I've been to Japan numerous times, but never during the dreaded New Years travel time. I have a few questions about the feasability of my schedule...

I plan on buying a JR pass, but unfortunately I don't think I can reserve any seats on the trains until I get to Japan, right?

Here is my planned itinerary:

Dec 28th - I arrive at KIX, plan to take train to Kyoto (I can get exchange for the JR Pass at the airport, correct?

Dec 31st - I plan to take a shinkansen from Kyoto to Tokyo via JR pass (hopefully I can reserve a seat when I arrive on the 28th)

Jan 1st - travel from Tokyo to Tazawako (near Akita) via shinkansen

Jan 7th - Travel from Tazawako to NRT for the trip home.

I'm comfortable in Japan, and I know it's supposed to be a VERY busy time during my travel, but what are the chances I'll get a seat on those trains? I figured by travelling on the 1st I might be ok up north. I figured traveling on the 7th back is probably outside of the major vacation time, and I didn't think it would be too hard to get from the airport to Kyoto... I think the major difficulty will be going from Kyoto to Tokyo on the 31st... I am hoping most people go the opposite direction.

Anyone have any experience with this?