JR Group Unveils Winter Seishun 18 and Hokkaido Shinkansen Ticket Options

JR Group Unveils Winter Seishun 18 and Hokkaido Shinkansen Ticket Options

The JR Group has announced exciting travel options for the winter season. These options include the beloved “Seishun 18 Ticket” and the accompanying “Seishun 18 Ticket Hokkaido Shinkansen Option Ticket.” Both passes provide extensive travel possibilities across various JR lines, appealing to residents and tourists alike.

Seishun 18 Ticket Features

The Seishun 18 Ticket offers unlimited travel on non-reserved ordinary cars throughout JR lines, Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) systems, and the JR West Miyajima Ferry. There are two ticket variants available:

  • 5-Day Ticket: 12,050 yen
  • 3-Day Ticket: 10,000 yen

Valid Dates

The tickets can be used during specific periods:

  • Spring: March 1 – April 10
  • Summer: July 18 – September 8
  • Winter: December 11 – January 11, 2027

Sales Commencement

Ticket sales begin on the following dates:

  • March 1 for Spring
  • July 18 for Summer
  • November 27 for Winter

Customers can purchase these tickets at major JR stations, JR travel centers, and various travel agencies across Japan.

Travel Limitations and Special Exceptions

While the Seishun 18 Ticket typically excludes Shinkansen and express trains, there are notable exceptions. Passengers can utilize vacant reserved seats on limited express trains between:

  • Shintoku and Shinyubari stations (Sekisho Line)
  • Higashi-Muroran and Muroran stations (Muroran Line)

The ticket is valid for non-reserved ordinary cars on selected routes, which include:

  • 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 Seishun 18 Ticket facilitates 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 travelers eager to visit Hokkaido, the “Seishun 18 Ticket Hokkaido Shinkansen Option Ticket” is a valuable addition. It allows travel on:

  • Hokkaido Shinkansen from Shin-Aomori to Kikonai
  • South Hokkaido Railway from Kikonai to Goryokaku

This option is priced at 4,650 yen, making it an excellent choice for those wishing to explore Hokkaido’s stunning landscapes.

With these travel passes, the JR Group significantly enhances the experience for rail travelers seeking convenience and flexibility during the winter season.