Finding the best hotels in Kyoto for families means choosing the right mix of comfort, culture, and convenience. Whether you’re after a peaceful retreat near temples, a playful space for kids, or easy access to transport, this guide covers everything from hidden gems to trusted chains. We’ll help you discover the best family friendly hotels that Kyoto has to offer, highlight standout budget hotels for families, and showcase a selection of kid-friendly places to stay that parents will appreciate too, while you’re in Japan. If you’ve been wondering where to stay in Kyoto for families, especially on your first visit, this is the place to start.
NEED HELP PLANNING THE REST OF YOUR STAY IN KYOTO?
Check out our full Kyoto Family Travel Guide for insider tips on when to visit, how to get around, and what to pack. Then dive into the Kyoto with Kids Hub to explore every family-focused guide, itinerary, and cultural experience we’ve created for discovering Kyoto with kids.
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Why Book Ahead? It’s often quicker, avoids long lines, and helps skip language barriers at the ticket counter.
Luca & Nico’s Top Pick: Gion House
- Why We Picked It: As parents, we’re always drawn to places that help our kids connect with the culture around them, not just see it, but feel it. Staying at Gion House gave us that. From tatami floors to early morning walks past glowing lanterns, it felt like we had stepped into Kyoto’s living history. It offered our family privacy, calm, and the rare feeling of being part of the neighborhood, not just visitors passing through.
- Why Families Love It: A private machiya-style townhouse with traditional architecture, modern comforts, and a perfect Gion location. Families can relax in their own peaceful space, enjoy a full kitchen, and explore Kyoto’s historic streets the moment they step outside. It’s one of the most immersive and memorable ways to experience Kyoto with kids.
- Nearby Attractions: Yasaka Shrine, Maruyama Park, Gion’s lantern-lit alleys, Kiyomizu-dera Temple
- Room Types: Lower-Level Unit with Tatami Living Room, Full Kitchen, Large Bath (Sleeps 4)
Book Luca & Nico’s #1 Favorite Family Stay in Kyoto – Gion House
Best Luxury Hotels in Kyoto for Families (¥¥¥)
These luxury hotels offer more than style, they create calm, spacious, and culturally rich experiences for families. With larger rooms, attentive service, and great access to Kyoto’s must-see spots, these are ideal for parents who want relaxation and convenience in one beautiful package.
1. The Ritz-Carlton Kyoto (Central Kyoto / Kamo River)
- Why Families Love It: With riverside views, impeccable service, and spacious suites, this hotel blends modern comfort with Kyoto’s peaceful charm. The Ritz Kids program includes seasonal crafts and kid-sized yukata.
- Nearby Attractions: Kyoto Gyoen National Garden, Nishiki Market, Pontocho Alley
- Room Types: Deluxe and Suite Rooms with extra beds available
Book elegant riverside suites with family perks at The Ritz-Carlton Kyoto
2. Hotel The Celestine Kyoto Gion (Gion)
- Why Families Love It: Located in a quiet corner of Gion, this luxury hotel combines traditional design with upscale amenities. Rooms feature tatami-style seating, and families appreciate the on-site bathhouse and peaceful atmosphere.
- Nearby Attractions: Yasaka Shrine, Maruyama Park, Hanamikoji Street
- Room Types: Premier Rooms and Japanese-Style Twin Rooms
Reserve a peaceful retreat in the heart of Gion at Hotel The Celestine Kyoto
3. Hyatt Regency Kyoto (Higashiyama)
- Why Families Love It: Just a short walk from temples and museums, this hotel offers spacious rooms, kid-friendly dining, and cribs upon request. The peaceful garden setting feels miles away from city noise.
- Nearby Attractions: Sanjusangendo, Kyoto National Museum, Tofukuji Temple
- Room Types: Family Rooms, Regency Suite with Sofa Bed
Check availability for spacious family rooms at Hyatt Regency Kyoto
4. Suiran, a Luxury Collection Hotel (Arashiyama)
- Why Families Love It: For families wanting to experience the scenic side of Kyoto, Suiran offers riverside serenity and private hot spring baths. It’s a great way to combine nature and luxury.
- Nearby Attractions: Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, Iwatayama Monkey Park, Tenryu-ji Temple
- Room Types: Japanese-Style Rooms with Open-Air Baths, Suites
Experience riverside serenity with onsen-style luxury at Suiran in Arashiyama
5. Ace Hotel Kyoto (Central / Karasuma Oike)
- Why Families Love It: Stylish, artsy, and packed with personality, Ace Hotel welcomes families with its spacious rooms, creative decor, and laid-back vibe. On-site restaurants and family amenities make it a standout.
