KIX - Tokyo - Osaka - KIX / (Kyoto, Nara day trips)

Hi all,

First time travelling to Japan and would like some advice to see if this itinerary makes any sense and to see if JR Pass is worth it. This trip is for 8 nights and 9 days.

11/25 Day 0 - Depart JFK to Kansai (KIX)
11/26 Day 1 - Arrive at Kansai Intl Airport (KIX). Activate JR Pass and take bullet train to Tokyo.
11/27 Day 2 - Tokyo
11/28 Day 3 - Tokyo
11/29 Day 4 - Tokyo -> Osaka (will be base)
11/30 Day 5 - Kyoto day trip
12/1 Day 6 - Nara day trip
12/2 Day 7 - Osaka
12/3 Day 8 - Osaka
12/4 Day 9 - Kansai (KIX) to JFK

1) First mistake is I think I should have chosen Tokyo as arrival airport.
2) Any recommendations on where to go between Tokyo and Osaka (Day 4) while taking the Shinkansen?
3) 7 Day JR pass should be sufficient?
4) I know there is a 2 day Osaka pass.. Activate that on Day 7? Does that include fare from Osaka to KIX?

Any recommendations is appreciated! Thanks!