All shinkansen lines have well signed track numbers, train numbers and destinations in both Japanese and English. It should be no problem -- just be on the correct platform and at the correct car number (marked on floor of station) at the correct time. In all of ten or so trips to Japan with much train riding I have only had a shinkansen be late once!

The Oskaka Hyatt RC has a decent breakfast. In the evenings it tends to be rather crowded -- I have been told to go back to my room and wait for confirming phone call when space in the RC was available.

If you are using the JR pass take the JR line from Shin-Osaka to Osaka; then transfer to the loop line getting off at "Bentencho" (get on the loop line in the direction going the shortest distance); transfer to the Chuo line subway (separate fare); get off at end of line station "Cosmosquare"; follow the crowd upstairs to the technoport line -- go thru the "maned" ticket booth as there ususally needs to be an additonal small fare paid -- most of the subway ticket machines don't sell the correct ticket fare that includes the technoport line -- this sounds more complicated that it really is; take the technoport line two stops to Nakafuto station (you will see the Hyatt on your left); upon leaving train station it is about a block to the hotel -- bear to your right and enter the hotel from the lower level, it saves walking around hotel to main entrance, although there are 8 or so steps down to this entrance.

BTW using your JR pass on Hokkaido and then down to Osaka -- this is a heck of long train ride . . . or are you flying from Sapporo to KIX?

I second the comment on the Nozomis -- they really need to rethink the exclusion of pass holders as the Hikari services have been drasticly cut back.

Please email me if you have more specific questions.