When to use my rail pass

Hi Jules!

Here are the costs of your legs:

1. Narita airport terminal 1 > Tokyo: ¥2940, (62mins, 79km)
2. Tokyo > Sendai(miyagi/jr): ¥10590, (128mins, 351km)
3. Sendai(miyagi/jr) > Tokyo: ¥10590, (102mins, 351km)
4. Tokyo > Osaka: ¥13750, (194mins, 556km)
5. Osaka > Kyoto: ¥540, (29mins, 42km)
6. Kyoto > Tokyo: ¥13220, (161mins, 513km)
7. Tokyo > Narita airport terminal 1: ¥2940, (58mins, 79km)
   TOTAL: ¥54570 for 7 legs

Looking at these costs, you'll get maximum value by starting your JR Pass on your trip from Sendai back to Tokyo on the 31st, and then using the Nobi Nobi seats/beds in the sunrise seto sleeper train from Himeji at 11:30pm on the night of the 6th arriving on the morning of Tokyo 7th . This will limit your ticket costs to ¥16,470, plus you'll save on accommodation for 1 night on the sleeper train up to Tokyo (total cost  ¥44,770 - 1 night accomodation).

If you've already got accommodation planned, then I think on balance I'd recommend using your JR Pass as soon as you arrive and then paying the Kyoto to Narita fare. It'll be easier to handle as soon as you arrive and the actual travel savings are very similar. (total cost: ¥44,460).

Hope this helps!

Thankyou so much, extremely helpful!