I have been sending my Kyoto with Kids suggestions to family and friends so, instead of typing it up again I thought I would put a post up here. Sharing is caring! (and lazier option for me.)
I have lived near Kyoto ( before kids) and visited with kids 8 times now.
I’m really happy to share my tips on what work for us when visiting Kyoto for a special trip and have children ( and babies) in tow.
Looking for family-friendly accommodation for while in Kyoto with kids?
These are my favourite places to stay with my family when I’m in Kyoto.
Looking for just Kyoto family-friendly restaurant recommendations ?
These are my favourite restaurants to visit in Kyoto with kids. I recommend many restaurants within this post but in case you just want the Kyoto restaurant list, I recommend looking here.
Looking for early morning options (before 10am) in Kyoto?
Here are my Kyoto before 10am with kids suggestions.
Looking for swimming or splash options for kids in summer in Kyoto?
Here are my pool and river play suggestions for kids in Kyoto.
This blog post contains some affiliate links. This means that I will receive a small commission if you book a hotel using my link – at no additional charge to you.
Before we start….
This Kyoto with Kids post has been getting a bit too long lately so I recommend taking notes from this post and then also looking at my other two MUST-SEE spots in Kyoto.
I think it would be such a shame to not make the time to visit these spots ( only minutes out of Central Kyoto) which you are visiting Kyoto with small ones.
– Fushimi Inari with Kids
– Arashiyama with Kids
And if you’d like to go directly for information and tips on some of Kyoto’s most well-known temples?
– Kinkakuji ( the Golden Pavillion) with kids
– Kiyomizudera with kids
*Also, if someone in your group has mobility issues or you are stuck for time to see the temples in Kyoto, it is possible to organise for an English speaking driver while in Kyoto – and I recommend this company TokudAw as they only use legally registered vehicles and drivers and also can provide child and baby car seats AND they can also accommodate wheelchair users. This company offer a full service transfer (providing child seats, pre-meetings with clients online so that they can match their needs and the kind of holiday they are after.) I’ve also been so impressed how helpful they have been with helping my family problem solve regarding best times to travel and what my family needs. I love that they are also only use legally registered drivers and vehicles. Prices match the other legally registered companies offering similar services BUT with a much higher end service and with options such as baby and child-seats. I highly recommend.
If a private driver is outside of your budget I recommend doing some more research on public transport or taxi options.
At the Kyoto with kids planning stages….
I find the trick with kiddies is to not go too heavy on the temples all in one hit. I also don’t say avoid them either. Just be clever with your plan of attack when doing Kyoto with kids and break it up with little ice-cream trips, playgrounds and intermittent breaks when needed.
The temples and more cultural / historical scenes of Kyoto are too special for you AND your children to miss. So I hope that you find my “balanced” suggestions to be of help.
Kyoto with kids Tip!
Did you know that there are now JR Buses that are free for JR pass holders? (More about the JR Pass here.)
On this bus you can get to Nijo Castle, Kinkakuji (the Golden Pavilion), Ryoanji Temple, Kyoto Aquarium, Kyoto Railway Museum, Kitano Tenmangu Shrine, Ninnaji Temple, Jinguji Temple, Kosanji Temple.
See here if you are interested in renting a bike in Japan.
Kiyomizudera
Kids or no kids I don’t think anyone should skip Kiyomizudera Temple and I wrote all about visiting Kiyomizudera here.
It’s my favourite – especially to recommend to first time Kyoto visitors. I have also included food and play suggestions for families near Kiyomizudera.
Heian-Jingu
Heian-Jingu is an easy visit for us with kids as there are some playgrounds near by. I’ve written about Heian Jingu with kids here.
If you need a coffee fix there is a stunning new-ish Blue Bottle Coffee branch just 10 minutes walk from Heian Shrine. ( It is also close to the Westin Miyako Hotel.) It is a Japanese style building and is just so beautiful.
If you are in need of an indoor option for kids in Kyoto near Heian Jingu Shrine, I recommend popping into the Kyoto Handicraft Centre (6 mins walk from Heian Jingu Shrine). Here there are handicrafts to purchase, restaurants and also a small play area with lots of Japanese toys for children to play with .
Maruyama Park
Approximately 15 minutes on foot from Heian Jingu Shrine is Maruyama Park. This was a good place to grab a little bit of food, a juice (there is a shop that sells freshly squeezed juice inside an actual orange) and an ice-cream. The kids loved checking out the fish. As far as we could see, this not a park with a playground.
京都市東山区丸山町
MARUYAMACHO, HIGHASHIYAMA-KU, KYOTO
Maruyama Park is 3 minutes walk from Yasaka Shrine.
If you are looking for semi-formal Western dining(steak and cooked fish etc) in Kyoto, I recommend Two Rooms for lunch. The restaurant is within Maruyama Park so kids can play within eyeshot of parents while waiting for their meals. This restaurant is 12 mins walk from Gion Shijo Station, Exit 7. This is the sister restaurant of Two Rooms in Aoyama, Tokyo. You can make a reservation via Tablecheck (unfortunately the restaurant doesn’t yet have much of an online presence.) The lunch menu usually runs until 2pm and dinner until 8pm. Budget for lunch, 2000 yen per adult and more like 4000 yen for dinner.
TWO ROOMS CAFE & GRILL, KYOTO
京都市東山区丸山町 609
609 MARUYAMACHO, HIGHASHIYAMA-KU, KYOTO
In this area, there is also a gluten free cafe.
Koma Gallery Cafe is a gluten free cafe. It is possible to make reservations but it is rarely busy so you could also try for a walk-in. There is also a beautiful little garden at the back of the cafe. Muffins, pastries and sandwiches. The cafe is in the Higashiyama / Gion district and this little hidden gluten free gem is also in a beautiful old Japanese building – in keeping with the feel of the area.
This cafe is close to Yasaka Shrine and 9 mins walk to Kiyomizudera.
KOMA GALLERY CAFE
東山区八坂通東大路東入2丁目金園町397
397 KINENCHO, YASAKA-DORI, HIGASHIOJI HIGASHIIRI, HIGASHIYAMA-KU
OPEN 10AM-7PM
*Yasaka Shrine is a fabulous place to buy a second hand kimono, actually. Up the stairs, past the food stalls are lots of second hand kimono and yukata stalls. See here for other places to buy second hand kimono in Japan.
Rigoletto is a Spanish, Italian restaurant in the middle of Gion. It’s actually a really special experience as the whole area is full of older Japanese wooden buildings – but behind one of these doors is Rigoletto Smoke Bar & Grill, Gion. For lunchtime here, I would budget approximately 2000 yen per adult and for dinnertime? More like 5000 yen. Please note that this restaurant has a 10% service charge added to the bill for those dining after 5pm. This restaurant accepts most major credit cards. The entire restaurant is non-smoking.
This restaurant welcomes families but it is a bit of a special vibe so it’s not really a “bring an iPad” kind of place. So we always take a few sheets for colouring in. If your kids aren’t yet able to sit in their seat for a meal then save this restaurant for another time instead.
Reservations can be made on the TableCheck website.
The staff here speak English really well. You can see pictures and the full Rigoletto Gion menu here.
Rigoletto is 7 mins walk from Gion Shijo Station (via Exit 6.) If you take a taxi from Kyoto Station, it will take approximately 10 mins (approx 1500 yen.)
