No Japan itinerary for families would be complete without a visit to Kyoto! With its beautiful streets, calming rivers and canals, and abundance of cultural heritage, you can easily pack a 5 day Kyoto itinerary with all sorts of kid-friendly activities.

We spent five days in Kyoto during our family trip to Japan in 2024 and loved it. Kyoto offers an excellent contrast to the modern hustle of Tokyo. We enjoyed trying out the food, doing activities like a tea ceremony, and relaxing in the green spaces around the city. 

Kyoto’s such a family-friendly city, but sometimes it’s hard to know just what to see and do, especially if it’s your first time in Kyoto. That’s why I put together this 5 days in Kyoto itinerary, to give families my favorite tips for enjoying this amazing city. Check out all the things we love about Kyoto!

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Top must-sees for your 5 day Kyoto itinerary

Where to stay in Kyoto

If you’re planning a visit to Kyoto, you’ll want to pick a hotel that’s close to your 5 day Kyoto itinerary activities. Gion, Higashiyama, and Kawaramachi-dori are all good neighborhoods to look for hotels as they’re centrally located and within walking distance from many Kyoto sites. 

We stayed at a hotel just a few minutes walk from the Sanjo station. It was very convenient for getting around Kyoto. If you’re looking for places to stay, here are a few highly rated options to consider.

Resi Stay Giondo

Located in the Higashiyama ward of Tokyo, just north of the Gion district, Resi Stay Giondo is an aparthotel that offers families a small, yet comfortable stay. This aparthotel is part of the Resi Stay chain, that has serviced apartments all throughout Kyoto. The aparthotels offer small kitchenettes, and laundry services. 

We stayed at the Resi Stay Giondo when we were doing our 5 day Kyoto itinerary and loved it because it was so close to everything. The rooms can accommodate families of up to 5 people, and have TV, WiFi, air conditioning, and in-room safe. The check-in is in a different location from the actual aparthotel, but they offer a free shuttle, which is convenient.

Hotel MONday Kyoto Marutamachi

Another conveniently located hotel to stay during your 5 day Kyoto itinerary is Hotel MONday Kyoto Marutamachi. This hotel is located close to Kyoto Gyoen, and is within walking distance from Nijo Castle, Nishiki Market, and the downtown Kyoto museums. 

Hotel MONday Kyoto Marutamachi has rooms that can accommodate families of up to 5 people. Rooms are equipped with TV, air conditioning, mini fridge, electric kettle, in-room safe, and WiFi. While the space isn’t that large, visitors like this hotel because of its location. And the hotel provides free shuttle service to certain sites around Kyoto. 

TSUGU Kyoto Sanjo by The Share Hotels 

If you’re part of a larger family, consider staying at TSUGU Kyoto Sanjo by The Share Hotels. This hotel has rooms that can accommodate families of up to 6 people (or 9 people if you have little kids that can share twin size beds). The rooms are stylish and somewhat spacious, and come with TV, WiFi, air conditioning, and refrigerators.

TSUGU Kyoto Sanjo is located within walking distance to the Sanjo metro station. It’s a 5 minute walk to Nishiki Market. There’s a restaurant on-site that serves breakfast for a fee. And there are also laundry facilities on-site.

Things to do for a 5 day Kyoto itinerary with kids

In my opinion, no family trip to Japan would be complete without a visit to Kyoto. We were so impressed by the culture and history of Kyoto, and I think other families would enjoy it too.

That’s why I put together this Kyoto 5 day itinerary for families. It’s packed with all the activities we did during our time in Kyoto (and more!) to help your kids get a sense of what Japanese culture is all about. 

From beautiful neighborhoods to hands-on activities, my hope is that your family will fall in love with Kyoto like we did. Read more to find out all the things you don't want to miss during your 5 day Kyoto itinerary.

1. Stroll or bike along the Kamo River and other canals in Kyoto

For a bit of a local experience during your 5 day Kyoto itinerary, head to the Kamo River. This is a popular place for leisurely strolls and picnics along the walkways that line both sides of the river.

Families can rent a bike to traverse the scenic banks, or simply meander along the path to soak in the serene ambiance. In the summer, which was when we were in Kyoto, the river is also a nice place to cool off. 

The Kamo River becomes an especially popular spot with picnickers and people sitting along the banks during the late afternoon. It's a perfect setting to catch a stunning sunset, offering a tranquil escape from the rest of the city. 

