Kyoto offers many family-friendly destinations with parks for children to enjoy, cultural experiences, and a wide variety of restaurants for families to enjoy. Below, we will introduce recommended spots and activities for families with children.
Table of Contents
Parks and Play Areas for Children
There are many attractive parks in Kyoto City where children can play freely. I’ll introduce you some of the parks I recommend.
Kamo River
Access | 5-minute walk from Demachiyanagi Station via City Bus Route 205 from Kyoto Station |
Feature | The riverside along the Kamo River, which flows through the city, is an excellent spot for walks and picnics while experiencing nature throughout the seasons. Especially in the areas near Demachiyanagi Station and one station south near Jingu-Marutamachi Station, you can enjoy playing in the water and walking by the river. The grassy area is a popular spot where children can safely play with balls and frisbees. |
Kyoto Imperial Palace Garden
Access | 5-minute walk from Imadegawa Station on the Karasuma Subway Line from Kyoto Station |
Feature | The Kyoto Imperial Palace Garden boasts a vast grounds of approximately 65 hectares, offering a nature-rich space where children can run around freely. Besides enjoying seasonal flowers and autumn foliage, visitors can explore historical structures such as the "Kan'in-no-miya Palace Ruins" garden and "Shusuitei." The lawn area is perfect for flying kites and playing ball games, and in spring, visitors can enjoy cherry blossom viewing picnics under the sakura trees. This is the largest park in Kyoto City. |
Umekoji Park
Access | 15-minute walk from Kyoto Station, or City Bus Route 205 get off at "Umekoji Park" |
Feature | This popular spot features a steam locomotive train, spacious lawn areas, and well-equipped playground facilities. At the adjacent Kyoto Railway Museum, children can see real trains and bullet trains up close, making it extremely popular with kids. The "Forest of Life" offers encounters with seasonal flowers and insects, making it ideal for environmental learning. Morning markets and various events are held regularly. With Starbucks and other cafes on site, it's also convenient for a casual lunch. |
Takaragaike Park
Access | 10-minute walk from Kokusaikaikan Station on the Karasuma Subway Line from Kyoto Station |
Feature | This vast nature park spans approximately 33 hectares and offers boating and walking activities. It features well-equipped children's play facilities, including adventure playground equipment and slides. The park also has a bird observatory, making it an excellent venue for nature observation and environmental education. |
Maruyama Park
Access | 5-minute walk from "Gion" stop via City Bus Route 100 from Kyoto Station |
Feature | Located in Higashiyama district, this atmospheric park features a famous weeping cherry tree and Japanese gardens. While playground equipment is limited, children can enjoy adventurous walks on the varied terrain. The park has well-maintained, safe walking paths, making it ideal for family strolls. |
Okazaki Park
Access | Take City Bus Route 100 from Kyoto Station and get off at "Okazaki Park Museum/Heian Shrine" |
Feature | Located near Heian Shrine, this park features a spacious lawn area. On holidays, it's bustling with families enjoying picnics and flying kites. Weekend markets and food events are frequently held here. The park is surrounded by cultural facilities including the Kyoto City Zoo and Kyoto City Museum of Art, allowing visitors to combine their park visit with cultural activities. |
Cultural Experiences Children Can Participate In
Cultural experiences unique to Kyoto will create precious memories for children. The following experiences allow children to enjoy and engage with Japanese traditional culture.
Matcha Making Experience(Tea ceremony)
Place | Nakamura Tokichi Main Store / in Uji City |
Access | Take the JR Nara Line from Kyoto Station and get off at "Uji" station, then walk for 10 minutes |
Feature | You can enjoy an authentic matcha-making experience. From selecting tea leaves to learning how to use a bamboo whisk (chasen), you'll receive detailed instructions. You can also try making traditional Japanese sweets to pair with your tea. This is a great opportunity to experience Japanese tea culture with your family while savoring matcha you've made yourself. |
Pottery Workshop
Place | Shinrokugama Pottery Workshop |
Access | Take City Bus No. 206 from Kyoto Station and get off at "Imakumano Kannonji," then walk for 5 minutes |
Feature | You can try handcrafting pottery and painting. Starting from kneading the clay, you can create a one-of-a-kind piece. Programs for children include making animals or dishes of their choice. Completed works are kiln-fired and delivered later. |
Japanese sweets Making Experience
Place | Yatsuhashi-an & Shishu-yakata |
Access | 7-minute walk from Kyoto Station |
Feature | You can rent and try on a kimono, including options for children. Choose from adorable kimono patterns and have professionals dress you. Stroll through iconic Kyoto spots like Kiyomizu Temple or Gion for a memorable experience. Photography services are also available to capture your special moments. |
