Andrea Bossak

Good morning
My husband and I will be going to Japan in April and I would greatly appreciate your help with our itinerary and purchasing the Japan rail pass.
I think a 14 day green pass ( is that the correct term for first class) would work for us but I’m confused trying to compare prices for train ride and seat assignment if purchased separately.
Our itinerary is as follows
Tokyo April 9 to 16..with one full day trip by train to Hakone..
April 16 train to Kanazawa
April 19 train to Kyoto including one day trip to Hiroshima and miyajima
April 23 train to Kurashiki
April 25 train/ferry to Naoshima
April 27 return to Kyoto
April 30 fly home from Osaka
We would not use trains to and from airports.
If we do purchase a rail pass do we activate it on the day of our first trip?
And how do we reserve trains and seats?
Lastly what is the best site for online train schedules?
Thanks in advance for your help
Best
Andrea