Japan Rail Pass Validity

Is the Japan Rail Pass valid to take the JR Bus Tohoku from Hachinohe to Towada Lake in October 2013? It's a route bus not a highway bus. Thanks,

Is the Japan Rail Pass valid to take the JR Bus Tohoku from Hachinohe to Towada Lake in October 2013?

Yes, the JR buses to Lake Towada will remain covered by the Japan Rail Pass. They are not classified as "highway buses".

Thank you for the quick response. Do I need to reserve bus seats from Hachinohe to Towada and the return trip? If so, how? In the JR ticket office? Thanks,

Do I need to reserve bus seats from Hachinohe to Towada and the return trip?

You can book a bus on this route (of JR Bus Tohoku), which is recommended, though you cannot choose a seat. Reservation tickets are available at JR ticket offices (located across the country).
- http://www.jrbustohoku.co.jp/route/detail/?PID=9&RID=13&BID=262
"Towadako" refers to Lake Towada.