Paul

Hi there,

There is not exchange station at Itami airport. The best option would be to travel to Osaka or Shin-Osaka stations and exchange your voucher there.

Many thanks Daniel, I got it. I will be staying at the Hilton across the JR Umeda Station, I guess I can have my voucher exchanged at Umeda?

Yes! Not to get confused but Umeda is the same as Osaka station. However the subway station and surrounding area are called Umeda.

Just a quick thank-you note for your help Daniel. Much appreciated. ありがとうございました

Hello there, your help last year (2016) was excellent!
My family and I brought the JR Passes and have had a great time with our travels.
Later this year, we are coming again and are planning to purchase two 5-day Kansai WIDE area passes for a 10 day trip around Osaka area. We will be flying in from Canada, arriving at the Kansai International Airport on August 1 with the Exchange Vouchers. We hope to exchange for the Passes on the day of arrival (August 1) but only start the first day of use for the Passes starting August 5 to August 14, because on arrival at the airport, we will be taking a bus to Tokushima (Shikoku) and spending the next 4 days in Shikoku (using the Shikoku JR Passes) until August 5 when and where we will travel back fromTakamatsu (Shikoku) to Osaka via Okayama.
Basically, my means of travel include:
(1) Bus from Airport to Tokushima (2) 4-day Shikoku JR Pass (3) 2 times 5-day Kansai WIDE area Passes (starting point/city is however at Takamatsu) I understand there is no ticket office at Takamatsu for exchanging my Kansai WIDE area passes, would I be able to do so in advance of 4 days on arrival at the airport?
I look forward to your advice. Many thanks.
Paul

Hi again!

Glad to hear you are returning to Japan!

You could exchange the JR West pass (Kansai Wide Pass) in advance at Kansai Airport and select a later first day of use.

It feels like a bit of a short answer after your post but I think it covers your question. Let me know if I can help with anything!

-Daniel

Many thanks Daniel,
I forgot to also ask you as to (i) whether I could also get my 4-Day JR-All Shikuko Pass at the Kansai Airport? or do I have to wait until I arrive at Tokushima? and (ii) whether I could use the JR-All Shikuko Pass on the Kotohira Line and Nagao Line operated by Kotoden Electric Rail?
Thank you for further advice.
Paul

Hi Paul,

I recommend checking out this website:
https://shikoku-railwaytrip.com/railpass.html

It lists the exact coverage and where you can exchange the Shikoku pass. While not possible at Kansai Airport, you could do so at Osaka station.

The Kotoden lines are included too.

Hope this helps :)
Daniel

Hi Daniel,
Many thanks again for your advice.
The web site you have shown me is particularly useful and informative.
I always enjoy and respect the excellent and professional advice and assistance that I have received in your country, from the days in 1979 (wow! almost 40 years ago! ) when I did my 2-month training in Fuji Car Manufacturing, to the numerous times that I have returned to visit the places that I've known since those days. You upkeep that same imagine and standards that I have seen 40 years ago. Great job.
Paul

Hi Paul,

Thank you for your kind words, I'm happy to hear that I can help!

Hope you have a wonderful trip this time in Japan too!

All the best,
Daniel

Hi Daniel,
My family and I are now all set to go Shikoku and then Osaka area for some 3 weeks in November. Thank you so much for your advice earlier this year.
I plan to order the Kansai Wide Area Passes on-line, and noted that I have to fill out the intended start-date of using the Passes to complete the application, before an email confirmation will be sent to me.
My question is: Is the start-date the first day of use of the Pass, and not the date when I plan to exchange my Pass at the JR Office in Japan?
(I hope to get the Passes on arrival at Kansai Airport (KIX) on November 3, but won't be starting to use them until November 10 when I finish my Shikoku tour. On November 10, I will be travelling from Takamatsu to Okayama - my first trip using the Kansai Wide Pass. Should I put down November 3 or November 10 in the application?) I look forward to your esteemed advice .
Paul