re: nishimark - thanks!

arriving in Osaka (rather than Shin-Osaka) sounds perfect.

the kaiyukan is a small hike, but the whale shark makes it unmissable (for me).

takkyubin - this could work really well, as long as the bulk of (any) shopping is done the day before - will definitely consider it. only (possible) problem is i've heard delivery to/ from airports might take 2 days instead of the usual 1. i could very well be wrong, though.