JR Pass

Picture source: internet

The expiration date for the pass is stamped.

[Japan Rail Pass] Official Website
[Japan Rail Pass (JR Pass)] from Japan Guide
[Application for Japan Rail Pass Exchange] - everybody needs one
[How to exchange the JR pass in Kansai International Airport]


JR pass is only available to foreign tourist entering as a "temporary visitor" or a Japanese national living in a foreign country. It has to be purchase outside Japan where you buy the Exchange Order (first picture) to be exchanged for the actual pass (second picture) in Japan.  JR Pass has 3 type of duration - 7, 14, or 21 days. We always purchase the 14 days pass, which is 45,100 Yen for the ordinary car. Because the pass can only be purchased outside Japan, the price we pay will depend on the currency exchange rate at that time. 


You will take the train to leave Kansai International Airport, so you need to redeem our JR pass "Exchange Order" to the actual pass. This should be done at the JR Office. You will need to provide the following documents to the front desk staff: the exchange order, the application form, and the passport. Reserving the seat is free for JR pass holders, so please also do it. Tell the staff you will take Haruka to Shin-Osaka, and then Hikari Railstar to Okayama. Before you leave the JR Office, you should have your JR pass, and the two reserved seat tickets (one for the Haruka train, one for the Hikari train).




Picture source: Bon Voyager

Look for the sign for "Railways" or "JR"

JR office (JR Pass exchange)

Inside the JR Office

"Haruka" (airport to  Shin-Osaka)

Inside the train "Haruka"

Request an English ticket. This is Japanese ticket.

Agenda for the Parent Information Meeting

1. Sister school introduction and the relationship with us
1. Location, History
2. How did the relationship start (2009)
   
2. Go over the information sheet 
1. Date
2. Chaperon
3. Cost
4. Schedule
5. Timelines
6. Host family
7. Cell phone
   
3. Slide show

Student Information Meeting

We had the Student Information Meeting at lunch in D107 yesterday. Fifteen students attended, including 5 frosh, 8 sophomores, 1 junior, and 1 senior.

We briefly talked about the trip and showed some pictures taken during our last trip. Emily and Elizabeth were there sharing experience and answered questions.

How to dial to Japan from the U.S.

Time difference - Japan is 17 hours ahead of California during daylight saving time. For example, Tuesday 1pm in Japan is Monday 8pm in California.
Residential Phone:

• 1. Dial 011, the international access code.
• 2. Dial 81, the country code for Japan.
• 3. Dial the area code (it's 86 for Okayama and Kurashiki)
• 4. Dial the rest of the telephone number.

For example, to call Seishin +81-86-462-1661

You will dial 011-81-86-462-1661

Cell Phone:

• 1. Dial 011, the international access code.
• 2. Dial 81, the country code for Japan.
• 3. The area code for the cell phones is usually 090 or 080, but you leave away the leading 0.

So you will dial like this 011-81-90-xxxx-xxxx

JR West Haruka Limited Expresses

JR Haruka

The JR West Haruka limited expresses run from the airport to Shin-Osaka (45 min). Trains run every 30-60 minutes.

The Haruka is the easiest and fastest way to connect to the Shinkansen (bullet train) at Shin-Osaka.

The Japan Rail Pass can be used for the Haruka. You can exchange your rail pass voucher for the pass itself at the JR ticket counter.

[Source]
[Official Website] in Japanese only
[Inside the train] in Japanese only, with pictures

 = first class car
 = ordinary car

Kansai International Airport

[Kansai International Airport]

[1F International Arrivals]

[4F International Departures]

[Airport Access]

Embarkation Card for foreigners

You will receive these two forms from the flight attendants.
The forms must be filled out by pen. Last time, a couple of students used pencil, and they were asked to redo the form by the immigration officers.
Please finish the form before landing.
The Embarkation card is double-sided.