Looking for something to do in Kyoto? Tired of temples? Here’s a full list of activities to keep you and your kids entertained in Kyoto.
Learning samurai kembu in Kyoto – image © Michael Lambe
It’s easy to get templed out in Kyoto. After a while, they all start to seem the same. This is especially true if you’re travelling with children. Luckily, there are heaps of things to do in Kyoto besides visiting temples and shrines. Here’s a full list of great Kyoto activities.
GEAR cast and stage – image © Kishi Takako, courtesy of GEAR
GEAR Kyoto
If you’re looking for a performance that everyone in the family will like, regardless of age, you’ll love GEAR. It’s in the direction of Blue Man, but quite different and uniquely Japanese. It’s non-verbal, so no Japanese language ability is required. Highly recommended. See our full review of GEAR Kyoto.
Tea ceremony at Camellia in Kyoto – image © Chris Rowthorn
Tea Ceremony
Taking part in a traditional Japanese tea ceremony is a great way to take a relaxing break and learn more about the culture. And, despite what you might think, the tea ceremony doesn’t have to be stiff and formal. Indeed, it can be a lot of fun. Visit our Kyoto Tea Ceremony page for details on three places in Kyoto offering tea ceremonies.
Hiking up Mt Daimonji-yama – image © Chris Rowthorn
Hiking
Kyoto is surrounded by mountains on three sides and there is great hiking all around. The hikes are easy and fun and can be done in running shoes. Visit our Hiking in Kyoto page for full details on five great hikes in and around Kyoto.
Samurai kembu dance in Kyoto – image © Michael Lambe
Samurai Kembu
Want to learn about samurai and swordsmanship? Then why not try your hand at samurai kembu, the traditional sword dance of the samurai? After watching a full demonstration, you can get up and try it for yourself. It’s a great activity with kids. Visit our Sword Dancing in Kyoto at Samurai Kembu Theater page for full details.
Northern Higashiyama Tour – image © Chris Rowthorn
Guided Tours
My own company, Chris Rowthorn Tours, offers six different guided walking tours of Kyoto. Tours range from two to eight hours and are suitable for adults and children. Also inquire about our hiking tours in the hills around Kyoto. For more details, visit out Kyoto Walking Tours page.
Rev. Takafumi Kawakami – image © Michael Lambe
Zen Meditation
The head priest at Shunko-in (part of Myoshin-ji), Rev. Kawakami Takafumi offers regular Zen meditation classes. Rev. Kawakami speaks great English and is a genial guide to this mindfulness tradition. For more details, see our Finding Zen in Myoshin-ji page.
Nishiki-yu Sento in Kyoto © ishikawa_takanori
Sento – Japanese Public Baths
It might not seem like a real activity, but for the Japanese, bathing is a perfectly good way to spend a few hours relaxing (and we agree with them). If your legs ache from temple-hopping, then why not head to one of Kyoto’s great sento (public baths)? Visit our Kyoto’s Best Sento – Japanese Public Baths page for full details.
Kurama Onsen Outdoor Bath © gbsk
Onsen
In addition to great sento (public baths, see above), Kyoto has two great onsen (natural hot springs) where you can soak away your cares and aches. Visit our Kyoto’s Best Onsen – Hot Spring Baths page for full details.
Cycling around Kyoto © Gavin Anderson
Cycling
Kyoto is probably the best city for cycling in all of Asia. It’s flat, the drivers are generally considerate, and the weather is usually fine for cycling. Indeed, a rental bicycle is the single best way to explore Kyoto. So why not rent a bicycle and get out there and have a blast? For full details, see our Cycling in Kyoto page.
Kids boating in Arashiyama © jennycu
Boat Rental in Arashiyama
One of our favorite activities to do with kids is renting a rowboat and exploring the Hozu-gawa River in Arashiyama. It’s cheap, fun and easy and the kids always have a great time. For full details, see our Arashiyama Boat Rental page.
See a Movie
There are several movie theatres in Kyoto, including two great arthouse cinemas. Movies are usually screened in their original language, so there are no language issues. Visit our Kyoto Arts page and scroll down for details on three cinemas in Kyoto.
Kyoto Rental Car © fotnmc
Rent a Car and Get Out of Town
There are some great drives in the mountains north of the city, or you can head across the Higashiyama Mountains and explore the Lake Biwa-ko area. A rental car opens up a lot of possibilities. Best of all, it’s relatively cheap and it’s easy to drive in Japan. For full details, see our Renting a Car in Kyoto page.
Need More Ideas?
Here are some other pages that might be of interest:
Kyoto Vacation Checklist
- For all the essentials in a brief overview, see my First Time In Kyoto guide
- Check Kyoto accommodation availability on Booking.com and Agoda.com - often you can book with no upfront payment and free cancellation
- You can buy shinkansen (bullet train) tickets online from Klook - popular routes include Tokyo to Kyoto, Kyoto to Osaka and Kyoto to Tokyo
- Need tips on where to stay? See my one page guide Where To Stay In Kyoto
- See my comprehensive Packing List For Japan
- You can buy an eSim to activate in Japan or buy a data-only SIM card online for collection when you arrive at Tokyo's Narita or Haneda Airports or Kansai International Airport. You can also rent an unlimited data pocket wifi router
- Compare Japan flight prices and timings to find the best deals
- If you're making frequent train journeys during your visit, you might save money with Japan Rail Pass – see if it's worth it for you
- A prepaid Welcome Suica card makes travelling around Kyoto easy – here's how
- World Nomads offers simple and flexible travel insurance. Buy at home or while traveling and claim online from anywhere in the world
- Do you want help planning your trip? Chris Rowthorn and his team of Japan experts at Japan Travel Consulting can help
