I'm getting terribly confused on which JR pass is the best option for our itinerary.
27 June Depart Australia - Arrive Tokyo early morning 28 June
Arrival in Tokyo - spending 3 nights. 28 June - 1 July.
Travelling to Hiroshima on 1 July
1 July - 3 July - in Hiroshima
3 July: Travelling Hiroshima - via Himeji Castle for about 2 hours - Kyoto
3-8 July - staying in Kyoto
8 July - Travelling Kyoto - Nara
8-9 July - staying in Nara
9 July - Travelling Nara - via Osaka or Kyoto, whichever is best (thinking Osaka) - back to Tokyo.
9-13 July Staying in Tokyo - with various local trips around Tokyo
13 July - late evening depart Japan back to Australia.
I think the 7 day pass is going to be the most cost effective. Maybe buy the 7 day pass and then buy a separate, one way ticket from Nara/Osaka back to Tokyo.
My question about the JR Pass is ... Does the JR Pass need to be used consecutive days, because if I activate it for 1 July as the first day of use, then I will be a couple of days over if we are departing Nara/Osaka back to Tokyo on 9 July.
Also, what is the best station to depart Tokyo from to Hiroshima? I'm having difficulty with Hyperdia - i.e, getting myself confused. I do know know which Tokyo station to choose.
We are a family of 4.
Thank you for your advice.