Another rail pass question
 

Will be in Japan for 8 days. Arrive Haneda, depart Narita. First 4 days in Tokyo, remaining time in Osaka with trips to Kyoto.

JR Pass for all of it or do I need something for getting around Tokyo?

Adam

Are you planning to get the 7 day JR pass?

The "JR" Pass only covers "Japan Railway" group company trains, so this means your long distance trains (Shinkansen/bullet trains) and many inner and intercity trains, but there will be trains that are not "JR" (in all cities, depending on exactly where you plan to visit) where you can just pay as you go (or using a prepaid transit card like Pasmo or Suica).

The JR pass will cover many of the major portions, but there will be times where you need to get a regular ticket or use a prepaid card.

good question. I think we will get the pass since it will cover Tokyo-Osaka-Kyoto roundtrip. Does it also cover Tokyo subway? JR site says Tokyo monorail...is that the subway?

Adam

No, the JR Pass does not cover the Tokyo subway. The monorail is not part of the subway. It is a rather short segment that connects Haneda airport with city lines and will only be useful to you traveling from Haneda.

In your case, 8 days is longer than the duration of the Rail Pass. I'd suggest activating the Pass so it will cover the last 7 days, including the trip out to NRT. In that case, you will pay for your trip into the city from Haneda but the Pass will cover the trips Tokyo-Kyoto/Osaka, any local JR trips in the Kansai area such as a day trip to Nara or Himeji, the return trip from Kyoto/Osaka to Tokyo and the last segment from Tokyo to NRT on the Narita Express airport train.

You should also get a Suica prepaid purchase card upon arrival to cover subways, local trains and small purchases.