Unforgettable Things to Do in Kyoto with Kids

An ancient and elegant city of temples, shrines, imperial palaces and gardens — 17 of which are recognized as UNESCO World Heritage sites — Kyoto was the capital of Japan for more than a thousand years during the Heian period. (The original name was Heiankyo, or Capital of Peace.) Cultural traditions thrived through the centuries and they live on today in the form of omotenashi, a deep sense of hospitality toward guests; kaiseki ryori, a style of cooking where food is presented almost as art; and, of course geisha, female entertainers trained in music, dance and conversation.

Along with all the fantastic history and culture, families can also engage in activities such as food tours, a samurai and ninja museum, and a non-verbal theater show bound to be a hit with littles. During the popular spring cherry blossom and autumn foliage seasons, the city bursts with flowers and colors — and also crowds (plan accordingly). Here are the top things to do in Kyoto with kids.

Best Things to Do in Kyoto with Kids

Temples and Shrines

Kyoto boasts some 2,000 Buddhist temples and Shinto shrines, so you’ll want to pick and choose a handful to see. Yes, some of the most famous among them are indeed impressive and awe-inspiring, but during our spring visit, we found that many were crowded, which can make them less enjoyable. To visit marquee sites such as hilltop Buddhist temple Kiyomizu-dera, which can be approached from pedestrian streets in the Gion neighborhood, and Fushimi Inari, the much-photographed orange Torii gates at a shrine dedicated to the goddess of rice, rise early — as in 6 or 7 am, especially during peak times of year. The morning start allows for more freedom as well as more time to explore and take in the serenity and beauty of these sites without being jostled by throngs of people.

Also, rather than just hitting the top five temples and shrines, visit smaller ones. One of our favorite experiences was an afternoon stroll around the lake at Daigo-ji Temple, where we saw less than a dozen other travelers. We also really loved walking to shrines and temples just around the corner from our hotel in Gion.

Another approach for seeing some of the city’s temples and shrines is a bicycle tour. Companies such as Kyoto Cycling Tour Project and Kyoto Bike Tour (which specializes in the Arashiyama area in particular) offer guided half- or full-day rides that take in a mix of must-see attractions and off-path areas.

GEAR Non-Verbal Performance

A lively 90-minute music- and dance-filled theater show, GEAR follows the story of four robotic android characters and a doll that comes to life at a defunct toy factory. Together, they learn what it means to feel and to be human. From miming and juggling to magic and breakdancing, each character possesses a special talent, while the creative set design and visual effects add to the excitement. This was one of our kids’ favorite activities in Kyoto. Families with younger children will especially enjoy the show, and it’s a welcome change from yet another temple.

Samurai and Ninja Museum

Admittedly, the Samurai and Ninja Museum can feel a little gimmicky (it comes with the territory occasionally with kids). Still, a guided tour through the collection of armor, weapons and swords, many from the Edo period, lends history and context to the life of the samurai (noble-class warriors in feudal Japan who fought with a strong code of honor) and ninja (stealthy mercenaries who often fought for warlords). The museum also offers hands-on experiences from trying on samurai armor to ninja star-throwing.

Arigato Travel Food Tours

The Japanese regard for food, from top-quality ingredients to the care and precision taken in preparing meals, is well known. (This is a country where locals are happy to shell out upward of $40 for a perfect watermelon!) And while you’re unlikely to have a single bad meal in Japan, it helps to know where to go.

During a three-hour vegan food tour through Arigato Travel, my family and I not only were able to try incredible bites from vegan ramen to cherry blossom mochi, but also to learn about food-related customs. For example, it’s considered a compliment to slurp your noodles. Never stand chopsticks in rice (this is a custom for funerals). Gratitude is very important; the Japanese will say “Itadakimasu,” at the start of the meal, which translates to, “I humbly receive this food.” The expert guides also manage to weave in art and history for a fantastic tour that flies by.

Where to Stay: Hoshino Resorts’ OMO5 Kyoto Gion

In Kyoto’s Gion district, with Japanese sweet (wagashi) shops, cafés, temples, shrines and the geisha district nearby, OMO5 Kyoto Gion truly sits within the heart of it all. The 36-room hotel’s ryokan-inspired digs feature traditional futon beds, a kitchenette and a dining table, an ideal setup for families. The hotel can also arrange a delicious Buddhist shojin ryori breakfast with several bowls of vegetables, tofu and even plum tempura.

Best of all, OMO 5 properties encourage guests to get a sense of their surroundings with complimentary staff-led early morning neighborhood tours. Our hotel “ranger,” Cai, revealed so many local gems — unique, lesser-known shrines; centuries-old confectionaries; tea shops — during our hourlong walk that we otherwise would have missed.

Relevant Links:

Browse all family-friendly accommodations and activities in Japan on Ciao Bambino

Best 1-week Japan itinerary with kids

Our favorite things to do in Kyoto as a family

Seasons of Japan: When is the best time to plan your trip?

72 hours in Tokyo with kids

9 favorite day trips from Tokyo with kids

Photos by Tanvi Chheda except where noted.

Editor’s note: This post was accurate when published. We advise checking independently for the latest information and updates. Ciao Bambino does not accept responsibility or liability for any errors or omissions in, or for any actions taken based on, the information presented.