Originally Posted by
ksandness
Yes, take the Haruka Express to Kyoto, 70 minutes.
That's what I would do as well. Consider staying at the Hotel Granvia, which is above Kyoto Station. It's a very easy way to do a one-nighter in Kyoto from KIX: direct train on the Haruka then hotel in the station. Then you have the rest of your time to explore the city.