The more a look into Japan's train network and various lines owned by multiple companies, the more confused i become about the exact savings, if any, of the JR Pass.
My major query is how much i'll use the pass around each Tokyo and Kyoto for 3-4 days?
More context:
Fly into Narita > train to Shinjuku [2 days sightseeing in Tokyo, a day trip to Nikko]
Train to Kyoto [ 2 days sightseeing in Kyoto, a day trip to Nara]
Going to Kurama [not covered with JR Pass], before then returning to Kyoto.
Train - Kyoto to Osaka [a day of sightseeing in Osaka]
Going to Koyasan [not covered with JR Pass]
Return to Osaka to then board train back to Tokyo.
The most annoying thing is that if i start my pass when i arrive, i'll be out by one day returning back to Narita on a 14 day pass.
Is there a way i could do this all more sensibly? Like buy a return Narita to Tokyo ticket, daily subway tickets when required, and perhaps just buy a Tokyo to Kyoto return ticket...?
Any help/assistance would be greatly appreciated.