One more thing that wasn't evident to me on my first use of the JR Rail Pass back in the mists of time: With the Pass, you don't use the ticket gates at each station, even when you have seat "reservation" tickets. Each entrance to the stations has a manned office to one side of the ticket wickets. Just walk through the entry next to that office and show your Rail Pass to the attendant, who will wave you through. If you have your seat assignment ticket, just show it to the agent and he/she will direct you to the correct platform for your train. Even if you don't have a seat ticket, if you have the train/route written down, just show that.

It works the same when exiting the station at your destination. Show the Pass and you will be waved through without passing through the wickets.

Japanese rail platforms in major stations are very helpful in that the train car numbers are written on the platform floor. Once you get it figured out, you will know exactly where to queue up. Don't stress about that. The car numbers and destinations are also marked prominently on the cars.

Once on the train, the conductor will rarely ask to see your seat ticket once you show him/her your Rail Pass. The only time I have been asked for my seat reservation ticket was when there was a question about someone being in the wrong seat.

The major stations are well signed in English and Japanese. On the shinkansen (bullet train,) and most deluxe express trains like the airport express, the scrolling electronic display at the front of the car will alternate Japanese and English announcements and the same for the audio announcements.

For the routes in your itinerary, you will be fine.

When you arrive at NRT and finish getting through Immigration and pick up your luggage at baggage claim, you will exit into the arrivals hall. Take care of whatever money exchange you will be doing - ATM, Exchange Window, etc. Then you will go down the escalator (well marked) to the Rail Center in the basement. There are offices for two rail companies. You will need to one for Japan Rail, which is in a glass-walled office with lime green trim. Line up there to exchange the Rail Pass order and, if you have your rail connections already planned, you can make all of your reservations at that time. Or, you can make onward connection reservations after you arrive in each new city. I find it helps to have my desired train information written out to show the agent. Seeing it written out is easier than understanding spoken English for some agents. The agents at NRT are usually very fluent in English.

Enjoy your visit.