I'm planning to arrive in NAR at 4 PM from SEA on Jan 17, 2024.

It is my understanding the JR passes are going up in price on Sept 28, but they can be activated 3 months after the date of purchase (say Dec. 28) and started in that scenario by Jan 28. )I plan to purchase a 7--day pass).

If I exit NAR airport around 5 PM, is it worth it to start my JapanRail pass that day? Or better to wait till I have a full day? My understanding the pass expires on the 7th day after activation. I'm planning to leave on Jan 24, but could leave on the 25th of January.

I;ve been to Japan 3 times, but I only have been in Tokyo and to Izukogen area, both of which I liked a lot.

I found this itinerary online, it looks interesting,, particularly because it also goes south, where it will will be somewhat warmer in January.

https://tokyocheapo.com/itineraries/...pan-itinerary/

Any thoughts of whether this is a reasonably feasible itinerary for a non-Japanese speaker (zero!!) traveling alone, in winter? I'm not into winter sports. I can handle winter temps in the )C / 32F range without a problem.

Thanks!