The short answer
Three full days, so four nights, with Nara as one of those days. That’s what I give Kyoto in my 10 day Japan itinerary: four nights in Tokyo, then four in Kyoto. It’s about two hours and fifteen minutes from Tokyo on the Nozomi bullet train.
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My first day in Kyoto was in 2009, with Adam, on foot, in a downpour.
We did Nishi Hongwanji next to our hotel, breakfast in Kyoto Station, the Toji pagoda, the rock garden at Tofukuji, ten dollars of sushi snacks and Gion, where we saw a maiko and a geiko go by in a rickshaw.
Somewhere in there we found a tiny tea house run by an old couple and sat with them for twenty minutes because it felt like the right thing to do.
That was a LOT for one day. With kids, I’d spread it over three.
How I’d use three days
Day one, Fushimi Inari early. It’s open 24 hours and it’s free, and JR Inari Station is about ten minutes from Kyoto Station, right across from the entrance. The full hike to the top takes two to three hours. You don’t need to go all the way up with kids. Walk the gates until they’re done, then come back down.
Day two, Nara. The Kintetsu limited express takes about 35 minutes, and the JR train about 45. The JR Pass covers JR, not Kintetsu. Kids feed the deer in Nara Park, then you walk to Todaiji to see the giant Buddha. This is the day they’ll talk about.
Day three, the bamboo grove at Arashiyama first thing, then a slow afternoon and Gion in the evening, when the old streets look like a movie set.
The fourth night is your travel day buffer. You arrive in the afternoon, eat, and go to bed.
What I plan around
Mornings. The big sights are calm early and packed by late morning. We lived in Japan and this is the tip I give every family: get out the door first and rest in the afternoon. More on that in Fushimi Inari at 7am.
Your bags. Send the big suitcases from Tokyo to Kyoto with luggage forwarding. They arrive the next day, so pack an overnight bag for the train.
Train fares. On JR, kids under 6 ride free without their own reserved seat, up to two per adult, and kids 6 to 11 pay half. The Japan Rail Pass math for families is here.
Your rooms. Most Kyoto hotel rooms are small. Here’s how I book rooms for a family of 4 or 5 in Japan.
The season. Spring blossoms and fall leaves are gorgeous and busy. I compare the months in when to visit Japan with kids.
Who needs more or less time
Little kids: four nights still works, just plan one big thing a day.
Temple lovers and older kids: add a fifth night for Uji or a slower Kyoto day.
A day trip from Tokyo is possible on the bullet train, but that’s two long train rides for one tired day. I wouldn’t.
My Kyoto with kids guide has where to stay, what to eat and what to see, and the Japan with kids planning guide covers the whole country. The full route is in my 10 day Japan itinerary with kids.
Starting in Tokyo? Here’s how many days Tokyo needs with kids, and if you’re still deciding, if Japan is worth it with kids.
Want Japan planned around your dates and your kids? Here’s how I work with families as a travel advisor.
Kyoto with kids, your questions
Is 3 days enough for Kyoto with kids?
Yes. Three full days covers Fushimi Inari, Nara and Arashiyama with Gion at a family pace.
Is 2 days enough for Kyoto with kids?
It’s tight. You’d have to pick between Nara and Arashiyama, so I’d give Kyoto three full days.
Can you do Kyoto as a day trip from Tokyo?
You can, about two hours and fifteen minutes each way on the Nozomi, but with kids I’d stay at least three nights.
How long does Fushimi Inari take with kids?
The full hike is two to three hours. With kids, walk the gates for an hour or so and turn back. It’s open 24 hours and free.
How do you get from Kyoto to Nara?
The Kintetsu limited express takes about 35 minutes and the JR train about 45. The JR Pass covers JR only.
Do kids ride the bullet train free?
Kids under 6 ride free without their own reserved seat, up to two per adult. Kids 6 to 11 pay half fare.
Nicole Damiano, ASTA Verified Travel Advisor with FG Luxury Travel. Adventures We Seek is my travel blog and planning resource. Trips are booked through Favorite Grampy Travels.
