Originally Posted by
ChiefNWA
Alright so just an update here.
Booked myself the Crowne Plaza Kobe. Going to plan on storing my bag there (unless I can find pictures of the luggage lockers at Kyoto station before then) so I'll plan to leave Kyoto by about 4:30PM putting me at KIX by about 7:15PM.
Looks like I'll do the Kansai area pass wide then buy the additional tag on ticket to Hiroshima and back. I'm guessing the only additional transportation costs I'll have is within Hiroshima (including ferry to Miyajima) and getting around Kyoto itself. I found a few passes for Kyoto but not sure if they're worth it, doesn't seem the buses and such are included in the pass.
Update: Booked the Rihga Royal Hotel Osaka. Will continue looking but its between this and the CP.
I've never stayed at RR in Osaka, but I looked up the location and I think you'll be better off going with CP Kobe unless there's a huge price difference.
Although Kyoto Station has numerous lockers, suitcase-size (including your 26") lockers are always at a premium so it's never a guarantee that one will be free. I don't go to Kyoto that often, but I know it's not always easy at Ikebukuro and Shinjuku. But in case you can't find a large locker, I googled and did find a place at Kyoto Station that will keep your luggage.
http://carry-s.com/wp/?page_id=74
So it seems like you can rest assured you'll be able to take your bags with you for storage at Kyoto Station, allowing you to stay later in Kyoto. The 5.46pm Haruka train from Kyoto will get you to KIX at 7.11pm.