Is Kyoto Good for Kids? Our Honest Take
Short answer: Yes! Kyoto has a real mix of moments that click with a 5-year-old and a few that don't, and knowing which is which ahead of time can help with your planning. Here's exactly what we did and how it actually went.
Traveled: Late May / Early June.
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The Bamboo Grove
Honestly, this one was a bit underwhelming for us Jackson, especially. It's a beautiful photo, but as an actual experience to stand in, there isn't much to it, and we didn't spend much time there. If you're building a Kyoto itinerary with a young kid, we wouldn't plan much time around this one specifically.
Arashiyama Monkey Park - A Real Highlight
This was the highlight of Kyoto for us. It's a steep hike to get up there, but it's genuinely worth it, especially with kids.
At the top, there's a small playground with swings, a slide, a seesaw, and a few structures to climb on. At the time of our visit, Jackson only got to go down the slide once before it closed due to high temperatures, worth keeping in mind if you're visiting when it’s hot.
Right near the playground is a structure you can go inside to purchase food and feed the monkeys. You have to be inside that structure to feed them, which keeps everyone safe. Outside, you'll see plenty of monkeys roaming freely, but it's important to keep your distance. There are employees stationed around the area making sure visitors do too. They'll remind you to stay standing, not sit, not look the monkeys directly in the eyes, not crouch down or approach them, and definitely not to feed them unless you're inside the shelter. Also, when in the shelter be sure you only feed them the snacks provided for purchase and not anything you personally brought.
On top of all that, you also get a beautiful view of the Kyoto skyline from up there - a nice bonus on top of an already great stop.
Here's Where We Stayed in Kyoto
Exploring Downtown Kyoto
We spent time just wandering the streets of downtown Kyoto too, and it has a completely different feel from Tokyo or Osaka. It felt much more cultural, and closer to what you probably picture when you imagine Japan in your head.
Gion in the Afternoon and Evening
After Arashiyama, we made our way to Gion in the afternoon and stayed into the evening. It's one of Kyoto's most historic districts, known for its narrow streets and traditional teahouses, and it has the old-Kyoto feel a lot of people picture before they arrive. It's a pretty easy stop to add to a day that started somewhere else, since it's more about wandering and soaking it in than checking off a big attraction.
A few things worth knowing with kids: the streets are narrow and can get crowded, so keep little hands close. Voices tend to be quiet here, so it's worth reminding your kids ahead of time. And some private alleys have signs asking visitors not to enter or take photos, so follow any posted signs.
Want Help Navigating Kyoto's Temples?
Kyoto's temples and shrines are spread across the city, and the famous ones get busy fast. If you'd like someone who knows the city to help map out your day, GoWithGuide offers private Kyoto tours with local guides.
Nishiki Market
We visited Nishiki Market during our time in Kyoto and really enjoyed sampling different seafood along the way and doing some shopping. A great, walkable stop that gives you a taste (literally) of local food culture without needing to sit down for a full meal.
Gluten Free Like Us? Read More: Is Japan Gluten-Free Friendly? Our Honest Experience Traveling With Dietary Restrictions
Read More: Gluten-Free Kyoto: What We Actually Ate (Honest Reviews)
Sampling our way through Nishiki Market.
Fushimi Inari Taisha - The Full Hike
We visited Fushimi Inari Taisha and completed the full hike. We arrived early in the morning and it was still very crowded but once you pass the Yotsutsuji intersection, the point where you get a view of the Kyoto skyline, the crowds thin out significantly, since most people turn around there.
We're glad we kept going. That said, worth setting expectations: the actual top of the hike isn't somewhere you'll want to spend a lot of time once you get there. It's more about the journey and the thinning crowds than a big payoff at the summit itself.
One practical tip: be sure to bring some yen with you on this hike. There are plenty of trailside vendors along the way selling snacks, drinks, and all kinds of little knickknacks and souvenirs so cash can come in handy.
On our way back down we stopped at Yotsutsuji intersection to enjoy the view and some ice cream.
We explored on our own but if you want a little more structure there are plenty of tours like this highly-rated one: Fushimi Inari Taisha One Day Tour
So, Is It Good for Kids?
Genuinely, yes. The Bamboo Grove is skippable with young kids, but the Monkey Park is worth building real time around, and Fushimi Inari is absolutely doable as a family hike if you're prepared for some crowds early on. Kyoto has a different pace and feel than Tokyo or Osaka, and that's part of what makes it worth including.
Read More: Where to Stay in Kyoto With Kids: Our Honest Take
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