Thanks! I ended up taking the bus. Was actually quite easy (automatic ticket vending machines are located right outside of exit, in front of bus stop) and cheap (1280 yen). Had to get to a hotel around the Kyoto City Hall, so the bus stop was very convenient.

The only general challenge that I would note is that for somebody who does not speak Japanese, I think navigating this is a little more difficult than expected - but still not too bad. One tip for other travelers in the future - there is no currency exchange (at least not in the ANA terminal that I arrived into) and the ticket vending machines do not accept credit cards. Ended up solving my problem by using an ATM machine to get Japanese yen, which was available. If connecting from an international flight from Narita, like me, it would be advisable to change currency at Narita.

Thanks for all the advice.

HFLeo