Originally Posted by
robyng
We took a taxi from Osaka to Kyoto (arranged by the concierge at the hotel). Can't remember exactly how much it cost - but the price wasn't shocking (wasn't a very long trip either). Didn't wind up costing much more than 2 green train tickets - plus transfers to/from the train stations. Robyn
Robyn - I think you should preface your advice with the comment that you prefer to travel in some style and comfort and don't worry (much) about the expense. That's fine, but I'd be reluctant to follow your advice because I am more price sensitive...
I estimate that a taxi from Umeda (i.e. the area of the Ritz Carlton) to Kyoto station (i.e. the area of the Granvia hotel) would cost about 12,000yen. (660yen for the first 2km + 80yen for every subsequent 275m. Total distance is roughly 40km).. A local expert, such as a concierge, might know some taxi companies who would discount for this trip. (Maybe 10%?)
For comparison - the same trip is 540yen per person on a regular JR train.
If you compare the taxi trip with a taxi to Shin Osaka, then two shinkansen green car tickets to Kyoto... the taxi would still be more expensive, but it might start to look like not such a bad value.