“Kyoto is beautiful, but will my kids get bored just looking at temples?” “We are traveling with grandparents; is there an itinerary that works for three generations?”
These are the most common questions I get from families planning a trip to Japan. Kyoto is world-famous for its historic geisha districts and Zen gardens, but for a 7-year-old (or a tired teenager), an endless parade of quiet shrines can quickly lead to burnout.
The secret to a successful Kyoto family trip is balance. You need to mix the “Old Japan” atmosphere with interactive experiences where kids can burn off energy. Just as importantly, you need a base camp that doesn’t feel like a dormitory.
In this guide, I’ll share the secrets to navigating Kyoto with a group and introduce the best accommodation hack for families: Apartment Hotels.
The Quick Verdict: How to Win at Family Travel
Source：Minn Official Website
For busy parents, here is the bottom line. To survive and thrive in Kyoto:
- Mix “Active” with “Culture”: Don’t just look; do. Include hands-on spots like ninja training or animal encounters.
- Upgrade Your Base: Skip the cramped standard hotels. Book an Apartment Hotel like Minn. It gives you the space of a home (kitchens, living rooms) with the reliability of a hotel.
▼ Secure your family base now
【Official】Minn Reservations | Experience a “Stay as You Live” Style
(Features: Full kitchens, in-room laundry, and spacious suites perfect for groups.)
3 Golden Rules for a Stress-Free Family Trip
Navigating Japan is different from traveling in Europe or the US. Here is how to adapt your strategy.
1. Choose “Experience” Over “Observation”
Let’s be honest: asking active kids to stay quiet in a temple for hours is a recipe for disaster.
The Fix: Kyoto has amazing interactive spots. Let them drive a train simulator or throw a ninja star in the morning. Once they’ve burned off that energy, they’ll be much more patient for a shrine visit in the afternoon.
2. Pick One “Zone” per Day
Kyoto’s bus system is extensive but can get incredibly crowded with tourists. Trying to board a packed bus with a stroller is a nightmare.
The Fix: Stick to one area (e.g., Arashiyama or Umekoji) per day. Minimize transit. If you can, use trains or short taxi rides instead of buses to save your sanity.
3. Scout Your “Pit Stops”
Unlike in some Western countries, benches and public seating can be surprisingly rare in historic Japanese districts.
The Fix: Identify department stores or large parks (like Umekoji Park) where you can easily find restrooms and seating without having to buy a coffee every time someone needs a break.
Top 5 Family-Friendly Sightseeing Spots in Kyoto
Here are the top-rated spots where both kids and adults can have a blast—rain or shine.
1. Kyoto Railway Museum (Umekoji Area)
- Best for: Train lovers and multi-generational groups. Japan is the land of trains, and this is its king. From massive steam locomotives to the iconic Shinkansen (Bullet Train), 53 real trains are on display.
- Why Kids Love It: They can drive simulators and ride a real steam train, the “SL Steam.”
- Parent Perk: It’s indoors (great for beating the summer heat or rain), and it’s right next to Kyoto Aquarium and a huge park. You can spend the whole day here without moving.
2. Toei Kyoto Studio Park (Uzumasa Area)
- Best for: Ninja fans and anime lovers. Think of this as the “Hollywood of Japan.” It’s an active film set for samurai dramas.
- Why Kids Love It: They can dress up as ninjas, learn sword fighting, and navigate a trick-filled ninja maze. Anime collaboration events are also common here.
- Parent Perk: It’s immersive history. Watching your kids throw shurikens makes for the best vacation photos.
3. Arashiyama Monkey Park Iwatayama (Arashiyama Area)
- Best for: Active families and nature lovers. Located near the famous Togetsukyo Bridge, a 20-minute hike up a mountain leads you to an open area where 120 Japanese macaques roam free.
- Why Kids Love It: It’s a reverse zoo—the humans go inside a cage to feed the monkeys on the outside!
- Parent Perk: The panoramic view of Kyoto city from the top is breathtaking. (Note: Wear sneakers!)
4. Kyoto International Manga Museum (Karasuma Oike Area)
- Best for: Teens and chill-out time. Housed in a retro elementary school building, this museum holds 50,000 comic books.
- Why Kids Love It: It’s a library where you are encouraged to lie on the floor (or out on the artificial grass) and read manga all day.
