10 Great Day Trip Destinations From Sendai

Above, Sendai Station was featured in Godzilla and Gamera movies. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Years ago, I first heard of Sendai, Japan when discussing my dad's Army service during the Korean War with him. 

Before being sent to South Korea, he was stationed in Sendai as a military policeman (MP). I visited Sendai in 2006 and went to Godaido Temple at Matsushima where he posed for a photo in his MP uniform. I had a local take a photo of me at almost the same spot as my dad.

Above, Bansuitei Ikoiso Ryokan in Sendai. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

While in Sendai, I stayed at a ryokan (Japanese inn).

There are many things to see and do in Sendai and the surrounding area. I took a Matsushima Bay boat cruise during my visit.

Above, a Matsushima Bay islet. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Japan Experience has posted an article on 10 great day trip destinations from Sendai. 

They begin it with:

Sendai is the capital of Miyagi Prefecture and the largest city in the Tohoku Region. The city of Sendai itself encapsulates much of the major appeal of Japanese culture, but another great aspect is the medley of great day trips that are accessible from here! Take a look at 10 of our favorite spots that can be easily reached from Sendai for some unique adventures!

The city of Sendai, located in Miyagi Prefecture, is a destination that encapsulates Japan as a country—where a modern and sprawling cityscape is located upon the grounds of dynamic shogunate history with rich nature surrounding it. 

It is the largest city in the Tohoku Region that makes up the northern part of Honshu Island and is easily accessible from Tokyo, being only around a 2-hour Shinkansen bullet train ride from the Japanese capital. 

To read more, go here. 

Shinkansen At 60

Above, a bullet train pulls into Atami Station in 2015. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Did you know that last year the famous Shinkansen, or Bullet Train, in Japan turned 60?

Incredible as it may seem, the Shinkansen began Service in October 1964. 

I have taken rail trips on the Shinkansen from Sendai to Kyushu and points in-between. They have always been enjoyable and comfortable.

According to Travel and Tour World:

On October 1, 1964, just days before Tokyo hosted the Summer Olympics, Japan unveiled the world’s first high-speed rail service — the Shinkansen, also known as the bullet train. This sleek white marvel did more than cut travel times; it became a powerful symbol of Japan’s rapid post-war recovery and technological prowess, setting a global benchmark for rail innovation.

To read more, go here. 

Japan's Golden Week's Travel Bug

Above, yours truly at Godaido Temple in Matsushima in 2006.

Millions of Japanese are hitting the airports, train and bus stations to celebrate Golden Week.

I was in Japan during Golden Week back in 2006 and I remember how crowded the train stations got. I took a bullet train (Shinkansen) trip up to Sendai and Matsushima. 

According to the Asahi Shimbun:

Millions of Japanese started their Golden Week holidays by crowding train stations and airports as they headed to their holiday destinations and hometowns.

Overseas travel was out of the question for many people due to the weak yen.

Predictably, JR Tokyo Station was packed to the rafters as people started fleeing the capital April 27 to spend the holiday period with family members and friends.

Travel departures are expected to reach their peak on May 3, with return trips hitting their busiest on May 5 and 6, according to Japan Railway group companies. The Nozomi trains on Tokaido and Sanyo Shinkansen lines will operate with all seats reserved until May 6.

To read more, go here.

Japan In Spring

Above, Matsushima's Godaido Temple. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Around about now, it is cherry blossom season in Japan. I was able to see them back in 2006 during my bullet train trip to Sendai and Matsushima from Tokyo.

There are other things to see and do during springtime in Japan and Good Housekeeping has posted a guide to them.

They begin with:

With ski season in Hokkaido (the northernmost island) in full flow in winter, picturesque floral phenomena in spring, dazzling firework festivals in summer and fiery-red leaf displays in autumn, Japan is truly a year-round long-haul destination.

Japan's ever-popular cherry blossom season, when the sakura flowers come into bloom and decorate the country with delicate pink petals, does make springtime an obvious choice for visiting, however, and it wouldn't disappoint for those wanting to partake in hanami (the custom of admiring the beauty of the flowers).

But there's plenty more to spring in Japan than just cherry blossom, as you'll find out in this essential guide. From catching the plum blossom (there's not only cherry!) to colourful street parades, discover why spring is one of the best times to visit Japan. Be wary of busy Golden Week, though, about which we'll explain. Here's everything you need to know about Japan in spring... 