Besides the Kamo River, there are a few other beautiful canals in Kyoto that you can visit, such as the canal along the Philosopher’s Path. If you’re in the mood to bike along the Kamo River, or some of the other canals in Kyoto, a bike tour is a great way to guide you through these canals.

2. Eat a meal at Pontocho Alleyway

After a day of sightseeing, a meal at Pontocho Alleyway is just what you need. Tucked alongside the serene Kamo River, Pontocho Alleyway in Kyoto is a charming, narrow street brimming with traditional allure. 

The path, decorated by lanterns and framed by bamboo and wooden storefronts, creates a picturesque backdrop for a variety of restaurants. Some eateries offer outdoor seating overlooking the Kamo River, where diners can savor local delicacies while enjoying a view. I recommend trying yuba (tofu skin)!

Once a bustling entertainment district for geisha and maiko (geisha apprentices), Pontocho Alleyway has evolved into a popular dining destination. Its historic ambiance and rich cultural heritage make it a perfect spot for those wanting to experience authentic Kyoto cuisine in an enchanting setting. 

We had a peaceful dinner at one of the restaurants at Pontocho Alleyway during our 5 day Kyoto itinerary, and got to sit outside to enjoy the views of the Kamo River. 

3. Take a Gion walking tour

If you want a deeper Kyoto experience, exploring Gion, Kyoto’s historic geisha district, during your 5 day Kyoto itinerary offers a captivating glimpse into traditional Japanese culture. 

Established in the 17th century as a bustling entertainment quarter for visitors to the nearby Yasaka Shrine, Gion has evolved into one of Kyoto’s most iconic areas, renowned for its well-preserved wooden machiya houses and traditional tea rooms. As you meander through the streets, you’ll feel transported to a bygone era, where the elegance of the past is vividly preserved.

A great way to get to know Gion is through a walking tour. A tour will take you to some of the district’s most iconic locations, including Minamazi Theater, Tatsumi Bridge, and Hanamikoji Street. You’ll also get to see Gion Corner and Yasaka Shrine.

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4. Visit Sannenzaka and Ninenzaka

Another great spot to experience culture in Kyoto are the Sannenzaka and Ninenzaka neighborhoods. Visiting Sannenzaka and Ninenzaka in Kyoto is like stepping back in time to the city’s historical heart. 

These sloping streets are nestled between Kiyomizu Temple and the more modern parts of Kyoto, offering a picturesque glimpse into the city’s past. Sannenzaka and Ninenzaka were bustling lanes during the Edo period. These days, you can still find a delightful mix of tea houses, artisanal shops and traditional inns (ryokans).

Both Sannenzaka and Ninenzaka are popular tourist attractions, along with the nearby Kiyomizu Temple, so expect crowds when you visit. However, walking along these streets still offers a wonderful opportunity to experience Kyoto’s rich cultural heritage. If you want a travel guide to help provide more information about Sannenzaka and Ninenzaka during your 5 day Kyoto itinerary, this half-day Kyoto walking tour takes you to those spots, along with other sites in Kyoto.

5. Check out manga at the International Manga Museum

For manga and anime enthusiasts, the Kyoto International Manga Museum is a must-visit treasure trove. Our kids are avid manga fans, so of course we had to visit the International Manga Museum during our 5 day Kyoto itinerary. And it was by far one of our favorite activities!

This vibrant museum in central Kyoto boasts an extensive collection of manga, tracing back to the 1920s. Originally published as monthly magazines, these iconic Japanese comic books and graphic novels are now available in collected volumes, showcasing the rich evolution of the medium.

The museum not only offers insightful exhibits on the art form, its historical significance, and its impact on global culture, but also features a sprawling library that’s the highlight for many visitors. With comfortable seating scattered throughout, guests can immerse themselves in the vast array of manga, including some in foreign languages. 

It’s a haven for both devoted fans and curious newcomers looking to explore the captivating world of manga. Don't leave this out of your 5 day Kyoto itinerary!

6. Take a hike at Fushimi Inari Shrine

No 5 day Kyoto itinerary would be complete without a trip to Fushimi Inari Shrine. Nestled on the southeastern slopes of Kyoto, Fushimi Inari Shrine is renowned for its breathtaking procession of 10,000 vibrant red torii gates. 

