Kyoto, Japan, is a wonderful blend of ancient temples, stunning gardens, and modern urban life. Whether you’re traveling with toddlers, teens, or anyone in between, the city’s well-organized public transportation system makes it easy to explore with kids. Here’s a breakdown of the best ways for families to get around Kyoto, including trains, buses, taxis, and more.
Trains
Family-Friendly Features:
- Plenty of seating, especially during off-peak hours.
- Easy access for strollers and kids, with dedicated priority seating.
Accessibility:
Kyoto’s train stations are well-equipped with elevators, ramps, and wide gates, perfect for strollers and wheelchairs.
Cleanliness:
Japanese trains are known for their cleanliness. You won’t have to worry about dirty seats or stations.
Air-conditioned Comfort:
All trains are air-conditioned, a lifesaver in Kyoto’s humid summer months.
Quiet Environment:
Trains are quiet and respectful spaces—perfect for keeping your little ones calm during the ride.
Child Fare:
Children under 6 ride free, while kids aged 6-12 pay half the adult fare.
Tips for Families:
- Peak Hours: Avoid trains from 7:30 AM to 9:30 AM and 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM, especially if you’re traveling with strollers.
- Strollers: Every station has wide gates for strollers, and trains have areas for parents to park them.
Explore Nearby Attractions:
Hop on the JR Nara Line to visit Fushimi Inari Shrine, a hit with kids for its vibrant red gates.
Kyoto Subway
Subways
Family-Friendly Features:
- Kyoto has two subway lines that are easy to navigate, even with children in tow.
- Priority seating is available for families, and signs are kid-friendly.
Accessibility:
Both the Karasuma and Tozai lines have elevators and escalators at most stations, perfect for families with young children.
Cleanliness:
Spotlessly clean, just like Japan’s other public transport options.
Air-conditioned Comfort:
Kyoto’s subway trains are fully air-conditioned, helping you beat the heat during the warmer months.
Quiet Environment:
Subways in Japan are generally quiet, which makes for peaceful rides.
Child Fare:
Children under 6 ride free, and those aged 6-12 pay half price.
Tips for Families:
- Peak Hours: Avoid subways between 8:00 AM to 9:30 AM and 5:30 PM to 7:30 PM.
- Strollers: Most subway stations are well-equipped to handle strollers, with wide entry points.
Explore Nearby Attractions:
Head to Kyoto International Manga Museum from Karasuma Oike Station—perfect for teens and pre-teens!
Buses
Family-Friendly Features:
- Kyoto’s bus system covers nearly every corner of the city, making it a convenient option for families.
- Many buses have automated announcements in English, which is helpful for international travelers.
Accessibility:
Most buses have a low step or ramp access, ideal for strollers and wheelchairs.
Cleanliness:
Buses are kept very clean and are frequently maintained.
Air-conditioned Comfort:
Fully air-conditioned, ensuring your ride is comfortable no matter the season.
Quiet Environment:
Buses are quieter than those in most cities, allowing for a more relaxing ride.
Child Fare:
Children under 6 travel free, while older kids (6-12) pay half price.
Tips for Families:
- Peak Hours: Busy during mornings and evenings, particularly in tourist areas like Gion and Arashiyama.
- Strollers: While strollers can be challenging during peak hours, drivers and passengers are generally helpful.
Explore Nearby Attractions:
Take the bus to the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove—a family favorite for its natural beauty and monkey park!
Taxis
Family-Friendly Features:
Taxis in Kyoto are spacious, with many drivers happy to assist families with car seats and strollers.
Accessibility:
Taxis are readily available and can accommodate most strollers and wheelchairs.
Cleanliness:
Immaculately clean, with drivers wearing white gloves and the interiors being spotless.
Air-conditioned Comfort:
Taxis are fully air-conditioned, offering a private, comfortable ride.
Quiet Environment:
Taxis offer a quiet, stress-free option, perfect when your family needs a break from the crowds.
Child Fare:
Taxis in Kyoto don’t have child fares, but the base fare starts at around ¥660 (~$4.50), and can be economical for short trips.
Tips for Families:
Taxis can be more expensive than buses or trains, so they are best for short distances or when you need to rest.
Explore Nearby Attractions:
Take a taxi to Kinkaku-ji (the Golden Pavilion), especially if your little ones are tired from a day of walking.
taxi japan
Taxis
Family-Friendly Features:
Taxis in Kyoto are spacious, with many drivers happy to assist families with car seats and strollers.
Accessibility:
Taxis are readily available and can accommodate most strollers and wheelchairs.
Cleanliness:
Immaculately clean, with drivers wearing white gloves and the interiors being spotless.
Air-conditioned Comfort:
Taxis are fully air-conditioned, offering a private, comfortable ride.
Quiet Environment:
Taxis offer a quiet, stress-free option, perfect when your family needs a break from the crowds.
Child Fare:
Taxis in Kyoto don’t have child fares, but the base fare starts at around ¥660 (~$4.50), and can be economical for short trips.
Tips for Families:
Taxis can be more expensive than buses or trains, so they are best for short distances or when you need to rest.
Explore Nearby Attractions:
Take a taxi to Kinkaku-ji (the Golden Pavilion), especially if your little ones are tired from a day of walking.
Apps: Ride-Hailing and Navigating Kyoto
Family-Friendly Features:
Apps like Uber and JapanTaxi are family-friendly, offering easy booking options.
Accessibility:
Uber offers vehicles that can handle larger groups or families with strollers.
Cleanliness:
High standards for ride-hailing services ensure you’ll ride in clean, well-maintained vehicles.
Air-conditioned Comfort:
All vehicles are air-conditioned, making your ride comfortable in Kyoto’s varying climates.
Quiet Environment:
Private vehicles offer a peaceful, stress-free way to get around.
Tips for Families:
Booking via app ensures you have a car waiting at your exact location, which is helpful with young kids.
Explore Nearby Attractions:
Great for reaching places like Nijo Castle, especially with tired kids at the end of a busy day.