Originally Posted by
evergrn
... it may be a bit inconvenient with the bags and stuff on Mar7. You'll have to backtrack to Shin-Kobe at the end of the day to retrieve your suitcase, or take a chance and hope that there's a suitcase size locker available at the Kyoto Station. Btw, if you're only going to be bringing 1-2 small bags, then this is a moot point because smaller lockers are usually available at train stations. In that case, I'd rec CP Shin-Kobe more than the other two options.
Although the OP did not mention it, I have been going on the assumption that for a 2-1/2 day visit he will be traveling with carry-on only - or even just a small backpack with essentials and a clean shirt and linens. For something that small, he could use a locker at Kyoto Station and just go straight from Kyoto to KIX for departure. Any more luggage would complicate matters as you point out.