17 nights - Tokyo/Nikko/Matsumoto/Alpine/Kanazawa/Shirakawa-go/Kyoto/Nara/Magome/Hakone/Tokyo

Hi there,

Just looking for guidance on the correct JR Pass and most efficient route for the following itinerary. My boyfriend and I arrive on the 22nd May and leave on the 8th June (making our stay 17nights).

Tokyo (arrive 22nd May) 22-24 May
Nikko day trip 25 May
Matsumoto 26th May
Alpine route 27th May
Kanazawa 28/29th May
Shirakawa-go/Takayama 30th May
Kyoto 31 May/1/2 June
Nara 3/4 June
Magome/Tsumago 5th June
Hakone 6th June
Tokyo 7th June (fly home 8th June)

I am having difficulty understanding how to get between different places (there seems to be many change overs required between train lines).

I believe it is recommended to activate the JR pass when leaving Tokyo (ie when we travel to Nikko) - I just wondered if the JR pass is useful within Tokyo or between Tokyo and narita airport?

Do you think that we are trying to fit too much into our itinerary? If so - any advice on which places to drop would be appreciated.

Thanks so much!
Ash