Originally Posted by
evergrn
With regards to option 1 or 3, I'd go with #1 if you were going to get the Jpn Rail Pass anyways. To me, NRT-HND transfer is not bad. But then you're talking bus + flight + train from KIX-Kyoto. When all is said and done, it may be easier to take the train from NRT to Kyoto.
But then it seems even simpler to fly SEA-NRT-ITM without airport change. If the goal is to stay in the Kyoto area, a JR Pass doesn't really make financial sense.