Train question

Hi

I will visit Japan next year for about 4 weeks. I went to Tokyo last year, but only Tokyo area. So I didn't have to purchase a Japan Rail Pass because travelling by subway was quite cheap.

Next year it's different. I plan more or less the following:

Okinawa Islands: 3-4 days
Fukuoka and area: 3-4 days
Kyoto: 8-10 days
Osaka/Nara: 5-6 days
Tokyo: 8 days

Totally about 30 days, from south to north.


When I purchase a Japan Rail Pass, is travelling by Shinkansen for long distances covered by it or do I have to purchase some other Rail Passes? Are there other Rail Passes for the cities itself like Osaka or Kyoto.

In Tokyo I had a Suica card. Is the Suica card usable in the whole country as a payment method?

Many thanks in advance from a big Japan fan! =)))

I suggest you check out these two pages first:

http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e2361.html
http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e2359_003.html