What to Do in Kyoto for Families with Children: 10 Things to Do and Recommended Spots
Kyoto was the heart of Japan until the capital moved to Tokyo in the late 1800s. Even today, its historical buildings, temples, and shrines are carefully preserved, and traditional customs are still practiced. This rich heritage and the natural beauty of Kyoto, which varies with the seasons, make it a top tourist destination year-round for both locals and visitors from abroad.
Kyoto offers numerous immersive experiences where families can engage with Japan’s culture and history, such as samurai and ninja encounters or tea ceremony lessons. With many programs catering to both adults and children, Kyoto is an ideal destination for family trips. Let's explore some of the best places for kids in Kyoto!
Kyoto's Popular Spots! 5 Family-Friendly Attractions
Kyoto City Zoo
Source: Official website
The Kyoto City Zoo opened in April 1903, making it the second-oldest zoo in Japan after Ueno Zoological Garden in Tokyo. The zoo’s most captivating feature is its "Big Cats World," where tigers roam across suspended walkways, allowing visitors to observe these majestic creatures from a unique angle.
The zoo also features a section where you can watch endangered western lowland gorillas and a promenade where you can take pictures of giraffes up close. In addition to the animals, the zoo includes a small amusement park with a Ferris wheel and a children's train, offering more fun for the entire family.
- Address: Okazaki Hoshojicho, Sakyo Ward, Kyoto, inside Okazaki Park
- Hours: March–November: 9:00–17:00 (last entry at 16:30); December–February: 9:00–16:30 (last entry at 16:00)
- Closed: Mondays (if Monday is a holiday, closed the next weekday); December 28–January 1
- Phone: 075-771-0210
- Website: https://www5.city.kyoto.jp/zoo/
Arashiyama Monkey Park Iwatayama
Source: Official website
Arashiyama is a well-known area in Kyoto, and one of its highlights is the Arashiyama Monkey Park Iwatayama located at the summit of Mount Iwatayama. The hike to the top offers stunning views of Kyoto’s natural beauty, and the summit itself provides a panoramic view of the city.
The park is home to wild Japanese macaques, which you can observe up close. In addition to monkeys, you can also spot various birds and insects, making this a unique experience compared to a traditional zoo. Baby monkeys are particularly popular among visitors for their adorable behavior.
- Address: 61 Arashiyama Nakaoshitacho, Nishikyo Ward, Kyoto
- Hours: 9:00–16:00 (summit open until 16:30)
- Closed: January 1
- Phone: 075-872-0950
- Website:http://www.monkeypark.jp/
Kyoto Railway Museum
Source: Official website
The Kyoto Railway Museum is a haven for train lovers and enthusiasts. Housing 53 railway vehicles, it is one of Japan’s largest railway museums. Highlights include the first-generation Shinkansen (bullet train) and a steam locomotive that still operates, pulling the "SL Steam" train.
Other attractions include a train-driving simulator and one of Japan’s largest railway dioramas, offering interactive learning and fun for all ages. Nearby attractions like the Kyoto Aquarium and Nidec Kyoto Tower make this area a great option for families visiting Kyoto.
- Address: Kankiji-cho, Shimogyo Ward, Kyoto
- Hours: 10:00–17:00 (last entry at 16:30)
- Closed: Wednesdays, year-end holidays (December 30–January 1), other holidays
- Website: https://www.kyotorailwaymuseum.jp/
Kyoto Aquarium
Source: Nikkei
The Kyoto Aquarium is the first inland aquarium in Japan to use 100% artificial seawater. Despite its location in the heart of the city, it is home to a wide range of aquatic creatures, from dolphins and penguins to the world’s largest amphibian, the giant salamander.
In 2020, the aquarium opened a new jellyfish exhibit featuring a 360-degree panoramic tank called "GURURI," where 1,500 moon jellyfish swim. This magical experience allows visitors to immerse themselves in a mesmerizing underwater world.
- Address: 35-1 Kankiji-cho, Shimogyo Ward, Kyoto, in Umekoji Park
- Hours: 10:00–18:00 (seasonal changes may apply)
- Closed: None
- Phone: 075-354-3130
- Website: https://www.kyoto-aquarium.com/
Kyoto International Manga Museum
Source: Official website
The Kyoto International Manga Museum is a cultural facility where visitors can explore the rich history of Japan's world-renowned manga. The museum boasts an impressive collection of about 300,000 manga-related items, ranging from 17th-century *giga ukiyoe* (humorous illustrations similar to modern-day comics) to 19th and 20th-century magazines, as well as popular current titles and international works.
