Looking for the best indoor activities in Kyoto with kids? Whether you’re planning for rainy day activities in Kyoto with kids, hoping to escape the summer heat with hot weather activities, or just exploring the top indoor attractions for families that Kyoto has to offer, you’ll find plenty of family indoor fun that goes far beyond temples and tea. From train simulators and manga libraries to jellyfish tunnels, hands-on science labs, and even a real-life Nintendo museum, Kyoto’s indoor spots are packed with energy, imagination, and cultural wonder. Each attraction in this guide includes age tips, stroller info, estimated costs, and a special Luca & Nico’s Challenge to help your kids turn every stop into a mini mission, rain or shine.
As you plan your Kyoto family adventure, our Kyoto Family Travel Guide offers more fun family stops like temples, animal connections, and scenic walks. For a complete collection of every cultural experience, guide, and itinerary, all at your fingertips, be sure to explore the Kyoto with Kids Hub. If you’re wondering whether a sightseeing pass could save your family time and money, our Kyoto Passes Guide breaks down the best options. Want more ideas? See our full Ultimate Guide to Family Attractions in Japan with Kids for the best castles, shrines, theme parks, and more.
Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you click to purchase, it’s at no extra cost to you… when you book through our links, you help support LuNi Travels and the family guides we create!
Why Book Ahead? It’s quicker, avoids long lines, helps skip language barriers, prevents sold-out attractions, and solves payment issues at places that don’t accept credit cards. *Prices are subject to change.
Quick Age Guide to Kyoto Indoor Activities
|
Age Group |
Best Picks |
|---|---|
|
Toddlers & Preschoolers (Ages 2–4) |
Kyoto Railway Museum, Kyoto Aquarium |
|
Young Kids (Ages 5–8) |
Kyoto Municipal Science Center for Youth, Kyoto Museum of Crafts and Design, Nishiki Market |
|
Tweens/Teens (Ages 9+) |
Kyoto International Manga Museum, Kyoto National Museum, Nintendo Museum, Round One Kyoto Kawaramachi, Gion Corner |
|
All Ages |
Kyoto Railway Museum, Kyoto Aquarium, Nishiki Market, Kyoto Museum of Crafts and Design |
1. Kyoto Railway Museum – Climb, Drive & Discover Train Adventures
- Why It’s Awesome: One of Japan’s most impressive railway museums, this multi-floor indoor wonderland lets kids step into real train cars, try driving simulators, and watch shinkansen glide by just outside the glass walls. The museum’s hands-on zones, like the huge model train diorama and the kid-favorite “Driving a Train” game, are ideal for rainy days or hot afternoons.
- Location: Umekōji Park (2-minute walk from Umekōji-Kyōtonishi Station)
- Best For: Ages 2–12
- Cost: ¥
- Duration: 2–3 hours
- Accessibility: Fully stroller-accessible with ramps, elevators, restrooms with changing tables, and nursing spaces.
- Luca & Nico’s Challenge: Can you find the train that used to run with a steam engine? Then design your own dream train and decide where it would take your family next!
2. Kyoto Aquarium – Otters, Jellyfish & Kyoto’s Aquatic Secrets
- Why It’s Awesome: Compact yet immersive, Kyoto Aquarium is packed with freshwater and ocean creatures, including adorable river otters, penguins, glowing jellyfish, and a dramatic dolphin pool. Interactive exhibits show the life of Kyoto’s rivers and coastline, while touch tanks and digital displays keep curious kids entertained indoors.
- Location: Umekōji Park (next to Kyoto Railway Museum)
- Best For: All ages
- Cost: ¥
- Duration: 1.5–2 hours
- Accessibility: Fully stroller-friendly with wide walkways, elevators, and baby facilities.
- Luca & Nico’s Challenge: Can you spot the jellyfish that glows like a moon? Then try drawing your favorite underwater animal when you get home!
3. Kyoto International Manga Museum – Comics, Characters & Creative Corners
- Why It’s Awesome: With walls lined with manga from floor to ceiling, this museum invites kids to read, browse, and explore Japan’s most famous art form. While much of the collection is Japanese, there are multilingual books and regular hands-on workshops (including caricature drawing and manga storytelling) perfect for families. On rainy days, the cozy reading corners are a lifesaver.
- Location: Karasuma Oike Station (3-minute walk)
- Best For: Ages 6–12
- Cost: ¥
- Duration: 1–2 hours
- Accessibility: Mostly stroller-accessible with ramps and elevator access; indoor shoe-free areas are great for younger kids to roam.
- Luca & Nico’s Challenge: Find a manga character who looks like someone in your family! Then make up a comic panel about your own adventure in Kyoto.
4. Kyoto Municipal Science Center for Youth – Explore, Tinker & Launch Curiosity
- Why It’s Awesome: This hidden gem is packed with hands-on science exhibits, from electricity experiments to gravity tests and balance puzzles. There’s even a planetarium with kid-friendly shows. It’s ideal for families looking for learning through play, especially during bad weather.
