@hakata14
I know that pass is better than both as fastest way to reach Otaru on the day and comfortable.(except by air)
But that is NOT.
Just good for enough budget traveler as 3rd opinion/advise.
@arpuji
Good compare/explanation web in EN removed this summner but found at "web.archive.org".
https://web.archive.org/web/20160922182738/http://homepage3.nifty.com/...(New Page dosen't copy older info all and Web titile and)
https://www.facebook.com/pages/JAPAN-TRAVELER/145375928809912http://ekinavi.wixsite.com/japantravelerSo this pass very similar "18" but some part are different.
Basic rules are same. (No covered LtdExp trains all and more)
This is JR-East's "HH Pass" official. (JP only)
http://www.jreast.co.jp/tickets/info.aspx?GoodsCd=2233Only "18" EN page listed.
http://www.jreast.co.jp/e/pass/seishun18.htmlJust EN pages selection is best for foreign travelers coming fr out of JP.
So just they(over 99%) dosen't buy/need HH Pass usual.
18 also HH Pass no limit for sales except sales date period.
So you can buy at Sendai or any JR stn's midori no madoguchi
or for Seat reserved type vending machine in JR-East and Hokkaido.
(JP rail fan calling "MV" M is Multipul V is Vending machine)
http://www.jreast.co.jp/mv-guide/ (touch EN button on screen first)
http://www.jreast.co.jp/mv-guide/demo/timetable/img/zu01.gifBoth pass is no "sold out" as sales paper ticket numbers no worry.
If doesn't exist EN menu button go to midori no madoguchi.
Shinkansen ticket also no sold out but if really crawded
you have to stand until Kikonai but not so long time.
If have hard case carry sit on it.
Year end late time Shinkansen seems crawded but maybe possible I guess.
BTW, where to go after Otaru reached?
Back to Sendai or other city/town in Japan?
Or Japan out by air or cruise ship?
(note about winter train travel)
Not only Hokkaido all places colder than Sendai usual.
Hokkaido local train with double window.
http://blogs.yahoo.co.jp/kiha58okukuzitokiwa/10961440.htmlAlso heater temp a bit hotter can sleep well :)
Local train no sales food/drink so you have to purchase enough amount before ticket gate entering.
In this case especially at Aomori stn if take Sendai AM6:00 train.
And don't forget enough batteries if bring cellphone,camera/video and more local trains haven't Outlet/Socket like Shinkansen.
All trains have toilet no worry if too much drinking.