It was our first time to visit Osaka, and didn’t know how to go to Tokyo by train. But Jeroen is a train expert. I let him take care of me whenever taking the train in Europe. And I love trains. I feel so relaxed and I love looking out the window. Trains feel like an adventure, unlike the airplane which feels like terror for me.
1) The first thing we did was ask the hotel concierge where to buy train tickets. We took a cab to the train station and bought the tickets. Then we asked where the platform was just to be sure. We were told that the actual train was at another station. So good thing we asked!
2) After checking out of our hotel, we met the Intercon’s GM, Mr. Jerome Palacoeur, who, upon seeing our luggage told us we could actually send the luggage ahead of us to Tokyo so we need not haul our stuff during the trip.
For instance, we could ask Intercontinental Osaka to send our luggage to Peninsula Tokyo for 1500 yen a piece. If we send the luggage before 5 PM, it will be at the Peninsula by 12 noon, 101% guaranteed.
So ideally we could just prepare one luggage with our essentials and then ship the rest.
Take note that we were traveling with three Rimowa trunks, two carryons, and a handbag (cause I can’t travel light). So next time, we will follow Mr. Palacoeur’s tip.
3) This is Japan, so the trains arrive and leave like clockwork. Make sure you are there 30 minutes before. Find your platform and look at your ticket to make sure you are waiting in front of the number of the car of your train. You only have a few seconds to board so make sure you are standing at the right spot.
Our 1 PM train left at exactly 1:01 PM.
4) The bullet train is extremely quiet. Japanese people don’t make noise and silence their phones in trains and buses. Respect!
If you’re willing to pay extra, get a reserved seat so you get to sit with your people for sure.
5) Japan is so beautiful. I loved seeing the hills covered in clouds and little town, it’s a quiet village…
I feel very safe with the bullet train and cannot wait to explore Hokkaido or Karuizawa with the kids next time 
5) Although there are food and drink carts available on the train, try not to eat or drink anything because the toilet tends to get really smelly after a two hour ride. Promise.
