Family-Friendly 2-Day Kyoto: Easy Walks, Trains & Play
A practical, family-paced 2-day plan for Kyoto in April (spring). Short transfers, stroller-friendly routes and plenty of breaks, with hands-on museums, the bamboo grove, castle lawns and gentle train rides that delight kids.
Highlights
- Early-morning stroll under the Torii gates at Fushimi Inari
- Hands-on fun at Kyoto Railway Museum and Kyoto Aquarium
- Bamboo Grove + Sagano Scenic Railway in Arashiyama
- Large castle grounds and open lawns for children to run
Itinerary
Day 1
Southern Kyoto: shrines, trains and an easy park afternoon. Prioritise early starts to beat crowds and allow naps in the museum or park.
Fushimi Inari Taisha — Lower shrine & torii path (gentle family walk)
Start early to enjoy the famous red torii gates with minimal crowds. Walk through the lower shrine area (flat approach and first rows of torii) — ideal for toddlers and first-time visitors. Avoid the long mountain hike with small children; aim to see the main shrine and the first torii tunnel.
Tips from local experts:
- Recommended ages: 2+ for strolls near the main shrine. For the full mountain route, only for confident walkers 6+; otherwise use a baby carrier beyond the main area.
- Stroller hack: keep a lightweight stroller or carrier — the first approach is stroller-friendly but deeper torii paths are narrow and uneven; there are restrooms and a changing table at the main entrance near the shrine office.
- Beat crowds: arrive by 8:00–8:30. Carry small snacks and water — the lower gate area has shaded benches for short snack breaks before moving on.
Transfer: train from Inari area to Kyoto Station (short, stroller-friendly)
Local JR train from Inari Station to Kyoto Station. Use elevators at stations to manage strollers and luggage.
Tips from local experts:
- Plan: walk down to Inari Station and take the JR Nara Line one stop to Kyoto Station (about 5–7 minutes). There are elevators at both Inari and Kyoto stations — fold stroller briefly for stairs on some platforms.
- Ticketing: use an IC card (ICOCA, Suica) for faster boarding; keep a small bag of essentials (snacks, wipes) handy since transfers can include short platform walks.
- Timing buffer: allow 30–45 minutes total for exiting Fushimi Inari, walking to the station, train ride and reaching the Kyoto Railway Museum entrance.
Kyoto Railway Museum — Hands-on trains & kid exhibits
Large, interactive railway museum with child-friendly exhibits, driving simulators (age/height rules), full-size rolling stock and an indoor play area. Great for train-mad kids and for a calm, nap-friendly space for younger children.
Tips from local experts:
- Recommended ages: 2–10. Toddlers love the train cars and kids under 6 can enjoy model displays; older kids (6+) will love the driver simulators — check height/age and reservation rules on arrival.
- Facilities: stroller parking at entrances, clean nursing rooms and changing stations inside the museum; there are quiet corners and benches for naps between exhibits.
- Insider timing: arrive around opening of exhibit zones after morning travel (10:15–10:30) to avoid school groups; bring a small laminated list of the 'must-see' locomotives to keep kids engaged.
Lunch: family-friendly options inside The CUBE at Kyoto Station (flexible choices)
Short walk back to Kyoto Station complex (The CUBE) where multiple family-friendly restaurants, high chairs and clean restrooms are available. Let kids choose noodles, rice bowls or simple set meals.
Tips from local experts:
- High-chair & allergies: many restaurants in The CUBE can provide high chairs and will accommodate simple allergies if you ask—use the phrase 'アレルギーがあります' or point to an allergen card.
- Kid picks: choose udon, rice bowls or conveyor/fast-serve places for picky eaters; there's space for buggies and a diaper-changing room in the station building.
- Quick exit: pick a restaurant near the station elevators so you can store strollers and be ready for the 13:30 aquarium visit without rushing.
Kyoto Aquarium — Compact, stroller-friendly marine life
Indoor aquarium next to Umekoji Park with penguins, seals and family-oriented displays. Easy to navigate with strollers, and several nursing/rest areas.
