I am traveling to Japan for a total of 22 days but I'm not sure a 21 day pass makes the most sense for my itinerary as I'm spending a good amount of time in Kyoto and Tokyo (at the beginning and end of my trip). Would it make sense to buy the 4 day Kansai pass at the beginning of my trip and something else for the end? I'm going in late September, and it appears the the JR Central pass will be discontinued (and would have worked better with my itinerary). I am open to any suggestions as I don't need to use the same pass for the entire trip. Please advise.
Day 1: KIX to Nara (bus or train?)
Day 3: Nara to Kyoto with stop in Uji
Day 5: Kyoto – day trip to Suntory Yamazaki Distillery
Day 7: Kyoto to Kanazawa with stop in Hikone (or Lake Biwa)
Day 9 and 11: Kanazawa – day trip to Wajima; day trip to Yamanaka Onsen
Day 12: Kanazawa to Takayama with stop in Shirawago (bus)
Day 14: Takayama to Matsumoto (bus)
Day 15: Matsumoto – possible day trip to Tsumago
Day 16: Matsumoto to Tokyo
Day 20: Tokyo – possible side trip to Kamakura, Nikko or Hakone
Day 22: Tokyo to Narita