Kyoto is home to over 2,000 temples and shrines, many of which have beautiful gardens and serene surroundings. The city boasts picturesque landscapes, including bamboo groves, rivers, and traditional Japanese gardens, perfect for family exploration.

Being the capital city of Japan for more than 1,000 years, from 794 to 1868, Kyoto’s literal meaning is “Capital City”. And it’s not the only thing that makes this city have high historical value. Because it is also the origin of many Japanese cuisines’ types that might interest you and family during the visit to try some new flavors.

Kyoto is also known for its safety, cleanliness, and efficient public transportation, making it easy to navigate with family members of all ages. Many attractions offer amenities such as stroller rentals, rest areas, and accessible facilities for elderly visitors. So you can explore Kyoto all you want and at the same time, no need to worry about comfort and safety during the trip.

Make your trip memorable with the help of Traveloka for 20 things to do in Kyoto with family where everyone can have fun during the visit regardless of age.

Kyoto Day Tour offers visiting most popular spots in Kyoto you don’t want to miss when having a trip in Japan with family. The tour itinerary starts from visiting Arashiyama in the morning, then Kinkakuji Temple and finally ends with Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine. Arashiyama is known for its picturesque bamboo grove, scenic beauty, and the Togetsukyo Bridge. Kinkakuji Temple, also known as the Golden Pavilion, is famous for its stunning golden exterior and beautiful reflective pond. Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine is renowned for its thousands of red torii gates forming mesmerizing pathways through the forest.

Your children might be interested in visiting the Kyoto Railway Museum because not only does it have a vast collection of historic locomotives and carriages, showcasing the evolution of train technology, but also hands-on exhibits where they can operate train simulators and learn about railway operations. Making it a family-friendly destination because the activities and displays are designed to engage children, educational and obviously can be fun for the whole family.

Try this double-decker open-air bus to get around downtown Kyoto with stops spread across popular attractions such as Kiyomizu-dera Temple, Kinkaku-ji Temple, Heian Jingu Shrine and Nijo-jo Castle. With Kyoto SKYBUS Hop-On Hop-Off Sightseeing Bus, you can hop-on and hop-off at any stop or enjoy the route altogether while listening to the pre-recorded commentaries in multiple languages to help you understand what’s going on. Though offering open-air, this transportation is safe for children and elderly because they provide protection and ensure everyone can access it.

The Gion and Kaiseki Night Food Tour is a suitable destination for a family vacation because it offers a blend of cultural, educational, and culinary experiences that can be enjoyed by all age groups. Walking through Gion itself, families can learn about the history and traditions of Kyoto, including the geisha culture, traditional tea houses, and historic wooden buildings. It's an enriching experience that introduces both children and adults to Japanese heritage. The tour will end by having dinner at Kaiseki.

For your convenience, you can rent both city bicycles and electric-assist bicycles. Children’s bicycles are also available, so everyone can have fun together. When you rent a bicycle to go around Kyoto, some of the recommended spots to visit are Arashiyama, Kiyomizu-dera Temple and Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine. The other advantage of renting a bicycle in Kyoto is that you can access hidden gems. Many of Kyoto’s charming side streets, small temples, and hidden gardens are more easily accessible by bike than by car or bus.

Giant salamanders are endemic in Japan and you can find one of the most protected animals in Japan at Kyoto Aquarium. This is the top destination for aquatic education and entertainment in Kyoto and perfect for families. It features nine zones with a variety of animals, including dolphins, penguins, seals, and sharks. The two-story aquarium offers a wide range of aquatic life exhibits for visitors to explore.

The scenic Arashiyama Tour with Sagano Romantic Train and Hozugawa River Boat Ride in Kyoto offers a charming journey through the Hozugawa Valley aboard the retro-style Sagano Romantic Train, providing opportunities to visit and photograph various tourist spots. The tour includes a 90-minute cruise along the Hozugawa River, culminating in a stroll through Arashiyama. This tourist destination is suitable for a family vacation as it combines beautiful natural scenery with engaging and relaxing activities that can be enjoyed by all ages.

Visiting Kyoto with family will not be perfect without exploring the native cuisines in one of the highly sought after michelin restaurants, Kyoto Cuisine Honke Tankuma Honten. Located along the Kamo River in Kyoto, Honke Tankuma provides private rooms for a traditional summer activity with a scenic night view. And if you come with children around 10 years old, they have a Children's Course package, one of the many packages they offer to perfect customer experience.

Not just museum, Samurai and Ninja Museum Kyoto also provides sword experience. Experience authentic and traditional ninja training at Samurai and Ninja Museum in Kyoto. Get dressed in a traditional Japanese hakama or a ninja suit. Follow detailed instructions of a swordmaster and learn how to hold and draw a sword with swift movements. The minimum age to do sword experience is 3 years old. And if your children are under the age of 3, they are eligible for free museum admission.

