If I buy a ticket from Tokyo to Hiroshima (for example), am I allowed to get off at Himeji, spend some time there and then hop on the next available train to continue on to my final destination (provided I use the same type/class)? Any restrictions?

I assume that if I choose the JR pass, that is a non-issue. On the other hand, how does it work when you have a reserved seat?

Another question: If I want to take the Nozomi having the JR pass, can I pay an upgrade fee or do I need to buy a full ticket?

Thank you very much!

Not sure of your other questions but you definitely cannot upgrade to a Nozomi with the JR Pass.

satrijoe,

Use this site for ticket prices and a gauge for if you are going to need a pass or not. You are correct in assuming with jr pass tickets being a non issue but you may still need seat reservations.

http://www.hyperdia.com/

use this site for explanations of how to use trains. Also this site has very useful info on what you'll want to see and do in Japan

http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e2016.html

another helpful site worth sqouring

http://www.jnto.go.jp/eng/location/rtg/index.html

Aloha!

Bookmarking

Hi.

If you have a JR pass, you can make stops along the way. If the seats are reserved, you'll forfeit the seat for the rest of the trip. Though I don't think it's that much of an issue (unless you're trarvelling during the peak time, eg Golden Week), as you can usually take unreserved cars.

I don't think you can break a trip in-between if you don't have a JR pass.

Your JR pass won't be valid on Nozomi, i.e. you'll need to buy the entire tickets.