Itinerary Advice

Hi all,

I'm travelling to Japan with a friend at the end of December-January and would like some advice on my itinerary.

Day 1 - Arrive around 5pm at Narita Airport. Travel to Kyoto (about 4 hours?)

Day 2 - Day trip to Hiroshima

Day 3 - Kyoto (New Years eve)

Day 4 - Kyoto (New Years)

Day 5 - Travel to Hakone and stay overnight at a ryokan

Day 6 - Travel to Tokyo

Day 7 - Tokyo

Day 8 - Tokyo

Day 9 - Tokyo

Day 10 - Depart for home from Narita Airport (around 9 am)

So my questions are..

1. Is my itinerary reasonable? Anything I should change?

2. 7 day JR Pass - When's a good time to activate it? I was thinking the first day? Or am I better off activating somewhere else? Or is it better to get a regular fare on Day 1 and maybe visit Hiroshima on day 3 (activate the JR Pass here), however it'll be new years even so I was worried it'll be busy on the trains?

Thanks all in advance.

1. Is my itinerary reasonable? Anything I should change?

Looks quite good if you'd like to see "modern Japan" a bit more than "historical Japan".

2. 7 day JR Pass - When's a good time to activate it?
Day 1 when you depart at NRT:)

Ts - Thanks!

..I just realised that my itinerary may need a re-done because according to

http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e2276.html

Himeji Castle and the Hiroshima A-Bomb Museum are closed :( Shall I just start from Tokyo and head towards Kyoto? Any suggestions are welcomed!