Tips from local experts:
- Recommended ages: 1–8. The aquarium is compact and ideal for toddlers and preschoolers who enjoy close-up animal viewing.
- Facilities: accessible routes, stroller space, large restrooms with changing tables and a nursing room; go mid-afternoon for fewer crowds after school groups leave.
- Quiet moment: use the cafe area or seated observation decks for a calm snack break — good nap window after the penguin show or seal feeding times.
Umekoji Park — Playground & open green space (play / rest)
Right beside the aquarium, this park has shaded lawns, a playground and benches — perfect for a running break or a short rest while kids play.
Tips from local experts:
- Facilities: public restrooms and drinking fountains; good spot for a stroller nap on a blanket under trees if the child gets tired.
- Play options: the playground surfaces are soft; bring a small ball or bubbles to keep energetic kids entertained after indoor museum time.
- Weather & shade: in April enjoy mild temperatures but bring a light jacket for breezy river winds and picnic blanket for comfort.
Dinner: early family dinner inside Kyoto Station area (easy exit to hotels)
Return to the station complex for an early dinner at a family-friendly restaurant. Early dining reduces waits and keeps bedtime relaxed for children.
Tips from local experts:
- Early seating: aim for a 17:00–18:00 dinner to avoid crowds and long waits; many spots have kids' portions and high chairs.
- Menu tips: choose simple set meals (teishoku), yakitori or udon for child-friendly flavors; staff are accustomed to families and can help with milder seasoning.
- After-dinner: the station has elevators and ramps for a stress-free walk back to nearby hotels with strollers.
Day 2
Arashiyama morning with bamboo grove and scenic train, then afternoon castle lawns and gentle city gardens. Keep mornings early in Arashiyama to avoid spring crowds and use midday train rides as relaxing rests.
Transfer: train from central Kyoto to Saga-Arashiyama (short comfortable ride)
Take the JR or Randen line to Saga-Arashiyama Station. Aim to arrive early to walk the bamboo grove before crowds and enjoy cooler morning temperatures.
Tips from local experts:
- Route: use JR San-in line to Saga-Arashiyama or Randen tram to Arashiyama — both have step-free access at major stations; fold strollers briefly where needed.
- Timing: allow 40–50 minutes from central Kyoto hotels including walking time from the station to the bamboo grove entrance.
- Prep: bring a light spring layer — mornings in April can be cool; pack a small snack for children for arrival.
Sagano Bamboo Grove (Arashiyama) — gentle stroller-friendly edges
Enjoy the magical bamboo grove early when it’s quieter. Walk the outer paths which are wider and easier with strollers; avoid pushing into the narrow central crowds.
Tips from local experts:
- Recommended ages: 1+ for the outer paths; toddlers love the tall bamboo but some pathways are narrow — consider a carrier for deeper sections.
- Stroller note: stick to the main road and outer paths for stroller access; there are public restrooms near major entrances and small cafes for quick snacks.
- Photo tip: early morning (08:00–09:00) gives the best light and fewer people for family photos without long waits.
Tenryu-ji Temple & gardens — calm stroll and shaded rest
A short walk from the grove, Tenryu-ji's gardens are stroller-friendly on the main paths and provide a peaceful spot for kids to explore safely away from busy streets.
Tips from local experts:
- Accessibility: main garden paths are flat and usually stroller-friendly; there are restrooms at the entrance with changing facilities in the temple complex.
- Quiet break: the garden is a good place for a mid-morning snack or a short storytime for younger kids — benches and shaded spots are plentiful.
- Child engagement: point out koi in the pond and seasonal flowers — interactive questions (find the biggest fish) keep little ones interested.
Riverside play & picnic at Arashiyama Park (Kameyama)
Short riverside stroll to a playground and open lawn — ideal for an energy-burning break and for a quick picnic if needed.
Tips from local experts:
- Facilities: shaded spots, benches and water fountains are available; the park is safe with clear sightlines for supervising little ones.
