If you are visiting Japan and planning to travel multiple prefectures and cities, don’t forget to buy Japan Rail Pass so called JR Pass. I think the JR Pass is extremely valuable.
Starting from $273 for 7 days, you can travel with JR trains including Shinkansen or bullet trains from Hokkaido to Kyusyu island with free seat reservations.
For example, when you land to Tokyo, explore in the city few days, use the JR Pass and go to Osaka, then Kyusyu and return back to Tokyo with Bullet trains with only $273 for 7 days. If you are traveling across Japan, $436 for 14 days may work better.
With the JR pass, you don’t need to go to a JR train ticket machine each time for local JR trains. Simply show the pass to the JR employee and ride a local train.
You can buy the JR pass on-line and the exchange order will be arrive to your home. Once you get to Japan, you can activate the JR-Pass. I recommend you to do it at an airport or at a major train station like Tokyo Station in Japan.
Before purchasing the JR-Pass, do not forget to read through the terms and conditions. You will have to be eligible to use the pass.
The Japan Rail Pass website explains details and can purchase the JR pass from the same website.
I am also using the JR Pass every time I visit Japan. This is very convenient. I love it!