Originally Posted by
LapLap
I could not disagree more strongly.
(I make the cost of buying a JR Pass over 9,500yen above buying rail travel without the Pass. Each. That's over 19,000yen in total. In my view jessieh would be better off spending that money on nicer hotels)
You're estimates are pretty lowball. Plus you're forgetting for whom I'm assuming is a first time traveler with no Japanese capabilities the ease of use she will get out of it. Walk up to the manned gate, show the card, and you're through. Not to mention it's only roughly a half hour to an hour extra on the Hikari vs the Nozomi.
Jessieh, LapLap is right as you can pinch pennies and probably lowball the RailPass. But if you're looking for convenience and less hassle, especially for someone who doesn't speak Japanese or doesn't know their way around the system. I'd go with the RailPass. Plus it gives you the option to travel freely at no cost if you decide to go somewhere else (like take a trip to Hiroshima from Osaka on the Shinkansen which is roughly 9,500en each way) ^
Regardless, enjoy your trip. Japan is a wonderful country that time of year. I'm sure you'll have a great time
