Should I get 7-day or 14-day pass?

Hi there!

I think a 7 day JR Pass is best suited here. You can do all high cost travel within its 7 day validity period and local travel in Kansai is not so expansive in any event.

Week days are generally less busy than weekends and I think you have a good chance to book the Sunrise express, however be sure to have a plan B ready just in case. The train ride this a great experience and I would certainly recommend taking the Sunrise express if you have the opportunity.

As for squeezing in places - why not make a stop over in Kobe, there are free Sake breweries there or you can take the robe-way from Arima to Onsen to mount Rokko and enjoy a splendid view of Kobe and Kansai. The way down is Kobe is also pretty cool!

I hope this helps!
Daniel

Thank you very much Daniel-san! I was planning to see the night view from Mt Rokko, but I saw on the website that the last rope-way departs at 5pm-ish on weekday, so I gave up that plan. I'll make a stop over in Kobe. The buildings seem interesting.

I've always wanted to try an overnight train and crossing my fingers that I could book it. I'll make a plan B to stay over in Osaka just in case.

Thank you!