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For Glamping Reservations of Japan(Mt.Fuji, Awaji Island, Beppu, Tottori, Izu, Kyoto, Osaka, Hokkaido, Kyushu etc.)
Resort Glamping.com
For Glamping Reservations of Japan(Mt.Fuji, Awaji Island, Beppu, Tottori, Izu, Kyoto, Osaka, Hokkaido, Kyushu etc.)
December 2026, 5
Many travelers planning an independent trip to Kyoto face concerns such as, "Kyoto is full of temples and shrines; won't my children get bored?" and "How can I satisfy my children's desire to play?" This article provides a detailed guide to Kyoto's must-see classic spots, as well as family-friendly activities like Toei Uzumasa Movie Village and Kyoto Aquarium that everyone can enjoy.
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This is the most classic area of Kyoto, offering picturesque scenery straight out of a postcard. Besides Kiyomizu-dera Temple and Yasaka Shrine, you'll also find Hanamikoji Street, where you might even spot a geisha. Strolling through Ninenzaka and Sannenzaka, lined with traditional townhouses, dressed in a kimono, is a quintessential Kyoto experience.
Located away from the hustle and bustle of the city, Rakusai boasts abundant nature and an elegant, aristocratic atmosphere. Visitors can enjoy breathtaking scenery throughout the seasons, including the bamboo grove, Togetsukyo Bridge, and the World Heritage site, Tenryu-ji Temple. Furthermore, there are plenty of interactive attractions that children will love, such as the Sagano Scenic Railway.
This is a central area where modern urban functions and historical heritage coexist. Centered around the convenient Kyoto Station, it boasts attractions such as Nishiki Market and the Kyoto Aquarium, perfect for families with children, making it an area with an excellent balance of sightseeing and convenience.
This area is home to Fushimi Inari Taisha, world-famous for its "thousand torii gates." Further south, you'll arrive in Uji, known as the birthplace of matcha green tea. Time flows relatively slowly here, making it perfect for those who want to explore its rich history and savor local specialties.
In the northern part of Kyoto, Kifune Shrine offers summer riverside dining and the unique experience of "water fortune-telling." Furthermore, at Amanohashidate, far from the city center, you can discover a different side of Kyoto—a beautiful ocean view unlike the traditional image of the ancient capital. This location is also considered one of Japan's three most scenic spots.
Kyoto isn't just about visiting temples. Here are some entertainment-filled spots that will captivate both children and adults.
Despite being located in Kyoto City, which is not on the coast, it is a popular aquarium and one of the largest inland aquariums in Japan. The giant salamanders, a special natural monument that inhabits the Kamo River, and the spectacular dolphin performance are must-sees. The penguin and seal areas are also very popular with children.
This is one of Japan's three most scenic spots, boasting a breathtaking landscape of approximately 8,000 pine trees lining a 3.6km-long sandbar. Renting bicycles is highly recommended for families. The experience of cycling along the sandbar, feeling the breeze, will surely create unforgettable memories for the children.
Nishiki Market, boasting a history of over 400 years, is a market where locals buy their daily groceries, and also a place where you can easily enjoy Kyoto's down-to-earth food culture. With over 100 different shops lining the approximately 400-meter-long street, it's an attractive spot that can be easily incorporated into your Kyoto sightseeing plans regardless of the weather.
From Kyoto vegetables and pickles to fresh seafood and traditional Japanese sweets, you'll find a wide variety of Kyoto's unique specialties. It's also recommended for family trips, as freshly grilled seafood skewers, soy milk donuts, and various matcha sweets are popular Kyoto delicacies with children. However, since it's primarily a shopping destination, it's best to take your purchases back to your hotel or home to enjoy them.
In addition to strolling along the bamboo grove path, the "Arashiyama Monkey Park Iwatayama" near Togetsukyo Bridge is especially recommended for families. You can enjoy interacting with nature, such as seeing wild Japanese macaques up close or experiencing feeding them from the safety of a hut.
This World Heritage Site is ranked as the first of Kyoto's Five Great Zen Temples. It's an ideal base for sightseeing in Arashiyama, and the north gate leads directly to the bamboo grove path. Enjoy the beautiful gardens and experience the rich history of Kyoto with your family.
