Discover Kyoto's Enchanting Family Adventure

Discover Kyoto's ancient wonders and family fun, a journey for all generations.

19 July 2023

Kyoto, Japan offers an incredible family-friendly trip filled with rich cultural experiences. Immerse yourself in the city's historical charm as you explore breathtaking temples, stroll through beautiful traditional gardens, and indulge in delicious local cuisine. From attending a traditional tea ceremony to visiting the famous Fushimi Inari Shrine, Kyoto provides an unforgettable adventure for all ages.

Day trip plan

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Day

Exploring Kyoto's Magical Charm

  • Start your day with a delicious breakfast at Aoi Matcha Cafe, nibble on fluffy matcha pancakes that will transport your taste buds to dessert heaven.
  • Immerse yourself in the beauty of Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, where sunlight dances through the towering bamboo stalks, enchanting even the grumpiest travelers.
  • Visit the enchanting Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion), a glistening temple that looks like it was plucked straight out of a fairy tale a place where wishes truly come true.
  • Take a leisurely boat ride along the picturesque Hozu River, surrounded by vibrant foliage, and let the soothing swish of the water carry your worries away.
  • Refuel your hungry souls at Nishiki Market, a culinary wonderland where you can feast on mouthwatering street food like takoyaki, matcha soft-serve, and skewered delights.
  • End your day at Fushimi Inari Shrine, a labyrinth of over 5,000 vibrant vermillion torii gates, where wandering is a spiritual pilgrimage and a quest for the perfect Instagram shot.

How to get there

Plane

The best way to get to Kyoto by plane is to fly into Kansai International Airport, which is located approximately 100 kilometers from Kyoto. From there, you can take the JR Haruka Express train, which takes approximately 75 minutes and goes directly to Kyoto Station.

Car

If you are driving to Kyoto, the best option is to take the Meishin Expressway, which connects Osaka and Nagoya. The journey takes approximately 1 hour from Osaka and 2 hours from Nagoya.

Train

If you are already in Japan, the best way to get to Kyoto by train is to take the Shinkansen bullet train from Tokyo Station or Shin-Osaka Station to Kyoto Station. The journey takes approximately 2 hours and 20 minutes from Tokyo and 15 minutes from Shin-Osaka.

Boat

Although there is no direct boat to Kyoto, you can take a ferry from Osaka to the nearby town of Miyazu and then take a train or bus to Kyoto. Alternatively, you can take a cruise ship to Kobe or Osaka and then take a train or bus to Kyoto.

Bus

There are several bus companies that operate between major cities and Kyoto, including JR Bus and Keihan Bus. The journey time varies depending on the departure point, but it typically takes around 5-6 hours from Tokyo and 3 hours from Osaka.

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