RIGOLETTO SMOKE BAR & GRILL, GION
京都市東山区祇園町南側570-192
570-192 MINAMI-GAWA, GION-CHO, HIGASHIYAMA-KU, KYOTO
OPEN WEEKDAYS: MIDDAY-3PM & 5PM-11PM
OPEN WEEKENDS: 11:30AM-11PM
Kodaiji Temple
…and then… either 8 minutes walk from Maruyama Park or 18 minutes walk from Heian Jingu shrine is Kodaiji Temple. It’s a beautiful spot to visit. Especially in Autumn and Spring.
京都市東山区下川原町526番地
526 SHIMOKAWARACHO, HIGASHIYAMA-KU, KYOTO
ENTRANCE 600YEN
OPEN 9AM-5PM
Kodaiji also has autumn illuminations at night !!
If you are looking for a gluten free lunch (with vegan options) in this area ( 15 mins walk from Kodaiji Temple or 16 mins walk from Kiyomizudera) I recommend Waco Crepes. They serve savoury and dessert crepes and I recommend the salmon salad crepe. It’s so good. They also serve gluten free beer. This restaurant is very English friendly. The restaurant is full of plants and wooden decor- so it’s a lovely place to chill. If you are making your way here by public transport – take the train to Kiyomizu Gojo Station and then walk for 300 metres. This restaurant accepts most major credit cards.
WACO CREPES
京都市東山区宮川筋6-355-1 1F
GROUND FLOOR, 6-355-1 MIYAGAWASUJI, HIGASHIYAMA-KU, KYOTO
OPEN EVERYDAY 11AM-5:30PM
Another gluten free option in this area is Karasuma Rock. This restaurant is 2 mins walk from Gojo Station (via exit 8.)
Let them know in advance if you are gluten free or coeliac and they are so good here at being accommodating. This is an izakaya that specialises in yakiniku and chicken dishes. The food here really is exceptional. They welcome children and babies (please note that they do not have high chairs.) This restaurant has an English menu. They also accept most major credit cards. I recommend budgeting 5000 yen per adult to when dining here.
KARASUMA ROCK
京都区下京区烏丸通六条下ル北町191
191 KITAMACHI, ROKUJO-SAGARU, KARASUMA-DORI, SHIMOGYO-KU, KYOTO
OPEN 5PM-11PM (LAST ORDERS 10:30PM)
CLOSED WEDNESDAYS
If you decide to visit the famous Kinkakuji with kids – see here for my Kinkakuji ( Golden Pavillion) with kids recommendations – including restaurants nearby.
If you decide to go to Ginkakuji, the silver pavillion, I’d like to recommend a nearby vegetarian & vegan organic restaurant called Gorey Cafe. This is fabulous option if you are craving lots of lovely fresh veggies. Vegetables here are mostly organic and are from Ohara in Kyoto. Gorey Cafe also have several gluten free options. They are well known for their delicious vegetarian curries and pasta dishes. They also have a vegan lunch set. This restaurant also serves wine and coffee. See the full Gorey Cafe menu online here.
Gorey Cafe is 10 mins walk from Ginkakuji or 6 mins (approx 900 yen) in a taxi from Mototanaka Station. Alternatively, you can use google maps to help you take a bus from Motonaka Station. Please note that this restaurant is cash only.
This restaurant also has a few toys and books for kids to play with and read.
GOREY CAFE
京都市左京く浄土寺西田町82-1
82-1 JODOJI MISHIDACHO, SAKYO-KU, KYOTO
OPEN MON-SAT 11AM-11PM (PLEASE ASK YOUR HOTEL TO CALL AHEAD AS THIS IS A SMALL BUSINESS AND MAY CLOSE FOR ILLNESS ETC)
Gluten Free, Vegan and Halal Food near Kiyomizudera
Just adding this in here – if you’re looking for gluten free food near Kiyomizudera, I recommend walking for 8 mins to Chakra for gluten-free Bangladeshi food in Kyoto. A lunch set is around 1300 yen. They have an English menu and do accept major credit cards. They also have high chairs for children. The entire restaurant is non-smoking.
CHAKRA
京都府京都市東山区遊行前町558-6 クレサンテ五条坂1F
GROUND FLOOR, CRESCENT GOJOZAKA BUILDING, 558-6 YUGYOMAE, HIGASHIYAMA-KU, KYOTO
OPEN EVERYDAY 11AM-10PM
Tokkyu Ramen
While seeing Kyoto with kids…if you’re looking for delicious ( I’m talking really really casual hole in the wall type not a fancy restaurant ) ramen with meat, vegetarian AND vegan options – 5 mins walk from Kodaiji Temple & 11 mins walk from Kiyomizudera is a ramen shop called Tokkyu Ramen. This is a casual Mum & Pop style ramen restaurant (usually only one person behind the counter but service is so fast) and is so yummy. They also sell gyoza. Cash only. Non-smoking.
TOKKYU RAMEN
30-4 BISHAMONCHO, HIGASHIYAMA-KU, KYOTO
OPEN 11:30AM-MIDNIGHT
CLOSED WEDNESDAYS
TOKKYU RAMEN WEBSITE (JAPANESE ONLY BUT THERE ARE LOTS OF MENU PICS)
Enkoji Temple
The trip to this park wasn’t completely selfless as we then walked on (25 minutes) to a smaller, lesser known temple called Enkoji. I loved this place!! The kids were taking turns napping so my hubby and I took turns going in.
There is also a beautiful park with a playground nearby so I’ve written about Enkoji and the playground here.
NISHIKI MARKET WITH KIDS
Nishiki Market is also worth a walk through ( warning; it is really crowded so it is pretty tricky to navigate with a stroller.). It’s great if you want to try lots of different types of weird and wonderful foods. It is very very touristy though. But worth a walk through never-the-less.
Nishiki Market is, surprisingly, not really a great option for early mornings. Some stalls will open around 9am but to see the market properly? I’d wait until at least 10am.
If you are looking for vegan options while at Nishiki Market, there is a Soy Milk Latte Stand half way down 6 different flavours and keep your eye out for Kyoto Raindrop Cake (called Mizumarumochi in Japanese) which is vegan too. There is also a burrito spot with vegan options (order vegetarian but ask without dairy) just 10 mins walk away called Que Pasa (open from 11:30am-9pm.)
My kids also loved ice cream from the Snoopy Tea House within Nishiki Market.
If you need a place to change or feed baby need Nishiki Market, I recommend walking for one minute to Daimaru Department Store. The sixth floor has a whole area for feeding and changing that is referred to as “the baby salon” (it’s not a salon, but it is a beautifully kept space made with parents in mind.) There is also a microwave for heating up baby food, a toddler toilet and a play space.
If you are looking for gluten free options while in Kyoto, I recommend visiting a supermarket called Tavelt (just 2 minutes walk from Nishiki Market.). It is in the basement floor of Fuji Daimaru. Opens at 10:30am. They sell gluten free products such as Tamari (put it in your bag for sushi restaurants) cakes and bread.
Another option: Sukiyaki and Shabu Shabu and all you can eat veggies and dessert!…
If you’re exploring this area on foot but need somewhere to feed or change baby, I recommend walking (for 5 mins or so) to (mostly electronics) shopping mall, Edion Kyoto Shijo Kawaramachi.(I also mentioned this place again below as an evening suggestion too as it is also walking distance from the Gion area.) It is open until 8pm every day of the week. The baby change and feeding space is on the 6th floor.
