Originally Posted by
tsg20
In the end we decided on flying in/out via KIX, and taking the train from KIX to Kanazawa on the Sunday afternoon that we arrive. I've been assured that it's possible to do this without booking in advance, and without speaking Japanese, so hopefully it will all work out OK!
That will work fine. In the KIX Arrivals Hall, just go up the escalator to the 2nd floor and cross over the street on the pedestrian skywalk. The JR ticket office is straight ahead in a light-green trimmed, glass-walled booth. It is well marked. The agents in that office - as in all international gateway offices - speak English and will help you set up the transfers. Just make sure they give you at least 15-20 minutes for the connection at Shin-Osaka. Hyperdia wants to give you a 7 minute connection. I don't think I'D want to do that and I am pretty familiar with Shin-Osaka Station. The wicket-gates for the "Haruka" express train from KIX are right across the hall from where you get your tickets.
The link KIX-ShinOsaka on the Haruka will take just under an hour and the link ShinOsaka-Kanazawa is just under 3 hours. You might want to pick up a sandwich or bento box and something to drink at one of the platform kiosks or vending machines for that long leg to Kanazawa. They will probably be selling snacks on the train but I find that very few of the "trolley-dollies" speak any English and tend to fly through the cars very fast. I always buy my meal/snack before boarding.
Have a great visit to Japan and Kanazawa!