As has been mentioned - I have recommended Mr. Doi as a driver in another thread. I had a friend of mine use him last month. His van broke down the day before her plans with him - and he personally made arrangements for another English speaking guide to take her around. She didn't miss a beat in terms of her travel - and had a great time. So he isn't only good - he's conscientious.

Considering your schedule - I would do some very serious reading about exactly what you want to see in Kyoto - noting the opening and closing times/dates of various places. If you arrive after noon at KIX - I don't think you'll be in Kyoto until almost 3 (if you're lucky with immigration and traffic - those who know more about this than I do can correct me if I'm wrong). Many places close at 5 or 6 (and I don't know when they open). Map out the places - so you won't be criss-crossing the city 5 times. Mr. Doi (and I'm sure others) are good guides - but you will save a lot of time if *you* know in advance what you want to do/see and where the places are in relation to one another.

For your limited time the day you arrive - I have a perhaps unusual suggestion. Explore the train station. It is a masterpiece of modern architecture. And you can be there at rush hour - which is an amazing sight. There is an entire city of stores and restaurants beneath it. The large department store in the station (Isetan) has wonderful food basements - where you can try samples of lots of Japanese foods. Or buy and nibble on a bit of this or that. There is an excellent eel restaurant on the 6th floor (or so) of the department store. Food basements in department stores are one of the most terrific things in Japan - and they will give you an excellent introduction to Japanese food - everything from food people take home to eat - to $500 melons. You probably won't have time to explore them in Tokyo - so this is a good place to do it. Robyn