Thanks for all the great information above!

Reading about all the different types of JR passes and various train passes really has gotten me more confused than ever, so I've got a few questions for my upcoming first ever trip to Japan hopefully some of you can answer.

Here's my itinerary and related question:
6/24 ORD > KIX, and staying@Westin Osaka for three nights.
I understand there's a train network and as a foreigner, I may be eligible for the discounted JR Passes, which should take me from KIX to Osaka Station, from which point on I can use RTWSTARALLIANCE's advise in getting to the Westin. I am confused on however, what ticket is my best option here and do I need to purchase them before I arrive in Japan? (The note "*A JAPAN RAIL PASS cannot be purchased inside Japan." from http://www.westjr.co.jp/english/travel/jrp/ got me worried).

Also, I will be going to the American consulate in Osaka from Westin on Monday 6/26, looking at the map, it's about a 30+ minute walk, does that sound like a good plan or a train ride is a better choice?

6/27 Westin > Fukuoka (for the experience, Bullet Train-Shinkansen is my plan for this leg)
Any suggestions in looking up bullet train schedule, pricing and logistics from Westin? Would a packaged ticket (those 7/14 days passes I've read about) be a better choice with both this leg and earlier KIX to Osaka station leg in mind?

7/6-7/8 Short round-trip between Fukuoka and Hiroshima
No preference on this leg on what train line I'd be taking, but again, would a packaged ticket be a better choice knowing this leg along with the earlier legs between KIX and Osaka, and then Osaka to Fukuoka?

Since I don't see any SPG properties in Hiroshima area off spg.com, any suggestions for a resonable priced hotel ($120-$200 range) or am I missing something completely?

My final leg would be on 7/9, leaving Fukuoka for ORD via FUK.

My initial feeling is that a 14 day JR Rail pass is my best bet, but I've heard that these passes are region specific, and jumping between Osaka, Fukuoka, then Hiroshima may not be eligible for the pass? Sorry about the rudimentary questions I'm asking, I'm just starting my FT research on this topic for this upcomign trip.