Visiting Kyoto with your family is one of the most recommendable things to do when you’re visiting Japan. It’s among the ten largest cities in the world and is saturated with culture, exciting culinary experiences, and an incredible historical value. A way to experience Kyoto at its full potential is by immersing yourself in the customs and traditions. One way to do that is by staying in accommodation that embraces Japanese culture; but at the same time is comfortable, at a pristine location and most importantly…kid-friendly. Here are the top 10 best kid-friendly hotels in Kyoto you may want to consider when planning your trip to the otherwise known as the “thousand-year capital”.
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1. Kyoto Granbell Hotel
The Kyoto Granbell Hotel is one of the top-rated kid friendly hotels in Kyoto. It is located in the famous Geisha District, where all the tea houses and entertainment restaurants you have probably heard about are at walking distance. The rooms are decorated in a Japanese style, so you can be sure that all of their rooms are beautiful as can be. In the morning, a well-planned breakfast buffet contains kid-friendly options, as well as Western and Japanese delicacies. The staff has continuously been reviewed as English speaking, so you won’t have any trouble when asking questions. There is free coffee available in the lobby, and access to an incredible bath with an iconic Japanese garden – a perfect way to end the day after a day of sightseeing. The kids will love this as well!
Another good tip about this hotel is that children under 6 that do not require an additional bed are free of charge.
2. BnA Alter Museum
If you’re looking to see a unique side of the Kyoto BnA Alter Museum is the right place to stay. Each of their rooms is decorated differently featuring special artworks from Japanese contemporary artists – giving you the illusion of sleeping inside an art museum. This concept is very attractive to children and will make sure that they are entertained and captivated from the moment they walk in. There’s no doubt that you’ll have a memorable stay while you’re here.
The BnA Alter Museum is also very close to popular attractions such as the Gion and the Higashiyama-Ku areas which makes it very convenient if you’re traveling with kids. It won’t take a long time to find a good place to eat or to find a good thing to do during the day.
3. Kyomachiya Ryokan Sakura Honganji
The Kyomachiya Ryokan Sakura Honganji promises its guests to have the best possible experience. Not only are their rooms exquisitely decorated with Japanese traditional designs, but this hotel offers a wide range of activities within the facilities of the hotel. For example, your kids could enjoy a pottery workshop, playing in an open-air bath, participating in a tea tasting session, or learning how to do Japanese calligraphy and Japanese flower arrangements. All rooms include Rinen, the traditional Japanese outfit which kids find very fun. No wonder it’s considered among the best family-friendly hotels in Kyoto!
Perhaps the reason why this hotel is definitely one your family should visit is because they offer a complete Japanese experience. Besides the workshops that are available, your family may find it very fulfilling to stay in the Hongan-G room; where you’ll learn to set your own bed in a traditional Japanese way. The purpose of doing this is for you to experience the Japanese way of sleeping – it might be more life-changing than you think!
Their breakfast variety is incredible…not only to they have Western and Japanese options they also have a great selection of vegan and gluten-free breakfasts available.
4. Gion Ryokan Q-beh
Located at the heart of the city, the Gion Ryokan Qeh is also ranked as one of the best family friendly hotels in Kyoto. This hotel is particularly interesting for its beautiful dining areas – especially its traditional Japanese style tatami floor which your children may find amusing.
The hotel also has day passes and admission tickets for popular attractions and entertainment show happening around the city. If you have a large family, this hotel offers family rooms that sleep up to 5 people. Most rooms have a garden view – who wouldn’t want to wake up to such a peaceful sight?
There is also a communal kitchen available all day and night which is very comfortable for families with small children.
5. Oil Street Guest House and Space
For families looking to experience a “home away from home” feeling, the Oil Street Guest House and Space is the perfect family-friendly hotel to book in Kyoto.
This hotel is arranged as a traditional “Machiya” house with only two available guest rooms to book; granting you an opportunity to have the ultimate intimate, private and cozy holiday with your family. It is also at a great location, just walking distance from all the historical and cultural attractions around.
