Ashiya for 1 week - which trains to use?

Konichiwa all,

we are traveling around Japan for 2 weeks in March/April. First we are 1 week in Tokyo.
In the second week we have a room in Ashiya (between Kobe and Osaka).
Our room is close to Ashiya station (Hanshin main line) the Ashiya JR station is a bit farther off.

We plan to visit Osaka (2x), Kyoto (2x), Hiroshima (1x)/Miyajima (1x) and Nara (1x) in this week. Also we have to take a Shinkansen train vom Tokyo to Osaka. Now our question is, if we should get a JR Rail Pass for 7 days with these plans. At the end of the 2 weeks we are departing Japan by plane from Osaka, so we don't need to go back to Tokyo by Shinkansen.

I think with so many different destinations a JR Pass will pay off for us?

We have not found out much about other special offers for the local trains/subways in the Kobe/Osaka area.
Are there special offers for tourists, which would be a sufficient alternative?

Apart from that we want to be sure that the trains called "JR Special Rapid Service" from Ashiya station to Osaka and/or Kyoto are included in the ordinary JR Railway pass.
Also we did not find out, if SHINKANSEN SAKURA and SHINKANSEN KODAMA are also included.

Another option to Osaka would be the private Hanshin line, which is way more close to our room.

We would appreciate your help a lot!
Jonas

Sanyo area pass 4 days 20570 yen per person.You can use it between Kyoto and Hakata. A rail pass is valid for consecutive days.From Hanshin Ashiya to JR Ashiya station it take 15 minutes walk.
And You buy IC Card like ICOCA and charge money.
(From Hanshin Ashiya - Umeda 280 yen/ one way) )
From Hanshin Ashiya - Kawaramachi in Kyoto 680 yen / one way)( From Hanshin Ashiya - Nara 930yen / one way)

Sanyo area pass 4 days 20570 yen per person.

But the OP must travel from Tokyo to Ashiya, and must pay additional 13830 yen (unreserved seat). So I recommend nation wide Japan Rail Pass.

"JR Special Rapid Service" is a JR train (commuter train) and is covered by the ordinary JR Railway pass. In the area you will traveling, you can use Sakura, Hikari and Kodama Shinkansen trains. You are not allowed to get Nozomi or Mizuho though.

In general, commuter trains run by JR is somewhat faster than that run by private rails such as Hanshin, Hankyu and Kintetsu. So you can use your JR pass conveniently. If you go to Kyoto, you can transfer at Shin-Osaka to get Shinkansen, but it might not shorten your traveling time. Enjoy your trip.

Oh thank you flog1954 san

I forgot note from Tokyo to Osaka.
Yes, Its better buy JR Rail Pass.

Thank you for your reply!

oh sorry typing error frog1954 san