My Solo Adventure with the Seishun 18 Ticket
I recently took a solo trip across Japan using the Seishun 18 Ticket.
I traveled from Osaka to Nagoya by limited express train and then activated the ticket, which allows unlimited travel on local and rapid JR trains for three days. Since limited express trains cannot be used with the pass, the journey was all about slowing down and enjoying the ride
Day 1 – Hamamatsu, Fuji, and Numazu
My first stop was Hamamatsu, where I enjoyed one of the city's specialties: grilled eel. The eel was thick, tender, and delicious—a perfect start to the trip.
I then continued to Fuji City and visited a shopping street famous for its view of Mount Fuji at the end of the road. It was a great spot for photographs.
Later, I arrived in Numazu. From the coast near the Senbon Matsubara Pine Grove, I was able to enjoy another beautiful view of Mount Fuji. For dinner, I treated myself to sushi made with locally caught seafood, which was incredibly fresh.
After a full day of travel and sightseeing, I spent the night in Numazu.
Day 2 – Mito and Hitachi
My destination on the second day was Hitachi, but first I stopped in Mito to visit Kairakuen Garden, one of Japan's Three Great Gardens.
Before heading to the garden, I took a photo of the statue of Mito Koumon, a historical figure made famous by a long-running Japanese television drama.
Although Kairakuen was quieter than I expected because it was the off-season, the visit was still worthwhile. The highlight was Koubuntei, the historic building Tokugawa Nariaki built. I learned that he once invited elderly retainers and citizens to gatherings there to honor them, which gave me a glimpse of his character.
I was also fascinated by an old mechanism that functioned like a small elevator, carrying meals to the upper floor.
After leaving Mito, I continued to Hitachi. In the evening, I returned to the station area to dine at a glass-walled restaurant overlooking the Pacific Ocean. The weather was cloudy, but the view was still relaxing.
That night, I stayed at a hotel near the station and rested for the next stage of the journey.
Day 3 – Futaba, Tagajo, and Sendai
On the third day, I left Hitachi for Sendai. Along the way, I discovered the Great East Japan Earthquake and Nuclear Disaster Memorial Museum in Futaba and decided to stop unexpectedly.
This turned out to be one of the highlights of the entire trip.
Even though it was a Saturday, there were surprisingly few visitors. I hope more people will visit, because the museum preserves the memories and lessons of the 2011 disaster.
One of the most moving experiences was listening to a storyteller who had been a sixth-grade student living in Tomioka at the time of the earthquake and nuclear accident. He explained how many residents evacuated believing they would return home within a few days, taking very few belongings with them. Instead, they spent years moving between evacuation centers, unable to return home.
His story made the disaster feel much more personal and real.
After visiting the museum, I continued to Sendai. Another goal of my trip was to visit Tagajo, one of the most important historical sites in northern Japan.
Historical figures such as Otomo no Yakamochi and Sakanoue no Tamuramaro once served there. Standing in the same place where they had stood centuries ago was a memorable experience. I also managed to photograph the famous Tagajo Monument, a National Treasure of Japan.
As evening approached, I returned to the Sendai area and spent the night at a comfortable hotel with a large public bath and complimentary breakfast.
The Ferry Journey Home
The final highlight of my trip was a voyage aboard the Taiheiyo Ferry from Sendai to Nagoya.
It had been nearly forty years since my last ship journey, so I was a little concerned about seasickness. A low-pressure system was approaching Japan, and a typhoon was lingering to the south. Fortunately, the trip was far more comfortable than I expected.
I stayed in an S-Class Berth, which included a bed and a personal TV. During the voyage, I watched movies and dramas, enjoyed onboard events, and relaxed in the large public bath. Feeling the bathwater move gently with the waves was a unique experience.
Although the ship was said to have encountered rough seas overnight, I slept through it without any problem. By morning, the ocean was calm, and I enjoyed breakfast while watching the view outside.
The ferry arrived in Nagoya at 10:30 a.m. From there, I took a Kintetsu Limited Express back to Osaka.
Looking back, this journey offered much more than train travel. I enjoyed local food, beautiful views of Mount Fuji, historic sites, and meaningful visits to places connected with both Japan's ancient past and its recent history. The ferry voyage provided the perfect ending.
Sometimes it is nice to slow down and travel at a different pace.
Comments