Getting there:

From Narita International Airport (Tokyo): Go first to Tokyo Station (by limousine bus or JR Narita Express train; about 80 min). Then take a Nozomi Shinkansen train (about 150 min) or an express bus (about 8 hours). The Dream Kyoto and Dream Nara buses depart 3 or 4 times a day.
Narita International Airport website (English):
http://www.narita-airport.or.jp/airport_e/index.html
English-language website for information on Dream Kyoto bus:
http://www.jrbuskanto.co.jp/mn/ceindex.cfm

From Kansai International Airport (Osaka): First take the JR Kansai Kuko Line from the airport to Hineno Station (approx. 10 min). Then change to the JR Hanwa Line and get off at Osaka Station. From there, change to the JR Tokaido Main Line and get off at Kyoto Station (approx. 30 min).
Kansai International Airport website (English):
http://www.kansai-airport.or.jp/english/index.htm

Getting around the city

Kyoto has an excellent bus and subway transit system. To make the most of it, visit this English-language website:
http://www.city.kyoto.jp/kotsu/english/e_guide.htmascii

The Kyoto Tourist Information office can give you the names of companies offering taxi tours, bus tours and car rentals.

Bicycling: This English-language website has information on renting bicycles, routes and guided cycling tours:
http://www.kctp.net/en/index.html

Rickshaw: Some tourists like being pulled in a rickshaw through certain parts of the city. A great way to sit back and enjoy the sights.

For tips on things to do and see:

Kyoto Tourist Information office
Information in English on where to stay, what to see, getting about,and more.
Tel: 075-344-3300 (if calling from outside Japan, +81-75-344-3300)
Hours: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. (closed on 2nd and 4th Tuesdays of the month)
Address: 9th floor, Kyoto Station Building, Shiokoji Kudaru, Karasuma-dori, Shimogyo-ku, Kyoto

Tourist info from the web:

Digital City Kyoto website (English and Chinese):
http://www.digitalcity.gr.jp/index-final.html

Kyoto City Web (English):
http://www.city.kyoto.jp/koho/index_e.html

Kyoto Prefecture website (English):
http://www.pref.kyoto.jp/index_e.html

For information on where to stay:

English-language website of Lodging Guide in Japan (where to stay throughout Japan):
http://lgj-net.com/mapGuid.html

Hands-on fun with Kyoto's traditional culture

Make Kyoto-style confectionaries and drink matcha (powdered green tea):
Oimatsu (reserve at least 10 days in advance)
Tel: 075-463-3050 (if calling from outside Japan, +81-75-463-3050)
Fax: 075-463-3051 (+81-75-463-3051)

Make traditional Kyoto handicrafts (Kyo Yuzen-zome dyeing, Japanese paper, kumi-himo braided cords, folding fans):
Kyoto Kimono Center (reserve beforehand)
Fax: 075-213-0651 (if calling from outside Japan, +81-75-213-0651)

Participate in a tea ceremony, dressed in a kimono:
Tondaya (reserve at least one day in advance). English website:
http://www.tondaya.co.jp/english/index.html