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Bamboo forests, wild monkeys, Sanrio cafes, riverside walks—all things you can experience in the quaint Kyoto district of Arashiyama on a day trip from Kyoto Station!
If you and your family have at least three days in Kyoto, we’d recommend using one for a day trip to Arashiyama to experience this charming area. Rather than take a tour, we were able to enjoy Arashiyama completely on foot. Says my kid: don’t forget to visit the giant banana!
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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
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.
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
- Standard diaper bag essentials
- Extra snacks and meals, if desired
- Extra layers
- Ergobaby or soft baby carrier, if needed
Read On
Our partners at Storybook Lists provide children’s book recommendations that feature native and local voices to deepen our understanding of the places we visit.
Kiki’s Delivery Service, by Japanese author Eiko Kadono, accompanies half-witch Kiki on her journey to independence as she builds friendships and strength on an adventure to a small Japanese countryside town.
Looking for more?
Browse Storybook Lists’ full catalog of recommended children’s books on Japan.
Family-Friendly Hotels Near Arashiyama
While we didn't stay in Arashiyama proper, we loved our Kyoto hotel and would highly recommend it!
Ryokan Kohro
Great for traditional Japanese rooms, sento baths, and kaiseki dinners
~$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!
Book a stay at Ryokan Kohro on
Top Family-Friendly Activities in Arashiyama
Walk along the Ōi River (Katsura River)
大堰川
Great for a nature walk and people-watching
Free
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
Free
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.
Enjoy brunch at Arashiyama Rilakkuma Tea House
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.
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 literal 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!
Wishlist for our Next Visit
I don’t have many additional must-sees bookmarked in Arashiyama, but I loved the vibe so much so that I’d be happy to be back in whatever capacity!
We hope you enjoy the natural beauty of Arashiyama as much as we did! What’s been your experience visiting Kyoto’s surrounding areas?
Angelica (she/her) is of Cebuano(Pilipinx)-descent and was born and raised in Huchiun Ohlone territory (the East Bay Area--pay your Shuumi Land Tax!), where she also now resides with her partner and their toddler. She loves to spend her time sipping on boba and dirty chai lattes (sometimes together), and eating pescetarian goodies at BIPOC-owned cafes and restaurants.
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