- Location: Fushimi area (near Fushimi Station)
- Best For: Ages 4–12
- Cost: ¥
- Duration: 1.5–2 hours
- Accessibility: Fully stroller-friendly with elevators and family restrooms.
- Luca & Nico’s Challenge: Can you make a ball defy gravity or launch one through a loop? Then try to invent your own experiment and name it after yourself!
5. Kyoto Museum of Crafts and Design – Hands-On Art from Kimono to Lacquerware
- Why It’s Awesome: Located in the Kyoto Museum of Culture complex, this modern space introduces kids to Japan’s most beautiful crafts, from washi paper and kimono fabric to wood carving and ceramics. The museum often features interactive displays and sometimes hands-on workshops. It’s quiet, inspiring, and ideal for curious creators.
- Location: Near Heian Shrine (Higashiyama area)
- Best For: Ages 5–12
- Cost: ¥
- Duration: 1–1.5 hours
- Accessibility: Fully accessible with strollers; elevators and quiet spaces make it toddler-friendly.
- Luca & Nico’s Challenge: Can you find an item that was made over 100 years ago? Then sketch your own design for a fan, cup, or kimono pattern!
As you finalize your Kyoto plans, you might be weighing your accommodation choices. Our Kyoto Hotel Guide features top-rated family stays across every budget, whether you’re looking for a riverside luxury retreat in Gion, a modern base near Kyoto Station, or a traditional ryokan-style experience. For a broader look at family-friendly options across the country, you can also compare stays in our Ultimate Guide to Family Hotels in Japan.
Once your hotel is booked, explore our Best Things to Do in Kyoto with Kids guide for temples, gardens, and playful cultural adventures, from the iconic red gates of Fushimi Inari and the sweeping views at Kiyomizu-dera to Arashiyama’s bamboo forest, Kinkaku-ji’s golden pavilion, and the historic halls of Nijo Castle. Don’t forget our Kyoto Indoor Activities Guide for rainy or hot weather alternatives. If you’re planning your schedule, our Kyoto 3-Day Itinerary shows how to balance famous sites with hidden gems at a relaxed, kid-friendly pace.
6. Kyoto National Museum – Samurai Armor, Ancient Scrolls & Interactive History
- Why It’s Awesome: This beautifully designed museum introduces kids to Kyoto’s rich cultural history through exhibitions of samurai gear, ancient scrolls, and centuries-old ceramics. The permanent exhibit halls are quiet and spacious, ideal for families on hot or rainy days. Interactive touch screens and special family days with themed activities make it more engaging for school-aged kids.
- Location: Near Shichijō Station (15-minute walk from Kyoto Station)
- Best For: Ages 6–12
- Cost: ¥
- Duration: 1.5–2 hours
- Accessibility: Fully stroller-friendly with elevators, rest areas, and baby facilities.
- Luca & Nico’s Challenge: Can you find something in the museum older than 500 years? Then imagine what life was like when that object was made, and draw yourself living in that time!
7. Nintendo Museum – From Game Boy to Switch: A Journey Through Play
- Why It’s Awesome: Recently opened and long-awaited, the Nintendo Museum (formerly the Nintendo Uji Ogura Factory) showcases the full history of one of Japan’s most iconic gaming companies. Families can explore early consoles, rare prototypes, and interactive gaming displays. It’s sleek, tech-forward, and a must-visit for fans of Mario, Zelda, and Pokémon.
- Location: Uji City
- Best For: Ages 6–12
- Cost: ¥¥ (reservation required via the My Nintendo app)
- Duration: 1.5–2 hours
- Accessibility: Fully accessible with elevators and rest areas; timed entry helps manage crowds.
- Luca & Nico’s Challenge: Can you find the oldest Nintendo item in the museum? Then invent your own video game and describe the main character!
8. Round One Kyoto Kawaramachi – Arcade Chaos, Sports Games & Rainy Day Fun
- Why It’s Awesome: This multi-level indoor entertainment complex is packed with crane games, rhythm challenges, basketball hoops, bowling, karaoke, and more. It’s energetic, loud, and best for tweens or older kids who want to compete, move, or chill in a booth with snacks. Great for burning off energy on gloomy days.
- Location: Kawaramachi Station area
- Best For: Ages 7–12
- Cost: ¥
- Duration: 1.5–2 hours
- Accessibility: Mostly stroller-friendly in common areas; some game zones have stairs or tight spaces.
- Luca & Nico’s Challenge: Can you beat your own high score in one game, then teach your grown-up how to play it? Try at least one game you’ve never tried before!
9. Nishiki Market (Covered) – Snack Hunts & Kyoto Food Surprises
- Why It’s Awesome: While it’s not a museum, Nishiki Market is a fully covered, weatherproof street filled with Kyoto’s culinary treasures. From skewered fruit and mochi to fried tofu and pickles, kids can snack their way through like explorers. It’s a cultural and sensory indoor experience that works best in short bursts.
- Location: Near Shijō Station
- Best For: Ages 4–12
- Cost: Depends on your appetite!
