This pass is intended for foreign tourists who want to explore Kansai and Hokuriku area. Our route was Osaka-Kanazawa-Shirakawago-Kanazawa-Kyoto-Osaka and it consisted of shinkansen and train rides. Make sure to go to JR Ticketing office for ticket exchange (you can do it on the machine for e-passport or go to the booth). You need to reserve seats on express trains/shinkansen when using this pass. I find it great value for money rather than making single ticket purchase.