Which rail pass should I get?

Hello there,

For this itinerary I think buying normal tickets is the best way to go. You will stay below the price of a 7 day JR Pass by traveling one way Tokyo - Kyoto/Osaka.

I think your itinerary looks great for the rest, there's a good balance between the traditional and the modern Japan.

Have a great trip!
Daniel

Hi,

You would not recoup the costs of a 7 day pass. But for Tokyo you can use a subway pass:

http://www.tokyometro.jp/en/ticket/value/travel/index.html#anc03

For Kansai, a JR Kansai Area Pass or a JR Kansai Wide Area Pass might save you some money, depending on where you go. Visiting Himeji would also be well worth it.

Thank you Daniel-san and Toraneko!

Are credit cards accepted in the train stations?

Yes they are on all major stations.