Kyoto with Kids: Temples, Trains & Toddler-Friendly Tips

Kyoto is Japan’s postcard city: golden temples, red shrine gates and bamboo forests. It’s also busier and hillier than Tokyo, so a little planning goes a long way with small kids. The trick is to go early, mix temples with kid wins and keep afternoons slow.

Where to stay in Kyoto with kids

• Kyoto Station area: the easiest base. Lifts everywhere, a huge station full of food, and direct trains to Nara, Osaka and the airport.
• Shijo / Karasuma (downtown): walkable to Nishiki Market and the Kamo River, with lots of restaurants and family-sized apartments.
• Higashiyama: beautiful and traditional, but sloped and crowded during the day. Better for older kids.

The best things to do in Kyoto with kids

1. Kyoto Railway Museum. Real Shinkansen and steam trains, huge model railways and a short steam train ride. A guaranteed hit for every age.
2. Kyoto Aquarium. Right next door in Umekoji Park, with penguins, giant salamanders and a big playground outside. Pair it with the Railway Museum.
3. Fushimi Inari Taisha. Go at sunrise. The first section of red torii gates is stroller-OK; higher up it’s steps all the way.
4. Arashiyama. Walk the bamboo grove before 8am, then rent a rowing boat on the river. The Monkey Park is a steep 20-minute climb, so use a carrier.
5. Kamo River. Hop across the turtle-shaped stepping stones at Demachiyanagi. Free, easy and toddlers love it.
6. Day trip to Nara. Bowing deer, the giant Buddha at Todai-ji and wide flat park paths. About 45 minutes by train.

Getting around Kyoto with a stroller

• Subway: only two lines, but stations have lifts and it’s quick.
• Buses: they reach everywhere but get very crowded near famous temples. Fold your stroller when it’s busy.
• JR trains: great for Fushimi Inari, Arashiyama and Nara.
• Taxis: plentiful and surprisingly good value for families splitting a ride. Use the GO app.

Where to eat with kids

• Nishiki Market: grazing on skewers, tamagoyaki (sweet omelette) and mochi. Hold little hands, as it’s narrow.
• Kyoto Station: whole floors of restaurants with high chairs, plus the Porta and Cube food halls.
• Udon and soba shops: mild, warm and easy for toddlers.
• Conveyor sushi: a fun, quick dinner after a long day.

Parent tips for Kyoto

• Shrines and temples are working places of worship, so keep voices low inside halls.
• Many temples ask you to remove shoes. Easy-on shoes for kids save time.
• Bring coins for small entry fees, lockers and vending machines.

Planning the rest of your trip? See our Japan with kids guide and the 14 days in Japan itinerary, which includes Kyoto and Nara.