Of course, you can expect that all of the rooms are set up in a traditional Japanese style large enough to fit 5 people inside. For kids who love animals, this is the perfect spot to stay in Kyoto. Burrito is a lovely black Labrador who loves to greet the hotel’s guests with a warm welcome. She adores meeting new people, and – just like children – loves to play for endless hours.
6. Mimaru Kyoto Shinmachi Sanjo
This is also among the best kid friendly hotels in Kyoto. Besides its great facilities and services, booking a room for your family here is a great move simply for its price. Up to two children up to the age of 12 don’t count as a number of guests, and do not appear to have to pay a fee!
Like many other hotels in Kyoto, this hotel includes a kitchen that is equipped with a fridge, induction hob, and electric kettle. A rice cooker is available for rental, which is perfect if you’re planning on staying in for dinner. All rooms are big and spacious with full beds rather than traditional Japanese futon mattresses. In fact, some include bunk beds for children…and who doesn’t love those?
7. Mitsui Garden Hotel Kyoto Shinmachi Bettei
For those wanting to enjoy the best of Japanese modern design, this is among the best family friendly hotels in Kyoto to stay in. The concept of the hotel is to incorporate the spirit of Kyoto and the appreciation of nature together in the architecture, layout and design.
Parents can enjoy a relaxing evening massage, and children can spend some time at the pool. The hotel hosts dinner in a wonderful dining room with a view of a gorgeous traditional Japanese garden.
8. Gozan Hotel & Service Apartment Higashiyama Sanjo
Although it is considered one of the most popular family friendly hotels in Kyoto, it is actually a four-star luxury hotel with only 20 cozy rooms to keep an ambiance of relaxation and calm.
If you and your family are looking to unwind and get pampered, you can enjoy a range of facilities here that will let you do just that. For example, you can expect to take a dip at the open-air bath, enjoy the Japanese garden area, or shoot some hoops at the basketball court. This is perfect for tired parents who are looking for ways to keep their kids entertained without having to exit the hotel.
9. Kyoto Kamanza Hotel
Another best kid friendly hotel in Kyoto is the Kyoto Kamanza Hotel. It is the perfect combination of modern architecture and Japanese design; ensuring a luxurious and comfortable stay. Perhaps the best feature of this hotel is its furniture – made out of precious woods and crafted with special Japanese techniques, every piece is pretty much a piece of art. Its location is excellent, with the iconic Nijo Castle, Imperial Palace, historical shrines and temples being very close by.
Inside your room, you can start your morning with either excellent drip coffee inside traditional mashiko ware cups, or tea from Tsujiri in Uji. Children will find the Lacquer Gallery very interesting showcasing beautifully made items. It’s an incredible opportunity for them to learn about Japanese culture without even having to exit the hotel!
10. Kyoto Shimmachi Rokkaku Hotel Grandereverie
Last but definitely not least, the Kyoto Shimmachi Rokkaku Hotel Granderverie earns its place as an incredible kid friendly hotel in Kyoto for many reasons.
First off, since it only has 12 rooms inside, it allows you to have a quiet and private stay. You’ll find that having fewer people staying at the hotel will make it easier for you to find space to enjoy with your family unbothered, and taken care of the best from the friendly and heartfelt staff. They are also happy to make any additional arrangements depending on the size of your family – adding beds when necessary. Everything is possible!
Actually, the staff at this hotel is one of its best features. They can act as your guide for the city; which can be great when traveling with children as you won’t need to plan ahead. You’ll have all the guidance and help you need right there and then. It is also located in the center of the city and is the perfect place to stay if you’re thinking of attending the famous Gion Festival. Since the parade goes right on the same street as the hotel, you’ll be able to take in the whole experience without having to be inside the heavy crowds – the perfect scenario when you have young children.
To make your trip to Japan even better, make sure to check out our post about the best kid-friendly hotels in Tokyo.
