Originally Posted by
ambyr
From my perspective, as an easily distracted/lost person, the biggest advantage of the JR pass was that when I forgot to get off the train at the correct stop I was not suddenly stuck explaining to a conductor in a language I don't speak why I was riding a train I wasn't ticketed for, and I could just get off at the next stop and take the first train going the other way. You may be a more competent (or less jet lagged) traveler than I am, but the flexibility is a nice bonus even if the if-everything-goes-according-to-plan savings are small.
There are so many train options in Japan. This situation isn't a problem for many of the train options. It is a problem for trains with reserved seats.
Originally Posted by
travellingcaptain1
So the total trip is 11 days, and I'm wondering what is the best strategy for getting around. Should I buy a JR rail pass? They only come in a 7 day and 14-day option. Or should I travel by paying for individual trips, if so are there any other passes?
From my 11 day trip planning, I planned where I was going to go, then looked at what trains I would need, and for my Kansai trip it was obvious that a JR Pass was not worth it. But you have to do your own planning, see where you're going, see what passes exist (japan-guide was extremely helpful) and make a decision on what train features are important to you. Is it worth paying a lot more for high speed trains that might save you an hour or two? Is it worth it to have more comfortable seating? Is it worth it to have reserved seats. Will you make enough trips to make a pass worthwhile?
Up to you.