Kimono Dressing Experience
Place | Kyoto Kimono Rental Yumeyakata |
Access | 7-minute walk from Kyoto Station |
Feature | You can rent and try on a kimono, including options for children. Choose from adorable kimono patterns and have professionals dress you. Stroll through iconic Kyoto spots like Kiyomizu Temple or Gion for a memorable experience. Photography services are also available to capture your special moments. |
Gold Leaf Application Experience
Place | Gold Leaf Experience Kinpakuya |
Access | Take City Bus No. 206 from Kyoto Station and get off at "Gion," then walk for 5 minutes |
Feature | You can try applying gold leaf, a traditional Kyoto craft. Choose an item such as a chopstick rest or a small container and apply the gold leaf to it. While delicate work, the artisans’ gentle guidance ensures that even elementary school students can enjoy the activity. Take home your beautiful gold-leaf creation as a unique souvenir. |
Japanese Paper-Making Experience
Place | Kyoto Handicraft Workshop |
Access | Take the Karasuma Subway Line from Kyoto Station and get off at "Imadegawa" station, then walk for 8 minutes |
Feature | You can experience making traditional Japanese paper (washi). Participate in every step, from pulp preparation to forming the paper, and create original washi postcards or stationery. You can even add pressed flowers or colors to design one-of-a-kind pieces. |
Traditional Doll Making
Place | Gallery of Kyoto traditional Arts & Crafts |
Access | Take City Bus No. 208 from Kyoto Station and get off at "Horikawa Oike," then walk for 2 minutes |
Feature | You can create traditional Japanese paper dolls. Using washi paper, you’ll craft cute dolls and dress them in kimono. Seasonal decorations are available, making it perfect for creating themed pieces for celebrations like Hinamatsuri(Dolls' Festival) or Tanabata(Star Festival). |
Kyoto Fan-Making Experience
Place | Kyoto Fan Studio |
Access | Take the Karasuma Subway Line from Kyoto Station and get off at "Marutamachi" station, then walk for 6 minutes |
Feature | You can paint and assemble a traditional Kyoto fan. Choose your favorite design, paint it, and assemble the frame to create your very own original fan. These fans also make practical and appreciated summer souvenirs. |
Family-Friendly Restaurants
Here are some restaurants in Kyoto where families with children can comfortably dine.
Nagomi Dining D-Light
category | CAFE |
Access | Take City Bus No. 206 from Kyoto Station and get off at "Shijo Kawaramachi," then walk for 3 minutes |
Feature | Equipped with a kids' space and nursing room, with a variety of child-friendly menu items, this cafe is especially popular among families. |
mumokuteki cafe
category | Vegetarian, |
Access | Take the Karasuma Subway Line from Kyoto Station and get off at "Shijo," then walk for 5 minutes |
Feature | Equipped with a kids' space and nursing room, with a variety of child-friendly menu items, this cafe is especially popular among families. |
Trattoria Sette
category | Italian |
Access | Take City Bus No. 100 from Kyoto Station and get off at "Kiyomizu-michi," then walk for 5 minutes |
Feature | Located inside the Hyatt Regency Kyoto, it provides high chairs, child-sized tableware, and shareable pasta and pizza dishes for families. |
Major family-friendly restaurants and fast-food chains like Gusto, Saizeriya, and McDonald's are scattered throughout Kyoto. Local chains such as "Shinpukusaikan" and "Tenkaippin" for ramen, "Capricciosa" for Italian dishes, and "Bikkuri Donkey" for hamburg steaks are also popular with families. Most of these establishments offer menus with large pictures, making it easy to order even without speaking Japanese. Additionally, family-oriented restaurants in Japan are generally very affordable.
Major Shopping Centers and Food Courts
Kyoto's major shopping centers are equipped with comprehensive food courts, making them convenient spots for family meals.
AEON Mall Kyoto Katsuragawa
Access | Direct access from Hankyu Kyoto Line "Katsuragawa" Station |
Food Court "Forest Dining" includes | -Ringer Hut (Nagasaki Champon) -Yoshinoya (Beef Bowls) -Baskin-Robbins -KFC |
AEON Mall Kyoto Gojo
Access | 15-minute walk from Hankyu Kyoto Line "Saiin" Station or City Bus No. 23 to "Nakano Hashi Gojo" |
Food Court "FOOD FOREST" includes | -Marugame Seimen (Udon) -McDonald's -Subway -551 Horai (Chinese Cuisine) -Tako-ya Dotonbori Kukuru (Takoyaki) |
Kyoto Yodobashi
Access | 3-minute walk from JR Kyoto Station |
8th-floor food court "Kyoto Dining" includes | -Matsunoya (Tonkatsu) -Gyukatsu Kyoto Katsugyu -Tenkaippin (Ramen) -Kyoto Katsugyu (Beef Cutlet) -Starbucks Coffee |
All food courts are equipped with child-friendly chairs, utensils, nursing rooms, and kids' spaces. To avoid the crowds, it is recommended to visit during less busy hours, such as right after opening or between 2-4 PM.
Stroller-Friendly Tourist Spots
These are tourist spots where you can easily visit with young children and strollers.
・Fushimi Inari Taisha
The approach is relatively flat and suitable for strollers. However, be cautious of the mountain trail past the Thousand Torii Gate, where steps and uneven terrain increase.
