I used to live in Kyoto.

1) If you go to only Kyoto, I don't recommend JR pass. See comparison below. Less flexibility and higher price.

Tokyo - Kyoto RT (Nozomi) = 27,040 yen
Tokyo - Kyoto RT (Hikari or Kodama) = 26,440 yen
7 days JR pass (can not use Nozomi) = 28,300 yen

2) If you really like train, pick Nozomi N700, newest model. When you buy the ticket at JR ticket counter, you should ask!

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/N700_Series_Shinkansen

KenKix