- Nearby Attractions: Nishiki Market, Kyoto International Manga Museum
- Room Types: Double Rooms, Loft Suites with extra bedding
Stay in style at Ace Hotel Kyoto with creative family suites and easy city access
Luca & Nico’s Tip: If you want a mix of nature and temples, Suiran in Arashiyama feels like a secret hideout by the river. But for easy food and train access, the Ace Hotel is perfect, you can even rent bikes right from the lobby!
THINKING OF BOOKING A HOTEL WITH A POOL? READ THIS FIRST.
Before you book, make sure to read our full guide on family hotels in Japan with pools. From hidden rules to unexpected fees, it covers everything parents need to know for a splash-worthy stay.
Best Mid-Range Hotels in Kyoto for Families (¥¥)
These mid-range hotels in Kyoto combine comfort, thoughtful design, and excellent locations for exploring with kids. Expect larger-than-average rooms, easy access to public transit, and plenty of nearby restaurants, parks, and family-friendly attractions.
1. MIMARU Kyoto (Various Locations)
- Why Families Love It: Designed specifically for families and groups, MIMARU offers apartment-style suites with bunk beds, kitchenettes, and tatami areas. Each location is within walking distance of trains and major sights.
- Nearby Attractions: Depends on location – Kyoto Station, Kawaramachi, or Nishiki Market
- Room Types: Family Apartments, Japanese-Style Rooms, Loft Bunk Suites
Book an apartment-style suite with kitchen space at any MIMARU Kyoto location
2. Hotel Gracery Kyoto Sanjo (Central Kyoto / Teramachi)
- Why Families Love It: Located in a great walking area, this hotel offers compact but well-equipped rooms with triple and quad options. Families appreciate the quiet atmosphere and nearby shopping arcades.
- Nearby Attractions: Nishiki Market, Teramachi Shopping Street, Kyoto Art Center
- Room Types: Triple Rooms, Twin + Sofa Bed Rooms
Reserve family-sized rooms in a walkable location at Hotel Gracery Kyoto Sanjo
3. Solaria Nishitetsu Hotel Kyoto Premier (Kawaramachi / Kamo River)
- Why Families Love It: Set right along the Kamo River, this modern hotel offers calm surroundings, spacious rooms, and easy access to Gion and downtown. The in-room baths with a view are a hit.
- Nearby Attractions: Pontocho Alley, Gion, Kyoto BAL
- Room Types: Deluxe Twin, River View Rooms, Family Rooms with Sofas
Enjoy river views and modern comfort at Solaria Nishitetsu Kyoto Premier
4. Hotel Resol Kyoto Kawaramachi Sanjo (Downtown Kyoto)
- Why Families Love It: A design-forward hotel that offers excellent value, family rooms with extra bedding, and proximity to dining, shops, and subway lines. Great for older kids and tweens.
- Nearby Attractions: Nishiki Market, Gion-Shijo Station, Kamogawa River
- Room Types: Twin Rooms with Extra Bed, Triple Rooms
Check availability for well-designed family rooms at Hotel Resol Kyoto Sanjo
5. The General Kyoto Takatsuji Tominokoji (Central Kyoto)
- Why Families Love It: With elegant Japanese design and family-friendly service, this boutique hotel offers cozy, peaceful rooms with modern comforts. Parents love the clean design and quiet vibe.
- Nearby Attractions: Kyoto Station, Kyoto Aquarium, Higashi Honganji
- Room Types: Twin + Sofa Bed Rooms, Compact Family Rooms
Stay in boutique-style calm at The General Kyoto with family comfort in mind
Luca & Nico’s Tip: If your family loves having a kitchen or extra space to chill, MIMARU is always a win. But if you’re walking everywhere, staying near Kawaramachi or Teramachi makes snack runs and temple strolls way easier!
STAY BOOKED, NOW PLAY!
Got your hotel sorted? Now it’s time to explore Kyoto! Discover our Best Things to Do in Kyoto with Kids, from bamboo forests and temple fox hunts to river picnics and monkey parks. Or if the weather isn’t on your side, check out our Kyoto Indoor Activities Guide for cultural crafts, hands-on museums, and cozy rainy-day escapes.
Best Budget Hotels in Kyoto for Families (¥)
Kyoto has plenty of affordable stays that still meet family travel needs. These hotels may not have big lobbies or luxury extras, but they offer great value, easy access to public transportation, and comfort for parents traveling with kids.
1. Sakura Terrace The Gallery (Kyoto Station)
- Why Families Love It: Just a short walk from Kyoto Station, this stylish budget hotel offers triple rooms, free drinks in the lounge, laundry facilities, and a peaceful garden. Kids love the open-air vibe.
