Kyoto Itinerary with Kids (3 Days): Family Friendly Attractions and Activities

Our Accommodation - MONday Apart Premium Kyoto Station

The MONday Apart Premium Kyoto Station is an apartment-style hotel that's ideal for families and travellers who appreciate a bit more space at an affordable rate.

You'll find a variety of family-friendly room types with some even having their own sauna.

We opted for the Superior Japanese room, a spacious room that accommodates 4 people and which comes with plenty of amenities.

The room comes with its own dining area and fully equipped kitchen.

It also has a washing machine with dryer function. We can't stress enough how awesome this is, especially for families.

You can pack light (easier travel with kids!) and just do a quick wash when needed. No more lugging around a suitcase full of clothes or worrying about finding a laundromat.

This makes the hotel perfect for longer stays or if you're mid-way through your Japan adventure.

One of our favourite parts is the Japanese-style area with tatami mats.

During the day, you can use it as a dining or lounging area.

When it's time to sleep, you can stow away the table and roll out the bedding for an authentic Japanese sleeping experience. Trust us, the kids will get a kick out of this!

The location of the hotel is also a winner - within a 10-minute walk of the Kyoto Aquarium and the Kyoto Railway Museum.

It's also just a 13-minute walk to Kyoto Station. That means you're connected to pretty much everything, making this hotel a convenient base from which to explore the city of Kyoto and beyond.

Location: 1 Yaoyacho, Shimogyo Ward, Kyoto, 600-8262, Japan (View on map)

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Book stays at MONday Apart Premium Kyoto Station: 

• ‍Klook
• Agoda

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Day 1 - Kyoto Aquarium and Kyoto Railway Museum

Kyoto Aquarium

The Kyoto Aquarium is a hidden gem that shouldn't be missed on your trip to the ancient capital.

We know you're thinking - an aquarium in the land of ancient temples and traditional gardens?

But trust us, this place is a refreshing place of marine magic in the heart of historic Kyoto!

This modern and well-designed facility is packed with fascinating exhibits showcasing the incredible diversity of aquatic life, from the rivers of Kyoto to the warm seas of the tropics.

One of our favourite areas was the seal area. These whiskered cuties are total scene-stealers!

The seal enclosure has numerous areas where you can get up close to the seals and their loveable antics.

We spent way too long watching them glide through the water with the grace of underwater ballerinas then flop onto the rocks like adorable, blubbery couch potatoes.

Their puppy-dog eyes will melt your heart faster than matcha ice cream on a summer day!

The Penguin exhibit area is another fun area where you'll get a dose of cuteness overload.

From the 1st floor you can see them swimming in the water, while the 2nd floor is where you'll see them waddling or just relaxing on the hill.

The main event at Kyoto Aquarium is the dolphin show at the Dolphin Stadium.

These intelligent mammals put on a performance that left us in awe.

From graceful leaps to synchronized swimming, their agility and charm had the whole crowd cheering.

Pro tip: try to grab a seat in the front rows for the best view, but be prepared for a potential splash zone!

While the Kyoto Aquarium may not be as massive as some others you've seen, it's got charm by the bucketload and still packs a punch with its diverse marine life and interactive experiences.

It makes for a great pitstop to cool off and dive into some marine magic in between your temple visits and ramen slurping adventures - particularly on a hot or rainy day.

Location: 35-1 Kankijicho, Shimogyo Ward, Kyoto, 600-8835, Japan (View on map)

Get tickets to Kyoto Aquarium‍

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Kyoto Railway Museum

After the Kyoto Aquarium, it's on to the Kyoto Railway Museum which is just a 500 metres and a 7 minute walk away.

It's a massive space filled with gleaming locomotives from sleek bullet trains to charming steam engines.

The sheer size of this place is jaw-dropping, spanning 30,000 square metres of train-tastic goodness.

Even if you're not a total train geek, this place is bound to blow your mind.

The museum opened its doors in 2016 and quickly became a must-visit spot for both railway buffs and curious travellers alike.

You'll journey through the fascinating history of Japan's railways from the early days of steam to the cutting-edge technology of today's high speed trains.

One of our favourite parts? The hands-on exhibits! You can actually climb aboard some of the trains and imagine yourself chugging through the Japanese countryside.

There's even a train simulator where you can try your hand at being a train driver– it's harder than it looks!

Kids will love the awesome interactive exhibits where they can drive model trains through mini landscapes or play track inspector on a railway bicycle.

For an extra special treat, you can ride a real steam locomotive (extra tickets required).

Don't miss the observation deck on the third floor, where you can watch real trains whizzing by on the adjacent tracks. It's mesmerizing and a great spot to snap some photos or just soak in the railway atmosphere.

If you're feeling peckish after all that exploring, the museum's cafe serves up some delicious railway-themed treats. It's also a great place to relax and watch the trains go by.

