Originally Posted by ksandness

Trains between Kyoto and Shinagawa run literally several times per hour. They may not all be the fastest Nozomi trains, but there is some sort of Shinkansen passing through or starting up every five to ten minutes. If you arrive at Kyoto Station too early, your train may not even be up on the schedule board yet.

Since I find trains relaxing and the process of flying stressful, I'll opt for the Shinkansen any day.