Akane
What is the route to use with JR Pass from Tokyo to Nikko? We’ll be staying near Shinagawa station at the New Takanawa Prince Hotel. Once we get to Nikko is the JR Pass usable for bus/train transportation around the Nikko area sightseeing spots? If no, what is the best way to see the area and the famous waterfall? Is there some kind of pass we can buy?
Akane
From Shinagawa to Nikko with a JR Pass: Take the local line such as the JR Yamanote line or the Keihin-Tohoku line to Tokyo Station, and then take the Shinkansen to Utsunomiya Station. From there, switch to the JR Nikko Line. You need to plan your logistics well as the Nikko Line trains don't run frequently, so if don’t you’ll be forced to waste time waiting for the train for a long time.
Once you get to Nikko, JR Pass doesn't work on the buses/trains. If you're going to Lake Chuzenji and Kegon Waterfall, buy the Chuzenji Onsen Bus Pass for 2,000yen at the JR Nikko ticket office.
Rodrigo Coelho
Japan
You can know more about the JR pass in this video: