Wondering where to stay in Kyoto with family?
This city captures the heart and soul of Japan’s rich cultural heritage.
With its stunning temples, lush gardens, and ancient traditions, Kyoto is a must-visit destination for families who want to immerse themselves in Japan’s history and culture.
As you explore the city’s narrow streets, you’ll be enchanted by the beautiful architecture and serene atmosphere.
From the iconic Fushimi Inari Shrine to the magnificent Kinkaku-ji Temple, Kyoto offers endless opportunities for exploration and discovery.
In addition to its cultural treasures, Kyoto is also a vibrant and modern city with excellent dining and shopping options, making it the perfect destination for families seeking a balance of tradition and modernity.
In this article, we cover what we believe are the best areas to stay in Kyoto with family.
Each of the recommended areas comes with its own advantages and disadvantages.
At the bottom of this article, you can find a map with all the recommended areas including the city highlights.
With that being said, let’s jump straight to our recommendations.
In brief:
Where to stay in Kyoto with family?
The best areas to stay in Kyoto with family are Central Kyoto, Kyoto Station, the Higashiyama District and Arashiyama.
The first two areas are located centrally and are perfect to move around easily and explore the nearby historical landmarks.
These two areas are modern that offer all the comforts of a carefree stay in Kyoto.
For a more traditional approach, a stay at Higashiyama District guarantees stunning architecture and temples.
Arashiyama is an area on the outskirts of Kyoto that offers bamboo groves, temples, and gardens and is ideal who for those who want to escape the hustle and bustle of the city.
In the next paragraphs, we dive much deeper into each recommended area.
Overview of best areas to stay in Kyoto with family
Below, you find a table with an overview of all the recommended areas along with a short explanation of what makes that area so special. You can tap on one of the green links to go immediately to that recommended area, or just continue reading the article.
| Best areas to stay in Kyoto with family | What’s so special about the area? |
|---|---|
| 1. Central Kyoto | Ideal for families who want to explore the city’s historical landmarks and modern amenities. |
| 2. Kyoto Station | Transportation hub of the city and offers excellent access to various tourist attractions and family-friendly hotels. |
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Picturesque area filled with traditional Japanese architecture and historic temples perfect for families looking to explore the city’s rich cultural heritage. |
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| 4. Arashiyama | Scenic district located on the outskirts of Kyoto, known for its bamboo groves, temples, and gardens. It offers a peaceful and serene atmosphere away from the chaotic city center. |
How to get around in Kyoto with family?
The easiest way to explore the city is on foot.
However, to travel longer distances within the city, the most convenient way is by using the subway.
Kyoto only has two subway lines, but these lines take you to the majority of the major attractions.
When you want to travel to the outskirts of Kyoto or to other cities such as Osaka, you have access to six different train lines that are built for this.
We highly recommend you stay near one of the metro lines in order to travel around the city with your family without much hassle.
The best areas to stay in Kyoto with family are:
1. Central Kyoto
This area is ideal for families who want to explore the city’s historical landmarks and modern amenities. It offers easy access to popular tourist spots such as the Nijo Castle, Kyoto Imperial Palace, and the Gion district. It also has plenty of restaurants, shops, and entertainment options.
Some of the best hotels to stay in Kyoto with family in this area are listed below:
2. Kyoto Station
Kyoto Station is the transportation hub of the city and offers excellent access to various tourist attractions.
It has a wide range of restaurants, shopping centers, and family-friendly hotels.
Staying here allows you to quickly travel to the city’s outskirts and explore the popular tourist spots.
Some of the best hotels to stay in Kyoto with family in this area are listed below:
3. Higashiyama District
Higashiyama District is a picturesque area filled with traditional Japanese architecture and historic temples.
It is perfect for families looking to explore the city’s rich cultural heritage.
It is also within walking distance of the Gion district, where you can experience traditional Japanese entertainment such as geisha performances.
Some of the best hotels to stay in Kyoto with family in this area are listed below:
4. Arashiyama
Arashiyama is a scenic district located on the outskirts of Kyoto, known for its bamboo groves, temples, and gardens.
It offers a peaceful and serene atmosphere that is perfect for families looking to escape the hustle and bustle of the city.
It also has several family-friendly attractions, such as Monkey Park and the Sagano Scenic Railway.
Some of the best hotels to stay in Kyoto with family in this area are listed below:
Map of the best areas to stay in Kyoto with family
The next image is a map of the best area to stay in Kyoto with family including its highlights. The image is in high resolution so you can easily zoom in to see all the details.
A map will follow soon.
There you have it, our recommendations for where to stay in Kyoto with family.