To read more, go here. 

Where To Travel In Japan Besides Tokyo

Above, a restaurant at Osaka's Dotonbori district. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

One of my eight trips to Japan was just confined to Tokyo. It was a short five-day trip, but I enjoyed it nonetheless.

I have been as far north (or east) as Sendai and far south (or west) as Kumamoto along with points in-between.

Yahoo! News has posted a list of places to travel to besides Tokyo.

They begin with:

Every few years, certain destinations emerge as major travel hotspots for American tourists. HuffPost recently asked travel experts to predict the most popular choices for 2024, and while many shared a variety of countries, cities, islands and other locales, a lot of them gave the same answer: Japan.

“The destination that comes to mind first for me is Japan,” said Sarah Firshein, head of editorial at Tripadvisor. “With travelers increasingly eager to spend their discretionary income on experiences and activities, I’m fully expecting Japan’s ancient temples, diverse cultures and communities, next-level food scene, and extraordinary art and architecture to be a huge draw in 2024.”

Of course, Tokyo is likely the first city that comes to mind when you think of travel to Japan. But with the growing tourist crowds, you might want to set your sights beyond the capital as well. Below, experts share the other amazing Japanese destinations they recommend.

To read more, go here. 

Japan Train Fares To Surge For Foreign Tourists

Above, Sendai Station. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Starting Sunday, October 1, the cost for JR Rail Passes will sharply increase for foreign visitors.

According to Nikkei Asia:

TOKYO -- The Japan Railways Group (JR Group) will sharply increase fares for foreign travelers under the Japan Rail Pass program for unlimited access to all JR trains, effective on Sunday.

Depending on how the pass is purchased, hikes will be 49% to 69% for economy-class train cars and 56% to 77% for first-class cars, called Green Cars.

At present, the over-the-counter price of the seven-day pass is roughly the same as the fare of a Tokyo-Osaka round trip aboard a bullet train, known in the country as shinkansen. The low fare has become possible "as a result of efforts to expand and upgrade services," the JR Group said.

But Japanese travelers have complained that the program unfairly favors foreign visitors.

The generous program started when prices were extremely high in Japan. Recently, however, it has become difficult to maintain the low prices because of a steep increase in the number of users. 

The surge of foreign visitors is causing other problems in Japan, to read further, go here. 

What It's Like To Stay In A Traditional Ryokan

Above, a ryokan room in Atami. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

When foreigners are allowed to vacation in Japan again (whenever that'll be), one thing they should try is staying at a traditional Japanese inn (or ryokan).

I've stayed at several ryokans over the years and enjoyed each one. 

TheTravel has an article on what it's like to stay at a ryokan.

They begin it with:

People enjoy visiting Japan for various reasons, including the country's major attractions and the unique activities that visitors can partake in there. However, one of the most vital things to look out for when visiting Japan is the type of accommodation to book, since that will help people plan their time in the country. For instance, Japan offers various accommodation options, including affordable B&B, modern hotels, and cozy guesthouses.

However, one of the perfect ways to enjoy a stay in Japan is to book a stay in a Ryokan. The latter is a traditional Japanese-style inn available throughout tourist spots in the country. Staying in a Ryokan is more than just booking accommodation. It could be the highlight of a trip to Japan, where it offers its visitors great hospitality with outstanding guest services.

Above, the entrance to a Sendai ryokan. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

To read more, go here. 

5 Days Exploring Tohoku With The JR East Pass

Above, a boat tour of Matsushima Bay's islets. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

One of the best things about being a foreign visitor to Japan are the JR Rail Passes, which allows for unlimited travel during a certain amount time (for example: 5 days).

Unfortunately, travel to Japan is verboten at present due to the pandemic. Eventually, things will open up again (when, is anyone's guess). But, since we all have plenty of time to plan ahead, this is something to take into consideration.

GaijinPot has posted an article on the JR East Pass. I used it back in 2006 to travel from Tokyo to the Tohoku region to visit Sendai and Matsushima. It came in handy and I saved some money using it.

They begin their article with:

The JR East Pass for the Tohoku region provides anyone holding a non-Japanese passport, including residents of Japan, five days of unlimited travel from Tokyo around the zone of the pass for just ¥20,000.

