Itinerary Planning (Osaka)

Hi all, I am travelling to Osaka for 3 days and will like to spend one of the days to Himeji (Himeji Castle) + Kobe (Kobe Beef for lunch) with my partner.

On the other 2 days, we'll be heading to (1) Nara Park & (2) Cup Noodle Museum / Church of the Light.
Was wondering if I should get the Kansai Thru Pass or the KR Kansai Area Pass? Will Kansai Thru Pass be better and if yes, do I still need to get ICOCA Card? (Will be in Kyoto 2 days before heading to Osaka)

Himeji (Himeji Castle) + Kobe (Kobe Beef for lunch) with my partner.

You might better take JR trains for Himeji from Osaka since it is somewhat faster (60 min as compared 90min non-JR trains). This is about 1500 yen one way so JR Kansai Area pass one day 2,200 yen is worth.

http://www.westjr.co.jp/global/en/ticket/pass/kansai/

On the other 2 days, we'll be heading to (1) Nara Park & (2) Cup Noodle Museum / Church of the Light.

You can go to Nara park by JR and non-JR trains, but the fare is less than 1000 yen in each case, so you might better use IC card such asi ICOCA. Cup Noodle Museum / Church of the Light are accessed by non-JR trains and the total fare (Umeda to Ikeda, 270 yen, Ikeda to BAMPAKUKINENKOEN(OSAKA) is 520 yen and BAMPAKUKINENKOEN(OSAKA) to Umeda is 520 yen) is 1310 yen so IC card is better.

You might be aware, but for the Church if the Light you need a reservation:
http://ibaraki-kasugaoka-church.jp/e-forvisitors.html

Enjoy your trip to Japan!