Ok so the trip has changed slightly, simplified but probably best that way 
due to time and budget.
no JR rail pass because the trip up north was postponed, not enough time 
really.
it's going to be as follows : 5 days in Tokyo, meeting up with my friend who 
arrives on the last Tokyo day, one night in Nagoya, up to Takayama for 2 
nights, then up to Noto Hanto for three nights to see some windy rough 
winter seas in a place with an onsen (in Wajima)
then off to Kyoto for the remaining 8 nights or so in the family house, 
getting some Surotto Kansai 3 day tickets (which also include local 
transportation, 5000Yen for 3 days) and checking out the Kansai sights on 
day trips according to time, energy and motivation ( Himeji, Nara, Osaka, 
Kurama etc). Bicycles are an option, it kind of depends on the weather and 
the energy to face Kyoto hills.
 Then back to Tokyo for the last night, and flying out.
We will be using buses on short distances ( 4 to 5 hours is a maximum, 
longuest will probably be the Takayama-Kanazawa-Wajima), which does cut back 
costs quite a bit, main travel expenses being the Tokyo Nagoya and the Kyoto 
Tokyo...

thanks again for your help

ben