Konnichiwa! 

Welcome Back to Team Tala Travels, and in this article, we will share with you the top 10 family-friendly places to visit in Kyoto, Japan! Kyoto is a city in Japan known for its shrines and temples, and bamboo groves and green forests. 

Kyoto is the perfect place in Japan if you are planning to have a simple yet adventure-filled trip with your family! There are many shrines and temples to visit, parks to play at, forests to explore, and of course, food to devour! It is such a quiet shift that we needed after a packed 3-day adventure in Osaka. 

Ready? Let’s dive in! 

1. Fushimi Inari-taisa Shrine

Location 68 Fukakusa Yabunouchicho, Fushimi Ward, Kyoto

Ticket Price : Free

Hours: open 24 hours

Fushimi Inari-taisa Shrine is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Kyoto, Japan. Just looking at the seemingly endless path with 5,000 orange torii gates is a magical feeling! Looking at torii gates in pictures is nothing compared to seeing them in person! You must definitely put this in your itinerary in Kyoto!

Tip 1: Prepare your legs! If you want to maximize your time here, be prepared to hike all the way to the top. In our case, since we were traveling with a kid, we only made it up to the middle part, where a cafe stands selling hot chocolate, mochi, and matcha green tea.  

Just a word, though. Fushimi Inari-taisa Shrine gets really crowded with both locals and tourists alike. Whatever the weather is – rainy, snowy, or sunny – Fushimi Inari is visited by people! When we went there, we had to wait for quite a while before a part of the torii gates became free for us to take a photo using our tripod! 

Tip 2: Come early in the morning for a picture perfect shot under the torii gates without any photobomber!

Watch our Kyoto adventure on our Youtube channel!

 

2. Nishiki Market

Location: Nakagyo Ward, Kyoto

Ticket Price: price varies per restaurant

Hours: 9 am to 6 pm

Disclaimer: Do not come to Nishiki Market if you are not hungry! Why? Because there is just so much food to try here!

This market, located in Downtown Kyoto, will appeal to both kids and adults alike with the variety of food that it offers! There is fresh seafood everywhere, deep fried street food, fruit candies, strawberries dipped in chocolate, and of course, matcha green tea ice cream! 

We went there twice because one visit is not enough! We wanted to try a lot of Japanese food, and on both occasions, Nishiki Market did not disappoint! Our favorite area is a food court style area where there is sake sold for only 100 JPY for a shot. There is also a Michelin restaurant that sells the best-tasting gyoza that I ever tasted in Japan!

Tip: Do not eat while walking. This is considered rude in Japan. If you want to eat but there are no seats available, stand in a corner and eat your food.

3. Kiyomizu Dera Temple

Location: 1-chōme-294 Kiyomizu, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto

Ticket Price: 500 JPY for adults, 200 JPY for kids 

Hours: 6 am to 6 pm

Kiyomizu-Dera Temple is a must-visit site in Kyoto – with or without kids! It is a beautiful temple perched on a hillside overlooking the city. 

Yes, it is on a hillside so you have to be prepared to trek around 15 minutes to get to the temple entrance. But we enjoyed the trek because there were lines of shops that amazed us as we climbed up – kimono rentals, anime shops, and souvenir stores!

The view from the top is amazing! I can just imagine how majestic this place looks when there are cherry blossoms around it. We went during winter time, so we did not witness it. 

Visiting the temple grounds is free, but you need to pay an entrance fee if you want to go inside the temple. For us, we just explored the temple grounds. Tala and I even tried washing our hands from the water temple! They said you can drink water from here, but we preferred not to. 

Tip 1: It might be challenging to come here with a stroller. If there is an option, do not bring one anymore. 

Tip 2: There is only 1 restroom in the area, which is located at the bottom part of the temple grounds, next to the restaurant. Use the restroom before heading up to the top. 

4. Ninenzaka and Sannenzaka

Location : Masuyacho, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto

Ticket Price: price varies per shop

Hours: 10 am to 6 pm

Ninenzaka and Sannenzaka are old cobblestone streets that have been present in Kyoto since ancient times. These narrow streets have become popular because they are lined with many shops and restaurants in Japanese-style buildings. 