・Arashiyama Area
The area around Togetsukyo Bridge and the Bamboo Grove is accessible with strollers. You might also enjoy a unique experience with a rickshaw ride.
Child-Friendly Shopping Areas
Here are some shopping destinations that are surprisingly welcoming to families with children.
Kyoto Takashimaya
Access | Directly connected to Kyoto City Subway Karasuma Line and Tozai Line "Karasuma Oike" Station. |
Feature | Equipped with baby restrooms and nursing rooms, this department store ensures a stress-free shopping experience for families. The 7th floor features children's clothing and toy sections, as well as a kids' play area. The restaurant floor provides child-friendly utensils and seating. |
Daimaru Kyoto
Access | Directly connected to Hankyu Kyoto Line "Karasuma" Station and Subway Karasuma Line "Shijo" Station. |
Feature | A well-equipped department store with floors from B1 to 8. The 6th-floor baby and kids' clothing section includes nursing rooms and diaper-changing stations. The restaurant floor also offers a variety of children's menus. |
JR Kyoto Isetan
Access | Direct connection to JR Kyoto Station and a 1-minute walk from Subway Karasuma Line "Kyoto" Station. |
Feature | Conveniently located directly above Kyoto Station. The 7th floor offers children's clothing, toys, and a nursing room. It’s also ideal for travel, given its connection to the station building. |
Shinkyogoku Shopping Street
Access | 5-minute walk from Kyoto City Subway Karasuma Line "Shijo" Station or a 3-minute walk from Hankyu Kyoto Line "Kawaramachi" Station. |
Feature | With its arcade, you can enjoy shopping regardless of the weather. This area is stroller-friendly and features about 200 stores, including souvenir shops, general merchandise stores, and eateries. Family-friendly spots like toy stores and game centers make it enjoyable for children too. |
Sanjo-Kai Shopping Street
Access | 5-minute walk from Kyoto City Subway Tozai Line "Nijojo-mae" Station. |
Feature | A covered shopping arcade ideal for strolling with children. Features include toy shops, candy stores, and family-oriented cafés. |
Teramachi Shopping Street
Access | Take City Bus No. 206 from Kyoto Station to "Shijo Kawaramachi," then walk 3 minutes. |
Feature | A historical street with traditional Buddhist goods shops, kimono stores, and old bookstores. Recently, more shops catering to young people have opened, creating a mix of old and new culture. |
Shijo-Hanaemi Shopping Street
Access | 5 minutes by subway to "Shijo" Station or take City Bus No. 205 to "Shijo Kawaramachi" from Kyoto Station. |
Feature | Located along Shijo Street, Kyoto's premier shopping district, with a wide variety of stores ranging from high-end brands to local specialty shops. It’s also famous for hosting the Gion Festival parade. |
All these shopping streets feature covered arcades, ensuring a pleasant experience regardless of the weather and easy navigation with strollers.
Facilities with Excellent Toilets and Nursing Rooms
These spots offer facilities tailored to family needs for sudden diaper changes or nursing.
AEON Mall Kyoto Katsuragawa
https://kyoto-katsuragawa.aeonmall.com/
Spacious baby restrooms and nursing rooms make it highly accommodating for families.
Kyoto Station Building
Multi-purpose restrooms are available on each floor, along with nursing rooms.
7 Family-Friendly Tourist Attractions
Kyoto Aquarium
Access | Take City Bus No. 205 to "Umekoji Park-mae" |
Feature | Features interactive exhibits such as dolphin shows, local river life, a feeding experience, and penguin walks. The indoor facility is perfect for rainy days. |
It's also featured in the insuagram!
Kyoto Railway Museum
Access | 15-minute walk from Kyoto Station |
Feature | Children can interact with real train cars, try driving simulators, and enjoy displays of Shinkansen and steam locomotives, along with dioramas. |
Toei Kyoto Studio Village
Access | 5-minute walk from JR Sagano Line "Uzumasa" Station |
Feature | A theme park at a historical film set with ninja shows, period costume experiences, and trick houses to explore Japanese culture playfully. |
Kyoto City Zoo
Access | 5-minute walk from Subway Tozai Line "Keage" Station |
Feature | A compact urban zoo featuring 100 species, with engaging exhibits like gorilla and penguin habitats, tailored for children. |
Nijo Castle
Access | 5-minute walk from Subway Tozai Line "Nijojo-mae" Station |
Feature | This UNESCO World Heritage site offers wide gardens for kids to roam, koi feeding, and ninja-themed activities. |
Monkey Park Iwatayama
Access | 5-minute walk from Hankyu Line "Arashiyama" Station |
Feature | A mountain-top park where you can interact with wild monkeys. Feeding monkeys and enjoying panoramic views of Kyoto are highlights. |
Hozugawa River Cruise
Access | 1-minute walk from JR Sagano Line "Hozukyo" Station |
Feature | A seasonal activity from spring to autumn, offering a 16km boat ride through scenic gorges and thrilling rapids under professional boatmen's guidance. |
Comments