Whichever rail pass you decide to purchase, do check out if your local ferry, train, or buses are also covered. For my last trip, I purchased the JR 7 day pass here in California (but need to pick up the ticket in Japan), and was able to use the pass for many non-JR trains, ferry, and buses. They either have signs on the ticketing booth, or online. Sometimes I showed them the pass, and only purchase if they said no. Have fun!