14 day pass or individual tickets

Hi there,

You can use the Shinkansen with the JR-Pass, no problemo! As you mentioned though you can't ride the Nozomi or Mizuho but the Hikari train will get you everywhere in good time too!

Here is a little list of ticket prices without the JR-Pass:
Tokyo --> Nara ¥ 14,050 (via Kyoto)
Nara --> Kyoto ¥ 690
Kyoto --> Tokyo ¥ 13,220
Tokyo Mount Takao (return) ¥ 1,780
Tokyo Yokohama ¥ 900

For a total of 30,640, although it does not include local travel in Osaka you are still well short of the price of the 14-day pass. You would be able to save some money if you could plan your long distance travel (Tokyo - Nara and Kyoto - Tokyo it its period of use. Otherwise you would be best of by just buying the tickets when you travel.

Hope this helps,
-Daniel