- Nearby Attractions: Kyoto Tower, Kyoto Railway Museum, Higashi Honganji
- Room Types: Twin + Sofa Bed Rooms, Triple Rooms
Book a stylish stay near Kyoto Station at Sakura Terrace with triple room options
2. Hotel Mystays Kyoto Shijo (Shijo Area)
- Why Families Love It: Clean, compact, and centrally located, this hotel is perfect for families who want to explore by foot or subway. Rooms include air purifiers, mini-fridges, and enough space for extra beds.
- Nearby Attractions: Shijo Shopping Street, Nishiki Market, Karasuma Subway Line
- Room Types: Twin Rooms with Extra Bed, Triple Rooms
Reserve clean, central family rooms at Hotel Mystays Kyoto Shijo
3. The Pocket Hotel Kyoto Shijo-Karasuma (Downtown)
- Why Families Love It: This minimalist hotel has private family rooms with shared bathrooms, making it a great budget-friendly base for active families who won’t be in the room much.
- Nearby Attractions: Nishiki Market, Kawaramachi, Gion
- Room Types: Family Rooms with Bunk Beds or Futons
Stay smart and affordable in minimalist family rooms at The Pocket Hotel
4. Ryokan Shimizu (Kyoto Station Area)
- Why Families Love It: This traditional ryokan offers tatami mat rooms and futon bedding at a great price. It’s a quiet, friendly spot where kids can experience a bit of local culture.
- Nearby Attractions: Kyoto Tower, Kyoto Station, Umekoji Park
- Room Types: Japanese-Style Rooms with Futons (Sleeps 3–4)
Experience traditional Kyoto hospitality at Ryokan Shimizu with family futon rooms
5. Ryokan Hostel Gion (Gion Area)
- Why Families Love It: Ryokan Hostel Gion combines traditional Japanese charm with modern comforts, offering private family rooms with bunk beds in the heart of Gion. Families love the quiet, convenient location near Kyoto’s top temples and the walkable old streets.
- Nearby Attractions: Yasaka Shrine, Kiyomizu-dera Temple, Hanamikoji Street
- Room Types: Private Quadruple Room with 2 Twin Bunk Beds and Private Bathroom
Book a private family room with bunk beds at Ryokan Hostel Gion in old Kyoto
Luca & Nico’s Tip: Staying near Kyoto Station is super helpful if you’re hopping trains or doing day trips. But if you want to walk to temples and grab snacks at night, Gion or Shijo gives you the best street-level experience, on a budget!
Most Unique Family-Friendly Stays in Kyoto (¥–¥¥¥)
From traditional machiya houses to temples and themed suites, Kyoto is full of unforgettable places to stay with kids. These spots go beyond basic lodging, they make your accommodation part of the adventure.
1. Nazuna Kyoto Gosho (Machiya Style Stay)
- Why Families Love It: This luxury-level machiya inn offers private rooms with tatami mats, hinoki bathtubs, and open-air spaces, all designed inside beautifully restored townhouses.
- Nearby Attractions: Kyoto Imperial Palace, Kyoto Gyoen Park
- Room Types: Two-Level Machiya Suites with Futons (Sleeps 4–5)
Reserve a two-story machiya suite at Nazuna Kyoto Gosho for a luxury heritage stay
2. Kyomachiya Ryokan Sakura Honganji
- Why Families Love It: This modern-meets-traditional ryokan welcomes kids, with Japanese-style rooms, futons, and a calm neighborhood near Kyoto Station. It’s a great intro to ryokan life.
- Nearby Attractions: Nishi Honganji, Kyoto Station, Kyoto Aquarium
- Room Types: Japanese Rooms with Futons for Families
Book a family-friendly ryokan near Kyoto Station with Japanese-style charm
3. Kyoto Nanzenji Garden Ryokan Yachiyo (Higashiyama District)
- Why Families Love It: This historic ryokan, established in 1915, offers spacious tatami rooms, serene Japanese gardens, and onsen-style public baths. Its tranquil setting near Nanzen-ji Temple provides families with an authentic Kyoto experience.
- Nearby Attractions: Nanzen-ji Temple, Eikando Temple, Philosopher’s Path
- Room Types: Japanese-style suites accommodating up to 6 guests, with options for private garden views and onsen-style bathrooms.
Stay in a historic garden ryokan near Philosopher’s Path at Yachiyo Kyoto
4. Rinn Gion Kenninji Villa
- Why Families Love It: A restored Kyoto townhouse turned private villa, with sliding screens, kitchen, and plenty of space for kids to move around. Perfect for families who want privacy and a cultural touch.
