Japan rail passes are apparently quite awesome in terms of value for money getting around Japan.
They are available as either a seven, 14 or 21 day pass and let you go on all the long range trains except the “NOZOMI” trains on the Tokaido and Sanyo Shinkansen lines (these are the express trains on those lines but you can take the others, which only have a few stops).
You can buy either Green - which is first class or ordinary which is economy. You just rock up to the station and say "Give me a seat allocation, sir," and they do.
Prices are as follows:
You can't purchase the passes in Japan - they have to be purchased outside of Japan. This site shows you the closest place you can purchase one. Once you get to Japan, you have to exchange the ticket you get outside Japan for the pass - this can be done at the airport. Happily, it includes the train from the airport (Narita) itself. The day count starts from the day you actually have it authorised.
The site also tells you:
In major cities,avoid traveling during the morning and evening rush hours(7:30-9:30and
17:00-19:00)
Wise words, my friends. Wise words.
This website also contains timetable information in English.
