JR pass

Dear, sir/madame

My name is Mike and I'll be visiting Japan in April,
Happy to go hehehe, but I was looking for the best way of transportation and found out that it will be the train, especially via the JR pass.

I'll be visiting from the Netherlands to Tokyo and would like to be able to go outside Tokyo as well to enjoy the view, my question is about the JR pass, and if you buy the general one, if I then would be able to go anywhere, without paying extra tickets?
I'll be visiting for 12 days or so, but after a few days in Tokyo I would like to go to Kyoto for instance, so I thought, if I buy the 7 day card, I would be able to go anywhere for the last 7 days of my vacation.

Like to hear from you guys, thanks in advance for your help and effort, tips are always welcome.

Kind Regards,
Mike