This iconic shrine offers a challenging hike, stretching approximately 4 kilometers, though many visitors opt for a shorter journey. We ventured nearly 3 kilometers, and the scenic beauty and serene atmosphere made every step worthwhile.

The shrine's trail, adorned with smaller shrines and lush greenery, creates a tranquil escape despite its popularity. For an unforgettable experience, visit in the late afternoon to catch a stunning sunset aerial view of Kyoto. Fushimi Inari Taisha is open 24 hours and is free to enter. 

If you want to incorporate some travel fitness into your visit to Fushimi Inari Taisha, I recommend booking this hiking tour that takes you along trails around the shrine. Note, this tour is meant for older kids and adults, however, so if you have really young kids, I recommend just visiting the shrine on your own.

7. Dive into film at Toei Kyoto Studio Park

If your family is into movies, visiting Toei Kyoto Studio Park during your 5 day Kyoto itinerary offers a fascinating glimpse into Japanese cinema, transporting visitors to vibrant Edo-period movie sets.

We’re a family of movie lovers - we visited the Harry Potter studios in London and an old western film movie set in Andalucia, Spain. So of course a visit to this studio park is right up our alley!

Toei Kyoto Studio Park features engaging shows, such as a samurai sword-fighting demonstration that showcase the artistry of movie combat. Fans of Japanese pop culture will also enjoy the exhibit dedicated to Super Rangers, the original series that inspired North America's Power Rangers. 

While the basic entrance fee covers these attractions, there are other activities that cost extra. We splurged on an additional haunted house experience that was super creepy!

Toei Kyoto Studio Park has several restaurants on-site where you can eat. It is open daily from 9 am to 5 pm. Admission through their website and at the door is 2400 yen for adults, 1400 yen for middle and high school students, and 1200 yen for kids over 3. You can also book tickets to Toei Kyoto Studio Park through Get Your Guide.

8. Learn about Kyoto at the Museum of Kyoto

For more museum time during your 5 day Kyoto itinerary, visit the Museum of Kyoto. This small museum in downtown Kyoto offers an intimate exploration of Kyoto’s rich heritage and artistic traditions. 

The Museum of Kyoto features permanent exhibits that delve into traditional Japanese art and the city's historical evolution. During our visit, the museum also had a captivating special exhibit on giant robots, which was a hit with us as anime enthusiasts. The exhibit showcased life-sized models of iconic mecha robots from popular anime, bringing these futuristic figures to life.

Open daily from 10 am to 7:30 pm, the Museum of Kyoto costs 500 yen for adults, while children and high school students enter for free. Special exhibits require an additional fee, but the unique experiences make it well worth the extra cost.

9. Participate in a tea ceremony

If your family is looking for a deeper glimpse into Japanese culture and traditions, then you definitely want to take part in a tea ceremony. This ancient ritual, centered around the preparation and enjoyment of matcha tea, emphasizes the art of tranquility and mindfulness. 

Matcha is a finely ground powder made from dried and steamed tea leaves. It plays a central role in Japanese tea ceremonies, which are often held to celebrate the changing seasons or special occasions.

We did a tea ceremony at Camellia Flower Teahouse during our 5 day Kyoto itinerary, and it was well worth the experience. During our tea ceremony, our host demonstrated the whole process of the tea ceremony, and we had the chance to prepare our own matcha tea. Our kids enjoyed being able to ask questions and try out the tea.

Camellia Flower Teahouse caters to both group and private ceremonies in English and offers the option to rent kimonos for an extra touch of authenticity. This immersive experience not only deepened our appreciation for Japanese culture but also provided a memorable and enjoyable family activity.

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10. Learn about samurais at the Samurai Ninja Museum 

For a hands-on historical experience during your 5 day Kyoto itinerary, take a visit to the Samurai Ninja Museum. This museum offers an engaging journey into Japan's storied past, focusing on the revered samurai class. 

Once the elite warriors serving the Shogun, samurai were known for their strict discipline, exceptional combat skills, and integration of spiritual practices into their training. The Samurai Ninja Museum provides a comprehensive overview of samurai history, with an informative guide who illuminates both their martial prowess and cultural significance.