Fushimi Inari Taisha, the head shrine of over 3 Inari shrines throughout Japan, has long been known as a sacred place with miraculous powers for praying for bountiful harvests and business prosperity. Stone statues of foxes holding keys, grains, and jewels in their mouths can be seen everywhere on the shrine grounds, and these foxes are considered messengers of Inari Okami (the great god of Inari).
The pilgrimage route around Mount Inari takes approximately 2-3 hours in total. If you are traveling with children, it is recommended to walk to "Yotsutsuji" halfway up the mountain and turn back. There are benches here for resting, and you can enjoy a wonderful panoramic view of Kyoto city.
This shrine is known as the setting for the Gion Festival. The adjacent Maruyama Park is a perfect space for children to run around. In spring, it is also a popular spot for viewing cherry blossoms, one of Kyoto's best.
Located north of Kyoto, this shrine is dedicated to the god of water. The "water fortune-telling" ritual, where characters appear when blank paper is floated on water, is a fascinating and enjoyable experience for children. It's cool in the summer, and the snowy winter scenery is also enchanting.
This retro sightseeing train runs along the Hozugawa River gorge, offering stunning views of the scenery. Children will be entertained by the spectacular scenery visible from the large windows and the conductor's humorous announcements.
This theme park recreates the streetscape of the Edo period. Visitors can experience history through "play," such as watching ninja shows and training in a mechanical ninja house. There are also plenty of exhibits related to special effects heroes.
Experience the traditional beauty of Kyoto with authentic makeup and costumes. Many studios offer geisha and samurai transformation plans for children, making it perfect for family photo shoots.
This experience involves creating visually appealing dishes using seasonal ingredients. By interacting with the tools and techniques of professional chefs, it also provides an opportunity to cultivate children's intellectual curiosity and patience.
Glamping, which combines the liberating feeling of being in nature with the comfort of a luxury hotel, is extremely popular in Kyoto.
Located in Keihoku-cho, known as "Kyoto of the Forests," this luxury villa is available for private rental. Relax in your room with a private bath and enjoy a BBQ featuring local ingredients such as Kyoto vegetables and sweetfish.
Located in the Yuhigaura Onsenkyo hot spring resort area, known as "Kyoto by the Sea," this facility boasts a vast site with only 10 dome tents, offering a fantastic sense of openness. Its natural hot springs and luxurious BBQ are among its main attractions.
Enjoy a rare "red water" natural hot spring in the Kansai region in a private setting. With free drinks from a food truck and a variety of dome tents, it's perfect for families.
To ensure a smooth family trip, let's make sure we understand the geography and transportation points.
A: It depends on the departure point and destination.
JR Kyoto Line: Approximately 30 minutes from Umeda or Shin-Osaka by "Special Rapid Service" train. Ideal for getting around Kyoto Station and to the aquarium.
Hankyu Railway: This is an economical and convenient route if you want to go directly from Umeda to Kawaramachi or Arashiyama.
Keihan Railway: Accessible from the Shinsaibashi/Namba area via Yodoyabashi Station. Ideal for accessing Fushimi Inari Shrine and Gion Shijo (towards Kiyomizu-dera Temple).
(detail:https://kyoto.travel/tw/getting-to/）
A: Kyoto is surprisingly large, so the golden rule is to **narrow down the area you want to explore**. For example, it takes more than 45 minutes to travel between Kiyomizu-dera Temple in the east and Arashiyama in the west. A plan that minimizes travel time, such as riding the scenic train in Arashiyama in the morning and going to the nearby Toei Kyoto Studio Park in the afternoon, is a good way to keep children entertained.
A: It's about a 2-hour ride from Kyoto Station on the Limited Express "Hashidate." A day trip is possible, but a 1-night, 2-day trip is recommended. You can fully enjoy "Kyoto by the Sea," take a trip to the boathouses of Ine, or stay at a popular glamping facility to create even more lasting memories. (Details:https://www.kyoto-kankou.or.jp/info_search/8411）
Kyoto is a fascinating city that, while preserving its rich history and culture, is also overflowing with experiences and facilities that will bring smiles to children's faces. From historical walks in eastern Kyoto to nature experiences by the sea, and luxurious glamping, we hope this guide will help you plan the perfect Kyoto family trip!
He is an editor at Resort Glamping.com, a glamping-focused media outlet visited by approximately 100 million people a month. He has written over 150 articles introducing glamping facilities and experience reports, and is involved in a wide range of glamping facility services, from planning and development to operation and customer acquisition consulting.
