Originally Posted by
abmj-jr
You can activate the Rail Pass upon arrival if you want. Just tell them you want it to start a few days later. You specify the dates for it to be active. Actually, you will have a form filled out with dates and such before you get there. Just be prepared for a line to get to the counter at NRT for activation as everyone arriving at the same time will be there too. If you wait and drop in to Tokyo Station or whatever main JR station is close to your hotel, you might not have as long a wait in line.
Yes, the main disadvantage of activating the JR Pass at NRT is that the lines may be really long if a lot of flights full of tourists have arrived at the same time.
Take the limo bus to the Hyatt Regency, and validate the pass at Shinjuku Station, the nearest major station to the Hyatt, before you leave Tokyo. The pass is not valid on Tokyo subways, the most comprehensive transit network, so for maximum flexibility for travel in the city, buy a Suica debit card, which is usable on all subways and train lines that you are likely to use.