Akane
My family and I, (3 couples and 5 kids) will be arriving at Kansai International Airport (KIX). We’re looking for transport to Kyoto where our hotel is. What kind of transport is available? I'm looking into hiring a private car for us. Do you think this is a good idea? Or will it be a better use of our money for us to use other means of transportation? Thank you for your replies in advance.
Akane
If you're going to Kyoto and don't need to be driven directly to your hotel, then you can use either the train or the Airport Limousine Bus. The train (JR Kansai International Airport Express Train “Haruka”) will take about 1 hour 20 min. from the airport to Kyoto station and is 2,850 yen using the non-reserved seat. http://kanku.mi-ktt.ne.jp/
The Airport Limousine Bus takes about 1 hour 35 min. from the airport to Kyoto station (or other major stations in Kyoto) and is 2,550 yen. http://www.okkbus.co.jp/en/