Don’t Miss These Family-Friendly Hotels, Experiences in Kyoto

Japan has long been a favorite among travelers, welcoming nearly 37 million international tourists in 2024. Of those millions of visitors, nearly 11 million headed to Kyoto. Family travelers, however, may understandably be concerned about navigating their stay in Kyoto. Thankfully, Kyoto has some great options to ensure everyone has a good time while discovering this historic city.

An ideal place for families with young children to play is Six Senses Kyoto, a property offering every amenity to give parents the relaxing and luxurious experience they are looking for, while still offering plenty of kid-friendly activities (like the Grow With Six Senses Kids Club for children ages 5–12) and play spaces designed specifically for younger children to meet their needs for sensory stimulation and interactive play. Grow With Six Senses provides English-speaking staff who are well-trained in working with children, and focus on positive play experiences and teaching about sustainability and wellness as part of a healthy and happy childhood.

The hotel is located in the Higashiyama district near historic sites like Yasaka-jinja shrine and Kiyomizu-dera and Nanjen-ji temples. It is also near Gion, one of the city’s most popular Geisha districts, so you can experience some of the local culture that makes Kyoto such an iconic destination within Japan.

Of course, there are plenty of great sites to see throughout the city, but visiting families will want to make a point to visit ULU. This is a special play place designed for after-school play that encourages interaction between Japanese children and children visiting from other countries. Visiting children are encouraged to stop in (with a reservation) to play, and are welcomed with open arms to promote cultural interaction and help children develop interpersonal skills. Everything is conducted in English, so it’s not only a great way to immerse your little ones in a fun and new experience, but is also a chance for them to make what might turn out to be lifelong friends in Japan.

The Kyoto Aquarium is a great place for the whole family to enjoy during a visit to Kyoto. The aquarium is the first in Japan to use only artificial seawater, making it unique among aquariums, but also has an impressive collection of marine and freshwater wildlife like giant salamanders, a unique creature considered a “Special National Treasure of Japan.” At the aquarium, spend the day learning about Japan’s marine ecosystems as well as those of the local rivers and lakes.