The pass provides huge savings to non-Japanese travelers, making it easier to explore this fascinating region of Japan when travel reopens. Earlier we gave you an itinerary to explore Akita, Aomori and Iwate, the three northern prefectures of Tohoku. Now, we’ve got a great itinerary introducing Tohoku’s three southern prefectures of Fukushima, Miyagi and Yamagata.

This is a chance to explore a bit of history and culture as well as plenty of lakes, mountains and ocean scenery. So daydream now and see it for yourself later.

To read more, go here. 

Great East Japan Earthquake 10th Anniversary

Above, some of the islets in Matsushima Bay that acted as buffers against the tsunami. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

It is now March 11 in Japan. 

This day marks the 10th anniversary of the Great East Japan Earthquake (a.k.a. Tohoku Earthquake).

At 14:46 hours in Japan (2:46 PM) and 9:46 PM March 10 in Los Angeles, the earthquake struck and then the massive tsunami hit the Tohoku region.

From Wikipedia:

The 2011 earthquake off the Pacific coast of Tōhoku occurred at 14:46 JST on 11 March. The magnitude 9.0–9.1 undersea megathrust earthquake had an epicenter east of the Oshika Peninsula of Tōhoku.  

15,899 deaths, +2 (Overseas), 6,157 injured, 2,529 people missing

Above, my dad at Godaido Temple in 1951.

I was working patrol that night in the Burbank Hills when I received a call (or text) from my supervisor telling me about the earthquake. He knew of my interest in Japan and I had brought him a Godzilla figure from my December 2010 trip to Japan. I immediately flipped on the radio to listen to the news reports coming from Japan. Hearing how bad the quake and tsunami were, I checked with some Japanese friends to see if their families and friends were okay. 

I had visited the Tohoku region of Japan in April 2006 to visit Sendai and Matsushima. My dad was briefly stationed there before being sent to South Korea during the Korean War. He had sent a photo of himself in his military police uniform in front of the Godaido Temple at Matsushima in 1951. I had a photo of myself taken at the same spot by one of the locals. Before having the photo taken, I had showed him the photo of my dad there. He found it fascinating.

Above, yours truly at Godaido Temple in 2006.

In the days that followed, I watched the news reports to see how Sendai and Matsushima fared during the earthquake and tsunami. Of particular interest to me was if Godaido Temple survived. Others online were wondering the same thing. 

After a while, we saw a photo (below) posted in a CNN News report showing Matsushima. Barely discernable was Godaido Temple. It withstood the quake and tsunami. Matsushima was lucky, for the tiny islets that dot the bay acted as buffers against the tsunami, so the temple and coastal buildings were spared the brunt with only some flooding.

Above, Godaido Temple following the tsunami (above and left of the word "next").

Sendai had some massive flooding, particularly at the airport, but it was able to recover. The ryokan I stayed at in 2006 is still in business. 

After the initial shock over the devastation, the world responded with aid and donations. My bank's ATM had a special screen feature for making donations for Tohoku earthquake and tsunami relief. I made a donation through this.

It was a night I certainly won't forget.

All Nippon Airways: ¥2,020 Flights To Tohoku

Above, Sendai Station. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

People heading to Japan this summer can get a real bargain while there.

Flights to and from Tohoku for only ¥2,020 ($18.49)!

Time Out Tokyo reported:

This summer, the world will be travelling to Japan for the Tokyo 2020 Olympics and Paralympics. Most travellers will hit up the traditional tourist route – Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka – but those looking to get off the beaten path should head up north to the Tohoku region.  

Good thing All Nippon Airways (ANA) will be offering cheap tickets at the symbolic price of just ¥2,020 for 18 domestic flights flying to and from Aomori, Odate Noshiro (in northern Akita), Akita, Shonai (in Yamagata), Sendai and Fukushima from July to September 2020. These flights are centred around Tohoku because ANA is hoping the campaign will raise awareness and improve reconstruction efforts in the areas affected by the 2011 earthquake and tsunami. 

Flight reservations start in spring.

To read more, go here. 

Japan's Most Impressive Castles

Above, now dry, one of the former moat of Osaka Castle. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

A trip to Japan isn't really complete without visiting at least one castle.