One of the highlights is the "Manga Wall," a 200-meter long bookshelf filled with approximately 50,000 manga volumes, primarily published after the 1970s. The collection is organized into categories: boys' manga on the first floor, girls' manga on the second, and adult manga on the third floor. All manga are arranged alphabetically by the author's name, and visitors are free to take them off the shelf and read on the spot—an experience that will likely have you lost in time.
- Address: Karasuma-Oike, Nakagyo Ward, Kyoto, Japan
- Hours: 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM (Last admission at 4:30 PM)
- Closed: Wednesdays (or the following day if it's a public holiday), New Year's holidays, and for maintenance
- Phone: +81 75-254-7414
- Official website: https://kyotomm.jp/
5 Fun Japanese Cultural Experiences for Families
Kyoto Samurai and Ninja Museum
For an immersive experience into the world of samurai and ninja, the Kyoto Samurai and Ninja Museum is a must-visit. The main attraction is the samurai experience, where visitors can don a *hakama* and wield a real *katana*. This unique program goes beyond cosplay, allowing you to embody the samurai spirit as staff guide you through the correct posture, how to hold, draw, and sheath the sword, as well as techniques for cutting.
Children will love the ninja training, where they can dress up in ninja attire and practice skills like handling throwing stars (*shuriken*) in a recreated ninja house.
- Address: 292 Utanokoji Building, Teramachi Nishikikoji, Nakagyo Ward, Kyoto, Japan
- Hours: 9:30 AM to 6:30 PM
- Closed: No fixed holidays
- Phone: +81 75-585-5410
- Official website: https://mai-ko.com/jp/
Toei Kyoto Studio Park
Source: Official website
Toei Kyoto Studio Park is Japan's first theme park where visitors can observe the filming of period dramas, particularly those set before World War II. The park recreates the atmosphere of a 17th-century town, and visitors might witness real-time sword-fighting scenes (*tate*) featuring samurai and ninja actors.
In addition to film sets, the park offers a variety of family-friendly attractions, including a ninja trick house, a 3D maze, and a haunted house. It’s especially recommended for families with young children.
- Address: 10 Uzumasa Higashi-Hachioka-cho, Ukyo Ward, Kyoto, Japan
- Hours: 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM (Last admission at 4:00 PM, varies by season)
- Closed: No fixed holidays
- Phone: +81 570-064349
- Official website: https://www.toei-eigamura.com/
Ninja Cafe
Source: PR TIMES
The Ninja Experience Cafe is a unique entertainment cafe designed like a traditional ninja house. Here, visitors can experience the fascinating secrets of a ninja's hidden house, such as revolving doors concealed in walls that lead to hidden rooms or being able to jump out from a hanging scroll on another wall.
In addition to enjoying the atmosphere inside the cafe, you can also opt for a stroll around famous Kyoto sites like Hanamikoji Street and Yasaka Shrine while dressed in a ninja costume.
Even if you're not interested in the ninja training experience, the cafe itself offers an innovative menu, including shuriken-shaped curry and fondant au chocolat with a "fire technique" presentation. The novelty of the dishes will surely make your visit exciting.
- Address: Kyoto, Higashiyama-ku, Hashimotocho 398-3, Shinsei Building, 6th Floor
- Opening Hours: 10:00–21:00
- Closed: Irregular holidays
- Phone: 070-8913-6073
- Official Website:https://ninja-cafe.com/kyoto/
Tea Ceremony Experience (Gion & Kiyomizu Temple)
The Japanese tea ceremony is a highly respected traditional practice where powdered green tea (matcha) is prepared and served following precise etiquette. For visitors, tea ceremony experiences have become a popular way to immerse themselves in Japanese culture, offering both education and memorable experiences.
Let me translate and adapt this article, incorporating a focus on Kyoto as a place for kids while maintaining all the essential information.
Kyoto Gion Tea Ceremony & Wabi-sabi Walking Tour for Families
This family-friendly tour, led by a local guide, visits historic spots in Kyoto including the city's oldest Zen temple and traditional tea equipment shops. Children and adults alike can enjoy viewing the karesansui (Japanese rock gardens) within the temple grounds and Japanese paintings. The experience includes an authentic tea ceremony where everyone can enjoy matcha green tea served with light refreshments.
The guide, who has practiced tea ceremony since childhood, will explain its fundamental values in a way that engages kids. The essence of tea ceremony isn't just about drinking tea - it's about appreciating the core of Japanese beauty, specifically the inner beauty of nature, which can be a fascinating learning experience for children.
This tour allows families to experience the uniquely Japanese concept of "wabi-sabi" together. Wabi-sabi is a Japanese aesthetic concept that finds beauty in imperfection, impermanence, and incompleteness. Through the tea ceremony, both parents and kids can explore a quiet worldview deeply rooted in Japanese culture and philosophy.
