Joanna James
Kyoto offers a myriad of fun things to do with kids. If you’re planning to visit this stunning Japanese city this year, here’s a list of experiences that are sure to make your kids smile.
You can start your family adventure at the Kyoto Railway Museum. If your kids like trains, they will love the collection of exhibits here. You have vintage locomotives as well as modern bullet trains. Your kids can even sit in the driver’s seat and pretend they’re the conductor. The stimulators are realistic, offering your kids a glimpse of what it’s like to be a conductor in real life. Outside, you have a miniature train that offers scenic tours of the ground.
Families with a love of nature will be thrilled to discover the Arashiyama Monkey Park. Arashiyama is a bamboo forest where you will find a monkey park within. The local macaques and the cute little baby monkeys steal the show. Getting here is an adventure that your kids will love to participate in. Don’t worry, it’s not too much for your kids – they will love the opportunity to scale the gentle hike. Once you reach the top, you’ll be greeted by friendly monkeys roaming free. You can feed them – there’s a shop selling snacks. Your kids can feed the monkeys, but don’t let them out of your sight. The park also offers excellent photo opportunities and stunning views of Kyoto. Moreover, you can find several Kyoto family hotels close to the park. For instance, Park Hotel Kyoto is literally just minutes away.
For history buffs, Nijo Castle offers a fantastic experience. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Nijo Castle is like a capsule that contains Japan’s rich history. One of the most remarkable architectural details is the nightingale floors. They are designed to emit a sound when walked upon. The sound is akin to a nightingale’s birdsong. It’s a defence mechanism to keep intruders away. For the best experience, join a tour. Some tours allow you to borrow samurai and princess costumes, so you can step into the shoes of historical figures and explore the castle grounds.
Get your kids to try their hand at creating traditional handicrafts at the Kyoto Handicraft Centre. They can take part in workshops and make souvenirs like origami, woodblock prints, and even mini samurai swords. You can also dress up in beautiful kimonos and take family pictures, which is bound to be a memorable experience for you and the kids. Plus, your visit to the Kyoto Handicraft Centre is also an opportunity to see local artisans at work.
Tired of roaming around the city? Why not take your kids to the Kyoto Botanical Gardens for a peaceful escape from all the hustle and bustle? These expansive gardens are perfect for a family picnic. Your kids can run around and play while you sit back and enjoy the fresh air. The butterfly garden is where you can see hundreds of colourful butterflies fluttering around. Spring cherry blossoms and the autumn leaves make the gardens even more magical.
Another hotspot for nature lovers, Kyoto Aquarium is a must-visit. Visiting this aquarium is a rare opportunity for your kids to learn about marine life. The dolphin shows are a thing of beauty. Seeing these intelligent marine creatures putting on a show is an experience like no other. Want a more hands-on experience? Touch pools allow you to gently interact with starfish and marine cucumbers. Another must-see attraction is the penguin parade. Watching them waddle around in their daily parade is a delight for both parents and kids.
A true believer that the pen is a mighty weapon, ventures into reaching the minds of every reader with the earnest hope of leaving an indelible stream of thought.
A travel writer who has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world.
