Kyoto-Himeji-KIX-10Sep2009

Hoping to getsomeone to verify if all the specifics on this day-trip is possible, or suggest other options. I'll be in Kyoto for a few days, and on the last day, I wish to purchase a JR-West KansaiArea 1-day pass (2000 yen) to do the following:

1. Purchase the 1-day pass the day before at any Kyoto train station.
2. Check-out of ryokan 6:30am.
3. Start using the pass by taking the subway to JR Kyoto Station.
4. Take the Haruka to Shinosaka.
5. Leave suitcase in a locker (where are they?)
6. Take a local train from Shinosaka to Osaka.
7. Take a Special Rapid service to Himeji.
8. Arrive Himeji by 9am, spend 6 hours there.
9. Around 3pm, take a Special Rapid to Osaka.
10. Local service from Osaka to Shinosaka.
11. Have dinner, last minute shopping, get bags out of locker.
12. Take the Aiport Express from Shinosaka to KIX airport, arrivng by 7pm.

Is all this possible on the 1-day JR-West day pass? I'm not certain if the Rail Pass covers the last trip (sounds like it covers only the Haruka). Thanks!

Purchase the 1-day pass the day before at any Kyoto train station.

I believe that the only station in Kyoto that sells the JR West Pass is JR Kyoto Station.

3. Start using the pass by taking the subway to JR Kyoto Station.

The subway is not a JR train. Therefore, the JR West Pass is not valid on it!

5. Leave suitcase in a locker (where are they?)

You can easily find them by following the signs saying "coin lockers".

6. Take a local train from Shinosaka to Osaka.

This is not necessary! YOu can catch a special rapid train to Himeji from Shin-Osaka Station! The same on the return trip: you can ride the special rapid train all the way from Himeji to Shin-Osaka Station.

Take the Aiport Express from Shinosaka to KIX airport, arrivng by 7pm.

I assume that you are referring to the Haruka limited express train. Note that the JR West Pass is only valid on unreserved seats.

Thanks so much for your comments, Uji. I observe you have contributed much valuable information to this forum. Do you know of any onsen in Kyoto besides those at Ohara? Is there a public bath with natural hot spring? Not really interested in a sento. Thanks, Uji!

Kurama Onsen is the best onsen I am aware of near central Kyoto:
http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e3933.html

As to Shin-Osaka Sta.:

- Shin-Osaka Sta.: Solid map (in Japanese):
http://www.jr-odekake.net/eki/img/premises/0610155_3d.p...
Platforms for conventional (= non-Shinkansen) lines are on the 1st floor and shown at the lower right of this map.

- In the morning: Searching for a vacant locker:
Your trains from Kyoto and to Himeji are scheduled to use Track 16 or Track 17.
Going up by escalator or elevator to the concourse (on the 3rd floor),
you see driving wheels exhibited near the east end.
I've heard that lockers enough large for a suitcase are placed near the driving wheels;
the fee is 600 yen. (Prepare a dozen of 100-yen coins!)
If no one is vacant (or unfortunately large ones have been removed),
you get out through the nearest East Gate, turn right and advance, go down to the 2nd floor and search for lockers near a UNIQLO shop.

- In the evening:
There are souvenir shops on the concourse, but probably a restaurant mall is on the 2nd floor.
If I were in your shoes,
I would get out through East Gate and turn left to a convenience store for sandwiches or something
(for fear that the evening meal ends in not a dinner but a light supper), then go searching for a restaurant.

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As to 1. Purchase the 1-day pass the day before at any Kyoto train station.:
I think Kyoto Sta. is the best.
According to a list as of 20 November 2008, you have three other choices in Kyoto Prefecture.
But, you can get to Shin-Osaka by one train only from Kyoto among the four stations.

As to 4, 6, 7, 9, 10:
You don't need to take a Ltd. Express Haruka or a Local train
on Himeji - Kyoto - Shin-Osaka section.
At Kyoto you can take a Rapid (before 07:10) or Special Rapid train.
Around the time you head to Himeji / go back to Shin-Osaka, Special Rapid trains are available.

As to 2, 3, 5, 8:
For the reason mentioned above by Uji, you start using the pass at Kyoto Sta.
It sounds a bit hard to get to Himeji Sta. by 9 am.
Leaving from Kyoto between 7:00 am & 7:30 am, you get to Himeji by 9:30 am,
if a vacant locker is found in 15 minutes.

As to 9, 10, 11, 12:
If arriving in KIX by 7pm is a must, you'd better leave from Himeji before 3 pm (15:00).
Your last Haruka is Haruka No.47 (17:45, arv. 18:49 on weekdays, 18:36 on other days).
One before that is Haruka No.45 (17:15, arv. 18:19 on weekdays, 18:06 on other days).
Both are scheduled to use Track 11.

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