There is also a toy store section down on the B1 floor and many of the trains etc are out for kids to play with.
There are also restaurants on the 7th and 8th floors.
I believe that the most family friendly option here is Tajimaya All-You-Can-Eat Shabu Shabu restaurant. For lunch I would budget around 1500 yen per person and 4000 yen for dinner. They love and welcome children here. You order as much meat and veggies as you like for 60 or 90 mins and cook the meat in a pot on your own table (don’t worry, they will show you how.) You can find a simple English menu for Tajimaya here. This restaurant accepts most major credit cards. The entire restaurant is non-smoking. The entire restaurant is very casual (here are some pictures of the interior of this Tajimaya branch.) It is possible to make reservations here (ask your hotel to do this for you by phone.)
TAJIMAYA SHIJOKAWARAMACHI
京都府京都市下京区四条通河原町東入真町68番地 住友不動産京都ビルFOOD HALL 7F
EDION DEPARTMENT STORE FOOD HALL, 7TH FLOOR, 68 HIGASHI-IRUSHIN-CHO, KAWARAMACHI, SHIJO-DORI, SHIMOGYO-KU, KYOTO
OPEN EVERYDAY FOR LUNCH 11AM-4PM
OPEN EVERYDAY FOR DINNER 4PM-11PM (LAST ORDERS AT 10:30PM)
Lunch and Dinner Suggestion in Kyoto for gyoza, ramen and fried rice (fried rice is often referred to as “cha-han” in Japan)
I recommend going to Tiger Gyoza Hall (or Tiger Gyoza Kaikan) for lunch or dinner. It’s casual and yummy and also so budget friendly. You can also ask the staff for their vegan friendly menu.
This restaurant accepts reservations. It does seat 68 people so you won’t have to wait too long if there is a line. Tiger Gyoza Hall Shijo accepts most major credit cards.
For lunch here I would budget for 1500 yen for lunch per person and around 3000 yen for dinner. Kids are welcome here and you don’t need to order them a full meal but it is polite to have at least one dish per person – even if that dish isn’t going to be consumed by that child- ordered (the idea is you share all items accept for ramen anyway. If you want to share a little bit of ramen with kids, I recommend asking for a small side plate – a torizawa and you can make them their own little mini-bowl.)
This restaurant is 5 mins walk from Karasuma Station and 5 mins walk from Nishiki Market.
TIGER GYOZA HALL, SHIJO KARASUMA
京都市中京区占出山町314-1
314-1 URADEYAMACHO, NAKAGYO-KU, KYOTO
OPEN FOR LUNCH 11:30AM-3PM (LAST ORDERS 2PM)
OPEN FOR DINNER 5PM-10PM (LAST ORDERS 9:30PM)
Lunch and Dinner Suggestion in Kyoto: Gyoza
Motoi Gyoza is just 1 min walk from Nishiki Market. This gyoza restaurant welcomes families with small children and has space to store a stroller while you dine. I recommend budgeting 1500 yen per adult to dine here – no matter what time you go. Motoi Gyoza accept most major credit cards. This is a walk-in restaurant only – no reservations. They do serve vegan gyoza made with okara (soy bean pulp) but they are cooked on the same hot plate as the meat gyoza.
As well as gyoza, this restaurant also serves vegetable salad, roast beef salad, rice and cold chicken confit.
MOTOI GYOZA
中京区柳馬場錦小路下ル瀬戸屋町470-2
470-2 SETOYACHO, NAKAGYOーKU, KYOTO
OPEN TUES-SUN 11AM-9:30PM (LAST ORDERS 9PM)
CLOSED MONDAYS & THE DAY AFTER NATIONAL HOLIDAYS
Lunch and Dinner Suggestion in Kyoto for Okonomiyaki (also offering gluten free okonomiyaki)
Ikkakuji Karasuma welcomes families with small children. They even have plastic plates and cups for kids and allow parents to bring in their own baby food. This okonomiyaki restaurant is 3 mins walk from Karasuma Station and Shijo Station. To dine here at lunch I would budget 1000-2000 yen per adult but more like 3000 yen at dinner time. This restaurant has an english menu and accepts most major credit cards. This is a mom & pop style shop so it’s like eating street food style okonomiyaki (not a fancy looking restaurant etc.)
This restaurant can make a 100% gluten free okonomiyaki.
IKKAKUJI KARASUMA
京都市下京区神明町248 グラン・ジュール綾小路 B1F
BASEMENT FLOOR, 248 GRAND JEWEL AYANOKOJI, SHINMEICHO, SHIMOGYO-KU, KYOTO
OPEN MON, WED, THURS & FRI 5PM-11PM
OPEN WEEKENDS 11:30AM-3PM & 5PM-11PM
CLOSED TUESDAYS
Lunch and Dinner Suggestion in Kyoto for gyoza, ramen and fried rice (fried rice is often referred to as “cha-han” in Japan)
This isn’t a duplicate recommendation. There is another Tiger Gyoza 5 mins walk from Kawaramachi Station in Kyoto too.
This restaurant is 5 mins walk from Kawaramachi Station and 3 mins walk from Nishiki Market. This restaurant also accepts credit cards. They accept reservations and welcome families. If you do try a walk-in you shouldn’t have to wait long as the restaurant seats 58 people. Ask the staff for vegetarian and vegan options.
京都市中京区新京極通四条上ル中之町579-7-5
579-7-5 SHINKYOGOKU-DORI, SHIJO-AGARU, NAKANOCHO, OPEN FOR LUNCH 11:30AM-3PM (LAST ORDERS 2PM)
OPEN FOR LUNCH ON WEEKDAYS 11:30AM-3PM (LAST ORDERS 2:30PM)
OPEN FOR DINNER ON WEEKDAYS 5PM-10PM (LAST ORDERS 9:30PM)
Family-Friendly Yakiniku Restaurant
2 mins walk from Kawaramachi Station (via Exit 10) is Yakiniku restaurant Kyoto Yakiniku Enen. This is a cozy and family-friendly restaurant. I would budget around 2000 yen for lunch and more like 5000 yen per adult at dinnertime. This restaurant accepts most major credit cards. The restaurant is non-smoking (although they do have a smoking section outside.) There is a small bbq grill in the middle of each table and you choose the course you would like and start grilling your meat and veg as a family. This restaurant does accept reservations.
KYOTO YAKINIKU ENEN
京都市下京区足袋屋町329 あやごっこビル 3F
3RD FLOOR, AYAGOKKO BUILDING, 329 TABEYACHO, SHIMOGYO-KU, KYOTO
OPEN WEEKDAYS 11AM-2PM &5PM-10PM
OPEN WEEKENDS 5PM-10PM
Gluten free option in Kyoto.
It’s random but a good old reliable option for those who are strictly gluten free. Dominos Pizza does not have gluten free pizzas BUT they do have a wheat free pizza rice bowl. There is a Dominos Pizza in Kawaramachi Marutamachi. See the rice bowl on the Dominos Japan menu here. Other gluten free options from Dominos Japan include the Dominos Shake Real Strawberry and the Freshly Baked Fondant Chocolat. You can always order these on ubereats too.
Gyoza Restaurant in Kyoto
Just 9 minutes walk from Nishiki Market is the Gyoza restaurant Chao Chao Gyoza Shijokawaramachi. They are English friendly and serve meat and meat-free gyoza. They also have vegan options. They accept most major credit cards.
