Make Smiles & Memories in Kyoto — Perfect for Families with Children
Kyoto isn’t just about temples and history—it’s also packed with fun, interactive attractions that kids will love.
This guide highlights family-friendly destinations easily accessible from Villa Kyoto Saiin, offering a great balance of culture, play, and discovery.
🎮 For Kids Who Love Games & Characters
🎯 Nintendo Museum (Uji City)
Important: Advance reservation required. Highly popular and often fully booked.
- Explore the world of Nintendo through interactive exhibits featuring Mario, Zelda, Animal Crossing & more
- Perfect for kids and adults who love video games
- Photo spots and immersive history displays
📍 Access: Saiin Station → JR Kyoto Station → JR Nara Line to "Uji Station" → 15 min walk
⏳ Travel Time: ~1 hour
🔑 Reservations are mandatory and difficult to secure—book well in advance online.
🧸 Pokémon Center Kyoto (Kyoto Takashimaya, Shijo Area)
- Kyoto-exclusive Pokémon goods like Maiko Pikachu
- Fun for shopping, browsing, and photo ops
- Nearby stores include Kirby Café and Sumikko Gurashi shop
📍 Access: Saiin Station → 1 stop by Hankyu to “Karasuma” → 3 min walk
⏳ Travel Time: ~15 minutes
🏯 Cultural Experiences for Curious Kids
🎬 Toei Kyoto Studio Park (Uzumasa)
- Ninja & samurai dress-up, live action shows, and Edo-period movie sets
- Kids can try shuriken throwing, watch performances, and take cool photos
- A great mix of Japanese history and fun
📍 Access: Saiin Station → Randen Line to “Uzumasa-Kōryūji Station” → 5 min walk
⏳ Travel Time: ~15 minutes
🍡 Wagashi (Japanese Sweets) Making Class
- Make colorful traditional sweets (nerikiri, mochi, etc.)
- Fun and tasty cultural activity for both kids and adults
- Popular in areas like Gion and Arashiyama
📍 Access depends on the location (Gion or Arashiyama)
⏳ Travel Time: ~30–40 minutes
🎨 Kiyomizu-yaki Pottery Painting (Gojozaka Area)
- Kids can paint their own cup or plate, which will be fired and mailed later
- Hands-on creative activity, ideal for artistic children
📍 Access: Saiin → JR Kyoto → bus or walk to Gojozaka
⏳ Travel Time: ~40–60 minutes
🚂 Trains, Animals & Hands-on Fun
🚄 Kyoto Railway Museum (Umekoji Park)
- Huge displays of real trains: Shinkansen, steam locomotives, and simulators
- Kids can touch, explore, and even “drive” in simulators
- Great for train lovers of all ages
📍 Access: Saiin → JR Kyoto Station → 20 min walk or short bus ride
⏳ Travel Time: ~40 minutes
🐧 Kyoto Aquarium (next to Railway Museum)
- Features dolphins, penguins, jellyfish, and even giant salamanders native to Kyoto
- Easy to walk with strollers and indoors for comfort
- Combo trip with Railway Museum is highly recommended
📍 Access: Same as above (Umekoji Park area)
⛩️ Outdoor Adventures & Nature Walks
🐒 Arashiyama Monkey Park + Bamboo Grove
- Short uphill hike to see wild Japanese monkeys up close
- Feed monkeys safely and enjoy a panoramic view of Kyoto
- Walk through the famous bamboo forest and visit the scenic Togetsukyo Bridge
📍 Access: Saiin → Hankyu or Randen Line to Arashiyama
⏳ Travel Time: ~30 minutes
🔴 Fushimi Inari Taisha (Thousand Torii Gates)
- Kids love exploring the mysterious red gate tunnels
- Great for a mini adventure and family photos
- Hike as far as you like — flexible for younger travelers
📍 Access: Saiin → JR Kyoto Station → JR Nara Line to “Inari Station”
⏳ Travel Time: ~40 minutes
👘 Dress Up for the Perfect Photo
- Rent kimono, ninja, or samurai outfits (children’s sizes available)
- Walk through Gion, Kiyomizu, or Arashiyama dressed up for photos
- English support available in many rental shops
🗺️ Getting Around from Villa Kyoto Saiin
| Destination | Route | Travel Time (Approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| Shijo (Pokémon Center) | Hankyu to Karasuma | 15 min |
| Toei Studio Park | Randen Line | 15–20 min |
| Arashiyama | Hankyu or Randen Line | 30 min |
| Kyoto Station / Railway Museum | Bus or train | 30–40 min |
| Nintendo Museum (Uji) | JR Line from Kyoto | ~1 hour |
✅ Summary: Make Your Kyoto Trip a Memory to Cherish
From video games to samurai adventures, Kyoto is full of unexpected fun for families.
Villa Kyoto Saiin is a great base to explore all the highlights—convenient, central, and peaceful.
Create unforgettable moments with your children in a city where culture meets fun!