Hi ladies, here's my experience in Osaka/Kyoto. It is rather long but I tried to include as much details as possible. We were staying at Hilton Osaka which conveniently has an Hermes store located downstairs. We would peek at the displays every time we walked past. The hotel is located beside Osaka station which is a good base if you are exploring Osaka.
Day 1
Hilton Osaka: I was wearing a Cos dress, jacket and boots with Evelyne TPM. DH asked for a constance and the SA went to check but we were told there was nothing in stock. SA was generally friendly. Lots of small Plumes in display.
Hankyu Osaka: The store is very crowded and it took some time before we got any service. DH asked for a constance and the SA went to check but we were also told there was nothing in stock. SAs at this store were rather cold. Mini Halzans, Toolboxes and Evelyne TPMs on display.
Takashimaya Osaka: DH also asked for a constance but we were told there were no birkins or kellys which was slightly annoying since we didn't actually ask for them. We did not return to this store.
Day 2
Hilton Osaka: I was wearing a Cos jacket, jeans and sneakers with Evelyne TPM. DH asked for a constance and the SA went to check but we were told there was also nothing in stock. SA was generally friendly.
Hankyu Osaka: DH asked to see men's wallets but the stock was quite limited so he didn't get anything. We also asked for a constance but we were once again told that there was nothing in stock.
By this time we were thinking we won't going to get lucky with H so I bought a vintage Chanel mini.
Day 3
Hilton Osaka: I was wearing an Asos coat, jeans, sneakers and the new-to-me Chanel mini. We had done some food shopping so we were carrying a lot of plastic bags. I saw a croc C18 on display (GORGEOUS!) but that's not in my price range so I asked to see men's wallets. DH whispered to me that there was another C18 on display which I had completely missed! I must have been blinded by the croc C18! It was a C18 craie ghw and I happily took it home! It seems like there are a lot of craie bags these days, doesn't it? I cheekily asked the SA for a K and he checked but I was told there wasn't any.
FYI this was a Sunday and we also saw the SAs unboxing a rose sakura GP and picotin for display. I guess it is not true that they do not get shipments on Sundays.
Day 4
Hilton Shinsaibashi: This store is lovely and there was a glorious croc C24 ghw and several jiges on display. DH asked for a c in a normal leather but we were told there weren't any. SA was rather cold. We didn't revisit this store again.
Hilton Osaka: When we came back, we saw a C24 on display but the store was already closed!
Day 5
Hilton Osaka: I was wearing a Kenzo sweater, jeans, sneakers and Chanel mini. We lurked outside the store waiting for it to open and asked for the C24 once it opened. It was a doblis C24 which I have never seen before so I also happily took it home! (Sorry bank account) I asked the SA for a K and she checked. She came back after about 5 minutes with a black paperbag (which they put your H purchases in so that it is less conspicuous) and told us she had a K32. She led us to one of the private rooms and took the K32 out. It was a sellier in etoupe which I could not say no to so that came home with us too! Also picked up some scarves and SA kindly offered us those cute kelly chocolates which they also serve at Hermes Ginza.
Kyoto Gion pop up: We visited this thinking it would be some kind of exhibit but it seemed like just a store selling scarves and some accessories. The place was packed and there weren't any SAs available to explain the concept to us so we left feeling slightly disappointed. DH found out later that you could bring old H scarves for them to re-dye.
Takashimaya Kyoto: A glorious red croc kelly cut on display.
Day 6/7
Hilton Osaka: Stock was pretty much the same except a brown croc kelly cut was added to the display.
My take on Hermes shopping in Osaka is that they do display items available for sale - both the Cs I bought were on display. The shelves were always well stocked with items which are usually considered quite "rare" such as the tutti fruitti range, Cs and jiges. They do guard the K/Bs more carefully. I don't think they would have offered me the K32 if I didn't already agree to buy the C24.
I was not asked for my passport until it was time for payment and I was not told of any bag limitation.
I hope this helps! Good luck with the Hermes games! May the odds be ever in your favour! Safe travels everyone and happy holidays!