This restaurant is also just 10 minutes in a cab (approx 900 yen) from Kiyomizudera or 22 minutes walk.
Their specialty are hitokuchi ( bite sized) gyoza. I would budget for a lunch of around 1500 yen per adult. The “set meals” are around 1300 yen.
serve meat and meat-free gyoza.
The restaurant is completely non-smoking.
CHAO CHAO GYOZA SHIJO-KAWARAMACHI
河原町通四条下ル順風町312-1
OPEN ON WEEKDAYS 11:30AM-3PM & 5PM-11PM
OPEN ON WEEKENDS 11:30AM-11PM ( CLOSES AT 9PM ON SUNDAYS)
Bakery Cafe in a modern cafe with a traditional Japanese inspired interior
Just 1 min walk from Nishiki Market is The City Bakery, Nishiki-Koji. They serve pizza and sandwiches- but you can also just choose from their bakery items and still dine in. The theming of this restaurant’s design is styled to be like a traditional Japanese sweets store. The high ceilings and green views also give it all a very traditional Japanese vibe. This restaurant also serves craft beer. The entire restaurant is non-smoking and they do accept most major credit cards. This restaurant does not accept reservations.
THE CITY BAKERY NISHIKI-KOJI
502 NAKAUOYACHO, NAKAGYO-KU, KYOTO
OPEN 8AM-６PM
Champagne & Gyoza Bar/ Restaurant
Or, for a really casual but cute thing to do, walk 4 minutes from Nishiki Market to Gyotako – a standing Champagne, Gyoza and Takoyaki Bar. Takeaway food is fine too. There are a few tables out the front (stand and eat only) and more on the second floor and the restaurant is more like a permanent food truck. Totally fine to take kids just be warned that the seating upstairs is all bar stools at counters.
The menu is small ; they have (and only have) Takoyaki, Gyoza, Kobe Beef Gyoza, Champagne by the glass (only one type) , Highballs, Beer, White or Red Wine, Cola, Oolong tea.
Closest train station to this restaurant is “Kyoto Kawaramachi” Station ( 160 metres away.)
Just because you’re visiting Kyoto with kids doesn’t mean that the “big kids” don’t deserve to sit down with a glass of bubbles !
KYOTO GYOTAKO
京都市中京区中之町５４５-３
545-3 NAKANO-CHO, NAKAGYO-KU, KYOTO
OPEN EVERYDAY 11:30AM-9PM
Vegetarian & Vegan Restaurant
If you are looking for vegan options while in Kyoto with kids ( or without) , I recommend trying the restaurant Veg Out by the river near Shichijo Station exit 3 (Keihin Line.)
This restaurant does except reservations ( and I recommend doing so as the restaurant only has 26 seats.)
For lunch I’d expect to pay around 1500 yen for an adult and double that amount for dinner. They do accept most major credit cards. This is a non-smoking restaurant. This restaurant also has a lovely view of the river.
This restaurant is 11 minutes walk from Kyoto Station- via the Karasuma Main Exit, 9 mins by taxi ( approx 800 yen) from Kiyomizudera or 15 mins taxi ( approx 1800 yen) from the Kyoto Imperial Palace.
VEG OUT
下京区七条通加茂川筋西入ル稲荷町448 鴨川ビル1F
GROUND FLOOR, KAMOGAWA BUILDING, 44 INARI-CHO, SHIMOGYO, KYOTO
OPEN EVERYDAY 11AM-6PM (LAST ORDERS AT 5:30PM)
VEG OUT WEBSITE
HAPPY COW REVIEW OF VEG OUT
Vegan & Gluten free friendly restaurant
Kyoto Engine Ramen is 2 mins walk from Exit 10 of Kyoto Kawaramachi Station
I would budget approximately 1500 yen per adult here. Just a warning, the line is often long as this restaurant is very popular. Walk-ins only.
They do accept most major credit cards. This is not a vegan restaurant but has fabulous vegan options and gluten free options.
KYOTO ENGINE RAMEN
580-2 NAKANOCHO, NAKAGYO-KU
OPEN EVERYDAY 4:30PM-10PM
Vegan Restaurant
If you’re looking for a modern yet casual vegetarian or vegan early dinner, Pettirosso Kyoto. Check here as their opening times do vary. This restaurant only serves dinner on weekdays and dinner AND lunch on weekends and they also sell order-made vegan cakes.
This restaurant is located near Kyoto-Kawaramachi Station and Karasuma Station.
If you travel here from Kiyomizudera it will take 11 mins in a taxi ( approx 1000 yen.). If coming from Kyoto Station, it will take approximately 15 mins by train (220 yen), 15 mins by taxi ( approx 1000 yen) or 26 mins on foot.
I would budget 2000 yen for an adult meal here.
This is a cash only restaurant.
PETTIROSSO KYOTO
京都府京都市下京區塗師屋町92-2
92 NUSHIYACHO, SHIMOGYO-KU, KYOTO
OPEN FOR LUNCH 11:30AM – 3PM ( OR UNTIL SOLD OUT)
OPEN AS A CAFE 2:30PM-6PM ( LAST ORDER 5PM)
CLOSED MONDAYS & TUESDAYS
PETTIROSSO KYOTO WEBSITE
Lots of people have been asking about the streets in Gion that are blocked off to tourists. I’ve written about it in detail here.
A BEAUTIFUL RESTAURANT IN AN OLD JAPANESE HOME
Another Kyoto with kids tip is to walk from Gion to Kiyomizu, ( see more info and pictures below) I recommend dining at the restaurant Sodoh. It is a restaurant in an old traditional Japanese house. The cuisine is Italian but has the garden has been kept the same and it has such a special feel. As many people go there for romantic dates or birthday celebrations, I recommend booking ahead and getting the first seating of the night when dining with kids – that’s what we always do.
We try to visit here every time we visit Kyoto. We love it so much.
The service is fantastic, the staff speak beautiful English and they also will make up a simple tomato based pasta dish for children on request & they also have a children’s menu. This is the Sodoh Website.
For an adult, I would budget for around 4000 yen for lunch or 8000 yen for dinner. Please note that there is a 10% table service charge.
They accept most major credit cards.
The restaurant is a no-smoking restaurant with a small smoking area outside.
They do have a vegetarian menu.
They will store your stroller for you while you dine.
The restaurant is 10 minutes walk from Kiyomizudera or 15 mins by taxi ( approx 1500 yen) from Kyoto Station or 17 minutes walk from Kawaharamachi Station ( Hankyu Line) via Exit 2.
東山区八坂通下河原東入ル八坂上町366
366 YASAKA KAMICHO, SHIMOGAWARA , HIGASHIYAMA-KU, KYOTO
OPEN FOR LUNCH 11AM-2PM
OPEN FOR DINNER 5PM-10:30PM ( LAST FOOD ORDERS AT 8:30PM)
THE SODOH ARE SOMETIMES CLOSED FOR PRIVATE FUNCTIONS SO PLEASE CALL AHEAD
THE SODOH ENGLISH WEBSITE
KOBE BEEF AND TEPPANYAKI RESTAURANT IN GION
**Please note that this restaurant only welcomes children 10 years of age or older**
The Kobe beef restaurant Mouriya Gion ( you’ll see it recommended in my Kobe with kids post) has a branch in Gion! Best to make reservations via tablecheck.com
The Mouriya brand have been buying and cooking Kobe for more than 140 years. This restaurant is beautiful and is great for a very special occasion type of dinner.
