The 21 Best Things To Do In Kyoto With Kids [Family Friendly]

In Kyoto, you’ll find a blend of traditional and modern attractions for the whole family. This peaceful city hides adventures in every corner. You can choose from seeing historic temples, doing cultural workshops, or visiting museums.

Here, we’ll explore the 21 best things to do in Kyoto with kids. Kyoto offers both entertainment and cultural immersion. Get ready to discover where to make the most unforgettable family memories in Kyoto!

The 21 Best Things To Do In Kyoto With Kids

1. Visit the iconic Fushimi Inari Shrine
2. Learn to make Japanese sweets
3. See a red panda at the Kyoto City Zoo
4. Join a family photoshoot in Kyoto
5. Transform into a Geisha-in-Training
6. Shop local delicacies at Nishiki Market
7. Try on a kimono or yukata
8. Walk through the Arashiyama Bamboo Forest
9. Learn the art of Japanese tea ceremony
10. Explore the historical Pontocho Alley
11. See an Edo period film set at Toei Kyoto Studio Park
12. Enjoy the view on the Sagano Romantic Train
13. Appreciate tradition at the Kiyomizudera Temple
14. Befriend a monkey at Arashiyama Monkey Park
15. Train to be a ninja
16. See gold at Kinkakuji
17. Spend the night at a ryokan
18. Read from an amazing manga collection
19. Dive into marine life at Kyoto Aquarium
20. Become a train operator for a day
21. Take a calligraphy class

1. Visit the iconic Fushimi Inari Shrine

This shrine dedicated to the god of rice and prosperity is known for its iconic red torii gates. As you walk through the gates, you’ll learn about the significance of Inari to the Japanese people. Along the trail, you can also find intricate fox statues, believed to be Inari’s messengers.

Exact Location: Fushimi Inari Shrine

2. Learn to make Japanese sweets

Kyoto is the place to go if you want wagashi. Wagashi is traditional Japanese confectionery usually made of rice, fruits, and beans. In the Kanshundo Higashi Branch in Kyoto, you can participate in a Wagashi workshop.

You’ll get to learn to make these intricate and delicious treats from a professional. You’ll make seasonal wet and dry sweets. Afterwards, you can enjoy what you made with a cup of matcha, the best complement to wagashi.

Exact Location: Kanshundo Higashi Kyoto

3. See a red panda at the Kyoto City Zoo

Kyoto City Zoo is home to different animals, including lions, elephants, and the red panda. The zoo features an interactive zone where you can pet rabbits and goats. Families can attend educational programs and feeding sessions regularly held at the zoo.

Exact Location: Kyoto City Zoo

4. Join a family photoshoot in Kyoto

Book a family-friendly photoshoot during your Kyoto trip and capture the enchanting beauty of this historic city with your loved ones. Imagine your children’s faces lighting up amidst the vibrant torii gates of Fushimi Inari Shrine or exploring the serene Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, all beautifully documented by a skilled photographer.

Share special moments in traditional tea houses, charming geisha districts, and tranquil Zen gardens, creating memories that will last a lifetime. Don’t miss the chance to preserve these precious family moments in Kyoto’s cultural and natural wonders. Book your photoshoot today for a fun and unforgettable family experience.

Book Here: Family Photoshoot In Kyoto

5. Transform into a Geisha-in-Training

Have you ever wanted to try being a geisha or samurai for a day? At this studio, you can don traditional costumes, elaborate wigs, and authentic makeup. You can transform into a maiko, a geisha-in-training or a fearsome samurai.

The studio offers plenty of packages perfect for both children and adults. You can even tour around Kyoto as a maiko or a samurai! How exciting is that?

Exact Location: Maiko-Henshin Studio Shiki

6. Shop local delicacies at Nishiki Market

Known as “Kyoto’s Kitchen”, the stalls here are filled with traditional Japanese foods. You can try out an array of food like takoyaki, mochi and grilled skewers. Your kids will surely love the diverse and unique food options available here!

Many stalls offer cooking demonstrations and samples that are both entertaining and delicious. Beyond food, the market also sells unique kitchenware, souvenirs and seasonal items.

Exact Location: Nishiki Market

7. Walk around Kyoto in a kimono or yukata

Did you know that you can go around Kyoto while wearing a kimono? Kimono Miyabi dresses you in kimonos that feature beautiful patterns and colors. As you are wearing the kimono, you’ll also learn about the significance of each design and piece.

You can even rent the kimonos to wear outside. Touring the town in your best kimono will deepen your appreciation of Japanese culture.

Exact Location: Kimono Miyabi Kyoto

8. Walk through the Arashiyama Bamboo Forest

This famous bamboo grove in Tokyo is a peaceful and enchanting destination. Together, you can explore the winding pathways in the middle of the tall bamboo stalks. The forest is also a popular filming and photoshoot site for different productions.

It’s the perfect place to take some memorable pictures with your whole family. The bamboos act as a perfect backdrop to your travel photos.

Exact Location: Arashiyama Bamboo Forest

9. Learn the art of Japanese tea ceremony

Joining a traditional tea ceremony is one of the best ways to engage with Japanese culture. At Maikoya, you can get a personalized tea-making experience with the whole family. Try your hand at whisking the matcha, pouring it, and appreciating the flavors of the tea.

After the tea ceremony, you can enjoy wagashi or traditional sweets along with your tea. Kids can have orange juice upon request since the matcha may be too strong. Throughout the entire activity, you’ll even get to try on a kimono to fit the atmosphere.

Exact Location: Maikoya at Nishiki

10. Explore the historical Pontocho Alley

Picturesque Pontocho is known for its traditional vibe and authentic food options. It makes you feel like you’ve gone back in time, exploring old Tokyo. The nearby Kamogawa River also makes for an ideal setting for a peaceful, family stroll.

