Update on our transit in KIX

Couldn't check our luggage through due to length of transit and/or change of carrier. Quick collection of luggage and through customs/immigration, checked luggage into storage for the day. NOTE: later saw a much cheaper option - lockers upstairs in the foyer to bus station and hotel.

Bought day pass for train to Kyoto, arrived soon after 9, quick breakfast and then visited tourist office in station for city map. Asked if we wanted to see cherry blossoms, they showed us where they were blooming (north of imperial palace) and mapped out a route to there, Kinkakuji Temple, Gion area and back to station. Once we knew the bus numbers we had no problems getting around and all buses had signs inside showing the next stop.







Traffic in the afternoon got very busy and bus crawled back to station and we missed intended train. The next train to KIX was cancelled so arrived back at KIX 1 hour later than planned. However had built in plenty of slack so all was well. The train was very crowded and only one carriage was unreserved seats. We got a seat but some didn't.

It was all much easier than expected and definitely makes me want to go back.