How to Plan a Family-Friendly Trip to Kyoto: Discover Family Favourites!

When planning a family trip to Kyoto, you can look forward to an exciting adventure filled with cultural experiences, stunning scenery, and fun activities for people of all ages. Kyoto has something for everyone. To ensure a smooth and enjoyable trip, it's important to consider various aspects such as the best times to visit, suitable accommodations, and must-see attractions that cater to the interests of your family. This guide will walk you through each step, from setting your travel dates and budget to finding family-friendly places to stay and exploring the city's top sights. 

Plan the Dates and the Budget

The first step is to set dates for your family trip to Kyoto. Take into account factors such as school holidays, work holidays, and other special occasions to make sure no one misses out on anything. As Kyoto is a very famous city, it tends to get very busy at certain times of the year. Overall, spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) are the best times to visit Kyoto owing to the pleasant weather and beautiful scenery. If you are planning on travelling in the springtime, make sure to get all the logistics planned out well in advance as it gets very busy because it is cherry blossom season and Golden Week in early May. Planning in advance can help you find great deals and avoid last-minute expenses.

Find the Best Place to Stay

Now that you have a budget in mind, it’s time to start looking at stay options. Kyoto has a booming hospitality sector, so your options are endless. Choosing accommodation that suits your family’s needs is paramount. Kyoto offers a variety of options, from traditional ryokan to modern hotels. Family hotels in Kyoto such as the Travelodge Kyoto Shijo Kawaramachi are great options for their central location and family-friendly amenities. They offer spacious rooms and convenient access to public transport, making it easy to explore the city with kids. When choosing a place to stay, consider the location, hotel amenities, attractions, dining options, and transportation links. For a more traditional experience, consider staying in a ryokan, where you can enjoy tatami mat rooms and kaiseki meals. Many ryokans also offer onsen baths, providing a relaxing end to your day of sightseeing. If you prefer the comforts of home, serviced apartments with kitchenettes and laundry facilities are available, making it easier to manage meals and laundry during your stay.

wongwt, Fushimi Inari-taisha Shrine, Kyoto Prefecture; September 2019 (03), CC BY-SA 2.0 

Explore Local Attractions

For a quality trip of Kyoto, exploring local attractions is key. Take the time to research the locale and compile a list of places to visit and things to do – don’t forget to consider your family’s interests and preferences when compiling this list. Kyoto is full of attractions that are perfect for families. Fushimi Inari Shrine, famous for its thousands of red torii gates, offers a fun hike that kids will enjoy. Arashiyama Bamboo Grove is another highlight, where you can walk through towering bamboo and visit the nearby monkey park. The Kyoto Railway Museum is a hit with kids who love trains, featuring interactive exhibits and a large collection of locomotives. Don’t miss Nijo Castle, where you can explore beautiful gardens and impressive architecture, and Kyoto Aquarium, home to seals, penguins, and a variety of fish. Making sure to balance sightseeing with downtime is very important. Kyoto has plenty of parks and green spaces where kids can play and relax. Also, don’t forget to try local delicacies. Kyoto is known for its delicious sweets, and there are many kid-friendly restaurants where you can enjoy traditional Japanese meals.