Train to Osaka with stop in Himeji

Planning to take the train from Hiroshima to Osaka and would like to stop in Himeji for a few hours. We haven't bought any pass as it hasn't made sense for our itinerary but wondering the most cost effective way to buy the tickets in order to get off the train in Himeji before continuing on to Osaka. Thanks!

Where in Osaka? It may make a difference.

If you travel to a place in Osaka, which is easily accessible by JR, I would buy a base fare ticket from Hiroshima to that station in Osaka (it is 300 yen cheaper than buying two separate base fare tickets) and buy a limited express ticket for a shinkansen from Hiroshima to Himeji. Depending on your budget and end destination, it could make sense to take the shinkansen also between Himeji and Shin-Osaka, or it would be better to take the special rapid.

If you travel to a place in Osaka, which is easily accessible by Hanshin (or Hankyu), you could consider taking Sanyo/Hanshin/Hankyu between Himeji and Osaka. It is cheaper but slower.

Thanks so much for you response! We are staying near Shinsaibashi Station, as far as I can tell JR does not go near that area. The other option would be to see Himeji as a day trip while we are there.