OTA Takashi wrote:
> declan_murphy wrote:
> > If you are already in Japan then you won't be eligible for the
> > railpass. Use the seishunjuuhachikippu (青春18きっぷ) instead.
>
> Seishunjuuhachikippu (青春18きっぷ) is not available in June.
> You could use it from July 20th to September 10th in summer season
> (while you could get it from July 1st to August 31st.)

Yes. Another option for the OP if travelling before July 20th would be
the highway buses. Cheaper than the shink, and sometimes surprisingly
quick. Nagoya to say, Niigata by bus is 6 hours at around 8000 yen.
Going to Niigata by shinkansen is 4 hours plus and 18150 yen.