I've been to three of them: Osaka Castle, Nijo Castle (Kyoto) and the ruins of Sendai Castle.

Japan Cheapo has an article on the ten most impressive castles to visit in Japan.

They begin with:

When you think “castle”, the image of Rapunzel-esque European castles might come to mind—with imposing stone ramparts and tall towers at each corner. Japanese castles, on the other hand, stem from a completely different tradition. While they are surrounded by moats and tall stone walls, the main structures have always been constructed from wood. As a result, few structures have survived the great fires that swept cities during the times of the shoguns, the anti-feudal destruction of the late 19th century Meiji period, and the incendiary bombs dropped on Japan during World War II.  

 What makes a good castle? 

A small number of Japanese castles have survived the fires and turmoil and are more or less as they were during the castle building boom of the 16th and 17th centuries. However, most castles you see today are post–World War II reconstructions. Some were thrown up using steel reinforced concrete, while some of the reconstructions, from the 1980s, have been done using traditional construction techniques, faithful to those used in the 1600s. However, you can’t just dismiss the concrete reconstructions completely. Many are important historical reminders and have become icons of the cities in which they are located.

To read more, go here. 

Japan Cheapo: Guide To Matsushima

Above, a view of Matsushima Bay islets from a tour boat. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Thirteen years ago, I took a shinkansen from Tokyo to Sendai so I could visit the area where my dad was briefly stationed before being sent to South Korea during he Korean War. I spent a couple of days wandering around Matsushima and Sendai. After this, I headed back to Tokyo to attend the premiere of Gamera The Brave.

Above, my dad at Matsushima in 1951. 

One of the prized family photos is one of my dad standing in front of the Godaido Temple at Matsushima Bay in his MP uniform. During my visit, I had one of the locals take a similar photo of me.

Above, yours truly in front of Godaido temple in 2006.

During my visit to Matsushima, I took a boat tour of the bay, which included passing around the many tiny islets.

Japan Cheapo has a guide to Matsushima that should prove to be useful for first time visitors.

They begin it with:

A short train ride out of the city of Sendai lies Matsushima in Miyagi Prefecture. A small town on an island-dotted bay so beautiful that it rendered famous poet Matsuo Basho speechless. And not much left Basho lost for words: he managed a haiku about this gorgeous place, after all. Four hundred years later, Matsushima has lost none of its charms. Still considered one of the Three Great Views of Japan, the Bay of Pines rewards visitors with temples, bridges, caves and islands, with a view at every turn. In this article we explore the temple complex of Zuiganji, the island of Fukuurajima, and a one or two other drawcards.

To read more, go here. 

New Tohoku Campaign Launched

Above, Godaido temple at Matsushima. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Back in 2006, I took a trip up Honshu to visit Sendai and Matsushima to see where my dad was briefly stationed during the Korean War.

I found the scenery in Matsushima comparable to Carmel, California.

Now, the Japan National Tourism Organization is launching a campaign to showcase the Tohoku region of Japan.

According to Breaking Travel News:

The Japan National Tourism Organisation has announced the launch of a new website and video series dedicated to the Tohoku region, the hidden gem of northern Japan. 

The organisation worked with Nathan Thornburgh and Matt Goulding, founders of travelogue and publishing house, Roads & Kingdoms, to produce a series of captivating videos which showcase the breadth and depth of the region. 

“Nathan Thornburgh and Matt Goulding’s style of journalism is extremely unique, as are the wonders of Japan’s Tohoku region,” said Keita Kadowaki, executive director of the Japan National Tourism Organisation in Los Angeles.

To read more, go here. 

Sendai: Getting There and Staying

Above, the statue of Date Masamune at the site of Sendai Castle. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Sendai, Japan is a city northeast of Tokyo that had some kaiju activity in the movies.

In 1993, Fire Rodan made a flyover the city (specifically, over Sendai Station) and Gamera and Legion had a battle there in 1996. I spent a few days there in 2006 and explored the city and nearby Matsushima Bay. I was drawn there as my dad was briefly stationed there before moving on to Korea during the Korean War.

Above, Sendai Station, "visited" by Fire Rodan, Gamera and Legion. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Japan Info Swap has an article on getting to Sendai and staying there.

