Planning your next Kyoto family itinerary? This guide shows you exactly how to explore Kyoto’s top spots with kids in one perfect day! Kyoto has so many attractions that it can feel overwhelming—especially when traveling with kids. But don’t worry! By focusing on specific areas, you can enjoy a relaxed, fun-filled day even with toddlers or young children.
In this Kyoto family itinerary, you’ll find two easy 1-day plans designed for families:
✅ Central Kyoto – Kyoto Station to Umekoji area (great access & indoor/outdoor balance)
✅ East Kyoto – Gion to Kiyomizu-dera (traditional streets, temples & sweets)
Both are stroller-friendly, include kid-approved stops, and are perfect for first-time visitors with children.
Make your Kyoto trip one to remember!
🌸 Kyoto Family Itinerary ①: Central Kyoto – Kyoto Station to Umekoji Area
Kyoto family itinerary: easy route with kids
🐬 9:00 AM – Kyoto Aquarium
Highlights:
- See penguins, dolphins, and otters up close — perfect for little ones.
- Compact size means even toddlers (2–3 years) won’t get tired.
- Nursing rooms, baby-changing tables, and stroller rentals available.
Food tips:
Three café corners offer kid-friendly snacks like hot dogs, burgers, and churros.
Don’t miss the adorable giant salamander-shaped steamed bun!
You can even enjoy your meal while watching the dolphin show.
🚂 11:00 AM – Kyoto Railway Museum
Kyoto family itinerary: perfect for train-loving kids
Highlights:
- Just a 5-minute walk from the aquarium — stress-free transfer!
- Real-life steam locomotives, bullet trains, and a driving simulator.
- Fully stroller-accessible with nursing rooms and baby changing areas.
- Great indoor spot for rainy days.
- You can dine in an actual train dining car!
Food tips:
At the restaurant, kids can enjoy meals like “Doctor Yellow” Hayashi rice, pasta, or hamburg steak.
Or grab a train-shaped bento box from the kiosk and eat inside the dining car — a huge hit with young train fans!
There’s a restaurant and a dining car with plenty of kid-friendly options, so it’s a great spot to grab a meal before you go!
☘️ 2:00 PM – Umekoji Park or 🗼 Kyoto Tower
Kyoto family itinerary: outdoor play and scenic views near Kyoto Station.
☘️ Umekoji Park
Highlights:
- Spacious lawns and large playgrounds — perfect for active kids.
- Enjoy cherry blossoms in spring, river play in summer, and autumn leaves in fall.
- Take a ride on the cute retro streetcar inside the park.
Food tips:
Dine at park cafés or grab Kyoto vegetable curry and pizza to-go for a picnic.
Try the “Chin-Chin Train Café”, a refurbished streetcar serving unique “ring-shaped” bread.
🗼 Kyoto Tower
Highlights:
- Just 2 minutes from Kyoto Station.
- Stunning city and mountain views — free binoculars available for kids.
- Families can explore “KYOTO TOWER SAND,” a shopping & food complex inside.
Food tips:
The Food Hall inside KYOTO TOWER SAND offers family favorites like sushi, curry, noodles, and sweets — perfect for a relaxed dinner stop.
🍡 4:00 PM – Kyoto Station (Shopping, Sweets & Dinner)
Kyoto family itinerary: convenient family dining and souvenir shopping.
Highlights:
- Easy access to “Kyobaum,” “Yatsuhashi,” and other Kyoto sweets for souvenirs.
- Fully equipped with rest areas, nursing rooms, and elevators.
- Try making wagashi (Japanese sweets) at Shichijo Kanshundo Kyoto Tower Sand Store.
Food tips:
Kyoto Station has plenty of restaurants with kids’ menus and English options — from sushi to pasta and buffets. It’s only a 2–3 minute walk to Kyoto Tower, so you can easily head back there for a meal afterward.
This is the perfect place to pick up all your souvenirs! Don’t miss the chance to try some traditional Japanese sweets, too.
🏨 Family-Friendly Hotels in Central Kyoto
- Hotel Granvia Kyoto – Directly connected to Kyoto Station, unbeatable convenience.
- MIMARU Kyoto Station – Spacious apartments with kitchen, perfect for families. 👉 👉️See more: Top 10 Family Hotels in Kyoto
Book here: Booking.com / Expedia
🌼 Central Kyoto Summary
- Easy walking & short transfers – kids won’t get tired
- Mix of indoor/outdoor attractions, views, and sweets
- Stroller- & baby-friendly facilities everywhere
- Ideal for rainy days or first-time visitors
🌸 Kyoto Family Itinerary ②: East Kyoto – Gion to Kiyomizu-dera
Kyoto family itinerary: culture, sweets & temples in one relaxed route.
