Going to Kansai area from Tokyo

My friends and I are planning to go to Japan for a week; however, our budget is limited so we would like to know the most cost efficient way to go to Osaka-Kobe-Nara-Kyoto from Narita Airport(Not Kansai Airport).

Should we catch low-cost flight from Tokyo to Kansai International Airport and then buy the local Kansai pass or should we buy JR railpass?

Thanks

My friends and I are planning to go to Japan for a week; however, our budget is limited so we would like to know the most cost efficient way to go to Osaka-Kobe-Nara-Kyoto from Narita Airport(Not Kansai Airport).

Should we catch low-cost flight from Tokyo to Kansai International Airport and then buy the local Kansai pass or should we buy JR railpass?

If you're inclined to flights instead of trains, you might consider buying one of the Japan Airpasses.
http://www.lonelyplanet.com/thorntree/thread.jspa?threadID=1...

For schedule search:
http://www.ana.co.jp/eng/
http://www.jal.co.jp/en/

Make sure your travel dates don't fall on the blackout periods.

In Kansai, you don't need to buy day passes considering your destinations, IMHO. Buy individual tickets. They are not that expensive no matter whether you choose JR or private railway companies.
http://www.jorudan.co.jp/english/
http://www.hyperdia.com/cgi-english/hyperWeb.cgi

In case flights turn out to be expensive, you might consider purchasing the railpass.

All your options for travel between the Tokyo and Osaka/Kyoto regions:
http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e4006.html