Tokyo, osaka, kobe, kyoto

Hello there,

The JR Pass would be worth it if you return to Tokyo after Kyoto, if you stay in Kyoto then it would be better to buy normal tickets.

It depends on the hotel of course, however public transport in Japan is very good and it should not take too long to get there.

Not all trains in Japan are bullet trains, however Tokyo, Osaka, Kobe and Kyoto all have a bullet train station.

Hope this helps,
Daniel

If this is your first trip, I would suggest that you stay close to the stations. There are many comfortable and affordable hotels at and close to all railway stations. Plus JR pass not only allows you unlimited travel on certain bullet trains but also unlimited travels on JR trains which is an alternative to metro or underground ( especially in Tokyo ).