I will be in Japan for 6 days total, 3 in Tokyo, 3 in Kyoto. I already have a train ticket from Tokyo to Kyoto via the bullet train.

I am wondering what type of ticket/pass I should get upon arrival in NRT - to cover transportation to/from NRT (staying in Ueno area) + access to the subway for trips around Tokyo during my stay there. Is there something that would give me unlimited access to all/most of the trains for a couple of days or even a week?

After reading much info about the different types of tickets / passes, I'm kind of confused so hoping someone can help. Really appreciate it!

A 7 day JR pass would cover you for:
(1) The journey from NRT to Tokyo (via JR N'EX then Yamanote line to Ueno)
(2) The journey from Tokyo to Kyoto
(3) The journey from Kyoto to Tokyo
(4) The journey from Tokyo to Kyoto
(5) Any other little trips you make on JR lines (but not subway rides)

Cost is about the same as a return ticket from Tokyo to Kyoto.

You indicate that you already have a ticket from Tokyo to Kyoto. If I were you, I'd consider getting that refunded (usually possible for a small admin fee) and getting a JR Pass.

Agree with the above. If you can refund your ticket, I'd do so and then get a 7-day JR Rail Pass.

If you cannot get the refund, what you are looking for is the "Suica + Narita Express" pass which can be purchased at the JR station at Narita airport. That will cover the ride into Tokyo from NRT plus a local transportation (subways, local trains, etc.) card good for the first full day. After that, you can "reload" the card with more rides from machines or attended counters at any station in Tokyo.

http://www.jreast.co.jp/e/suica-nex/

NOTE TO REGULARS: Have I been asleep? I just noticed that the Suica+N'Ex is now available with EITHER one-way or roundtrip N'Ex access. Big thumbs up!

Once in Kyoto, your options vary by what you intend to do. If you will stay in Kyoto, just get a Bus/subway pass at the bus depot just outside the Karasuma exit of Kyoto Station. Unlike Tokyo and other large cities, the bus system in Kyoto is very convenient and tourist-friendly. If you wish to get out of Kyoto to other sites in the Kansai region, you can get the JR Kansai area pass, which comes in 1, 2 3 and 4-day versions.

http://www.jnto.go.jp/eng/ttp/sg/07-...onalJapan.html

Consider whether you'll really need the subway in Kyoto. When I looked into the passes recently a one-day bus pass was Y500, one day subway Y600, and a combined one Y1200 (it includes coupons but I could get no info on what for, so I have no idea if it's worth paying more). We ended up just doing the bus pass.

IMHO i think the bus pass is good enough. Gets you everywhere - dont forget to get the map.

For someone who is going to be there 3 or more days, the combo pass is probably a better deal. Good for as long as the prepaid amount lasts whether you use bus and subway or only bus.