Incoming Study Abroad Student – Tips to Save Money on Transportation?

I’m a senior in college going to study abroad in Japan, mainly Kyoto, for about 3 months in the spring. I’ll be flying into Tokyo since we have a week long orientation there before moving to Kyoto where the college we’re doing our study abroad program through is located. Does anyone have any tips/knowledge about train and/or bus discounts/passes I should look into to help save some money? Any specifically garnered towards students/foreigners? For context, I’ll likely be traveling mainly within the Kyoto/Osaka area but since our program is very flexible, I can definitely see myself making weekend trips to Tokyo or even traveling further out to places like Hokkaido during Golden Week. Any and all advice is greatly appreciated! Thanks in advance 🙂