⛩️ 9:00 AM – Yasaka Shrine
Highlights:
- Iconic red torii gate and peaceful morning atmosphere.
- Learn how to cleanse hands and make a prayer — great for kids to experience Japanese culture.
- Try omikuji (fortune slips) or write ema (wish plaques) together.
- Stroller-friendly before crowds arrive.
Food tips:
Stop by Gion Tsujiri for matcha soft serve or parfait — available for takeout!
Take lots of photos here! It’s usually not too crowded in the morning.
🏮 10:00 AM – Gion, Nene-no-Michi & Ninenzaka/Sannenzaka
Kyoto family itinerary: traditional Kyoto streets and fun family stroll.
Highlights:
- Beautiful cobblestone streets with traditional buildings — perfect for photos.
- Fun stops for kids like Ghibli shops and DIY dango cafés.
- Family kimono rental available (photo & hair set plans too).
- Visit the “Tatami Starbucks” — a traditional Japanese house turned coffee shop!
- Bring a baby carrier (strollers struggle with steps).
Food tips:
Sample matcha desserts, dango skewers, or rest in cozy cafés with kotatsu tables.
You can also enjoy Kyoto-style experiences here, like trying on a kimono or making bamboo crafts. Give it a try!
🍣 12:00 PM – Lunch near Kiyomizu-dera
Kyoto family itinerary: easy Japanese lunch options for kids.
Highlights:
- Many restaurants offer high chairs, English menus, and credit card payment.
- Great kid-friendly choices: udon noodles, rolled omelets, and rice balls.
- McDonald’s nearby for a quick, familiar meal.
🛕 1:30 PM – Kiyomizu-dera Temple
Kyoto family itinerary: family-friendly temple with scenic views.
Highlights:
- One of Kyoto’s must-see landmarks!
- Breathtaking views from the wooden stage.
- At Otowa Waterfall, kids can drink from one of three streams for “love,” “wisdom,” or “longevity.”
- Plenty of benches, restrooms, and snack stalls nearby.
Food tips:
Try mitarashi dango or strawberry daifuku from tea houses along the way.
🦓 3:30 PM – Kyoto City Zoo
Kyoto family itinerary: fun animal encounters for young kids.
Highlights:
- Compact, stroller-friendly, and great for toddlers to early teens.
- Up-close views of giraffes, zebras, and elephants.
- Petting zoo with rabbits and small animals.
- Nursing rooms, baby seats, and flat paths make it ideal for families.
Access:
About 20 minutes by bus from Kiyomizu-dera (get off at Okazaki Park/Zoo-mae).
🏨 Family Hotels in East Kyoto
- OMO5 Kyoto Gion by Hoshino Resorts – Kitchen-equipped rooms & cultural experiences.
- The Westin Miyako Kyoto – Spacious rooms with garden views & spa.
- GOOD NATURE HOTEL KYOTO – Eco-friendly hotel with a beautiful courtyard for kids. 👉 See more: Top 10 Family Hotels in Kyoto
Book here: Booking.com / Expedia
🌼 East Kyoto Summary
- Experience Kyoto’s tradition, food & culture in one day
- Kid-friendly sweets & easy lunch spots
- Ideal mix of temples, nature & photo-worthy streets
💡 Final Tips: Keep It Slow & Enjoy the Moments
Kyoto has endless things to see, but when traveling with kids, less is more.
Plan a relaxed schedule with plenty of rest breaks.
- For convenience & comfort → choose Central Kyoto (Kyoto Station area)
- For traditional atmosphere & culture → choose East Kyoto (Gion & Kiyomizu)
Use the Google Map in this article to visualize your route, and enjoy a calm, memorable trip with your family.
Whether you follow the Central route or the East route, this Kyoto family itinerary helps your family enjoy Kyoto stress-free — with culture, food, and smiles along the way.
✨ May your Kyoto journey be filled with smiles and sweet moments!
🏨 Related Articles & Hotel Links
- 🏨 Top 10 Family Hotels in Kyoto – By Area
- 🇯🇵 Japan Travel Basics for Families – Stress-Free Trip Planning Guide Check hotel deals:
- Booking.com
- Expedia
👉 Read this article in Japanese → 🌸 Click here 🌸
コメント