Mouriya Gion is high end beef so this is a special spot and so for lunch I would budget for 7000 yen per adult and 15,000 yen for dinner. This restaurant accepts most major credit cards and the whole venue is non-smoking.
Dress code is smart casual. This restaurant is also great for those who are gluten free – best to explain everything in detail before ordering though, of course.
MOURIYA STEAK GION
京都市東山区大和町7-1祇園モーリヤビル
GION MOURIYA BUILDING, 7-1 YAMATOCHO, HIGASHIYAMA, KYOTO
OPEN EVERYDAY 11:30AM-10:30PM ( LAST ORDER 9PM)
**See here you’re after more information about visiting teppanyaki restaurants while in Japan
KYOTO WITH KIDS AT NIGHT
From Kiyomizudera, I recommend walking through Higashiyama and through Gion at night. Spectacular.
SUKI-YAKI OR SHABU-SHABU WITH KIDS IN GION
I recommend making a reservation and having sukiyaki or shabu-shabu for dinner in Gion at a restaurant called Gion Gyuzen.
This Sukiyaki restaurant does have an English menu and an English section on their website (you can also see the whole menu online before you even go there.) The staff will show you how to cook sukiyaki at your table or they will do it for you, if you prefer. They welcome children and babies and even have space for strollers. The entire restaurant is non-smoking. For adults I would budget around 6000 yen per person for dinner.
This restaurant is 7 mins walk from Gion Shijo Station, 8 mins walk from Hankyu Kawaramachi Station and 7 mins walk from Subway Higashiyama Station.
This restaurant accepts visa, Mastercard, JCB, Amex and Diners.
Reservations can be made in Japanese over the phone or on their website so ask your hotel front desk to assist ahead of time.
GION GYUZEN
OPEN EVERYDAY 5PM-11PM
OPEN WEEKENDS FOR LUNCH 11:30AM-3PM
SOY MILK PORK SHABU SHABU WITH KIDS NEXT TO SHIJO STATION
This restaurant is called Tonyu Ton Shabu Shabu Torataro and requires that all tables be reserved and ask that those dining with kids reserve a private room (which is actually great as you don’t need to worry about kids wriggling about and disturbing others.) The broth for the shabu shabu is creamy and made with soy milk and the pork is to be cooked lightly in the pot that everyone shares. Shabu Shabu is a fabulous and interactive way to dine as a family in Japan.
The way it works is – you choose a Course and then they bring out all of the ingredients to be cooked in the pot at the table (don’t worry – they will show you what to do.)
1 min walk from Shijo Station and 3 mins walk from Karasuma Station.
Budget for lunch is around 3000 yen per adult and more like 7000 yen at dinnertime. This restaurant accepts most major credit cards. There is also a kids menu. This restaurant also has high chairs. It is best to ask your hotel to make reservations for you.
TONYU TON SHABU SHABU TORATARO
京都市下京区仏光寺通烏丸東入上柳町331 タカノハスクエア B1F
B1F TAKANOHA SQUARE, 31 KAMIYANAGI-CHO, KARASUMAHIGASHIIRU, BUKKOJIDORI, SHIMOGYO-KU, KYOTO
OPEN TUES – SUN 11:30AM-2PM & 5PM-11PM
CLOSED ON SUNDAYS
CASUAL “MOM & POP” STYLE TEPPANYAKI WITH KIDS IN GION
Teppan Tavern Tenamonya is run by a husband and wife team.
The interior is retro but cosy. For dinner here I would budget around 7000 yen per adult. Reservations are required here as the restaurant is small but also popular.
Make sure you try the A5 Wagyu Beef.
This restaurant is fine with kids but they like to know how many children will be there when you make a reservation. They do not have space for strollers and they don’t have high chairs but they do have plastic cutlery and plates.
Little warning: This restaurant is rated highly on TripAdvisor which means that it is often full of international guests more than Japanese people. If this doesn’t appeal, please try one of my other suggested restaurants.
They accept most major credit cards. They have an English menu and a vegetarian menu.
Teppan Tavern Tenamonya is 10 mins walk from Keihan Gion Shijo Station and Hankyu Kawaramachi Station.
4 mins walk from Maruyama Park.
3 mins walk from Yasaka Shrine.
6 mins walk from Kodaiji Temple.
12 mins walk from the famous traditional Japanese themed Starbucks Kyoto Ninenzaka Yasaka Chaya.
TEPPAN TAVERN TENAMONYA
京都市東山区祇園町に南側537-2 ヒロビル B1F
BASEMENT FLOOR, HIRO BUILDING, 536-2 GION-MACHI, MINAMIGAWA, HIGASHIYAMA, KYOTO
OPEN 5PM-10PM
CLOSED THURSDAYS
CASUAL KAISEKI STYLE IZAKAYA MEAL WITH KIDS
Just 5 mins walk from Keihan Sanjo Station or 5 mins walk from Kyoto Shiyakusho-mae Station (or 7 mins walk from Hankyu Kawarachi Station) is family-friendly Kaiseki style Izakaya restaurant K Kotowari. If you have older kids, ask to sit at the counter so that you can watch eat dish be cooked and prepared. If you have infants or toddlers, you will be seated in the tatami room (this is better as it is easier for kids to have a wriggle during the meal and less pressure to be quiet.) Kotowari can also prepare a special kids menu if they are given advance notice. They also have children’s plates and cutlery. Here, they accept most major credit cards. Reservations are required to dine here. If it’s someone in your group’s birthday, they can organize a birthday dessert plate – with a minimum 3 day notice.
Budget for lunch : 2000 yen per person. Budget for dinner : 4500 yen per person.
KOTOWARI
京都市中京区松ケ枝町463
463 MATSUGAECHO, NAKAGYO-KU, KYOTO
OPEN EVERYDAY 11AM-2:30PM & 3PM-10PM
For a fun night time or rainy day activity in Kyoto, I recommend visiting Round One Kyoto Kawaramachi. This is a large amusement centre with arcade games, bowling, karaoke booths, billiards and darts. Please note that children under 16 are not allowed to enter Round One after 6pm (although they can attend with an adult guardian.) Those under 18 are not able to enter at all after 10pm.
SEE HERE FOR STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS ON TAKING KIDS OUT TO KARAOKE IN JAPAN.
Round One Kyoto Kawaramachi is a few minutes walk from the Kyoto BAL shopping mall and 22 mins walk ( or 9 mins in a cab) from Kyoto Mimaru Shijo Suites. It is also 4 mins walk from Cross Hotel Kyoto. It is 8 mins in a cab from Mimaru Kyoto Kawaramachi Gojo or 13 mins on public transport.
If visiting Round One from Kyoto Station, it is 13 mins (approx 1500 yen) by cab or 21 mins on public transport.
ROUND ONE KYOTO KAWARAMACHI
京都府京都市中京区河原町通三条下る山崎町250番地
250 YAMAZAKI-CHO, KAWARAMACHI-DORI, SANJO SAGARU, NAKAGYO-KU, KYOTOOPEN ON WEEKDAYS 10AM-MIDNIGHT
OPEN ON SATURDAYS 6AM-6AM THE FOLLOWING DAY
OPEN ON SUNDAYS AND NATIONAL HOLIDAYS 6AM-MIDNIGHT
If you miss out on Round One in Kyoto, I speak of another in Osaka in my Osaka with Kids post.