Ninenzaka

Just follow the sloping path from the Kiyumiza-Dera temple entrance and you will be walking on Ninenzaka street. Ninenzaka is lined with souvenir shops, sweet treats stores, and restaurants. 

We tried eating at an open-area food shop that resembles a food court. There are food stalls on the sides and seating areas at the center. We tried potato sticks, chicken karaage, and ice cream! 

One of the most-visited places in Ninenzaka is the local Starbucks cafe that is placed in an old but renovated Japanese house. We went inside to try it, but as expected, both the lower floor and second floor were full of people who wanted to try the Starbucks experience in Kyoto. On the second floor, you will see a tatami room, giving the feel that you are in a classic Kyoto teahouse. 

Tip 1: Come here early if you want to try the local Starbucks in Kyoto! 

Sannenzaka

Sannenzaka is much narrower and steeper than Ninenzaka. It is also lined with restaurants,  cafes, and souvenir shops. A shop owner invited us to try their mochi flavors, and they were all yummy! We also went inside an inviting coffee shop and tried their matcha espresso cafe. 

Tip 2: These streets are usually crowded! Be prepared and take care of your belongings.

5. Maruyama Park

Location:  473 Maruyama-cho, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto

Ticket Price : free

Hours: 24 hours open

Maruyama Park is the oldest public park in Kyoto, being opened to the public in 1886. It is also a popular viewing spot for cherry blossoms when you come during the cherry blossom season. 

Tala had a great time here because she loves the outdoors! It is a great rest from viewing temples and walking streets! 

There is a lot of area for running, for jumping, for exploring, and for just enjoying the beauty of nature! 

Tip: Come here during the cherry blossom season to see the Weeping Cherry Tree

6. Pontocho Park

Pontocho Park Location:  １４５, Umenokichō, Nakagyo Ward, Kyoto

Ticket Price: free 

Hours: open 24 hours

Pontocho Park is situated in the middle of Pontocho, one of Kyoto’s most ambience-rich dining areas. 

Tala enjoyed Pontocho Park so much! She loved the swings, the seesaw, and the slides! We stayed here for more than an hour playing together. 

From time to time, a family would come and the kids would play for a few minutes before exploring Pontocho further. 

Pontocho

Pontocho is a narrow alley that is situated a block away from Kamogawa River. It is packed with restaurants that offer a wide range of dining options from inexpensive street food items to expensive foreign cuisine. 

Most shops are open from 5:00 pm to 11:00 pm, but some shops open at lunch time. In our case, we had dinner at a small ramen place on the 2nd floor of a Japanese-style house. We had creamy ramen, soy sauce ramen, karaage rice, and gyoza. Everything was good! 

Kamogamo Riverside

Kamogamo Riverside is considered as a local park in Kyoto. It is located next to Pontocho. Both sides of the river can be used for biking, walking, exercising, and relaxing. When we went there, we saw a couple of families sitting on the riverside, watching the river, and simply enjoying each other’s company. We did the same, too! It was so relaxing! 

There is usually an artist playing his acoustic guitar on the riverside. He is good! Show him some love and just appreciate his music by clapping for him! 

Both sides are lined with wide green areas and bike paths, with plenty of benches and exercise areas. Up near the Demachiyanagi end of the river (in the north, where Imadegawa-dori crosses the river), there are wide play areas that are great for picnics and for letting children run around.

Tip: If you want an ambience-rich dining experience, opt to eat at restaurants facing the Kamogamo River. 

7. Sagano Romantic Train

Location : 616-8373 Kyoto, Ukyo Ward, Sagatenryuji Kurumamichicho 

Ticket Price: 880 JPY for adults, 400 JPY for children, one way ride 

Hours: 9 am to 5 pm

The Sagano Romantic Train is one of the most famous touristy things to do in Kyoto! It is a 

From Kyoto Station, we took the JR Sagano Line, then transferred to the Saga Torokko Station. We already purchased our train tickets for 11:02 am via Klook. We recommend this option for a less hassle trip, but you have to make sure that you will be in the station before the train arrives. 

