What's the diff between premium and free users?
I had no problems whatsoever using the free version.

That pass is for unreserved seating only, in the event that some trains do not have unreserved car, additional charges may apply

Hiroshima is lovely, only stayed a night, would love to go there again someday 

Stay in Kyoto la 

depending on how many days u plan to go kyoto
u may think it saves hassle but it's creating more hassle
because u need to wake up so early everyday to maximize the time u got since u need 1 hour each way to and back from kyoto
the train fare surely isn't a problem since it's already saved from the accommodation
it's the time that u need to sacrifice to go back and forth everyday and u can't stay there until it's too late because it's takes an hour to go back

and if you're living in namba area, there is no direct route...u need to transit at a major station in order to reach kyoto or get back home

I think i will take the bullet train. 15mins.

Good to know, I will probably do that on my next trip to Fukuoka 

By the way on a sidenote, anybody been to Miyajima?
I know the iconic torii gate is sadly currently under construction 
Not really interested in going up Mt Misen as well so the question is... still worth it to go Miyajima without these 2 major attractions?
Will be autumn when I visit so at least the leaves will be nice.

Thanks for the feedback!

There's so much more to see in hiroshima than just that torii gate, I'd say it's worth the detour if you have the time for it

Costs of food in Japan are affordable. Just buy rice at 7-11. Only 400 yen per meals. In UK I don't think can find meals around that price.

You mostly will be in non reserve coach. Inside the non reserve coach you will be standing all the way to your destination.....feel like super fast KTM commuter train.

If you lucky you might get seat if person infront of you get down on station, but when u leave the seat for toilet, another person will take over your seat. 

Peak season Bro....
You need super luck only can get Seat plus in Japan society non compulsory to give seat for old people.
Osaka to Hiroshima about 1 hour 25 minute
Unreseved seat coach are unlimited amount ticket, similar to our KTM commuter, one coach can squeeze kaw kaw of people....

Day trip to Hiroshima ??????  Peak Season + one senior citizen....come on man....just cancel that day trip lah.....
focus inside Osaka Saja lah

I went there in 2018 and yes its very crowded with old Japanese people, if that's not a problem with you I think its worth it. I missed the peak cherry blossom season by few days and theres only some tree with flowers left but even then I still think it was worth it going all the way here. I hiked from Shimo Senbon(lower) to Naka Senbon(middle) area and spent few hours hanami-ing with random strangers there. buses are available on cherry blossom season and there's a ropeway too, but it was not working when I was there. If you are with family I would avoid the hiking trail, its not hard but isn't suitable for people with family.