Exact Location: Pontocho Alley

11. See an Edo period film set at Toei Kyoto Studio Park

Toei Kyoto Studio Park is both a theme park and an active film studio. You can explore Edo-period streets, complete with samurai, ninja, and geisha. You can also live action shows featuring sword fights and special effects.

There are also interactive activities like costume rentals and ninja training! There’s definitely a lot to watch out for in this destination.

Exact Location: Toei Kyoto Studio Park

12. Enjoy the view on the Sagano Romantic Train

From Kyoto station, you can ride the Sagano Line to see the most romantic sights around Tokyo. You’ll witness breathtaking views of forests, villages, and riverside landscapes. On this 25-minute ride, you’ll get to take pictures you won’t be able to take anywhere else!

Also, each season offers a different scenery for guests. In the spring, you’ll see cherry blossoms. Then, in the summer, you’ll see fresh, green leaves. Once autumn comes, you’ll see the perfect blend of orange and red on the trees. And in winter, the peacefulness of the cold settles in the landscape.

Exact Location: Sagano Romantic Train

13. Appreciate tradition at the Kiyomizudera Temple

Kiyomizudera Temple is one of Japan’s most celebrated landmarks. It boasts stunning architecture and panoramic views of Kyoto. But, the shrine’s highlight is the Kiyomizu Stage, a cliffside platform offering breathtaking views.

Children can also participate in traditional rituals at the shrine. You can visit the temple’s cleansing fountain for a purification ritual. There’s also the Jishu Shrine, where you can make wishes and pray for them to come true.

Exact Location: Kiyomizudera Temple

Make sure you also check out this article to discover the most photogenic temples and shrines in Kyoto!

14. Befriend a monkey at Arashiyama Monkey Park

At this unique park, you can observe and interact with macaques in their natural habitat. You can watch as the monkeys play, groom each other, and interact with visitors. If you’re up for it, you can also purchase food to feed the monkeys.

Interacting with monkeys is not something you do everyday. Your kids will surely love observing the monkeys and even getting closer to them!

Exact Location: Arashiyama Monkey Park

15. Train to be a ninja or samurai

Samurai Ninja Museum in Kyoto is the perfect place to learn about Japan’s medieval history. It is home to exhibits of samurai armor and ninja weapons used in the past.

Apart from the guided tours, you can also transform into a samurai or ninja yourself! Try on different samurai armor and swing replica swords like a master swordsman. Or, you can also test your fighting skills and learn the secrets of the ninja way.

Exact Location: Samurai Ninja Museum

16. Marvel at the Kinkakuji Golden Pavilion

The Golden Pavilion stands majestically in Kyoto. This shrine is covered in gold leaf, a material not commonly used for temple architecture. The temple’s serene landscapes invite you for a relaxing stroll.

While you’re here, kids can do rituals like ring the temple bell or make an offering at the shrine. Nearby tea houses also let you sample traditional sweets and green tea.

Exact Location: Kinkakuji Golden Pavilion

17. Spend the night at a ryokan

Ryokans are traditional inns that highlight the comfort and hospitality of Japanese culture. It features tatami mat floors, wooden sliding doors, and futon bedding. Most ryokans also have onsen, where you can bathe in the soothing hot spring water.

Most ryokans offer family-friendly accommodations where anyone of all ages can enjoy. They serve multicourse feasts and even organize traditional ceremonies for you to try. Ryokans you can try is Seikoro in Southern Higishiyama or Izuyasu near Kyoto Station.

Book Here: Seikoro & Ryokan Izuyasu

18. Read Japanese comics at a manga museum

Museum of Manga in Kyoto is your gateway into the vibrant world of Japanese comics and animation. Its exhibits showcase the history, artistry, and impact of manga on Japanese culture. Interactive displays that children can watch show the fruitful process of creating manga.

You can also participate in workshops where you can try drawing your own manga from start to finish. The museum also has a vast collection of manga books and memorabilia for you to check out.

Exact Location: Kyoto International Manga Museum

19. Dive into marine life at Kyoto Aquarium

Kyoto Aquarium is a delightful destination for both children and adults. It houses fascinating freshwater and saltwater creatures from around the world. You can observe penguins, otters, and jellyfish through various displays.

There are also daily shows and feeding sessions where you can interact with the animals. There are also touch tanks where you can gently interact with starfish and sea cucumbers.

Exact Location: Kyoto Aquarium

20. Become a train operator for a day

The Railway Museum has a rich collection on Japan’s railway history and developments. It features vintage locomotives, passenger cars, and railway artifacts. You can also board retired trains and explore the interiors from long ago.

One of the highlights of the museum are the simulators. Here, you can replicate driving a train or operating a railway signal. Also, the museum holds special events and workshops for more interactive learning.

Exact Location: Kyoto Railway Museum

21. Take a calligraphy class

Calligraphy Kyoto offers workshops on the art of Japanese brush writing or shodo. Participants of all ages can practice basic strokes and characters. You can also experiment with different brushes, inks, and paper to bring out your style.

A calligraphy class is the perfect bonding opportunity for you and your family. After all, you get to learn about shodo techniques while doing something creative.

Exact Location: Calligraphy Kyoto

–

Kyoto offers an array of must-see spots and fun activities that will make your trip more exciting. These destinations combines fun, education, and adventure for every member of your family. Picture-perfect landscapes and unique activities make Kyoto a vibrant place for families.

We hope you enjoyed reading about the best things to do in Kyoto with kids. Do you know other family-friendly places or activities in Kyoto? Which one are you most excited to try? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!

Looking for similar travel tips for Tokyo or Osaka? Check out our list of the 21 best things to do in Tokyo with kids and the 20 best things to do in Osaka with kids!