They begin with:

Located about 350 km (220 mi) to the northeast of Tokyo, the City of Sendai makes for a very pleasant getaway from the hustle and bustle of the Metropolis and due to its position on the Shinkansen “bullet train” network, along with various air and bus options along with low prices for attractions and hotels compared to their Tokyo and Kyoto counterparts, provides for either a quick day trip all the way to a week-long jaunt for those looking to check out a bit of the Japan “less seen” by the average tourist — both foreign and domestic. Nature, history, culture, and modernity are all on display.

To read more, go here.

Is The Japan Rail Pass Worth It?

Above, a shinkansen arrives at Atami Station. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

People planning a trip to Japan often wonder if they should get a Japan Rail Pass.

It depends if one is just going to hang out in Tokyo and, maybe, visit some close-by places such as Kamakura or Yokohama or go further to places as Hiroshima, Osaka, Kyoto, Fukuoka or Sendai.

Three years ago, we traveled from Tokyo to Atami and, from there, to Kyoto and Osaka. I bought the seven-day Japan Rail Pass for the trip and saved money. We also used it for commuter trains to go back and forth between Kyoto and Osaka.

Above, a JR Yamanote Line train in Tokyo. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Since the Rail Pass was still valid after returning to Tokyo, we used it for some commutes within the city. It can be used for the JR Yamanote trains, for example.

Kyo Tours Japan has an article that explains how the Japan Rail Pass will save visitors money and won't.

They begin with:

Questions about the Japan Rail Pass come up all the time when communicating with guests during the planning phase of their Japan vacation. The Rail Pass is a fairly well publicized element of Japan travel, but it can be a bit daunting when trying to figure out travel plans and rail prices in Japan. 

So is the Rail Pass worth it? That depends on a number of factors: the route that you’ll be taking through the country, where you’ll be flying in and out of, and how long you’ll be here. However, it’s almost always a worthwhile investment. Here are some tips, info, and sample itineraries that lay out the exact nature of the savings that can be had if you opt for the Rail Pass.

To read more, go here. 

9 Vacations To Help-Rebuild Japan's Disaster Hit Regions

Above, Godaido temple in Matsushima. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Several areas of Japan had been struck by severe earthquakes initially struggled to repair attractions and tourist facilities or were able to re-open relatively fast. But the tourists did not come.

Gaijnpot.com has an article on nine vacations people can take in these areas to help them rebuild their tourism industry.

The article begins with:

On a whole, these days tourism in Japan has never looked healthier. At the same time, some of the country’s outlying areas have faced their own set of tourism challenges. Following the March 2011 earthquake and tsunami that ripped apart the Tohoku region, many of the region’s cities faced double devastation, as much of the area’s tourism industry was also heavily affected. 

Something similar happened in Kyushu two years ago, when, in April 2016, an earthquake shocked Kumamoto leaving much of the area in rubble. Tourism forecasts there are not looking much better. 

Now — seven years after the Tohoku quake and two years after the Kumamoto temblor — the areas have shown an unbelievable level of resilience, and in terms of tourism plenty of the areas are back in action. However what they need now is an injection of tourism, which is why both areas are well worth exploring on your next Japan adventure. 

Above, Bansuitei Ikoiso Ryokan in Sendai. I stayed there in 2006. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

To read more, go here. 

Cheap Ways To Get To Sendai From Tokyo

Above, Sendai Station. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Back in 2006, I took a trip to Sendai from Tokyo to see the city and nearby Matsushima where my dad was briefly stationed during the Korean War.

At the time, I used a JR Rail Pass to get there and back aboard a shinkansen.

There are other alternatives for travel to Sendai and Tokyo Cheapo has an article covering them all.

They begin with:

Situated about 350km northeast of Tokyo, Sendai is the capital of Miyagi Prefecture and the gateway to the Tohoku region. Though over a million people call Sendai home, the city is one of the most under-appreciated in Japan. It’s known as the transit point for trips to Matsushima—the famous bay of pines, as well as many other scenic spots. However, Sendai itself has plenty to offer travelers, including giant Buddhist statues, shrines, temples, shopping, historical sites, museums and more. The summer Tanabata festival is one of the best nationwide, and the way the zelkova-lined boulevards light up in winter is metcha magical. Here’s how to get from Tokyo to Sendai to see all the things for yourself.