- Parent Perk: It’s in a central location. It’s a fantastic quiet zone to recharge when everyone is tired of walking.
5. Kiyomizu-dera & Sannenzaka (Higashiyama Area)
- Best for: The classic “Kyoto” experience. This is the most famous temple in Kyoto, approached by a charming preserved street lined with shops.
- Why Kids Love It: The street is packed with souvenir shops selling character goods (Totoro, Hello Kitty) and sweets.
- Parent Perk: The view from the wooden stage is iconic.
- Warning: There are many stairs. Leave the stroller at the hotel and use a baby carrier.
The “Shoebox” Trap: Why Hotel Choice Matters
Source：Minn Official Website
Sightseeing is only half the battle. The biggest shock for many Western families visiting Japan is the hotel room size.
- The Reality: Standard Japanese hotel rooms are often 15–18 sqm. Once you open two suitcases, there is no floor space left.
- The Stress: You are often forced to book two separate rooms, splitting the family. Dining out every night with tired kids becomes a chore, and you might end up eating convenience store sushi on your bed.
The Solution? Apartment Hotels. This is why savvy travelers are switching to Minn.
【Official】Minn Reservations | Experience a “Stay as You Live” Style
Why Minn is the Ultimate Family Base Camp
Minn (with locations in Nijo-jo, Gion, and Gojo) is designed specifically for groups and families. Here is why it’s a game-changer:
1. Stay Together (Up to 8 People!) Forget splitting up. Minn offers spacious suites where everyone stays in the same unit.
- The Vibe: With bunk beds for the kids and stylish Japanese-modern designs, the room itself becomes part of the fun. You can plan the next day’s itinerary together in the living room.
2. The Kitchen = Stress-Free Dining Eating out in Japan is amazing, but sometimes you just want to relax. Minn rooms come with kitchens and dining tables.
- The Hack: Visit a “Depachika” (Department store food hall) at Kyoto Station. Buy high-end Wagyu beef, tempura, and salads.
- The Experience: Bring it back to your room. The kids can be loud, you can drink your own wine, and it’s significantly cheaper than a restaurant.
3. In-Room Laundry (Pack Light!) If you are traveling by Shinkansen, you know that hauling giant suitcases is a hassle.
- The Benefit: Minn rooms typically include a washing machine. Wash your clothes daily and travel with just a carry-on. It’s a lifesaver for families with messy toddlers.
4. Strategic Locations Minn hotels are located near key stations. If your toddler needs a midday nap, you can easily pop back to the hotel, recharge, and head out again for dinner.
A Perfect 2-Day “Kyoto with Kids” Itinerary
Source：Minn Official Website
Here is how to combine these spots with a stay at Minn.
Day 1: Trains, Dolphins & Private Dinner
- Noon: Arrive at Kyoto Station. Drop bags at Minn Kyoto Gojo.
- Afternoon: Short taxi/bus ride to Kyoto Railway Museum & Kyoto Aquarium.
- Evening: Pick up a feast at the Isetan Department Store basement.
- Night: Relax at Minn. Host a private dinner party in your living room while the washing machine handles the day’s laundry.
Day 2: Ninjas & Monkeys
- Morning: Easy breakfast in your room (toast and fruit from the local store). Head to Toei Kyoto Studio Park for ninja training.
- Afternoon: Move to Arashiyama. Hike up to the Monkey Park.
- Evening: If everyone is tired, head back to the hotel early. Order Uber Eats or cook a simple meal and relax on the sofa.
What Exactly is an “Apartment Hotel”?
Source：Minn Official Website
For those new to the concept: It is a hybrid accommodation that combines the reliability of a hotel (front desk, security, professional cleaning) with the comfort of a home (kitchen, laundry, living space).
- Why it wins: You get the freedom of an Airbnb with the safety and service of a hotel. It is the new standard for family travel in Japan.
Verdict: Make Memories, Not Stress
Source：Minn Official Website
A family trip to Japan shouldn’t feel like an endurance test. By mixing active sightseeing spots with a “home away from home” base, you get the best of both worlds: the adventure of travel and the comfort of a living space.
Popular family suites in Kyoto book out months in advance (especially for Cherry Blossom season).
▼ Find your perfect room in Kyoto