If you’re exploring this area on foot but need somewhere to feed or change baby, I recommend walking (for 10 mins or so) to (mostly electronics) shopping mall, Edion Kyoto Shijo Kawaramachi.(I also mentioned this place above as it is also walking distance from Nishiki Market.) It is open until 8pm every day of the week. The baby change and feeding space is on the 6th floor.
There is also a toy store section down on the B1 floor and many of the trains etc are out for kids to play with.
There are also restaurants on the 7th and 8th floors.
I believe that the most family friendly option here is Tajimaya All-You-Can-Eat Shabu Shabu restaurant. For lunch I would budget around 1500 yen per person and 4000 yen for dinner. They love and welcome children here. You order as much meat and veggies as you like for 60 or 90 mins and cook the meat in a pot on your own table (don’t worry, they will show you how.) You can find a simple English menu for Tajimaya here. This restaurant accepts most major credit cards. The entire restaurant is non-smoking. The entire restaurant is very casual (here are some pictures of the interior of this Tajimaya branch.) It is possible to make reservations here (ask your hotel to do this for you by phone.)
TAJIMAYA SHIJOKAWARAMACHI
京都府京都市下京区四条通河原町東入真町68番地 住友不動産京都ビルFOOD HALL 7F
EDION DEPARTMENT STORE FOOD HALL, 7TH FLOOR, 68 HIGASHI-IRUSHIN-CHO, KAWARAMACHI, SHIJO-DORI, SHIMOGYO-KU, KYOTO
OPEN EVERYDAY FOR LUNCH 11AM-4PM
OPEN EVERYDAY FOR DINNER 4PM-11PM (LAST ORDERS AT 10:30PM)
Izakaya (specializes in seafood, sushi and tempura)
This izakaya Sugidama is completely non-smoking (if you’ve been in Japan for a hot minute, you will know that this is not an easy things to find.). They also are fine for kids to come along.
This is NOT a touristy spot and I mean that in the best way. This is where you will find people dining after work or catching up with a friend. They do have an English menu but don’t be afraid to copy what someone next to you has ordered if it looks amazing (it might be a special not on the ready-made English menu.) If you’d like to say “Please give me the same” (while pointing) say 同じものください onaji mono kudasai.
Remember that at izakayas at dinner time you order lots of small dishes that are designed to be shared (it would be quite weird to order one dish per person.)
While at lunchtime you choose a “lunch set” (there are several to choose from here) per person and it comes out kind of in a big bento style way. At lunch, I recommend getting the sushi & tempura set – it also comes with a soup.
For lunch here, I would budget 2000 yen per adult and approximately 3000 yen per adult at dinner time.
I recommend getting the sashimi of the day and the seasonal vegetable tempura (it comes with two types of salt for dipping and I love this so much more than a tempura sauce). For those with kids who aren’t in a “new food” type of mood – they also have fries.
Sugidama is 1 min walk from Kawaramachi Station and 2 mins walk from Gion Shijo Station.
This restaurant accepts most major credit cards. It is possible to make reservations here – ask your hotel to call for you.
SUGIDAMA, KYOTO KAWARAMACHI
京都市下京区四条通小橋東入橋本町103-2 KCS四条橋本町 B1F
B1 BASEMENT FLOOR, KCS SHIJOBASHI-HONMACHI BUILDING, 103-2 HASHIMOTO-CHO, SHIMOGYO-KU, KYOTO
OPEN EVERYDAY FOR LUNCH 11:30AM-2:30PM (LAST ORDER AT 2PM)
OPEN WEEKDAYS FOR DINNER 5PM-11PM (LAST ORDER AT 10:30PM)
OPEN WEEKENDS AND NATIONAL HOLIDAYS FOR DINNER 4PM-11:30PM (LAST ORDER AT 11PM)
I also recommend checking out Dig the Line Bottle & Bar (connects to the south exit of Karasuma-Oike Station.) It’s a modern, sleek and large building with the opportunity for beer, sake and wine tasting as well as lovely fresh meals. I recommend ordering the falafel. Open daily between 11AM- MIDNIGHT. They accept most major credit cards. The entire restaurant and bar is non-smoking. They welcome children and also allow entry with strollers. There is an English menu.
Another fabulous family friendly option near Karasuma-Oike Station is Sushi restaurant Sushi Zen. Please note that this restaurant is cash only. This restaurant takes reservations and occasionally accepts walk-ins. The entire restaurant is non-smoking. This restaurant are fine with diners coming in as a family with children. All seating is at a counter.
This restaurant is well-known for its incredible Chirashi-zushi. I recommend budgeting approximately 2000 yen per person. This is also a great place for the grownups to try different sake.
SUSHI ZEN, KYOTO
京都市中京区三条通新町東入ル衣棚町41-2
41-2 KOROMONOTANACHO, NAKAGYO-KU, KYOTO
OPEN ONLY ON WEEKDAYS 10AM-6PM
CLOSED WEEKENDS
And one more option near Karasuma Oike Station is this rooftop pizza place.
Mr Maurice’s Italian at Ace Hotel Kyoto has a lovely rooftop. They also have a lovely brunch here (after 11am.). Best to book as it is popular.
Children welcome and they have space to store a stroller. They have an English menu which also includes vegetarian options and gluten free spaghetti. Budget for adults during the day – approx 3000 yen and more like 6000 yen at night. Please note that this restaurant has a 10% service charge to your bill at the end. The entire restaurant is non-smoking. You can see their full menu here. On a Friday and Sat night this is kind of a date spot so, for me, I wouldn’t visit here with kids on those nights after 7:30pm (more pressure to not disturb others etc, but that’s just me.) It’s really easy to make a reservation via their website in English.
MR MAURICE’S ITALIAN
京都市中京区車屋町245-2 ACE HOTEL KYOTO 3F
3RD FLOOR, ACE HOTEL KYOTO, 245-2 KURUMAYACHO, NAKAGYO-KU
OPEN 11:30AM-3PM & 5:30PM-10PM (UNTIL 11PM FRI-SUN)
If you are looking for a good rainy day in Kyoto option, walk from Kyoto Station for 6 mins to Aeon Mall Kyoto ( pronounced EE-ON). It is a large department store, baby change rooms, kiddie play areas and a Namco Games Arcade on the 4F with all the crane games etc.
The entire mall has free wifi.
There is also a cinema. (The staff will be able to help you but if you see a movie, make sure you see the 字幕 = subtitled version. Then the movie will play in English with Japanese subtitles.)
There is GAP, ZARA, Uniqlo etc incase you needed to buy more clothing with more western size options. If you need to buy shoes for kids or adults there is ABC Mart and for a decent sized 100 yen shop there is a Daiso on the 4th floor.
The restaurant floor (majority of the 4th floor) has pizza, KFC, ramen, Indian curry, Korean food, ice-cream, shabu-shabu, Chinese food, takoyaki, burgers, McDonalds, a restaurant with a bakery.
There is also a whole section for gatchapon toys too. The detail on these toys is just incredible.
Did you know that instead of fries at McDonald’s Japan you can order a side of edamame and corn. My daughter LOVES it!
A reader of my blog also gave me such an amazing suggestion – you can order a McDonald’s side salad and mix it with the edamame and corn to make a slightly heartier salad for under 600 yen!
