Visiting Kyoto with kids – here’s the list of unforgettable things to do in Japan’s Ancient Capital with children.

There’s something utterly magical about Kyoto, a city where ancient temples rub shoulders with futuristic stations. Where quiet gardens invite reflection and bustling markets tease your taste buds.

Visiting with children adds a whole new layer of excitement. As a parent who recently took the plunge with my own curious crew, I can happily report that Kyoto is bursting with family-friendly wonders . We spent 10 days here of slow travel around Kyoto and used it as a base. We’re very honest in our reviews and feedback and in all honesty we much preferred it over Tokyo and Osaka.

Unfortunately, Japan in general we found very overwhelming with its busy-ness and constant stimulation for the kids with music, lights and those damn arcade and capsule machines. Coming from Taiwan which had just blown us away with how family friendly it was, and so that probably didn’t help either.

But Kyoto was enjoyable because we took our time, didn’t just hit the main sites and explored lesser-known places. We used the bus and underground, and enjoyed hunting out quieter parks and walks to provide respite from the crowds.

Here are our favourite things to do in Kyoto with kids, complete with tips on opening times and entrance fees to make planning a breeze.

Kyoto with Kids: Practical Information

We travelled to Kyoto from Osaka Airport which is around 90 minutes. The trains are fast and always on time and it was a breeze – apart from being told off for being too noisy. We found this to happen often in Japan. We then took a taxi to our accommodation as it was late and we were tired, and this cost around £20 for 15-20 minutes drive.

Getting around Kyoto with kids is simple – we opted for the bus more than the underground. It’s a flat single fare, just make sure you have change on you. Google maps always told us the route and timings of the bus and there were always correct.

There are plenty of supermarkets to shop in and so much choice of both local and more western food. Fruit and veg is a little more pricey but the bakeries are epic. There’s also 7-elevens and Lawsons which are convenience stores and do great snacks for on the go. The egg sandwiches are to die for!

We stayed in house with 2 bedrooms which slept 5. The bedrooms were downstairs with a bathroom, kitchen and living area upstairs, and it cost us around £70 per night and was a super location for getting to all the places in this list. Unfortunately it isn’t listed any longer, but it was in Nakagyo Ward and even had bikes available to rent – cycling to the supermarket with Lissie was lovely.

Upon leaving Kyoto, we took the bullet train up to Tokyo and then flew from there to Central America.

Kyoto Main Station & Skyway

Before you even step outside, Kyoto’s main station is an attraction in its own right. The vast, futuristic building has shops galore and an outdoor Skyway, a glass-and-steel walkway high above the concourse. The Skyway is open daily from 10:00 to 22:00 and is free to access. The view of the city lights in the evening is simply stunning, and the kids loved the feeling of being up so high. Don’t miss the rooftop garden as well – it’s quieter with space for little ones to run!

You’ll definitely use the main station, either for your Shinkansen bullet trains or the local trains and underground so make sure you build in time to explore it properly. The masses of escalators were a huge hit for our two!

Kyoto Tower

Just across from the station stands Kyoto Tower, an unmistakable city landmark. Take the lift to the observation deck for 360-degree views over the city and distant mountains. It’s open from 10:30 to 21:00, with the last entry at 20:30. Tickets cost ¥900 for adults and ¥650 for children (ages 6-15), while kids under 6 go free. It’s a budget-friendly way to wow your kids with the city’s skyline. They’ll enjoy the binoculars and spotting landmarks outlined in the maps in the tower itself.

Kyoto Aquarium

The Kyoto Aquarium is in the delightful Umekoji Park, just a short stroll from the station. It holds a diverse range of aquatic life, from playful seals to mesmerising jellyfish. We spent around 3 hours here, taking our time and doing some of the crafts that were available at the time.

