April Tokyo - Osaka - Kyoto - Tokyo

Hi there!

I think the best way to use your JR Pass is to start using it right when you land in Japan. This way you can cover the full trip Narita Airport - Osaka with the JR Pass (both the Narita Express and Shinkansen are covered). In addition you can use it for a day trip to Yokohama or perhaps Mt Fuji once you return to Tokyo.

As for visiting Nara, I think that Osaka/Kyoto will give you more than enough to see and do for 3 days. Nara is best visited as (half) a day trip and I feel that it may take up too much of your time to really ''squeeze it in''. Then again, it is a very beautiful town and especially the big Buddha is very impressive. So you could do it but at the cost of limiting your time in Osaka/Kyoto/

Have a great trip!
Daniel