The experience goes beyond traditional exhibits. After the tour of the museum, visitors can try their hand at throwing shuriken, or ninja stars, and don replica samurai armor for a taste of warrior life. The museum also offers a range of additional experiences, including ninja training, samurai sword practice, and a tea ceremony, making it a dynamic and educational destination for all ages. 

If your kids are fascinated with samurai and ninja history, then this museum experience is definitely one you don’t want to miss during your 5 day Kyoto itinerary.

11. Relax at an onsen

Visiting an onsen during your 5 day Kyoto itinerary is a must. It’s a truly relaxing experience, and helps give a deeper glimpse into Japanese culture. 

During our 5 day Kyoto itinerary, we visited Tenzan No Yu, which provided a memorable introduction to this cherished Japanese tradition. Onsens are traditional public hot spring baths, and are seen as a way to not only cleanse your body, but your mind and spirit too. The facility at Tenzan No Yu features a mix of indoor and outdoor baths (and a mix of natural hot spring water and regular water). The temperatures range from very hot to ice cold.

If you’re planning to visit Tenzan No Yu during your 5 day Kyoto itinerary, there are a few rules you should be aware of. Men and women have separate bathing areas, and it's essential to shower thoroughly before entering the bath. Bathing is done without clothing, and tattoos are not allowed. Photography in the baths is also not allowed (due to privacy considerations).

Besides baths, Tenzan No Yu also offers dining options. The menu is quite extensive and offers a range of Japanese and Western dishes. The onsen is open daily, with admission costing 1080 yen for adults and 530 yen for children, plus an additional fee for towel rentals.

12. Sample Japanese food at Nishiki Market

Nishiki Market in Kyoto is a vibrant, covered shopping street brimming with local flavor and charm. This historic market, dating back to 782 when it first sold fish, offers a feast for the senses for your 5 day Kyoto itinerary. It has a wide array of Japanese foods and culinary delights. 

Vendors showcase everything from fresh seafood to traditional snacks, and the market is also home to shops selling food-related items and unique souvenirs. We enjoyed sampling various Japanese specialties, including takoyaki (octopus balls), sea urchin, fried seafood, and yuba (tofu skin). Each bite was a delicious dive into Kyoto’s rich culinary scene. 

While we explored the market on our own, guided tours are available for those looking to delve deeper into its history and offerings. Book a Nishiki Market brunch walking food tour from Magical Trip during your 5 day Kyoto itinerary to get a deep dive into Japanese food at the market.

13. Go shopping along Teramachi-dori

If you’re still in the mood for shopping during your 5 day Kyoto itinerary, head to Teramachi-dori. This is a shopping street similar to and adjacent to Nishiki Market that focuses on stores instead of food.

Teramachi-dori was built in 1590. The name Teramachi-dori means temple town because there are over 80 temples in the area, placed there in the 16th century.

Today, the main shopping part has been converted to a covered pedestrian walkway lined with shops and temples. There are also restaurants along this street too. Teramachi-dori is a great place to buy clothes and Japanese goods.

14. Nijo Castle

No worldschooling focused 5 day Kyoto itinerary would be complete without a little bit of history! During your Kyoto stay, make some time to visit Nijo Castle.

Built in 1603, this castle was the residence of one of the shoguns of the Edo Period. In the late 1800s, it became an imperial palace, and later was donated to the city. The castle was designated as a UNESCO world heritage site in 1994.

The palace grounds feature several buildings as well as a garden. There are also a lot of cherry trees around the castle grounds, so it’s a good place to visit if you’re coming to Kyoto during the cherry blossom season.

Admission to Nijo Castle is 800 yen, and an additional 500 yen to enter the Ninomaru Palace. If you want to dive deeper into Nijo Castle, you can book a tour guide to supplement your Nijo Castle visit. The cost of the guide is in addition to the admission cost of the castle and palace.

15. Kyoto Gyoen (Kyoto Imperial Park)

For some outdoor down time during your 5 day Kyoto itinerary, spend an hour or so at Kyoto Gyoen National Garden. This expansive public park is free to enter and is also the site of the Kyoto Imperial Palace.

While you can see the palace buildings from the outside when you visit Kyoto Gyoen, you’ll need reservations to enter them. Reservations can be made on the Kyoto Imperial Palace website.

