The passes are valid for 7, 14 or 21 days and are available as standard or Green class (Green class allows you to reserve seating and travel in the first class, or Green carriages). The passes can be used on all Bullet Train services, except the Nozomi class, and most limited express, express, rapid and local trains operated by JR. You can also use them to travel on many JR-operated bus services and the Miyajima ferry.
The passes MUST be acquired before travelling to Japan and validated at a designated JR office when you arrive (please see the website for more details).
ONLINE TRAIN TIMETABLES
There are two great resources for planning train travel throughout Japan, Hyperdia and Jorudan. Both are in English:
Hyperdia
http://www.hyperdia.com/cg
Jorudan
http://www.jorudan.co.jp/e
Jorudan has slightly clearer presentation, but Hyperdia provides more information on car hire, hotel accommodation and so on.
