Kyoto’s temples are magical for visitors of all ages. arif3179/Shutterstock
Any trip to Japan creates lasting memories in young minds. And impressions of any trip to the historic city of Kyoto are especially indelible.
The city has spectacular temples, fascinating foods, interesting culture and beautiful places that spur young imaginations to run wild – and provide plenty of fun for little ones of all ages, too.
If you’re considering a trip to Kyoto with your kids, here’s all you need to know.
Is Kyoto good for kids?
Yes. Japanese culture is well suited for children, and chances are you’ll be showered with smiles, treats and even gifts during your stay. Since Kyoto is full of fun, interesting things to see and do, you may find that the hardest part is deciding what you’ll have to skip. The magic of Kyoto’s sights is something that even toddlers will enjoy: the colors reflecting off an iris-dotted koi pool, a maple tree with its tiny helicopter-like seeds, the brilliant sunlight illuminating a centuries-old temple. These can only be enjoyed in Japan: the chance to watch noodles being hand-stretched, thinner and thinner; the yummy rice ball sweets; the different flavors and textures (so much more than sushi!)…your kids are going to love it here.
The practicalities of visiting Kyoto with kids
Once in Kyoto, you’ll quickly find that you should be prepared to navigate heavy crowds. Plan your visits to key sights for weekday mornings, when there will be fewer other visitors (who will surely be less eager to get out first thing than your little ones). Safety-wise, it’s never a bad idea to designate a “meeting point” with your kids should you get lost or separated, or if that phone battery dies. Most major train stations have a kōban–police box–outside, and the beat cops can help reunite separated families.
While Japan has become more accessible in recent decades, you’ll still need to plan for stairways and cobblestones, particularly at off-the-beaten-path spots. If you have stroller-age kids, opt for a lighter, more portable model (if you bring one at all; you may be able to rent equipment in town), as jumbo strollers are difficult to navigate on narrow roads and through public transit. All subways will have elevators and escalators, but at many temples, shrines and parks you can expect to walk.
Facilities for babies and toddlers in Kyoto
If you’ve got toddlers, be mindful that Japanese safety standards may not equal your own. A Japanese high chair, for example, may seem more unstable and/or built to different safety standards, or a path may have an unfenced drop that could pose a danger to a wandering tot.
Nursing parents will be glad to know that many sights have lockable family restrooms where you can feed your little one or change a diaper without interruption; larger sights and shopping centers often have dedicated nursing rooms. Note that open breastfeeding is uncommon in Japan, and may draw unwanted attention; feeding inconspicuously beneath a shawl on a park bench, plane seat or lobby is fine.
Saving on family travel in Kyoto
If you’re mostly just in Kyoto, skip the expensive JR Pass and opt instead for bus and transport passes that offer discounts for the day or the week. You’ll find many places offer discounted prices for kids under five and under 12, and for students with ID.
Where is best in Kyoto for kids?
Kids – even young ones – will enjoy visiting many of the classic Kyoto temples, such as Kinkaku-ji (the Golden Pavilion) and Ryōan-ji, the famous Zen garden made of stones. They’ll also love walking around the alleys that leads to Kiyomizu-dera, where they’ll see people wearing kimonos, beautiful stores and all kinds of tasty things to eat.
Many more under the radar places are worth a visit, like the Museum of Manga (what kid doesn’t like a comic book?) and the Kyoto Railway Museum (any budding engineers?). There’s also a lot of fun to be had just by renting a bike and enjoying a ride along the pretty riverside.
Best things to do in Kyoto with babies and toddlers
Meet the critters at Kyoto City Zoo
A trip to the Kyoto City Zoo will give tots a chance to see unique Japanese animals up close, such as raccoon dogs (tanuki), Japanese badgers, moon bears, red pandas and Japanese flying squirrels. There are also guinea pigs by the dozen.
Feed the fish at temple ponds
You can get a lot of mileage out of feeding koi or goldfish – or even just looking at them – with one parent, while the other parent ducks away to experience a temple. Kyoto’s beautiful Golden Pavilion and Silver Pavilion have lovely ponds with fish and turtles to look for; near the latter you’ll find Hakusa-sonsō, another spot with a pond and garden.
Best things to do in Kyoto with elementary school–aged kids
Dive into a world of new foods
Taking a break from temple touring, change things up a bit by heading to the giant AEON mall in Kyoto Station to taste the array of foods available in the massive food court. Ramen, takoyaki, udon, and sushi are just a few of the options.
Shop for memorable souvenirs
Shopping is always fun in Kyoto, so consider some souvenir hunting on the long ascent to Kiyomizu-dera, or visit one of the many covered shopping arcades known as shōtengai.
Head to kid-friendly temples and parks, like Arashiyama
Making great memories is easy in Kyoto, and kids between five and 12 tend to love places that really feel different from home. In the gorgeous bamboo groves of Arashiyama, they’ll be awed by the towering stalks. Further up the mountain is Arashiyama Monkey Park Iwatayama, where Japanese macaques roam free and mingle with their human cousins.
Say “hi” to Pokémon and friends in their homeland
Pokémon fans will love the chance to visit the Pokémon Center Kyoto, you can see and play with the iconic yellow Pikachu along with numerous other Pokémon pals.
Best things to do in Kyoto with tweenagers and teenagers
Hit up a theme park
Since even the surliest teen can’t resist a ride on the shinkansen (bullet train), consider a zip to nearby Osaka and its fabulous Universal Studios, which opened in 2001 and has a newly expanded Minion Park that mischief lovers will enjoy.
Feed Nara's iconic deer
In nearby Nara, feeding the iconic resident deer of Nara Park will make for an unforgettable experience. Yet despite the Bambi resemblances, this experience isn’t recommended for younger kids or toddlers as the cute, placid deer can be aggressive, and young children may not be able to read the signals quickly enough (or get out of the way) when a young bull or hungry cow decides to go for the whole food cup rather than take a friendly nibble. Teens, on the other hand, will find it super fun to take selfies with the relatively tame animals. Still, visitors of any age should take care when around the deer, especially when they have food in their hands.
Planning tips
Getting your train tickets in advance at a JR midori no madoguchi (ticket window at stations) will help if your family is setting out on a long train ride. Reserved seats make things much easier, especially at peak travel times like Japan’s Golden Week in late April/early May.
Some museums offer entry-fee-free evenings; if you’ve got a flexible schedule, it’s worth checking these times in advance.
Japanese people generally make reservations far in advance, and arrive on time for them. If you wait to reserve, or expect to get an opening on the day, you may be out of luck. Don’t assume you'll be able to just show up at the door of a popular venue; even if you can, you may not enjoy waiting an hour or more with the kids in tow. And if you have to miss something (even a hotel reservation), be sure to notify the establishment rather than just being a no-show.
