Originally Posted by
abmj-jr
Have you thought your itinerary through? Kyoto and Osaka are only minutes apart on the shinkansen (bullet train) and not much more on local trains. They are easily day-trippable from one to the other. We usually suggest staying in one or the other so as to avoid moving hotel more than necessary. Day trips from either one are easy with a Rail Pass to Kyoto/Osaka, Nara, Horyuji, Hikone/Lake Biwa, Himeji (best original castle in the country) and even a long day to Hiroshima.
Definitely do this if possible. Also a vote for Himeji Castle from me.
Originally Posted by
abmj-jr
Yes, that is a point we sometimes forget to mention. For some deluxe trains and shinkansens, seat reservations are either necessary or a good idea. To do that, you go to the JR ticket counter ("green window") at the nearest station, show your pass and get the seat tickets. You then show your Rail Pass as you pass through the manned gate to the right of the turnstiles to get to the platforms and show the ticket to the conductor on the train, along with your Pass.
For local trains or to sit in the non-reserved cars of the shinkansen, you don't need a ticket, just show the Pass as you pass through the manned gate to the right of the turnstiles.
Reservations are a good idea and are necessary if you bought a green car rail pass. Be careful about which trains you're entitled to with your rail pass, though. Japan-guide.com is a fantastic resource for this and you can search between city pairs for the best train to take.