*side note: McDonald’s fries are not vegetarian/vegan – they are fried in beef fat.
And if you take the train to Kyoto Kawaramachi Station (19 mins from Kyoto Station, or walk from Kyoto Station for 35 mins… ), I also recommend eating at Mumokuteki Vegan cafe across the road too. The ramen is so good. There is a special dining area with toys etc for families. I would budget around 2000 yen per meal per adult. Here is the Mumokuteki Kyoto menu.
Mumoteki Cafe accepts most major credit cards & they also have space to store strollers for customers. They also offer one children’s set meal on the menu and have a nappy changing space.
Once again, I recommend the ramen- although many people also rave over their vegan ice-cream. It’s in a really funky shopping district with lots of minimalistic cafes and slow paced homeware shopping.
This cafe is also 4 minutes walk from Nishiki Market.
MUMOKUTEKI VEGAN CAFE
京都市中京区御幸町351 ヒューマンフォーラムビル ２Ｆ
2ND FLOOR, HUMAN FORUM HONSHA BUILDING, 351 SHIKIBUCHO, NAKAKYO-KU, KYOTO
OPEN WEEKDAYS 11:30AM-5:30PM
OPEN WEEKENDS 11:30AM-6:30PM
HAPPY COW WEBSITE LISTING OF MUMOKUTEKI CAFE
Another Vegan option just 450 metres from Karasuma Station or 14 mins walk from Nishiki Market is Tu Casa – Plant Based and Zero Waste Cafe. This Kyoto based vegan restaurant serves Korean Bibimbap and some other cookies and breads. They also have a zero waste cafe.
They accept more major credit cards. They also have free wifi.
TU CASA- PLANT BASED AND ZERO WASTE CAFE
414-4 MIYAGAWASUJI 8-CHOME, KYOTO
OPEN MON & TUES 5PM-8:30PM
OPEN WEEKENDS 1PM -8:30PM (ALTHOUGH CHECK THEIR INSTAGRAM ACCOUNT FOR THEIR OPENING HOURS CALENDAR)
Just personal taste but I really don’t recommend Kyoto zoo. I don’t feel that the animals have enough space and find it to be quite depressing.
NIJO CASTLE IN KYOTO WITH KIDS
If you decide to visit Nijo Castle with a baby, you can store the stroller at the front gate for 300 yen ( there are too many steps so you wouldn’t want to attempt it with your stroller anyway.) So don’t forget to pack that baby carrier!
Please note that, in order to enter some of the buildings here, you will need to remove your shoes. So leave the shoes with all the laces and buckles at home.
For bigger kids, Nijo Castle isn’t very exciting so I don’t actually think it’s worth a visit with small kids. There is a lot of walking without a main feature to really hold the attention of kids between 4-10 years of age (but that’s just my personal opinion/experience. If your kids are really into gardens and Japanese architecture – you may have a different experience.). Don’t get me wrong – my kids love to visit a Japanese castle and a Japanese garden – it’s just that the grounds of Nijo Castle are big and the buildings etc are quite far apart so I find it a little bit harder than other places to keep my kids engaged here.
If your kids do need a pick-me-up while there though, there is always Japanese soft-serve ice-cream too!
Where to eat near Nijo Castle
1) Kura Sushi Sushi Train
I recommend then stopping by Kura Sushi sushi train restaurant – just 5 mins walk from Nijo Station. This restaurant really requires zero Japanese language skills and is completely automated. It’s easy and so much fun with kids. They are smoke-free and accept most major credit cards. They are open everyday from 11AM-Midnight. It’s very affordable. I’d expect to budget for 1500 yen per adult for lunch or dinner.
2) Kikyo Sushi
Kikyo Sushi is 4 mins walk from Nijo Castle.
This local Mom&Pop style local sushi and tempura restaurant is quaint and adorable. It seats 18 so it’s best to make a reservation at Kikyo Sushi Kyoto. The seating is a mixture of counter seats and horigotatsu (kneeling on the floor or sitting on the floor with your feet going into the cut out section of the floor. My kids LOVE this style of seating). The entire restaurant is non-smoking. Kikyo Sushi Kyoto has an English menu. They accept most major credit cards. To eat here I would budget 1000 yen per person for a lunch set and more like 5500 yen per adult for dinner. Almost the entire menu at Kikyo Sushi is gluten free and they also have gluten free soy sauce ( you do need to ask for it.) Please note that this restaurant is closed on Wednesdays and sometimes on Tuesdays too so before visiting, please check the Kikyo Sushi restaurant’s operation hours here. It’s best to make a reservation (they do keep 4 tables free just for walk-ins.)
KIKYO SUSHI
京都市中京区油子路通丸太町下る大文字町43
43 DAIMONJICHO, ABURAKOJIDORI, MARUTAMACHI-SAGARU, NAKAGYO-KU, KYOTO
OPEN FOR LUNCH ON WEEKENDS 11:30AM-1:30PM (RESTAURANT CLOSES AT 2PM)
OPEN FOR DINNER WEEKDAYS 5PM-10PM (RESTAURANT CLOSES AT 11PM)
OPEN FOR DINNER WEEKENDS 5PM-9PM (RESTAURANT CLOSES AT 10PM)
CLOSED WEDNESDAYS AND SOMETIMES ON TUESDAYS
3) Premarche Alternative Diner
This organic vegetable restaurant serves pizza, burger and salad and is only 8 mins walk from Nijo Castle. Premarche Alternative Diner also offer some gluten free menu options.
This restaurant accepts most major credit cards and is entirely non-smoking. They also have a vegetarian menu. See here for Premarche Alternative Diner’s full menu. I recommend their vegan avocado and tomato rice bowl. At this restaurant I would budget 1500 yen for an adult lunch and twice that amount at dinner time .
PREMARCHE ALTERNATIVE DINER
京都市中京区橋西町672 プレマヴィレッジ京都堀川三条 2F
2ND FLOOR, 672 HASHINISHICHO, NAKAGYOKU, KYOTO
OPEN EVERYDAY FOR LUNCH 11:30AM-3PM (LAST ORDER 2:15PM)
OPEN EVERYDAY FOR DINNER 5PM-10PM （LAST ORDER 9PM)
4) Menbaka Fire Ramen
Just across from Nijo Castle is this Fire Ramen restaurant. It isn’t great for little kids but would be so much fun with teens. It also has some good options for vegans and those who need gluten free meals.
I have written about the Fire Ramen restaurant in detail here if you are interested.
And, finally, if you want to go to the most popular hanami ( cherry blossom viewing) spot in Kyoto, then go to Maruyama Park.
To explore Kyoto further and even more like a local, I highly recommend reading slow travel in Kyoto tips see this amazing guest post by Lin on exploring Northern & Central Kyoto by bike as a family.
If kids need some wriggle space once you have arrived at Kyoto Station, then take the giant staircase or escalators right up to the top of the station. There is a big open rooftop area with a free observation area and just lots of kids to wriggle and stretch their legs.
Within the Station (and near those giant stairs) I recommend checking out the 7th floor of Isetan Department Store within the Station. This is the Toy / Kidswear floor. There are some sections for kids to try out the toys and there are also kids toilets, change tables. This store also lends strollers to customers (but only for use while you are in the Isetan Department Store.)
Also within the Isetan building, go to the 11th floor for a family-friendly Tonkatsu Restaurant Tonkatsu Wako.