Tip 1: Book your tickets in advance via Klook to be sure of train seats. On peak days, only standing tickets are available at train stations. 

The train ride from Saga Torokko Station to Kameoka took us around 25 minutes. It took us to see the Hozu River and the Hozu Valley, and we also went inside dark tunnels, which made the train ride more interesting. 

Tala enjoyed the view of the mountains, the orange and yellow trees, and the river from the train window! 

When we reached Kameoka, we transferred to the car specified on our ticket. We had an equally amazing experience going back to Saga Torokko Station. 

Tip 2: Do not schedule a Sagano Romantic Train ride on a Wednesday because the railway is closed on Wednesdays, except if a national holiday falls on this day. 

Some people opt to go on a boat ride when they reach Kameoka, but we decided to go back to the station since we were headed to Arashiyama Bamboo Forest next.

8. Arashiyama Bamboo Forest

Location:  Sagaogurayama Tabuchiyamacho, Ukyo Ward, Kyoto

Ticket Price: free 

Hours: open 24 hours

The Arashiyama Bamboo Forest is one of the top must-visit places in Kyoto! It shows towering slender bamboo stalks that sway in the wind. 

We were amazed by the number of bamboo stalks lining the path! And we actually could not see the end of the stalks– there is an illusion that the stalks are touching the sky! 

We enjoyed the stroll, but it could have been more enjoyable if the place was less crowded. As such, we recommend that you come here in the early morning so you can have the place to yourself and have picture-perfect selfies! 

Walking through the towering bamboo stalks of the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove feels like stepping into another world. The serene atmosphere and unique landscape make this one of Kyoto’s most iconic spots.

9. Kinkaku-ji Temple

Location:  1 Kinkakujicho, Kita-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto-fu

Ticket Price: 500 JPY for adults, 300 JPY for kids

Hours: 9 am to 5 pm

The Kinkaku-ji Temple is also called the Temple of the Golden Pavilion because of its golden contours. This three-tiered pavilion that is covered in gold leaf is simply a sight to behold! It is now considered as a UNESCO World Heritage Site not only because of its historical significance, but also because of its architectural magnificence. 

This zen Buddhist temple, known for its striking golden exterior that reflects beautifully in the surrounding pond, is a must-see. The serenity of the temple and its meticulously manicured gardens make it one of the most peaceful places to visit.

There is a long but comfortable walk from the entrance to the temple itself. But, the walk is worth it once you see the beauty of the golden temple, with its reflection shown on the water around it. 

You have to visit this site once you are in Kyoto, especially after visiting Arashiyama Bamboo Forest, which is just a few kilometers away. 

10. Nidec Kyoto Tower Observation Deck

Location:  721-1 Karasuma-dori Higashi Shiokoji-cho Shimogyō-ku, Kyoto

Ticket Price: 900 JPY for adults and kids 6 years old and above, 200 JPY for kids under 6 years old 

Hours: 9 am to 9 pm

The Nidec Kyoto Tower Observation is situated on top of a 9-story building in Kyoto. This lighthouse-shaped building stands 131 meters high, which makes it hard to miss when you are in Kyoto! 

Once you enter the building, take the elevator up to the observation deck. There, you will see different landmarks in Kyoto, such as the Kiyomizu-Dera Temple. You can even use telescopes to have a better view of the city! 

Tala enjoyed using the telescopes as she looked at the scenery outside. We were there just before sunset up to the evening, so we got to see Kyoto before and after the sunset. Amazing!

What’s Next 

Kyoto is a city that you must truly visit in Japan. The rich tradition and peaceful atmosphere of the city can be felt through its stunning gardens, ancient temples, and quiet forests. I hope that through this article featuring the top ten places to visit in Kyoto in our humble opinion, you feel excited to step into one of Japan’s travel treasures by yourself or with your loved-ones. 

Thank you for reading this far! Please feel free to share this article to family or friends who are planning a trip to Japan soon! Remember, this is Team Tala Travels! 

Arigato Gozaimasu!