If you’re not in the mood for visiting palaces, Kyoto Gyoen is still a calm place to spend an afternoon. We liked using this park as a place to relax and rest during our own 5 day Kyoto itinerary. There are many tree-lined pathways at the park, offering shade on hot days.

Kyoto Gyoen park also has some beautiful cherry trees. So this is another good place to see cherry blossoms.

Bonus: Day trip to Nara

For a fun day trip during your 5 days in Kyoto, head to the city of Nara. Located about 30-60 minutes from Kyoto by train, Nara is known for the deer who roam its main park, Nara Park. These deer bow when they want to be fed!

Besides the bowing deer, there are other unique things to see and do in Nara. The city used to be the capital of Japan, before Kyoto, so there are plenty of historic buildings and neighborhoods. There are also shrines and temples to visit, and a market.

We visited Nara for one day during 5 day Kyoto itinerary in 2024, and we loved it. We saw temples, shrines, old historic homes, and so much deer! You can get to Nara by taking the Kintetsu line, which leaves from Kyoto Station and takes you to Nara Station.

If you want to make your trip to Nara more worthwhile, choose from one of these great tours to supplement your 5 days in Kyoto.

Private walking tour with a licensed guide from Japan Guide Agency 

Half-day walking tour by MagicalTrip Inc

Private bike tour offered by Japan Tour Adventure

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Classes to take during your 5 day Kyoto itinerary

As a worldschooling family, we love taking classes when we travel. They’re a great way to connect with the culture of the places we visit and incorporate learning too! 

If you’re taking a family gap year and homeschooling your kids along the way, classes make great supplements to your learning curriculum.

Here are a few fun classes to take as a family during your 5 day Kyoto itinerary.

• Japanese archery
• Making ramen from scratch
• Bento box cooking class
• Japanese washi papermaking

Other activity ideas for a 5 day Kyoto itinerary

We didn’t get to visit everything we wanted during our time in Kyoto. Here are a few more fun things to consider for a 5 day Kyoto itinerary with kids. 

Feel free to swap out any of the activities I list above with any of these below:

• Kyoto Railway Museum: museum featuring old trains
• Nijo Jinya: historic home owned by the Ogawa family
• Nishi Hongwanji Temple: Buddhist temple
• Kyoto Aquarium: aquarium located in Umekoji park 
• Arashiyama Bamboo Grove: bamboo grove located in western Kyoto
• Okochi Sanso Villa: estate and gardens located near Arashiyama 
• Kiyomizu Dera Temple: Buddhist temple in eastern Kyoto
• Kinkaku-Ji Temple: Buddhist temple known for its golden pavilion
• Ryoan-Ji: UNESCO World Heritage Site with rock zen garden

Suggested 5 day Kyoto itinerary for families

To really get a feel for Kyoto, you need more than a couple of days. That’s why we opted to stay for at least 5 days. 

While the 5 day Kyoto itinerary I suggest below is slightly different from the itinerary we did as a family, it does feature all the highlights. Save this itinerary for your next trip to Kyoto.

Day 1:

Start your first day of your 5 day Kyoto itinerary with a walking tour of Gion. Then spend the afternoon hanging out along the Kamo River. End the day with dinner at one of the restaurants along Pontocho Alley.

Day 2:

On day two of your 5 day Kyoto itinerary, start with a stroll through Sannenzaka and Ninenzaka. Do a tea ceremony, and then spend the afternoon visiting Nijo Castle.

Day 3:

During day three of your 5 day Kyoto itinerary, take a food tour of Nishiki Market. Head to the Samurai Museum in the afternoon, and end the day walking along Teramachi-dori.

Day 4:

Incorporate some relaxation and meditation into your 5 day Kyoto itinerary with a visit to Tenzan No Yu onsen. End the day with a sunset visit to Fushimi Inari shrine. 

Day 5:

Make the last day of your 5 day Kyoto itinerary a museum by visiting the International Manga Museum or the Kyoto Cultural Museum. Alternatively, make a trek out to Toei Film Studio Park. End the day at Kyoto Gyoen.

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Making your 5 day Kyoto itinerary memorable 

With so many cultural things to offer, Kyoto is a city that needs to be on every family’s Japan travel itinerary. We loved the city’s picturesque streets and rich history, and we can’t wait to come back again!

Have you done a 5 day Kyoto itinerary with your family? What were your favorite spots? What other activities should I add to this list? Drop me a line and let me know!

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