Kyoto 2-Day Itinerary for Families with Children

A two-day Kyoto plan built around what children genuinely enjoy - wild monkeys on a forested hill, a samurai film studio with live actors, bamboo taller than a house, and a stroll through Teramachi Street's shops and arcades. Early evenings and manageable walking distances throughout.

Los Angeles to Kansai International: Main gateway for Kyoto Los Angeles to Osaka Itami: Domestic flights only

See also the Kyoto 2-Day base itinerary for adult-focused timing and transit details.

Day 0 - Arrive in Kyoto

Arrival

Land, Transfer, Settle

Airport: KIX Kansai International. Haruka Express to Kyoto Station (75 min, ¥3,600 adults; children 6-11 half price, under 6 free).
Hotel: Near Kyoto Station or Kawaramachi for flat streets and easy bus access. Avoid walking-heavy areas on arrival day.
Evening: Settle in and rest near the hotel.

Day 1 - Arashiyama Monkey Park · Bamboo Grove · Tenryu-ji

Morning · 9:30

Arashiyama Monkey Park (Iwatayama)

What: Over 200 wild Japanese macaques roam freely on a forested hill above the Oi River. Visitors climb 20 min up to the feeding station - from inside a wire enclosure, you can feed the monkeys through the mesh using provided food items. Extraordinary for children.
Trail: 20 min uphill walk from the base - manageable for children aged 5+. Strollers cannot be taken up; leave at the base entrance. The climb has rest benches.
Cost: ¥550 adults / ¥250 children (aged 3-15).
Time: 1-1.5 hrs including the hike up and down.

🚶 15 min walk north from Monkey Park base → Bamboo Grove entrance

Afternoon · 12:00

Arashiyama Bamboo Grove + Tenryu-ji Garden

Bamboo grove: The 200m path is short enough for young children and visually impressive enough to hold their attention. Free. Allow 20 min.
Tenryu-ji garden: Beautiful Zen garden alongside the grove - ¥500 adults (children under 12 free for garden). The large pond and open grounds give children space to move around. 45 min.
After: The area around Togetsukyo bridge is pleasant for a short rest before heading back.

🚃 30 min - JR Sagano Line from Saga-Arashiyama back to Kyoto Station

Evening · 16:00

Early Return + Rest

Plan: Return early - children tire quickly after a full outdoor morning. Back at the hotel by 18:00.

Day 2 - Toei Kyoto Studio Park

Morning · 9:30

Toei Kyoto Studio Park (Toei Eigamura)

What: A samurai-era film studio open to the public - actors in full samurai, ninja, and geisha costumes perform shows and walk the streets throughout the day. Children can try on ninja costumes, throw shuriken (foam), and walk through recreated Edo-period sets.
Experiences: Ninja experience ¥500, samurai photo rental ¥1,500. Live shows throughout the day (check schedule at entrance). The outdoor sets include a recreation of an old-town market, samurai mansion, and jail.
Cost: ¥2,400 adults / ¥1,200 children (aged 3-12). Full day ticket.
Time: 3-4 hrs - this is a full morning and early afternoon attraction.
Access: Bus 75 from Kyoto Station (25 min, ¥230) to Uzumasa Eigamura-mae stop.

Before You Go

Monkey Park hill. The 20-min uphill walk is manageable for children aged 5+ but not stroller-friendly. Leave strollers at the base entrance (free storage). Bring water - it gets warm on the climb.

Toei Studio timing. Check the live show schedule at the entrance and plan around the 11am and 2pm samurai performances - these are the highlights and children love them. Arrive at opening to see the first show.

Toilet access. Toei Studio Park has family restrooms throughout. Arashiyama has public toilets near Togetsukyo bridge. Japan's public toilets are clean - never a concern in Kyoto.

Search Flights to Kansai (Kyoto / Osaka)

Find flights to KIX - the main gateway for Kyoto, 75 min to Kyoto Station by Haruka Express.