Winter Hokkaido to Aomori by JR Seishun 18 Ticket: Relax in Dormy Inn Aomori’s Awatuki no Yu Natural Hot Springs

※This article is a multilingual auto-translation based on the Japanese text
English（English）/Chinese（中文（简体））/Korean（한국어）/Thai（แบบไทย）

If you love traveling, you’re probably familiar with the “Seishun 18 Ticket,” which is being renewed!

The “Seishun 18 Ticket” is a special pass that grants unlimited rides on JR local and rapid trains (ordinary cars, non-reserved seats) across Japan, the BRT (Bus Rapid Transit) system, and even the JR West Miyajima Ferry. It’s typically sold during long vacation periods like summer and winter breaks, making it a must-have item for rail travel enthusiasts.

This time, we’ll introduce how to make the most of the renewed “Seishun 18 Ticket” on a winter trip to Hokkaido. We’ll cover what’s new compared to the traditional ticket, money-saving tips, and recommended hotels to unwind after your journey.

What’s New with the “Seishun 18 Ticket”

For winter 2024, three major updates have been made to the “Seishun 18 Ticket.”

① Compatibility with Automated Ticket Gates

Previously, you had to show your ticket to a station attendant at a manned gate, but now most stations support automated ticket gates, allowing smoother travel.

② Change in Usage Period

Under the old system, you could choose “5 days for one person” or “1 day for five people,” but the renewal removes the multi-person option. Each ticket must now be purchased for one person only.
This time, in addition to the existing 5-day option, a new 3-day option has been introduced.

③ Expanded Coverage Area

The “Seishun 18 Ticket Hokkaido Shinkansen Option” coverage has been expanded from “Okutsugaru-Imabetsu to Kikonai” to “Shin-Aomori to Kikonai.”
This option ticket now allows you to use the Hokkaido Shinkansen starting from Shin-Aomori!
You can get off at Shin-Aomori Station on the Shinkansen and continue your journey.

Prices and Periods for the “Seishun 18 Ticket [Winter]”

3-Day Pass

Price: ¥10,000

・Sales period: November 26, 2024 (Tue) – January 8, 2025 (Wed)
・Usage period: December 10, 2024 (Tue) – January 10, 2025 (Fri)
※Tickets sold until departures on January 8, 2025 (Wed)

5-Day Pass

Price: ¥12,050

・Sales period: November 26, 2024 (Tue) – January 6, 2025 (Mon)
・Usage period: December 10, 2024 (Tue) – January 10, 2025 (Fri)
※Tickets sold until departures on January 6, 2025 (Mon)

Seishun 18 Ticket Hokkaido Shinkansen Option

Price: ¥4,500

Recommended Routes Using the “Seishun 18 Ticket”

Here are some recommended routes to fully enjoy winter in Hokkaido with the “Seishun 18 Ticket”⛄

1. Sapporo → Otaru → Hakodate

From Sapporo, head to Otaru and stroll along the canal. Warm up with soup at a canal-side café or browse glassware shops.

After exploring, transfer to the Hakodate Main Line and travel to Hakodate.
From Mount Hakodate, enjoy the “Million Dollar Night View” of the sparkling cityscape. At the morning market, savor fresh seafood rice bowls, and visit Hakodate Hachiman Shrine for a touch of history.

2. Asahikawa → Furano → Biei

From Asahikawa, transfer to the Furano Line and head to Furano, famous for its lavender fields.
In winter, the snow-covered lavender fields are especially magical.
The rolling hills of Biei offer picturesque landscapes that resemble paintings when dusted with snow. In Furano and Biei, you can also enjoy famous Hokkaido dishes like soup curry and jingisukan (grilled mutton)!

3. Kushiro → Abashiri

Visit Kushiro Shitsugen National Park and take in the vast marshland from the Kushiro Wetland Observatory. In winter, the snow-covered wetlands create a stunning contrast.

Explore the Abashiri Prison Museum to delve into history. In Abashiri, you can also experience drift ice tours—walk on the drift ice or take an icebreaker cruise to see the ice up close.

“Natural Hot Spring Awatuki no Yu Dormy Inn Aomori”

After enjoying winter in Hokkaido, ride the “Seishun 18 Ticket” to Aomori!
After the freezing cold, you’ll want a hot spring, right? ♨

This time, we introduce “Natural Hot Spring Awatuki no Yu Dormy Inn Aomori,” which opened in July 2023, just a 10-minute walk from Aomori Station.

Among business hotels, Dormy Inn is beloved by many fans. Indulge in the brand’s signature attention to detail and charm, and let your travel fatigue melt away✨

Top-Floor Natural Hot Spring “Awatuki no Yu”

The local Oikonogi Hot Spring is a silky alkaline simple spring that leaves your skin smooth♨
The self-löyly dry sauna is a paradise for sauna lovers✨

All-You-Can-Eat Local Cuisine Breakfast

In addition to the usual Dormy Inn menu, you can enjoy the local specialty “Mettara-don”🐟

The word “mettara” in the Aomori dialect means “delicious.” The toppings change seasonally, so you can load up on your favorites✨

Luxurious Beds for a Restful Sleep

Sleep soundly on Simmons pocket coil mattresses, renowned for enhancing sleep quality.

Conclusion

With the renewed “Seishun 18 Ticket,” enjoy more freedom on your winter Hokkaido adventure!

After your journey with the “Seishun 18 Ticket,” nothing beats relaxing in a cozy hotel—soak in local hot springs or savor regional cuisine to complete your trip. The cold may keep you indoors, but take a step outside to refresh yourself with nature!