This restaurant sits 47 people and they don’t take reservations. They do accept most major credit cards. See the full Tonkatsu Wako menu in English here. And the adorable kids menu plates here. Each kids meal comes with a small toy. This restaurant has high chairs.
TONKATSU WAKO, JR KYOTO ISETAN
11TH FLOOR ISETAN DEPARTMENT STORE INSIDE KYOTO STATION
OPEN 11AM-10PM (LAST ORDERS 9:15PM)
*If you are looking to buy nappies while in Kyoto with kids, walk for 5 mins from the station to the Aeon Mall Kyoto Kaede
( pretty much half a block behind the Miyako Hotel Kyoto Hachijo).
On the ground floor is a large Toys R US and Babies R Us. Open from 10AM -9PM*.
The ground floor of Aeon Mall contains a large supermarket-which is also really handy.
For those looking for gluten free options in Kyoto, this supermarket also stocks gluten free soy sauce and cake mixes. There is also a Kaldi Coffee Farm store on the same floor which has gluten-free pasta.
I recommend checking out Kyoto Station after dark as the grand staircase has a light show on throughout the evenings.
Also, if you need to pass some time before the jumping on a bullet train inside Kyoto Station, Isetan Department store (inside the station building) kid’s floor has a small soft play area (at no cost ) on the 7th floor. The toys often set out on tables for kids to try so it’s a great time waster for kids who need time to play.
How about a haircut, in a car, holding a bus, watching a show about trains?! Yes??!!!
The children’s hair salon, Zusso ‘s stylists are seriously talented. They somehow manage to style children’s hair like a trendy fashion model. Best to book ahead, take a picture of what you’d like, tell them what kind of thing your child is into so they can set up the dvd player accordingly (ie. trains, mickey mouse, princess…etc) and choose a salon vehicle!! (Just a heads up : this experience is adorable but be ready to pay 4000 yen for the pleasure. ) The salon is on the 7th floor of Isetan Department Store in the Station.
*These photos are of the Shinjuku branch but I have visited the Kyoto version as well and it is just as adorable.
ZUSSO KIDS, KYOTO STORE
京都市下京区烏丸通塩小路下ル東塩小路町657
ジェイアール京都伊勢丹7F
7TH FLOOR, ISETAN, SHIMOGYOU-KU, SHIOKOJI-SAGARU KARASUMA ST,
HIGASHI-SHIOKOJI
OPEN EVERYDAY OF THE YEAR: 10AM-8PM
WEBSITE
*If you are looking to buy nappies while in Kyoto, walk for 5 mins from the station to the Aeon Mall Kyoto Kaede ( pretty much half a block behind the Miyako Hotel Kyoto Hachijo).
On the ground floor is a large Toys R US and Babies R Us. Open from 10AM -9PM*
Around 8 mins by car from Kyoto Station is Umekoji Park that has a very decent sized playground and empty train carriages for kids to explore.
I’ve written all the details of Umekoji Park in Kyoto here. The Kyoto Railway Museum is also 3 minutes walk from Umekoji Park.
On the outskirts of the park is also Kyoto Railway Museum. (FYI There is also an aquarium close by too but I haven’t been there yet.)
When it comes to dining near on in Kyoto Station there are lots and lots of options. ESPECIALLY if you look at the underground malls underneath the station. These underground restaurants are great to take kids as they are all reasonably priced and reasonably casual – two elements that make it ideal for eating out with kids.
This underground shopping and dining area is called PORTA and morning open times vary but most stores and restaurants remain open until 10pm.
*Random recommendation for while you’re in this Porta underground shopping complex, on the B2 floor is a shoe store called “Oriental Traffic.” If you have big feet like me (I have size EU40-41 feet) this might help if you need some women’s footwear as this is one of the few shops that stock the LL sizes.
This sign in the picture was for during a sale where you could buy two pairs of shoes for 11,000 yen. This is the Oriental Traffic Ueno Store pictured here.
For a good and easy (and super family-friendly pasta option) at Kyoto Station, I recommend Pasta More. It’s 1 min walk from the Hachijo Exit of Kyoto Station.
This is Japanese style Italian Pasta. They serve pizzas and desserts too. They accept credit cards. You can make a reservation here but, unless it’s a peak weekend night time, you should be fine with just a walk-in. Most meals are 1000-2000 yen each. I like their Japanese style Caesar Salad. They also have fries and you can get sausages too. See pictures of the full Pasta More menu here.
A REALLY casual breakfast idea in Kyoto is to grab some of the bakery goods from Vie De France inside the Cube Department Store (also underneath Kyoto Station.) They have a dine-in section.
We were close to the station we wanted something local. This place did the trick and my kids were delighted to be given pizza bread for breakfast too.
It’s open early which also helps.
It’s not my most glamourous recommendation but….. meggghhhh… sometimes you’ve just got to go with what works, right?
VIE DE FRANCE, CUBE DEPARTMENT STORE, KYOTO
京都市下京区 烏丸通塩小路町９０１ＴＨＥ ＣＵＢＥ地下２階
THE CUBE DEPARTMENT STORE, BASEMENT 2ND FLOOR,
901 KARASUMA STREET, HIGASHI-SHIOKOJI-CHO, SHIMOGYO-KU, KYOTO
OPEN 8AM-9PM
And if you’re looking for a bit of a lush dinner or lunch with a reasonable price tag at a restaurant that also allows children near Kyoto Station, I recommend Gyukatsu Kyoto Katsugyu Kyoto Station for Kobe Beef and Wagyu. It’s a Beef Cutlet restaurant. It is high quality beef, crumbed and fried so that the outside is crunchy and served with a range of sauces (dipping sauces) and rice. The restaurant is entirely non-smoking. They have an English menu. They also accept most major credit cards.
Gyukatsu Kyoto Katsugyu Kyoto Station is 5 mins walk from Kyoto Station. This restaurant welcomes children and babies. They also have a kids menu (750 yen) and space to store strollers while you dine.
Each meal is 1000-2000 yen. You can see the full Gyukatsu Kyoto Katsugyu menu here. This restaurant is walk-in only.
GYUKATSU KYOTO KATSUGYU KYOTO STATION
京都市下京区真苧屋町211
211 MAOYACHO, SHIMOGYO-KU, KYOTO
OPEN EVERYDAY 11AM-10PM
If you are looking to stay at an Airbnb in Kyoto, I think you will love reading this blog post by Guest Blogger, Carla Middleton, who recently stayed mostly at Airbnb in Japan ( Osaka, Hiroshima, Kyoto and Tokyo) and wrote in great detail what it is like to stay in Airbnbs throughout Japan.
See here for my favourite places to stay in Kyoto.
Or how about a Steak Diner restaurant with all you can eat bread and salad?
10 mins in cab (approx 800 yen) or 5 mins on the train + 4 mins walk on the train from Kyoto Station is Steak Gusto – Gusto is a family restaurant in Japan but when they are a “Steak Gusto” it means that they, obviously, also offer steak but also have all-you-can-eat-bread and salads. This restaurant accepts most major credit cards. They accept reservations and walk-ins. It’s a stand alone restaurant that resembles an American style diner.
If you are looking for Kimono rental in Kyoto for families, I can recommend Okamoto Kimono Rental.
This blog post contains some affiliate links. This means that I will receive a small commission if you book a hotel using my link – at no additional charge to you.
