Kyoto · Japan · Things to do
5 things to do in Kyoto with kids
The five best things to do in Kyoto with kids are walking the red torii gates of Fushimi Inari, seeing the Golden Pavilion, wandering the Arashiyama bamboo grove, exploring the old streets of Gion and visiting a hilltop pagoda such as Kiyomizu-dera. Each takes a morning or an afternoon, and all are reachable by bus or train.
What to do, in order
- 1
Walk the torii gates
Fushimi Inari Shrine is a mountain path lined with thousands of vermilion torii gates, each donated by a business or a family. The shrine grounds are open at all hours and entry is free. The first tunnel of gates is the busiest, so go early in the morning or after dusk. A short walk gives you the best of it, and the full loop to the summit takes a couple of hours. Fox statues guard the shrine, and children like to spot them. Take the JR line to Inari Station.
- 2
See the Golden Pavilion
Kinkaku-ji, the Golden Pavilion, is a Zen temple whose top two floors are covered in gold leaf. It sits beside a mirror pond, and the path loops through the garden in about 40 minutes. The pavilion itself is seen from across the water, not entered. Tickets are paper talismans, a detail children tend to like. Visit early in the morning or in late afternoon, when the light is warmer and the groups are fewer. It pairs well with Ryoan-ji, the nearby rock garden, on the same bus route.
- 3
Wander the bamboo forest
The bamboo grove at Arashiyama is a path between tall green stalks that sway and creak in the wind. It is short and flat, which suits children, but it is also one of the most crowded places in Kyoto, so go at opening time. Combine it with Tenryu-ji temple and its garden next door, the Togetsukyo bridge and the monkey park on the hill across the river. Arashiyama is reached by the JR Sagano line or the small Randen tram, and a rental bicycle is a good way to move around.
- 4
Explore old Gion
Gion is Kyoto's historic entertainment district, with wooden machiya townhouses, tea houses and narrow lanes. Hanamikoji Street is the main stretch. In the early evening you may see geiko and maiko, who are on the way to appointments. Do not chase or block them, and respect signs that forbid photos in private lanes. Walk the Shirakawa canal under cherry trees in spring, and look into a shop selling sweets and tea. Gion is best at dusk, and it is easy to combine with Yasaka Shrine.
- 5
Find a hilltop pagoda
Higashiyama, the eastern hills, holds Kiyomizu-dera, a temple with a wooden stage that juts out over the slope, and the Yasaka Pagoda, a five-storey tower seen at the end of a lane of old streets. The walk up from the Gojo area takes you past tea shops and pottery. Autumn is the best season, with maples turning red in late November. Wear shoes that come off easily, because some halls need them removed. Go early, as these streets fill by mid-morning.
Plan it
- Best time
- Late March to April for cherry blossom and mid-November to early December for autumn colour. Both are crowded. Summer is hot and humid, and winter is cold but quiet and clear.
- How long
- Three to four days covers these five with time left for markets and a day trip to Nara. Two days is possible but fast.
- Getting around
- Buses reach most sights and are often crowded. The subway is faster for a few routes, and JR trains reach Fushimi Inari and Arashiyama. A rechargeable IC card works on all of them. Taxis are useful for a tired family.
Good to know
- Do the busiest places, Fushimi Inari, Arashiyama and Kiyomizu-dera, at opening time. By ten the crowds are heavy.
- Stay near Kyoto Station or Shijo for the easiest transport connections.
- Carry a small bag for rubbish. Public bins are rare, and eating while walking is frowned upon in many streets.
Frequently asked
Is Kyoto good for kids? +
Yes. Children enjoy the torii gates, the bamboo path, the deer in nearby Nara and the food. The main challenges are crowds and heat in summer, which you can manage by starting early and breaking up the day.
How many days do you need in Kyoto? +
Three to four days is a comfortable first visit. That covers the five main sights, a food market and a slow evening in Gion, with room for a day trip to Nara.
When is the best time to see Fushimi Inari? +
Early morning or after dark. The shrine is open at all hours, and the gates are least crowded before about eight or in the evening, when lanterns light the path.
When are the autumn leaves in Kyoto? +
Usually mid-November to early December, with the peak in late November. Colour varies from year to year, so check a leaf forecast before fixing dates.
