Transfer to/from Osaka Station

We are 6adults 3 children and a baby.
Our hotel is @ the osaka station.
When coming from Narita is it easier to Change @
Kyoto or shin-osaka?
Also going back ,is easier to change to the narita express at Shinagawa or Tokyo Jr,and how much transfer time is needed.
Is it wise to make reservations on all yhosetrains?
Many thanks

Qn:Our hotel is @ the osaka station.
When coming from Narita is it easier to Change @ Kyoto or shin-osaka?

Ans:Assuming you will be taking the shinkansen from Tokyo, make the transfer at Shin-Osaka.

Qns:Also going back ,is easier to change to the narita express at Shinagawa or Tokyo Jr,and how much transfer time is needed.


Ans:Both are fine. Use hyperdia to check for times.
http://www.hyperdia.com/en/

How old will the three children be when they travel?

[Shinagawa Sta. / Tokyo Sta.]

Shinagawa is much better than Tokyo for a transfer between a "Narita Express" train and a Tokaido Shinkansen train.

In Tokyo, "Narita Express" trains use tracks deep under the ground while Shinkansen tracks are above the ground. (HyperDia indicates the former tracks just as "tarck No. 3" and "track No. 4"; however, actually they are not Tracks 3 and 4 on the ground but Sobu Underground Tracks 3 and 4.)
And, in Tokyo, JR-East and JR-Central have Shinkansen zones separately, which are located nearby.

In Shinagawa, non-Shinkansen tracks (of JR-East) and Shinkansen tracks (of JR-Central) are on the same level. You can make a transfer to/from Tokaido Shinkansen via one of the two passenger bridges, passing through either Shinkansen North or Shinkansen South Transfer Gate.
And, JR-Central is the only JR company which operates Shinkansen in Shinagawa.
- Map of Shinagawa Sta. (of JR)
http://english.jr-central.co.jp/info/station/_img/shinagawa_L.jpg?unti...

[Shin-Osaka Sta.]

To Osaka Station, Shin-Osaka Station is much closer than Kyoto Station.
- Map of Shin-Osaka Sta.
http://english.jr-central.co.jp/info/station/_img/shin_osaka_L.jpg?unt...
In Shin-Osaka, you can go down from the Shinkansen platform to the concourse, pass through Shinkansen Transfer Gate, walk a little and go further down to the platform for Tracks 15 and 16. Then you can take any train departing at any of the two tracks to Osaka Station, which should be the next stop.

[Narita Airport Sta. / Airport Terminal Sta.]

Please note that Narita Station is located outside the airport.
JR-East and Keisei have stations in the two terminals of NRT.
"Narita Express" is a Ltd. Express service of JR-East.

Thank you Omotenachi for your excellent answer.
I love this website.
We got a auick and excellent answer to our question.

We look forward to our 10 day in Japan.

Are you using a JR Pass?
IF SO, then I would actually do the following
When booking tickets at Narita, ask them to book you onto
1. Narita Express to SHINAGAWA
2. Shinkansen from Shinagawa to KYOTO
3. Limited Express train from Kyoto to Osaka (there are many: they will choose a good time frame for the change over: ask for maybe 15+ Minutes)
It will take a little longer, but that way you have luggage storage and reserved seats from Narita to Osaka
ie you avoid luggage and kids and baby etc etc on the local commuter train from ShinOsaka: its only one station, but it could be a hassle.

then do the same on the return trip.

Shinagawa is definitely easier than Tokyo, definitely.

Good luck!!!