We will be in Japan for 9 days this spring and are looking for advice on whether the JR Pass, or perhaps different passes, are the best fit for our itinerary.
Our initial plan is:
30 Mar: land Tokyo-Narita, then take a train to Kyoto
30 Mar - 2 Apr: Stay in Kyoto area
3 Apr: Travel from Kyoto to Nara
3 Apr - 5 Apr: Stay in Nara
6 Apr: Travel from Nara to Tokyo
7 Apr: Fly out of Tokyo-Narita around 5pm
As JR passes are either 7 days or 14 days, we were wondering if perhaps we should go down to Kyoto a day later or come back to Tokyo a day earlier in order to use a 7 day JR Pass. Or should we just buy our individual tickets or look into alternate passes as we aren't travelling extensively outside of the Tokyo-Kyoto return tickets we'll need? Or would taking a flight from Tokyo to Kyoto be a better option?
Thank you for any advice you have regarding best train pass options and please let me know if you need any additional information1