- Duration: 1–1.5 hours
- Accessibility: Stroller-friendly if not too crowded; best visited early in the day.
- Luca & Nico’s Challenge: Can you try one snack you’ve never eaten before? Then create your own “Kyoto snack sampler” list for the next family that visits!
10. Gion Corner – Indoor Culture Show with Maiko, Tea Ceremony & Japanese Theater
- Why It’s Awesome: Gion Corner offers a kid-friendly sampler of traditional Japanese performing arts in a cozy indoor theater, perfect for families curious about geisha culture without the long ceremonies. The one-hour show includes a tea ceremony, flower arranging, koto music, Kyoto-style dance, and even comic theater. It’s an immersive, low-effort way to experience old Japan.
- Location: Gion (5-minute walk from Gion-Shijō Station)
- Best For: Ages 6–12
- Cost: ¥¥
- Duration: 1 hour
- Accessibility: Stroller-accessible but best for kids who can sit quietly for the show. Entry is open seating, arrive early for better spots.
- Luca & Nico’s Challenge: Can you remember three different performances from the show? Afterward, try reenacting one at home, with costumes or silly voices!
If you’re mapping out your wider Japan route, start with our Japan 14-Day Family Itinerary for a balanced mix of major cities, culture, and kid-friendly highlights. Families comparing trip lengths often find it helpful to look at multiple options, including classic 7-day and 10-day Japan itineraries that show how to pace Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka with kids. And for travelers focusing mainly on Kyoto, our Kyoto 3-Day Family Itinerary offers an easy, child-friendly way to plan your days.
For even more support planning your trip, our Japan Family-Friendly Travel Hub brings together every city guide, attraction, and resource in one place, while our Planning a Family Trip to Japan and Japan Budget Family Travel Tips guides help parents navigate budgets, routes, and practical details.
FAQs: Indoor Activities in Kyoto with Kids
These frequently asked questions about indoor activities in Kyoto with kids will help you plan fun, weatherproof family adventures full of culture, learning, and play.
A: The best indoor activities in Kyoto for kids and families include the Kyoto Railway Museum, Kyoto Aquarium, Kyoto International Manga Museum, and the Nintendo Museum. These attractions are fun, hands-on, and air-conditioned, perfect for toddlers to tweens. They combine learning, play, and cultural discovery, making every visit weatherproof and kid-approved.
A: On rainy days in Kyoto, families can explore indoor spots like the Kyoto Aquarium, Science Center for Youth, Museum of Crafts and Design, and Nishiki Market. These places offer interactive exhibits, stroller-friendly spaces, and fun activities to keep kids dry, engaged, and smiling all day long.
A: On hot summer days, families can cool off at climate-controlled attractions like the Kyoto Aquarium, Kyoto Railway Museum, and Nintendo Museum in Uji. These air-conditioned spaces are designed for longer visits, with kid-friendly exhibits, stroller access, and rest areas, perfect for escaping the heat without missing the fun.
A: Yes, most major indoor attractions in Kyoto are stroller-friendly. Places like the Kyoto Aquarium, Railway Museum, and Museum of Crafts and Design have elevators, wide paths, baby changing areas, and nursing rooms, making them ideal for families with infants or toddlers.
A: Yes, some Kyoto indoor attractions require or strongly recommend advance reservations. The Nintendo Museum in Uji must be booked through the My Nintendo app. Gion Corner is also best reserved during peak seasons. Other spots like the Aquarium or Railway Museum allow same-day entry but may be crowded on weekends.
A: Free and low-cost indoor activities in Kyoto include the Kyoto Museum of Crafts and Design (Free), exploring Nishiki Market (cost depends on snacks), and public exhibitions in cultural centers around the city. These spots offer budget-friendly fun and cultural learning for families.
A: Yes, Kyoto offers amazing creative and cultural indoor experiences for kids. Try kimono pattern sketching at the Museum of Crafts and Design, attend a tea ceremony or dance show at Gion Corner, or explore samurai gear and scrolls at the Kyoto National Museum. These spots bring Japanese culture to life in hands-on, kid-friendly ways.
A: Yes! The Kyoto Railway Museum and Kyoto International Manga Museum are great indoor choices. You can also visit the Kyoto Aquarium or take shelter in Nishiki Market’s covered arcade for snacks and sightseeing.
Until Next Time…
Rain falling outside? Summer sun blazing? No problem. Kyoto’s indoor adventures turn even the trickiest weather into unforgettable family fun. Whether your kids are riding a bullet train simulator, sketching manga characters, marveling at jellyfish, or learning the secrets behind Japan’s most famous video games, these indoor activities in Kyoto make every moment count.
We hope this guide helps you explore Kyoto’s cultural heart without worrying about the skies. Because sometimes, the best family memories aren’t made under cherry blossoms or temple gates… they’re made indoors, with jellyfish glowing nearby, crafts in hand, and adventure around every corner.
Stay curious, stay adventurous, and keep dreaming!
~ The LuNi Travels Family ~