- Nearby Attractions: Gion, Kenninji Temple, Yasaka Pagoda
- Room Types: Private Villa (2 Bedrooms, Sleeps 5)
Enjoy private townhouse living at Rinn Gion Kenninji Villa for families
5. MIMARU Kyoto Shinmachi Sanjo (Themed Rooms)
- Why Families Love It: Known for apartment-style rooms, this branch includes themed stays with hidden ninja décor or Japanese-style puzzles. It’s educational, imaginative, and has plenty of space.
- Nearby Attractions: Nishiki Market, Kyoto Art Center
- Room Types: Ninja Themed Rooms, Family Apartments
Check availability for Ninja-themed family apartments at MIMARU Shinmachi Sanjo
Luca & Nico’s Tip: If you want a quiet, magical moment, staying in a temple or a real machiya gives you a feeling of old Kyoto that hotels just can’t match.
DISCOVER MORE FAMILY FUN IN KYOTO
– Monkey Park Iwatayama Guide
– Kyoto Railway Museum Guide
– Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine Guide
– Nijo Castle Guide
– Kinkakuji Temple Guide
– Kiyomizu-dera Temple Guide
FAQs: Best Family Hotels in Kyoto
Planning a trip to Japan with kids? These answers cover everything you need to know about the best family hotels in Kyoto, including where to stay, budget options, and kid-friendly accommodations near top attractions.
A: Top areas for families include Kyoto Station (convenient access to trains and buses), Kawaramachi (central for shops and dining), and Gion (full of cultural sites). Each area offers family-friendly hotels and easy routes to temples, museums, and parks.
A: For first-time visitors with kids, Kyoto Station is the most convenient base. It offers quick train access to top sights like Fushimi Inari and Arashiyama. Kawaramachi is great for walkable dining and shopping, while Gion adds a traditional Kyoto feel with lantern-lit streets and historic charm.
A: The best family hotels in Kyoto include MIMARU (apartment-style suites with bunk beds and kitchens), The Ritz-Carlton Kyoto (luxury with kid-friendly programs), and Hotel Gracery Kyoto Sanjo (modern comfort near shops and temples). These hotels offer larger rooms, family amenities, and convenient access to Kyoto’s top attractions.
A: Yes, great budget options include Hotel Mystays Kyoto Shijo, Sakura Terrace, and The Pocket Hotel. These properties offer compact family rooms, laundry access, and locations close to buses and subways, ideal for saving while still exploring.
A: The Ritz-Carlton Kyoto, Suiran in Arashiyama, and Hotel The Celestine Kyoto Gion are top luxury picks for families. They offer spacious rooms, kids’ amenities, beautiful views, and easy access to cultural attractions.
A: Yes, popular hotels near Kyoto Station include Hotel Granvia Kyoto (directly above the station), MIMARU Kyoto Station, and Hotel Vischio Kyoto. These are ideal for families needing convenience, large rooms, and smooth transit to sights like Arashiyama and Nara.
A: Yes, ryokans like Ryokan Shimizu and Kyomachiya Ryokan Sakura provide tatami rooms with futon bedding, great for families wanting a traditional experience. These stays often include Japanese breakfasts and offer a quiet, cultural environment.
A: For toddlers, the best areas to stay in Kyoto are around Kyoto Station and Arashiyama. Hotels like MIMARU Kyoto Station and Suiran in Arashiyama offer spacious rooms, stroller-friendly access, and nearby attractions like Kyoto Railway Museum and riverside walks. Look for properties with elevators, quiet streets, and easy access to parks or aquariums.
A: Teens will enjoy staying in central areas like Kawaramachi or near Kyoto Station, close to vibrant shopping arcades, cafes, and cultural sites. MIMARU Kyoto Kawaramachi Gojo, Ace Hotel Kyoto, and Hotel Granvia Kyoto are great options with larger rooms, modern tech-friendly features, and access to attractions like Fushimi Inari, Gion, and street food adventures in Nishiki Market.
NEED HELP PLANNING YOUR DAYS IN KYOTO?
Check out our Kyoto Family Itinerary for the perfect 3-day plan filled with shrines, snacks, and secret missions, including temple adventures, river walks, and peaceful afternoon breaks your kids will love.
Until Next Time…
Choosing the right hotel in Kyoto makes all the difference when exploring temples, bamboo forests, and ancient neighborhoods with kids. Whether you’re staying in a traditional machiya, a themed apartment, or a family-friendly hotel near the station, your base will shape your experience.
Stay curious, stay adventurous, and keep dreaming!
~ The LuNi Travels Family ~
