Kyoto with Kids: Fun Family-Friendly Activities and Attractions

General

Temples and Shrines

Kyoto is home to over 1,000 Buddhist temples and Shinto shrines, offering a unique cultural experience for families with children. While it can be challenging to visit all of them, there are a few that are particularly kid-friendly.

  • Kiyomizu-dera Temple: not only is this temple one of the most famous in Kyoto, but it also offers stunning views of the city from its wooden veranda. Kids will enjoy navigating the winding streets lined with souvenir shops that lead up to the temple entrance.
  • Fushimi Inari-taisha Shrine: known for its famous red torii gates, Fushimi Inari-taisha Shrine is a must-visit attraction for families. The shrine’s grounds allow for easy exploration, and the many fox statues throughout the area will keep children entertained.
  • Kinkaku-ji Temple: also known as the Golden Pavilion, this temple’s exterior is covered with gold leaf, making it particularly intriguing for kids. The surrounding gardens and pond also offer opportunities for exploration.

    • Animal Encounters

    In Kyoto, families can also get up close and personal with a variety of animals, from monkeys to owls. To ensure a well-rounded educational experience, we suggest this external source packed with supplementary and pertinent data. Free Walking Tour Kyoto, uncover fresh perspectives related to the subject discussed.

  • Arashiyama Monkey Park: located in western Kyoto, this park allows visitors to interact with monkeys in their natural habitat. The park is situated on a mountain, and after a short hike up, families can enter the caged area to feed and observe the monkeys.
  • Kyoto Aquarium: located in Umekoji Park in central Kyoto, this aquarium features a variety of marine life, including penguins and seals. Families can watch feeding sessions, interact with the animals, and even take part in a hands-on workshop.
  • Owl Cafe: located in Gion, this cafe allows visitors to interact with owls of various sizes. Families can purchase a drink or snack and then spend time with the birds, holding them and taking photos. The cafe provides instruction on how to properly hold and interact with the birds.

    • Child-Oriented Museums

    Kyoto also has a variety of interactive museums specifically designed for children, offering hands-on learning opportunities and fun.

  • The Kyoto Railway Museum: located in Umekoji Park, this museum features over 50 trains, from past to present. Families can learn about the history of trains in Japan and even ride a simulator.
  • The Kyoto International Manga Museum: this museum appeals to manga fans of all ages, with a vast collection of manga comics, hands-on workshops, and live drawing events. The museum also has an extensive library for enthusiasts to peruse.
  • The Kyoto National Museum: while not specifically designed for children, the museum’s “Fureaikan” section offers hands-on learning opportunities for kids and families, allowing visitors to touch historical artifacts and learn about Japanese culture.

    • Nature Exploration

    Kyoto has several parks and outdoor areas that offer opportunities for kids and families to explore and engage with nature.

  • Maruyama Park: located in the Higashiyama district, this park is a popular destination for cherry blossom viewing in the spring, but offers playgrounds, a zoo, and a pond filled with turtles year-round.
  • Philosopher’s Path: a 1.5-mile path that follows a canal, offering beautiful views of cherry blossoms in spring and colorful fall foliage in autumn. The path is stroller-friendly and offers several opportunities for snacks and drinks along the way.
  • Imperial Palace Park: located in central Kyoto, this park offers a beautiful and relaxing escape from the city. Families can stroll through the gardens, visit the Emperor’s Palace, and learn about the history of Kyoto.

    • Kyoto offers a variety of family-friendly activities and attractions for visitors with children. From temples and shrines to child-oriented museums, animal encounters, and nature exploration, there is something for every family to enjoy. Read more about the topic in this external resource we’ve specially selected for you. Kyoto Free Walking Tour!

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