- Playtime: bring a ball or bubbles — good chance for kids to run after sitting during temple visits and train rides.
- Weather: April is mild but sunny — a hat and light sunscreen are recommended; riverside breezes can be cool, so carry a light jacket.
Sagano Scenic Railway (Sagano Romantic Train) — relaxed river-side train ride
A short scenic ride along the Hozu River — kids love the vintage carriages and river views. Reserve seats if possible; the ride is a restful break.
Tips from local experts:
- Booking: reserve seats in advance in high season (cherry blossom time). Aim for a forward-facing side for best views and family photos.
- Stroller policy: strollers must be folded on the platform and stored — bring a lightweight stroller or carrier for boarding/unloading.
- Comfort: bring a small jacket for kids as open-window cars can be breezy; limited toilet facilities on route so plan accordingly.
Lunch: Yoshimura Arashiyama — family-friendly soba with river views
Traditional soba restaurant with views toward the river/bridge area. Many children enjoy plain noodles and tempura; staff are used to families.
Tips from local experts:
- Kids' portions: ask if they can prepare smaller, milder bowls for children; tempura and plain soba/udon are safe choices for picky eaters.
- Seating & access: request table seating near the entrance if you have a stroller — staff can help with space. There are restrooms nearby for quick changes.
- Allergy note: Japanese kitchens are used to soy/wheat; if you have serious allergies, ask staff before ordering and point out allergens on a translation card.
Transfer: return to central Kyoto for castle & gardens
Head back by train toward central Kyoto (to Nijo Castle area). This is a good nap window for younger children.
Tips from local experts:
- Nap opportunity: plan the train transfer (about 40–50 minutes including walking) as a nap slot after lunch; carry a small blanket or familiar toy.
- Stroller & access: use mainline trains with level boarding where possible; major stations have elevators and accessible restrooms.
- Buffer: leave flexibility (45–60 minutes) for travel, especially if you waited for any final views in Arashiyama or needed last-minute snacks.
Nijo Castle (Nijo-jo) — wide grounds, open lawns and easy paths
Explore the castle exterior, gardens and large grounds that are great for letting kids run. Interior areas (hon-maru) have some stairs — choose routes carefully with strollers.
Tips from local experts:
- Recommended ages: 2+ to enjoy open grounds; older kids appreciate the historical rooms and sliding doors but interiors are less stroller-friendly.
- Stroller & accessibility: paths around the castle and outer gardens are generally flat and stroller-friendly; restrooms with changing tables are available near the main entrance.
- Kid engagement: make it a scavenger hunt (find the biggest tree, count the moat bridges) to keep children interested and moving between sights.
Kyoto Gyoen National Garden — short late-afternoon play & wind-down
Large park area near the Imperial Palace with lawns and shaded paths for a relaxed end-of-day play or short nap before dinner.
Tips from local experts:
- Facilities: public restrooms and lots of shade — an excellent spot for a calm wind-down after active sightseeing.
- Quiet corner: find a bench under trees for a snack and a water refill; great backup if Nijo Castle was busy and you need a calmer place for kids.
- Timing: late afternoon sunlight is gentle in April — good for family photos and a final stretch before dinner.
Early dinner & market snack stroll: Nishiki Market (small bites & family options)
Finish with a relaxed stroll through Nishiki Market (family-friendly early evening). Pick a few cooked stalls for easy kid-approved bites — takoyaki, sweet omelette, grilled fish on skewers.
Tips from local experts:
- Crowd caution: in April it gets busy — arrive around 17:00 for smaller crowds; choose cooked-to-order stalls (less cross-contamination risk) for kids.
- Allergies & choices: vendors rarely have full allergen info; stick to plainly cooked items (rice, grilled fish, tamagoyaki) and ask the vendor about ingredients.
- Seating & pace: Nishiki is mostly walking-and-eat. If you need seating or a calmer spot, step into one of the adjacent small restaurants or back alleys with benches.
