Haruka limited express

I am taking the haruka limited express from Kyoto station to Kansai airport on unreserved seat on 28 oct. to catch a flight. Would I be able to board the train if I am at the track on time but the train may be full due to many passengers buying reserved tickets? I will miss my flight if that is the case.

Reserved seats and unreserved seats are located in separate cars. If the train starts from Kyoto and you line up early enough in the correct spot on the platform for the unreserved cars, you can usually easily secure a seat in the unreserved car.

There are 2 non-reserved cars per Haruka train. I've never seen anyone turned away from a non-reserved car, but I've occasionally had to stand, depending on the number already on board. Since you're starting in Kyoto, you'll probably have more open seats than do the people who board in Osaka.

Thank you so much for the useful information. Are there storage place on the train for luggages?

Are there storage place on the train for luggages?

Because it is an airport train, enough space for luggage is provided:
https://www.jr-odekake.net/train/haruka/accommo.html

- Photo of the luggage space in "Haruka" train (direct link)
https://www.jr-odekake.net/train/haruka/img/accommo_th_04.jpg

The 28th of October 2014 will be a normal weekday, so I agree with Uji that you are likely to have your seat without reservation if the "Haruka" train starts from Kyoto and you come early to the platform.

Most of KIX-bound "Haruka" trains start from Kyoto and depart at Track 30.
Exceptions are
: Haruka 3 (staring from Kusatsu in Shiga, departing from Kyoto at 6:22 at Track 6)
: Haruka 9 (staring from Maibara in Shiga, departing from Kyoto around 7:45 at Track 7)
: Haruka 13 (staring from Maibara in Shiga, departing from Kyoto at 8:50 at Track 7)

One "Haruka" train is composed of 6 or 9 cars. Cars Nos. 5 and 6 are for non-Reserved seats. Depending on trains, also Car No. 4 is for non-Reserved seats.

In Kyoto Station, you can pass through Central Gate (around its north end, near Kyoto Tower), see Track 0, turn right, walk a little and find Track 30.
You can ask a JR-West attendant at Central Gate where on the platform you can embark at Car No. 5 of your "Haruka" train.

- Maps of Kyoto Station of JR
: Map in Japanese language
https://www.jr-odekake.net/eki/img/premises/0610116.gif
: Map in English language (rather heavy file)
http://www.westjr.co.jp/global/en/travel-information/routemap/pdf/stat...

Thank all for the useful information. If I want to catch the 12:15pm train, what time must I be at the platform to queue up.

On regular days, there should be able to get an unreserved seat by just showing up 5-20 minutes before departure. But on busy days, you may want to show up 15+ minutes before departure.

You have been very helpful and I am very appreciative of all the useful information that will make my first trip to Japan much smoother.