Didn't think about
abmj-jr's SFO-KIX option. I agree that's definitely a good option for you, especially if it costs you less miles.
Originally Posted by
mt-i
If the goal is to stay in the Kyoto area, a JR Pass doesn't really make financial sense.
I wasn't suggesting that OP buy a JR pass specifically for this purpose. I was trying to say that, if he was going to get a rail pass anyways (OP said he's also heading to places "up north"), then he's better off taking train from NRT to Kyoto than going to HND then flying to Osaka and all that.