Meeting point: In front of the Izumo no Okuni statue, right outside Exit 5 of Gion-Shijo Station on the Keihan Line
Tour area: Gion
Start time: 13:30
Family-Friendly Kyoto Tea Ceremony & Kiyomizu-dera Temple Walking Tour
This walking tour explores the cultural and historical significance of Kyoto, centered around the UNESCO World Heritage site Kiyomizu-dera temple, perfect for curious kids and their families.
A local guide will lead you to must-see spots including traditional Japanese goods shops, historic teahouses, and confectionery stores that children will love. If you're lucky, you might encounter maiko or geiko (women who entertain at gatherings with songs, dances, and shamisen music) - often described as "walking works of art" that fascinate visitors of all ages.
The tour includes a visit to Jishu Shrine within Kiyomizu-dera, where the guide will teach families about Japanese prayer etiquette in a fun, engaging way.
Participants, including children under supervision, can try their hand at preparing matcha in a tea ceremony experience. It's an unparalleled opportunity for families to learn Japanese phrases, history, and the traditional way of preparing matcha together.
Meeting point: In front of the bronze statue at the entrance of Yasaka Shrine
Tour area: Gion and Kiyomizu-dera area
Start time: 9:00
Kid-Friendly Zen Experience at a Temple (Kyoto Zen Meditation & Garden Tour at a Zen Temple with traditional Sho-jin lunch)
This mindfulness tour offers a family-oriented Zen meditation experience at Tofuku-ji, a Zen temple in Kyoto.
Zen, which came to Japan from China about 800 years ago, is a simple philosophy of focusing on one thing and eliminating the unnecessary - a concept that can be valuable for children to learn. It has influenced various aspects of Japanese culture, including wabi-sabi, zazen (a Buddhist practice of sitting correctly to unify the mind), and tea ceremony.
This tour helps families understand Zen through both explanation and experience. Children and adults can explore Zen gardens and practice zazen together.
The experience concludes with shojin ryori, a traditional Japanese vegetarian meal that doesn't use meat or fish. This tour allows both adults and children to experience the world of Zen with both mind and body, making it accessible for the whole family.
Meeting point: In front of Family Mart near Exit 2 of Tofuku-ji Station (JR or Keihan Line)
Tour area: Tofuku-ji
Start time: 10:30
Unforgettable Kimono Rentals and Kid-Friendly Tourist Spots in Kyoto
Kyoto has developed excellent kimono rental services for traditional Japanese clothing. Recently, it's common to see foreign tourists exploring Kyoto's streets wearing these rental kimonos.
Options range from casual visiting wear and summer yukata for everyday comfort to formal and luxurious furisode. For a once-in-a-lifetime memory, consider a family photo session in kimono attire - it's a perfect Kyoto place for kids to experience Japanese culture!
Yasaka Koshindo Temple
Located in the essential Higashiyama tourist area, near famous spots like Kiyomizu Temple and Yasaka Shrine, Yasaka Koshindo is particularly popular among young visitors as a photogenic location.
The temple is adorned with colorful, ball-shaped charm ornaments, creating an ideal backdrop for photographs, especially when wearing vibrant kimonos.
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- Address: 390 Kinzoen-cho, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto
- Hours: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
- Open: Daily
- Phone: 075-541-2565
- Official website: http://www.yasakakousinndou.sakura.ne.jp/
Fushimi Inari Shrine
Famous for its "Senbon Torii" (thousands of vermillion gates), Fushimi Inari Taisha offers a majestic and mystical landscape that leaves visitors speechless. Taking photos in kimono against the backdrop of beautiful torii gates will create an unparalleled memorial of your visit.
For families planning to hike to the mountaintop, comfortable clothing is recommended.
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- Address: 68 Fukakusa Yabunouchicho, Fushimi Ward, Kyoto
- Hours: 24 hours
- Open: Daily
- Phone: 075-641-7331
- Official website: https://inari.jp/
Kimono Forest
Located at Arashiyama Station, another famous Kyoto destination, the Kimono Forest is an enchanting art installation featuring 600 poles wrapped in traditional Kyo-yuzen kimono fabric encased in acrylic.
This unique "forest" of kimono patterns is particularly magical at dusk when illuminated, creating a mystical beauty that captivates visitors of all ages.
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- Address: 20-2 Sagatenryuji Tsukurimichi-cho, Ukyo Ward, Kyoto (right at Arashiyama Station on the Keifuku Line)
- Hours: 24 hours
- Open: Daily
- Website: https://www.gov-online.go.jp/eng/publicity/book/hlj/html/202207/202207_07_jp.html