It is worth noting that there is a dolphin show so if that disturbs you, then give it a miss. The aquarium is very clean, well maintained and the creatures obviously well looked after. Had I known about the dolphins in captivity, I may not have visited. The penguins were a highlight for both ours. The aquarium is open from 10:00 to 18:00 (last entry at 17:00). Admission is ¥2,200 for adults, ¥1,100 for high school students, ¥800 for junior schoolchildren, and ¥600 for children aged 3 and above. Under-3s enter free.

Suzaku Yume Square, Park & Garden

Just along from the aquarium, and before you reach the railway Museum, there is a lovely playground. It’s a safe place for kids to run with a great playground and café for the adults. Suzaku Yume Square and its park and garden offer green space for little ones to run, climb, and play. There’s a modern playground, picnic areas, and a lovely Japanese garden to explore. Best of all, it’s open 24 hours and completely free. It’s a lifesaver when the kids need a break from sightseeing!

Samurai & Ninja Museum

Who doesn’t dream of being a samurai or ninja? At the Samurai & Ninja Museum, the whole family can try on costumes, practise swordplay, and learn about Japan’s fascinating feudal history. It’s both fun and educational, with interactive exhibits to keep everyone engaged. The museum is open from 10:30 to 20:00 daily. Tickets are ¥2,400 for adults and ¥1,200 for children aged 3-12; under-3s are free.

Only Nyle and I visited as it was a bit pricier. At 6 years old he got a bit bored of the talking sections, but he really enjoyed seeing the samurai swords, and trying his hand at throwing like a ninja. The whole experience was just over an hour for us. I probably wouldn’t take kids younger than 6 as I think they would get fidgety during the talks.

Nishiki Market

No trip to Kyoto is complete without a wander through Nishiki Market, nicknamed “Kyoto’s Kitchen”. It’s open from 09:30 to 18:00, and while most stalls cater to adults, there are plenty of treats for younger palates. Nyle devoured the strawberries and chocolate and Lissie loved picking up her mochi! We were not so excited about the sea urchins and birds on skewers so if you think you’re kids would get squeamish, then best to avoid.

Gion Area

Gion is picture-postcard Kyoto, with its traditional wooden machiya houses and the occasional glimpse of a geisha. Strolling these lanes is like stepping into a storybook. Keep your eyes peeled for the famous Yasaka Pagoda. While it’s a busy area, it’s manageable with kids; just hold hands and take it slow, soaking in the atmosphere. There’s no charge to wander through Gion, and it’s especially enchanting in the early evening. There is also a great Italian restaurant here who are very open to having kids dining – can’t say that about every restaurant we went to.

Calligraphy Class

For a hands-on cultural experience, why not take a family calligraphy class? There are several studios in central Kyoto offering workshops for beginners, usually lasting about 60–90 minutes. Expect to pay around ¥3,000–¥4,000 per person (adults and children alike), including all materials. Booking ahead is essential, as these classes are popular! Children as young as five can usually participate, although I would say best suited to 10 and above. Alicia really enjoyed it – we skipped it with Nyle. But it is a wonderful souvenir to bring home.

Sannenzaka

Sannenzaka is one of Kyoto’s most charming streets—a gently sloping, stone-paved lane lined with historic shops, sweet stands, and teahouses. It’s a delightful place for a family stroll. The street is open at all hours (as it’s a public thoroughfare), but most shops operate from 10:00 to 17:00. There’s no entrance fee; just bring some pocket money for souvenirs and snacks. There is even a Totoro shop which the kids loved looking around.

Maruyama Park & Yasaka Shrine

Maruyama Park is a favourite spot for families, especially during cherry blossom season – even in winter it was fun to explore. The kids watched the massive fish in the ponds, ran over bridges and jumped on stepping stones. There are wide lawns, ponds with turtles, and plenty of space to play. Yasaka Shrine, next door, is one of Kyoto’s most important Shinto shrines and is open 24 hours a day (free entry), though the shrine office keeps more limited hours (generally 09:00 to 17:00). There is a café in the park, and when we visited there was a street food market outside of the shrine.

