I am contemplating visiting Kyoto for the first time in many years. We are trying to fly in to KIX but at the moment still waitlisting so we might have to fly in to Tokyo instead. Hope someone can clue us in on this:

1. How long is the train ride from KIX to Kyoto (Westin Hotel Kyoto)? How do we get from KIX airport to train station? And then from station to Westin?

2. Would it be a better idea to first go to Tokyo (which would be 2nd leg of our journey any way) and then take a train to Kyoto and back? HOw long is that journey? I was thinking we might even be able to use TAKKUPEN service.

Thanks.