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.

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.

Flight Reservation

Flight reservation was made today. It will be on hold for 1 day. Tickets have to be purchased by midnight tomorrow.

Travel Agencies

I've talked to Kintetsu International Express, a local Japanese travel company, and Willow Glen Travel.

1. Airfare prices go up after June 10. (updated 2/24 -- this is not true. Airfare goes up after June 3rd this year).

2. United is the only airlines fly non-stop from SFO to KIX, but only M, W, F. They are more restrict and less negotiable.

3. Alternatives - fly Japanese airlines and connect flight in Narita (Tokyo)

4. Airfare surcharge is not predictable and could be very high if the oil price sky rocks

5. Book tickets next February the earliest

6. Insurance is required by ND