Originally Posted by
joejones
I would transfer at Shinagawa, because it's less crowded and much less confusing than Tokyo. If you are just doing a round trip from Narita to Osaka and back, I would also consider paying a little more for a round-trip Nozomi ticket, which is faster and has far more frequencies than the Hikari service available on the pass (trains every 10 minutes vs. every 30-60 minutes). You should be able to get to Osaka around 10pm that way, and would have flexibility to take a break in Shinagawa for dinner or a drink before getting on the long train ride.
You might also consider spending the first night at Tokyo or Shinagawa and then taking the 6 AM shinkansen to Osaka -- coming from North America you'll probably be waking up very early on the first couple of days anyway.
Thanks, can I do round trip Nozomi as Tokyo-Osaka, Osaka-Kyoto-Tokyo (or just Kyoto-Tokyo) and do I need to specify train reservation at time of purchase? We'll be meeting with others arriving at KIX that day and spend 3 nights in Osaka, 1 night in Kyoto then return to Tokyo so thought the JR pass may be easier and will likely only know what train time to take the day of/before.
Also, where can I get bento at Shinagawa/Tokyo for dinner on the train?