Japan on the Cheap

The Japan Rail Pass Seishun 18 ticket is probably the cheapest way to see Japan. The special discount ticket allows visitors to travel remarkably cheaply. Tickets are issued to go with the seasons. The winter ticket, for example, is good for unlimited travel on any five days between Dec. 10 and Jan. 20. For 11,300 yen (about 118,000 won or $104), travelers receive five coupons, each of which can be used for one day on any of Japan Railway's ordinary trains or rapid trains and on any ferryboat between Miyajimaguchi and Miyajima Island.

The five travel days can be consecutive, but they do not have to be. Travelers can make as many stops as they like and get on and off the trains as often as they like on the travel days.

Japan Rail passes must be purchased outside of Japan. The national railroads of Japan and Korea will simultaneously receive and computerize reservations.Around the World Travel Agency (02-774-4114) offers an all-costs-included one-week trip that starts in Pusan and returns there.

The fare of 349,000 won includes a Seishun 18 ticket, tickets for the Bukwon Ferry and the ferry to Japan and a voucher for one day's accommodation at a Tokyo hotel. The price includes meals, entrance fees and maps.

Japan is usually a much more expensive place to visit.

by Kim Sae-joon