Many airlines fly directly from the United States to Osaka; you then take a one-hour train ride from the airport to Kyoto. Several times an hour, bullet trains leave Tokyo Station for the 2 1/2-hour trip to Kyoto.
Where to eat
En (Anekokji, Higashi-kita-kado, Saimachi-dori, Nakagyo-ku; 011-81-75-221-9223), for a casual version of kaiseki. Ikkyu (20 Daitokuji-monzen, Murasakino, Kita-ku; 011-81-75-493-0019), for shojin ryori. Tawaraya (Anekokji-agaru, Fuyacho-dori, Nakagyo-ku; 011-81-75-211-5566), the finest traditional inn, for the best kaiseki, served in your room.