different rail passes and discounts

I was wondering if anyone could tell me which was the better deal in terms of money and time saving efficiency for someone who will be in Tokyo for 5 days, then traveling to Kyoto/Osaka/Shirahama then back to NRT for about 9 days (total 2 weeks).

I was thinking of either getting just a 14 day regular JR pass or a "5 day JR EAST pass + some type of combination of JR WEST pass, the seiyuu 18, kansai thru pass.

I could really use some help with this if anyone has any helpful tips or ideas. Thanks.

I recommend to use a 14-day Japan Rail Pass. It costs about the same as regular train tickets, but it provides some extra flexibility and comfort.

For city travel in Kyoto, Osaka and Tokyo, a prepaid card or day pass might be a meaningful addition.

If you wish to travel as cheaply as possible, I recommend travel by bus over train for the long-distance trips. It comes cheaper than rail passes.

: in Tokyo for 5 days, then traveling to Kyoto/Osaka/Shirahama then back to NRT for about 9 days (total 2 weeks).

It costs less than 40,000 yen per adult just to travel Narita Airport - Tokyo - Kyoto Sta. - Shin-Osaka Sta. - Shirahama Sta. and the way back on JR trains; that is cheaper than a 14-day JR Pass for ordinary-class seats by about 5,000 yen or more.

Presumably Uji-san means by �gprepaid card�h an IC card designed for e-money which can be appropriated for railroad fares, such as a Suica card (mainly valid for stations around Tokyo of many companies) and an ICOCA card (mainly valid for JR-West stations around Osaka).

Two areas of JR-West Passes don�ft include any station in Wakayama Prefecture such as Shirahama Sta. JR Seishun 18 Kippu (valid only during a specified time period) can not cover Shinkansen or Ltd. Express or Express trains for sections where local or rapid trains are available. I guess it�fs not so easy to use up 2,300 yen in one-day round trip for JR fares.

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