A Sweet Winter Day-trip to Arashiyama with Kids: Monkey Park, Bamboo Forests, and Cute Cafes
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Jump To...
- Getting there
- When to Visit
- Base Cost
- Wishlist for our Next Visit
- Why Visit Arashiyama with Kids
- Where to Stay
- Before You Go & What to Pack
- Top Recommended Family-Friendly Activities in Arashiyama
Quick Tips
When To Visit
You’ll likely have heard visits to Japan associated with cherry blossom season in April and May, which I’m certain is a pleasant time to visit, if it weren’t for the crowds. In our opinion, any time of year is a wonderful time to visit Arashiyama.
Before You go
- Bookmark sites in Google Maps or Wanderlog and download offline maps
- Buy an e-sim to save on cellphone roaming costs; there is free wifi throughout the city but it can be spotty.
What To Pack
Getting There
Arashiyama is about a 20-minute train ride from Kyoto Station. Use your JR Pass to take the JR San-In line to the Saga-Arashiyama station, or spend half an hour in the car if driving. From Saga-Arashiyama station, a number of the activities below are a short distance away.
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Top Family-Friendly Activities in Arashiyama
Why Visit Arashiyama with Kids
Arashiyama is a wonderful family-friendly destination to:
- Visit scenic natural areas and wildlife
- Feel quaint, small-town vibes not too far from Kyoto Station
DESTINATION: Arashiyama, Japan
AGE OF OUR KID: 5 years
LENGTH OF STAY: 12 hours
TIME OF YEAR: February
Family-Friendly Hotels Near Arashiyama
While we didn’t stay in Arashiyama proper, we loved our Kyoto hotel and highly recommend it.
Ryokan Kohro
- ~$150 USD/night/room
We loved staying at Ryokan Kohro, a quaint and traditional Japanese inn in Kyoto, just a few blocks from Nishiki Market and nearby shopping areas.
When looking for accommodations, one of my bucketlist items was to stay in a ryokan, visit a sento or other bath house, and have a multi-course kaiseki meal served in our room. Ryokan Kohro fulfilled all of those expectations and more, especially with its kind and welcoming staff. Read more about our stay at Ryokan Kohro on our blog post about Kyoto!
Hang out with the monkeys at Arashiyama Monkey Park Iwatayama
Great for a day hike and monkeying around
- Cash only: ¥600 JPY for adults ages 16+, ¥300 JPY for kids ages 4-15, free for kids under 4 years old
- 2-3 hours
A number of friends recommended visiting the wild monkeys in Arashiyama with our kid, and we’re so glad we did!
The monkey park is situated on top of a hill in Arashiyama, so it’s a hike to get up there, but the elevation gain is worth the views and the fun activities, which include observing the monkeys or feeding them snacks that can be purchased in the cabin.
Aside from monkey sightings, you’ll be treated to a 180-degree vantage point of Kyoto. Come for the monkeys, stay for the view. My kid says: be sure not to miss the giant banana at the top! Read on for our full review of the Arashiyama Monkey Park Iwatayama, coming soon!
Walk along the Ōi River (Katsura River)
Great for a nature walk and people-watching
- 30-60 minutes
This isn’t a formal activity but when in Arashiyama we recommend navigating to the Togetsukyō Bridge (渡月橋) to enjoy the sights and sounds of the area. From the train station you’ll meander down a road of shops and eateries, then find yourself on the wooden bridge with beautiful views of the hilly landscape. During the winter the river was flowing but many of the surrounding trees were covered in snow. We loved people- and nature-watching from our vantage point on the bridge.
Meander through the Arashiyama Bamboo Forest
Great for a lovely view of nature
- 30+ minutes
Feel small amongst the towering bamboo shoots not too far from the central part of Arashiyama. This bamboo forest feels like more of a manmade grove with paved paths (decent for strollers and wheelchair users). As long as it’s not teeming with people it still gives you the feeling of being in a faraway forest. Our family walked to the grove from the train station on our way to Arashiyama Rilakkuma Tea House.
Where to Eat
Great for the most adorable (and delicious!) meal
~¥2,500 JPY/$20 USD/person
1-2+ hours
Japan has its fair share of adorable themed cafes, and the Arashiyama Rilakkuma Tea House ranks high on the cute factor. Centered around the Sanrio bear character, Rilakkuma, this second-floor restaurant serves up the cutest little bear-shaped eats! My favorite was the floating Rilakkuma marshmallow in my latte, while my kid’s favorite was the pancake. Everything was as cute as it was delicious and you even get to take home your little paper coaster.
We arrived a little earlier than their opening time and were the first guests to grab a number. We spent our wait-time perusing the Sanrio store downstairs and attempted to resist making any unnecessary cute-fueled purchases.
Final Thoughts
Every trip has its highlights, surprises, and lessons learned along the way. Whether you’re exploring a new city, relaxing in nature, or discovering local attractions, the memories you create together are what make the experience truly special.
Traveling with kids may require a little extra planning and flexibility, but seeing a destination through their eyes often makes the journey even more rewarding. From favorite activities to unexpected moments, every adventure becomes part of your family’s story.
No matter where your travels take you next, embrace the experience, enjoy the small moments, and make time for the things that matter most—being together and creating lasting memories.
Have you visited this destination? What was your favorite part of the trip?Share in the comments below.
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