From KIX to Kobe... with the bags in tow!

I've typed up these directions for a few people now, so I thought I would put it out here in case anyone ever needs them.  

If you're flying into Osaka's Airport (Kansai Intl) and need to get to Kobe, here's some helpful hints on how to get the bus.  If you're going straight to Osaka, the directions are the same, only look for the bus to Osaka (or "Umeda"):

You will arrive in the Arrivals area of the airport (obviously). Once you are in the main airport, go straight and outside. There will be buses lining up. You need to take the bus to SANNOMIYA, and I believe they call the bus an airport limousine, but just make sure you are on a bus going to this location. If you are looking at the street (with the building behind you), the bus you need will be toward the left and center. There should be a sign (maybe electronic), but just ask for Kobe “Saw-no-mee-yah” if you don’t see it. 

To buy your ticket (BEFORE getting on the bus), use the ticket machines on the outside wall, near where the bus to Sannomiya is. There should be someone around to help you buy a ticket, but there should also be an English button on the machines. You are going to Kobe, so it MIGHT say this, but - again - SANNOMIYA is the name of the area/stop. The ticket will cost 1,900 yen (about $19). Just put 2,000 into the machine and they will give you a coin back for change.

When you get in line, the bus guy will take your bags and give you a ticket for them. They will actually check this ticket when you claim your bags, too, so make sure you hang on to it. The bus will drop you off in central Kobe, across from the JR train station.  The bus ride is 65 minutes long, but the final stop (or only – might be two depending on the bus you get) is yours, so it’s ok to sleep or read. You can’t miss it.

Also of potential interest -- how to get your bags when you get off the plane in Osaka (this one has come up, too):
As for the lugguage check...When you get off the plane, at KIX, you will walk down a big glass building and might have to take a little shuttle train to the lugguage area, but everyone will be going to the same place and the signs will be in English. You'll pass immigration first (Japanese people get to go to the many desks on the right when you get there - foreign passport holders will be on the left... you'll see it right away). Make sure you fill out the customs forms they give you on the plane before you get in line and just FYI that they will probably electronically fingerprint you and take your pic.

Once you leave customs, you go downstairs and look for the lugguage carousel. Your flight # should be listed and there are free lugguage carts to the far right of this room. Grab your bag(s) and head toward the doors. There will be stations for the customs agents to check your stuff. Sometimes they waive you through and sometimes they quickly peek in your bags. They should speak English and don't worry if it seems like you are getting checked more - I once got questioned about drugs for 30 minutes (was coming from Cambodia & Laos and looked pretty rugged)... it's all random but you shouldn't need to check anything. 

Oh, and don't feel the need to buy tax free or anything if you're coming from the states. Alcohol and everything else is pretty cheap here :)