West Miyajima Ferry. This ticket comes in two variants:
- 5-Day Ticket: 12,050 yen
- 3-Day Ticket: 10,000 yen
The valid dates for these tickets are as follows:
- Spring: March 1 – April 10
- Summer: July 18 – September 8
- Winter: December 11 – January 11, 2027
Sales for these tickets will commence on:
- March 1 for Spring
- July 18 for Summer
- November 27 for Winter
Tickets can be purchased at major JR stations, JR travel centers, and various travel agencies throughout Japan.
Travel Limitations and Special Exceptions
While the Seishun 18 Ticket generally does not cover Shinkansen and express trains, there are specific exceptions. Passengers can use vacant reserved seats on limited express trains between:
- Shintoku and Shinyubari stations (Sekisho Line)
- Higashi-Muroran and Muroran stations (Muroran Line)
It is also valid for non-reserved ordinary cars on selected routes, including:
- Aomori to Shin-Aomori (Ou Main Line)
- Haiki to Sasebo (Sasebo Line)
- Miyazaki Airport to Miyazaki stations (Miyazaki Airport Line)
Pass-Through Travel Options
The ticket allows pass-through travel on various regional railways, including:
- Aoimori Railway: Aomori to Hachinohe
- Ainokaze Toyama Railway: Toyama to Kurikara
- IR Ishikawa Railway: Kurikara to Tsubata
- Hapi-Line Fukui: Echizen-Hanando to Tsuruga
Hokkaido Shinkansen Option Ticket
For those looking to explore Hokkaido, the “Seishun 18 Ticket Hokkaido Shinkansen Option Ticket” is available. This add-on ticket allows travel on:
- Hokkaido Shinkansen from Shin-Aomori to Kikonai
- South Hokkaido Railway from Kikonai to Goryokaku
The price for this option is 4,650 yen, making it an excellent addition for those wanting to explore this beautiful region.
With these travel passes, the JR Group enhances the experience for rail travelers looking for convenience and flexibility during the winter season.
