Kyoto: A Family Adventure Through Time

Nestled amidst the picturesque landscapes of Japan’s Kansai region, Kyoto stands as a timeless beacon of culture, tradition, and natural beauty. For families traveling with young children, this historic city offers tons of experiences that blend ancient wonders with modern marvels. Join us as we recount our unforgettable journey through Kyoto with a baby and a toddler in tow!

I saved our Japan trip as a highlight bubble on my Instagram page called “Japan”. Be sure to watch those stories!

Our Haven in Kyoto: Best Western Kyoto

Before delving into the rich tapestry of Kyoto’s wonders, we settled into the welcoming embrace of the Best Western Kyoto. With its convenient location, comfortable accommodations, and family-friendly amenities, including spacious rooms and attentive service, it provided the perfect home base for our Kyoto adventure! The breakfast in the morning was a great way to start the day and our room even came with a projector! I can’t say enough good things about this hotel.

Exploring Kyoto’s Wonders: A Family-Friendly Itinerary

Monkey Park Iwatayama: Nature’s Playground

If you’ve got little ones, a visit to Kyoto is not complete without stopping by Monkey Park! It does cost about $5 per person to ascend to the top of the mountain but it is well worth it! Plan to hike about twenty minutes to reach the top where you’ll find all the monkeys. You can purchase food for the monkeys (apples & peanuts) and the top and feed them in a designated area.

You’ll also find a playground at the very top of the mountain which is a good incentive for tiny legs to keep trekking! This was such a unique playground as there were monkeys running around the entire time the kids were playing.

Bamboo Forest and Boat Ride: Tranquility Amidst Giants

Next, we ventured into the enchanting Bamboo Forest, where towering stalks swayed gently in the breeze, casting dappled shadows upon winding pathways. I reccomend getting there before 8:30 am when all the tour busses arrive!

After exploring the bamboo forest, walk to the train station to grab a treat as you continue walking to the bridge. From here, you’ll be able to jump on a serene boat ride along the Hozugawa River.

Fushimi Inari Shrine: Gates of Splendor

No visit to Kyoto would be complete without a pilgrimage to Fushimi Inari Shrine, where vermillion torii gates beckon travelers into a realm of spiritual enchantment. With our little ones in tow, we ascended stone steps adorned with fox statues (we didn’t walk the entire path), weaving through a maze of pathways that led to breathtaking vistas and sacred sanctuaries—an unforgettable testament to Kyoto’s rich cultural heritage.

Be sure to stop at the market next to the shrine when you’re finished for some great food and souvenirs!

Nishiki Market: A Feast for the Senses

Amidst the bustling streets of Kyoto, Nishiki Market beckoned with its vibrant tapestry of sights, smells, and flavors. From sizzling street food stalls to artisanal crafts and delicacies, we wandered through this bustling marketplace, indulging our senses and immersing ourselves in the vibrant energy of Kyoto’s culinary scene—a gastronomic adventure that delighted the entire family. A major advantage of visiting street markets with kids is that there is little no to wait while getting food!

Visiting the Nintendo Store: Perfect for those obsessed with Mario

Our toddler currently loves anything and everything Mario so of course we needed to make a stop at the Nintendo store in Kyoto. There’s plenty of shopping to do and you can even ascend to the top floor for a fun photo opp with Mario!

Renting Electric Bikes: A Convenient Mode of Exploration

To navigate Kyoto’s sprawling landscapes with ease, we opted to rent electric bikes—a convenient mode of transportation that allowed us to traverse the city’s labyrinthine streets and picturesque pathways with ease. We rented with Ecotrip because they had great prices along with offering baby seats for our little ones.

With our little ones snugly secured in child seats, we embarked on leisurely rides through cherry blossom-lined avenues and historic neighborhoods, savoring the freedom of exploration at our own pace.

A Day Trip to Nara Park: A Meeting with Sacred Deer

Venturing beyond Kyoto’s borders, we embarked on a day trip to Nara Park, where friendly deer roamed freely amidst ancient temples and tranquil gardens. With bags of deer crackers in hand, our little ones delighted in feeding and interacting with these gentle creatures, forging connections that transcended language and culture—a heartwarming encounter that epitomized the spirit of harmony and compassion in Japan’s cultural landscape.

Kyoto was such a family-friendly place that we visited during our Japan 9-day trip! Be sure to read our Tokyo and Osaka experiences while traveling with a baby & toddler.