Experience the timeless tradition of dining at a renowned Kyoto cuisine restaurant with over 440 years of history. Set within a serene 2000 square meter Japanese-style garden, this establishment offers culinary delights that embody Japanese culture and history, showcasing the changing seasons. Frequented by esteemed artist Kitaōji Rosanjin and mentioned in the works of Natsume Soseki, the Kaiseki Restaurant reflects an enduring legacy. Embrace the essence of "wabi-sabi" and savor the authentic flavors of "Kyōryōri" cuisine, passed down through generations.

Toei Taiqin Film and Television Village, the only theme park in Japan dedicated to landscape filming, serves as an Edo period filming location for Toei Kyoto Film Studio. The Toei Kyoto Studio Park preserves the company's film and TV history and produces nearly 200 TV dramas annually. Visitors can enjoy ninja shows, dress up as geishas, ninjas, and samurais in the costume hall, and take commemorative photos. Suitable for all ages, it offers an immersive experience into the world of Toei movies.

The world famous Nishiki Market in Kyoto provides around 10 market vendors that usually are also family-owned and have been around for generations. The tour includes sampling regional and seasonal dishes, specialty items, snacks, and fresh seafood along the way and also offering a delicious exploration of Kyoto's rich food culture.

Nidec Kyoto Tower is a complex featuring an observation deck, bar, and hotel. Visitors can enjoy panoramic views of Kyoto through free telescopes with a multilingual audio guide. The bar, located 45 meters above ground, offers wine or coffee with a spectacular view. The hotel provides various amenities for relaxation, and guests might even meet the tower mascot, Tawawa-chan.

Immerse yourself in Kyoto's culture with a self-guided tour of Myoshinji Temple, the head temple of Rinzai Zen Buddhism. Originally a palace, it was donated by Emperor Hanazono in 1342. Visit Taizo-in, the oldest sub-temple founded in 1404, renowned for its gardens and ink paintings. Conclude the tour with a local lunch at Hanagokoro.

Miyama-Keihoku Ride-All-You-Can Bus offers a bus ticket that allows unlimited rides for two days on specific bus routes along the Miyama-Keihoku route. With this ticket, you can conveniently use Nantan City Bus, Keihoku Furusato Bus and West Japan JR Bus. This ticket provides flexibility and ease of travel within the designated areas for the duration of two days.

Amanohashidate and Ine Funaya Kyoto Day Tour can be your option for one of the things to do in Kyoto with family. You can explore Amanohashidate, one of Japan's "Three Views," featuring a pine-lined sandbar and scenic vistas. Visit Chion-ji Temple, stroll the beaches, and relax at Amanohashidate Onsen. Then, discover Ine Funaya, known as "Japan's Venice," with its unique boat houses. Enjoy boat tours or cycling through picturesque landscapes before concluding the day with a return journey.

Explore historic Kyoto by wearing an elegant Hakama from Yumeyakata, where expert stylists help you choose from unique, bright-colored patterns. Opt for the Furisode package for Hakama with extra-long sleeves. Complete your outfit with hair accessories, sandals, and a traditional bag. Enjoy the beautiful sights of Kyoto and capture charming photos, experiencing retro Kyoto in style.

Starting from Miyako Hotel Kyoto Hachijo, visit Kennin-ji Temple, one of Kyoto's five most important Zen temples, and learn about its history. Explore the streets of Gion, known for its geishas, traditional tea houses, and old wooden buildings. Experience an authentic tea ceremony, then visit Nishiki Market, with over 100 shops and restaurants offering Kyoto specialties like Japanese desserts, dried seafood, and sushi.

If you plan to visit Kyoto and Nara from Kyoto, you might be interested in choosing this Kyoto-Nara Tour. Explore Kinkaku-ji Temple and Nijo Castle, famous UNESCO World Heritage sites and Kinkaku-ji, a Zen temple whose top two floors are completely covered in gold leaf. Visit the Kyoto Imperial Palace, the Emperor's official residence in Kyoto, then drop by Nara Nagomikan before returning to Kyoto Station.

Stroll through the quaint streets in Higashiyama District while wearing kimono and you’ll get to experience becoming maiko at Kiyomizu-dera Temple. Choose your favorite kimono, admire its intricate design, and enjoy luxurious makeup services. Follow the photographer's instructions to strike charming poses with Japanese decorations as your backdrop.

Kyoto traditional townhouse tour where you also get to experience wearing kimono and tea ceremony in the 140 years old building called Tomita-ya. The townhouse gained national recognition as a tangible cultural asset in 1999. It boasts two wells, three storerooms, six gardens, three tea rooms, and a Noh theater. Visitors can immerse themselves in the architectural and historical essence of ancient Kyomachiya, partake in kimono attire, and savor a traditional tea ceremony.

Kyoto has everything for everyone and that’s why it is such a perfect destination for families. You can find more things to do in Kyoto with Traveloka. To complete your trip preparations, make sure to also book your flight and hotel with us as the perfect deal awaits!