day trip suggestions using seishun 18 kippu

hi!

I "bought" one pass from a friend's seishun 18 kippu (he already used the other 4), for 2000 yen, and I was wondering if anyone has suggestions how can I use it for just one day? Like, leave Tokyo in the morning, and be back in Tokyo by the end of the day?

I'm going around summer time (Late august - Early sept)

Any suggestions would be appreciated. Thanks!

What are your interests? What do you want to see? A city? Nature? Beach? Mountain? Onsen? Theme Park?

Read all first.
http://www.jreast.co.jp/e/pass/seishun18.html
Open google map then use HyperDia.
http://s7.postimg.org/de3o1i0vv/map.png

Is that kippu(ticket) for this summer season one?
If spring or more older one is already "invalid".

Hi Uji!

I'm interested in seeing Japan life and culture outside busy cities like Tokyo. Nature and forests are great, I'm also into museums but preferably with English guide.

Hi SGS!

Yes, this is for current summer one.

Thanks for sharing the link. The one about SL Banetsu Monogatari train from Niigata caught my attention:
http://www.jreast.co.jp/e/routemaps/slbanetsumonogatari.html

But does this pass really cover this? From the description it seems the seats are all reserved, so I have to uy reserve seat ticket?

Thanks!

"18"covered SL Banetsu Monogatari as seasonal Rapid (not LtdExp)
just need booking before seat ticket 520Y plus. (only "Green car" not covered)
Using all reserved seat cars is right

BUT,,,
SL train operating times are NOT matched oneday "18 travel" from Tokyo.
Niigata 9:30 - 13:32 Aizu_Wakamatsu
Aizu_Wakamatsu 15:25 - 19:01 Niigata (only one round/a day)
BC "18" not covered LtdExp(include Shinkansen) and some rural sections
18 covered local/rapid trains operate numbers not enough no good
so cannot reach morning Niigata also back from Niigata.

However, just see/take photo,video SL arr and dep at Aizu_Wakamatsu possible like this.
http://www.hyperdia.com/en/cgi/en/search.html?dep_node=TOKYO&arv_node=...
Same route back by 16:22 dep local train from Aizu_Wakamatsu.
(HyperDia recommend by 17:12 rapid faster as total time until Tokyo arr 22:30)

So, if really want to take this SL train as oneway or round both
You should stay near Niigata stn before or on the day's night
or book a over night bus from/to Tokyo (18 not covered) around 4000Y
or take a Shinkansen from/to Tokyo on the day (18 not covered) around 10000Y
No other good smart skip plan. (Try Hichhiking?)