For you kaiju fans, Sendai Station was featured in Gamera 2 and Godzilla vs. Mechagodzilla II and is covered in The Monster Movie Fan's Guide To Japan.

To read more, go here. 

Matsushima Bay: Scenic Views and Oysters

Above, three Matsushima Bay islets. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

One of the most scenic places I've ever visited in Japan was Matsushima Bay in the Tohoku region of Japan.

I went there in 2006 to see where my dad was briefly during the Korean War.

Matsushima has often been compared to Carmel, California for scenic beauty and it is easy to see why.

CNN Travel has an article (with photographs) on Matsushima. But the focus is not the scenery this time, but something else: oysters. During the boat tour of Matsushima Bay we passed many oyster beds. Matsushima is a short commuter train ride from Sendai Station (Sendai Station was featured in Gamera 2 and Godzilla vs. Mechagodzilla II).

The article begins with:

(CNN) — It's a chilly Saturday afternoon in February and temperatures are creeping just above the freezing mark -- a time of year when most seaside destinations are devoid of leisure travelers. 

But this is Matsushima, one of the fabled "Nihon Sankei" -- or "Three Views of Japan" -- and it's buzzing with tourists. 

Its fame dates back a few hundred years, to Japan's Edo period, when a Confucius scholar named Hayashi Gahō traveled the country by foot. 

In 1643 he published a book based on his journey in which called out three destinations that, in his eyes, offered incredible scenic beauty -- Amanohashidate, Miyajima and, you guessed it, Matsushima. 

It's easy to see why he deemed this little fishing town in Japan's Miyagi prefecture as worthy of inclusion. 

More than 260 tiny, pine tree-covered islands dot the waters of Matsushima Bay, creating a scene that's been the muse of dozens of Japanese poets and artists through the ages. 

More recently, in 2013 it was inducted into the France-based "Most Beautiful Bays in the World" club. 

But the winter visitors we've spotted are not just here for scenic views. They're more interested in the beautiful creatures being cultivated below the surface of the bay's blue waters: Oysters.

To read more, go here. 

Miyagi Tourism Video Decried As "Sexually Suggestive"

Above, the statue of Date Masamune at the site of Sendai Castle. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

A travel promotional video for Miyagi Prefecture has some female councillors up in arms.

According to the South China Morning Post:

Seven female members of the Miyagi prefectural assembly on Friday asked the governor of the northeastern Japan prefecture to remove a tourism promotion video it is using on the internet, claiming it portrays women as sex objects. 

The video, featuring a well-known model and actress in a kimono, showcases attractions and tourist spots in the prefecture but also contains some sexually suggestive scenes, including one in which the camera zooms in on her parting lips.

I saw the video (it is posted below) and I didn't see anything offensive about it. It spotlights Sendai (the statue of Date Masamune is featured) and Matsushima.

To read more, go here.

Here's the video (you be the judge):

Go From One End of Japan To The Other For Under $25

Above, Atami Station, one of the transfer stops in the article. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

During my travels to Japan over the years, I have been as far north as Sendai and far south as Kumamoto, Kyushu by train. But these treks have not been during the same trip.

However, if one wants to go from one end of Japan to another (even to another island), visitors can do so for under $25.00 each.

You may wonder, how is this possible? RocketNews 24 has the answer in an article.

They wrote:

For the price of a couple beers in a Tokyo bar, you can go all the way from the eastern capital to the southwestern island of Kyushu. 

When someone says “Time is money,” it’s usually to encourage someone to hurry up, so as not to waste economic resources. However, sometimes that exchange works in reverse, and you can find some incredible bargains if you’re willing to spend some extra time. 

For example Japan Railways, the largest train operator in Japan, offers something called the Seishun 18 Ticket package, which is a bundle of five tickets that each grant you unlimited use of unreserved seats on JR local and rapid (though not limited express) trains. 

While seishun is the Japanese word for “youth,” there’s no age restriction for the Seishun 18 ticket. What’s more, even though the Seishun 18 Ticket is sold as a set of five for 11,850 yen (US$107), they don’t have to all be used by the same person. As such, a single Seishun 18 Ticket works out to just 2,370 yen (US$21), and it turns out that’s enough to get you all the way from Tokyo, near the eastern edge of Japan, to Fukuoka Prefecture, located on the southwestern island of Kyushu.

To read more, go here.