‍Tickets for Driving simulator: A separate ticket is required for this which is not sold on site. Tickets can be purchase online or at 7-ELEVEN outlets (more details here).

Tickets for SL Steam Railway Ride: Tickets can be purchased at the SL platform ticket machine at the museum (Timetable and details here).

Location: Kankijicho, Shimogyo Ward, Kyoto, 600-8835, Japan (View on map)

Get tickets to Kyoto Railway Museum

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Outdoor Playground at Umekoji Park

Before heading for dinner, we discovered the perfect kid-friendly pit stop at Umekoji Park.

The sprawling outdoor playground had the little ones delighted as they conquered the towering climbing pyramid and zoomed down slides.

While the kids channelled their endless energy, we parents snagged a peaceful moment on the nearby benches, taking in the park's serene atmosphere with its swaying trees and seasonal flowers.

Location: Suzaku Yume Square at Umekoji Park (View on map)

Day 2 - Nara

A day trip to Nara offers a great blend of culture and fun for families.

From Kyoto Station hop on the train to Kintetsu-Nara Station, for a scenic 50-minute ride to Nara.

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Nara Park and Deer Adventures

Head straight to the famous Nara Park, home to over 1,200 deers that roam freely!

Grab those deer crackers (shika-senbei) from the local vendors.

Here's a seasoned parent tip: keep moving while feeding these adorable creatures.

They may look gentle, but they've mastered the art of snack detection, and before you know it, you'll have a whole deer entourage!

These adorable creatures can get a bit too enthusiastic, so if you're holding deer crackers, stay mobile to avoid being surrounded by a very polite but persistent deer squad.

Don't worry, the deer are smart enough not to bother you if you don't have any food for them.

Teach the kids to bow to the deer and watch their faces light up!

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Isuien Garden

Need a breather after all the deer excitement? Isuien Garden is your answer.

While the kids took a snack break, we adults could actually appreciate the garden's clever design.

It's like a masterclass in landscape design, with each turn revealing a new view of distant temples and pagodas - much like a living picture book.

Location on map

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Todaiji Temple

Next up is the Todaiji Temple, an architectural marvel.

The sheer scale of the place is jaw-dropping. The wooden temple building itself is massive, in fact it's one of the world's largest wooden structures!

Step inside and you'll find yourself face-to-face with one of Japan's largest bronze Buddha statues.

The Daibutsu (Great Buddha) is absolutely magnificent, standing at 15 metres tall and weighing a whopping 500 tons - photos really don't do it justice.

The Buddha's hand alone is the size of a person.

Fun fact: The construction of The Daibutsu in 752 used up much of Japan's bronze supply - and may have even led to a temporary bronze shortage in the country!

Location on map

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Higashimuki Shopping Street

Take some time to explore Higashimuki Shopping Street before heading back to Kyoto.

This covered arcade is a treasure trove of local treats.

Try Nara's specialty: kakinoha-zushi (persimmon leaf-wrapped sushi) or grab some matcha-flavoured treats for the train ride back.

Location on map

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Day tours to Nara from Kyoto

If you prefer the convenience of a day tour Klook offers some good options for tours departing from Kyoto.

Day 3 - Torii Gates, Gion, Shijo Dori

Fushimi Inari Taisha - Kyoto's mystical Torii Gates

If you've seen photo's of Japan's endless gates, this is where they're from!

Fushimi Inari Taisha is a Shinto Shrine that's famous for its tunnel of orange gates and should definitely be on your list for your Kyoto visit.

We headed down in the morning to avoid the crowds and heat.

The shrine's entrance is super easy to find - just step off at Inari Station and you're practically there.

The first part of the shrine is beautifully laid out and our little ones immediately fell in love with the fox statues (called kitsune) guarding the shrine at various locations.

These foxes aren't just decorative – they're considered sacred messengers, and each one holds something different in its mouth.

The journey begins as you walk the famous Senbon Torii ("thousands of torii gates").

Each gate, donated by individuals and businesses, bears the name of its benefactor, creating a tapestry of gratitude and devotion.

The complete trail takes about 2-3 hours, which is quite a challenge with young kids. Make sure you wear comfortable shoes - the paths are well maintained but include lots of steps.

The good news is that you don't have to hike the entire thing. We found that the first 15-20 minutes provided plenty of amazing photo opportunities and the quintessential orange tunnel experience.

On the way down, there's a small tea house with the most amazing view. There are also several small food stalls near the entrance selling everything from kitsune-shaped cookies to grilled mochi. Nothing motivates tired little legs like the promise of a sweet treat!

Location: view on map

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Gion

After exploring the Torri Gates, it's time to explore the district of Gion.

From Fushimi-Inari Station, hop on the train for 5 stops to Gion-Shijo Station.

Once you arrive at Gion-Shijo, take in the scenic views of the Kamo River before walking down Shijo Dori, which is lined with many interesting shops and restaurants.

