Country Article / Postcards
Japan's SJK Trains Lets You Travel One of the World's Most Expensive Countries for $20
Date: 06/12/2007
Take the slow train from Tokyo to Kobe to admire Japan's coastal scenery.
Year after year, Japan is cited as one of world's most expensive countries, yet there are extraordinary bargains to be found: I traveled from Tokyo all the way to Kobe, in western Japan, for the price of two movie tickets, on a Seishun Juuhachi Kippu (SJK) ticket.
SJK tickets-bought in bundles of five-give one-day unlimited travel on Japan's trains excluding express or "bullet" trains. This great bargain is available during Spring, Summer, and Winter vacation periods only.
Our journey began just outside Tokyo, where four friends and I took the JR Tokaido train from Fujisawa station heading toward western Japan. We each snagged a seat and enjoyed the seaside view as the train sped along Japan's east coast, past beaches and hillside homes. On the way, I was even able to snap a breathtaking photo of the iconic Mt. Fuji.
If you're a night owl, there are some rapid night trains for which you can also use the SJK. These are called "Moonlight" trains and are available in various parts of the country. This is a great way to save time and money, since you travel at night and don't spend any money on a hotel.
I strongly recommend you make an itinerary prior to traveling, since you will likely have to change trains a few times. Also, in certain rural areas of Japan, local train service is infrequent. You can find Japan train schedules on websites such as Hyperdia.com or by contacting a Japan Railways (JR) office in Japan.
The beauty of the SJK deal was we had the freedom to stop, enjoy the scenery, and get something to eat, making our journey considerably more interesting and comfortable.
Arin Vahanian
For International Living
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P.S. For more information see these websites:
JR East website (in English)
Japan-Guide info on the SJK
Hyperdia Train Timetable
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