Originally Posted by
ChiefNWA
... I've read somewhere that the rail pass needs to be purchased prior to arrival in Japan. Is that necessary?
That is true for the whole-country 7- and 14-day Rail Passes but not for the Kansai Wide Area Pass. You can purchase it at the JR Office at KIX after you arrive.
http://www.westjr.co.jp/global/en/tr...s/kansai_wide/