If you're visiting during cherry blossom season, head over to the nearby Shirakawa Canal which welcomes visitors with a spectacular display of cherry blossoms lining both banks.

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Shijo Dori

Shijo Dori is the beating heart of downtown Kyoto, running east to west through the city

Traditional wooden machiya shophouses rub shoulders with gleaming modern department stores, while the iconic Yasaka Shrine peeks out from the eastern end.

The street perfectly captures Kyoto's amazing blend of old and new Japan.

Location on map

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Yasaka Shrine

As you make your way East down Shijo Dori, you'll eventually reach the magnificent Yasaka Shrine, one of Kyoto's oldest and historic shrines.

Also known as Gion Shrine, this sacred site dates back to the 7th century.

As you approach the shrine, you’ll be greeted by the grand vermilion gate, a popular spot for family photos.

The shrine's grounds offer a serene escape from the city's hustle and bustle. Young couples in yukata stroll through the grounds, while elderly locals stop for their daily prayers, seamlessly blending ancient traditions with modern life.

One of the highlights of Yasaka Shrine is its beautiful lanterns, especially the hundreds of lanterns that light up the shrine grounds during festivals.

‍Address: 625 Gionmachi Kitagawa, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto, 605-0073 (view on map)

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Kagizen Yoshifusa

From Yasaka Shrine, we headed back Westward along Shijo Dori.

A wonderful place for a rest stop along the way is Kagizen Yoshifusa, a testament to Kyoto's enduring tea traditions.

Stepping through the elegant wooden entrance of Kagizen Yoshifusa, time seems to slow down. This centuries-old tea house has been perfecting the art of traditional Japanese sweets and tea since 1726.

The matcha here is whisked to perfection, creating a rich, emerald brew with depths of flavour that unfold with each sip.

The tea house is also famous for its Japanese desserts, including its signature Kuzukiri noodles - translucent noodles served in a chilled syrup that offer the perfect refreshment on a warm Kyoto afternoon.

We also tried their Kanrotake, delightful bamboo filled with jelly made from read beans, as well as their Warabi Mochi, which is dusted with soybean powder and drizzled with rich brown brown sugar. Each bite melts effortlessly in your mouth.

In addition, we sampled their handcrafted sweets which were truly exquisite works of art!

Address: 264 Gion-machi Kita-gawa, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto (View on map)

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Nintendo Kyoto Store

Located at the Takashimaya department store, this Nintendo paradise is a must-visit for anyone who's ever jumped on a Goomba or collected a Power Star.

Interestingly, Kyoto is also where Nintendo was founded.

On the 1st floor, you're welcomed by a most Instagram-worthy sight – an absolutely enormous Mario head that seems to say "You've made it to the Mushroom Kingdom!"

The actual store is located on the 7th floor and features exclusive merchandise including plushies, apparel, amiibo figures and limited edition items.

They also stock some really unique items like Nintendo-themed bento boxes, chopsticks, and traditional Japanese sweets with gaming motifs - perfect for souvenirs.

Plus there are interactive displays and demo consoles to enjoy.

You'll want to explore every corner of the store- trust us, you won't want to rush through this gaming paradise!

Location: Kyoto Takashimaya S.C., 52 Shin-cho, Shijo-dori Kawaramachinishiiru, Shimogyo-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto 600-8520 (view on map)

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Shinkyogoku Shopping Street

Shinkyogoku Shopping Street (view location on map) is a covered shopping street that buzzes with energy and is one of Kyoto's most beloved shopping arcades.

Stretching over 500 metres, the pedestrian-friendly arcade offers an eclectic mix of traditional and modern experiences.

As you step into Shinkyogoku, you're immediately enveloped by a lively atmosphere, with the tantalizing aroma of street food wafting through the air and the colourful signs of countless shops inviting you in.

From trendy fashion boutiques and quirky souvenir stores to artisanal craft shops and quaint tea houses, there's something for everyone here.

One of the highlights of Shinkyogoku is its impressive array of culinary delights. Indulge in local favourites such as takoyaki, matcha-flavoured treats, and freshly made sushi, or sit down for a meal at one of the many cosy restaurants offering both traditional Kyoto cuisine and international dishes.

Beyond shopping and dining, Shinkyogoku is also home to several cultural gems with shrines and temples hidden amidst the shops.

After shopping, we needed a break and the Teacup Club Dog Cafe was exactly what we needed!

This charming dog cafe lets you unwind with a cup of coffee or tea in the company of teacup poodles and Pomeranians.

The staff gave clear instructions on how to interact with the dogs, making it both fun and educational for the kids.

The pet cafe scene here goes beyond Teacup Club, with a number of spaces where you can interact with various animals from cats and pugs, to exotic creatures like owls and otters.

Teacup Club: Kyoto City, Nakagyo Ward, Shinkyogoku-dori Shijo Agaru Nakanocho 546-5 (view on map)