Arashiyama Forest

A short train ride from central Kyoto, Arashiyama is home to the stunning Bamboo Grove. Walking through the towering bamboo is a magical experience for all ages but it can get very busy. Even the walk there can be overwhelming with the crowds and we visited in January. The path is open 24 hours and is free to explore. Pushchairs are manageable and watch out for the carriages being pulled by local Japanese – they run through the forest with their passengers. Don’t miss the riverbank area too for some quieter but beautiful scenic shots.

Okochi Sanso Garden

Just beyond the bamboo forest, Okochi Sanso Garden offers breathtaking views and beautifully designed walking paths. We really enjoyed it here. Admission is ¥1,000 for adults and free for children under 15, including a cup of matcha tea and a sweet treat at the teahouse which is so cute. There were hardly any crowds inside compared to the bamboo forest and there’s plenty to entertain the kids from Japanese gardens, to topiary, to houses and stepping stones. Open from 09:00 to 17:00. The gardens are peaceful and a nice way to relax after the busy nature of the surrounding area.

Kimono Forest

Next to Arashiyama Station, the Kimono Forest is a magical outdoor art installation of 600 illuminated pillars, each wrapped in vibrant kimono fabric. It’s open 24 hours and free to visit, especially stunning after dusk. The whole family will love snapping photos here. It’s worth visiting and combining with the Bamboo Forest but don’t make a special trip here just for this. It’s only a 10 minute activity between the train station and the forest itself.

Fushimi Inari Shrine

Fushimi Inari is famous for its thousands of red torii gates winding up the mountainside. Walking to the top with kids takes about 2–3 hours (plan for lots of breaks and snacks). The shrine is open 24/7 and is free to enter. Early mornings or late afternoons are quieter and more comfortable for families.

Along the way, you’ll find small shops and fox statues to spot—it’s a real adventure for young explorers and it was a highlight for us. The first hour was very busy and taking photos was impossible with the crowds. But preserve and head up, up, up, and you’ll have huge sections of the shrine to yourself and then you can get the best crowd-free photos of these amazing orange gates. Definitely not for pushchairs, and limited shops so come prepared with snacks and drinks.

Nara Deer Park

A day trip to Nara is a must! Nara Deer Park is home to hundreds of tame, free-roaming deer that children can feed with special crackers (about ¥200 per pack). The park is huge so it is also a great place for outdoor fun. There are no cars in the park, so it’s only the deer you have to watch out for.

Visiting Nara deer park was definitely one of the best things to do with kids in Kyoto. They both loved it. Although warning – Nyle did get butted by a deer! They are ‘wild’ animals after all.

The train ride from Kyoto to Nara takes around 45 minutes, making it an easy outing. Then getting to the deer park is a 20 minute walk or a short shuttle bus ride from the station. The walk is good and you’ll go passed plenty of shops and even a place to watch mochi being made. It’s a gradual uphill slope, so combining back is an easy stroll back down to the station.

The park is open 24 hours and is free to enter, but nearby attractions like Todai-ji Temple have their own fees (¥600 for adults, ¥300 for children). We didn’t go in, but we did wander down to have a look and there are more deer along the way too.

Karaoke

Wrap up your Kyoto adventure with a classic Japanese experience—karaoke! Family-friendly karaoke boxes can be found all over the city, including chains like Big Echo and Karaoke Kan. Most are open from 11:00 to 05:00, and private room rates start at about ¥1,000 per hour (for the whole room, not per person), with discounts for children and daytime visits. Sing your hearts out and create lasting family memories. They even include unlimited free drinks which made the kids day!

Conclusion: Kyoto with kids

From tranquil gardens to high-energy adventures, Kyoto truly has something for every family. Our trip was very enjoyable as we took our time. Some placxes totally overwhelmed us with how busy it was and so we avoided ticking off EVERY one of the main sites.

My top tips? Pace yourselves, mix up active days with chill-out time. Kyoto welcomes families with open arms, much more so than Tokyo and Osaka we found.