Arashiyama
Arashiyama Family Hotels: Ryokan Stays Near Togetsukyo & the Sagano Train
Kyoto's premier scenic spot, with hot springs and Kyoto cuisine for the family
Known for the Togetsukyo Bridge and the Bamboo Grove path, Arashiyama is a classic Kyoto sightseeing spot that also turns out to be a genuinely convenient base for a family trip. Unlike hotels in the city center, the inns of Arashiyama Onsen sit in a calm setting surrounded by river and mountains, and once the daytime sightseeing crowds thin out in the evening, the area returns to its quieter identity as a hot spring town. Even families with young children who aren't fans of crowds can enjoy Kyoto's classic scenery at a relaxed pace by walking the Togetsukyo Bridge and the Bamboo Grove early in the morning.
When choosing a family-friendly place to stay in Arashiyama, the key things to look at are Japanese-style rooms and meal arrangements. All 4 hotels listed on this site have Japanese-style rooms, which makes them easy to manage with a crawling baby or a child who co-sleeps. Toddler meals and allergy support are also offered at all 4 of the listed hotels, so even at inns serving Kyoto-style kaiseki cuisine, you can ask about a meal suited to your child. At inns that offer in-room dining, you can eat dinner at your family's own pace, without worrying about other guests.
As for bathing, another point families will appreciate is that the water at Arashiyama Onsen is a gentle, low-mineral hot spring that's easy on the skin. 3 properties have a private-hire bath, letting your family enjoy the hot spring together without other guests around. Many hotels also have a bath in the room, so bathing is no problem even for babies who aren't ready for a communal bath yet.
For sightseeing, Arashiyama's strength is having plenty of kid-friendly spots within walking distance. The Sagano Scenic Railway (a popular sightseeing train) offers views of the Hozugawa River gorge — an experience that train-loving kids won't want to miss. The banks of the Katsura River are just the right size for a walk with a young child, and at the Arashiyama Monkey Park Iwatayama you can watch wild Japanese macaques up close. It's about 15 minutes from Kyoto Station on the JR Sagano Line, so connections to city sightseeing and the Shinkansen are smooth too.
Highlights
- checkAll 4 hotels have Japanese-style rooms and offer toddler meals, supporting a Kyoto trip with a baby
- check3 properties with private-hire baths, in the gentle, skin-friendly waters of Arashiyama Onsen
- checkThe Sagano Scenic Railway, the Monkey Park, and the banks of the Katsura River are all within walking distance, about 15 minutes from Kyoto Station by JR
Family-friendly features in Arashiyama
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Nearby attractions
Travel tips
Arashiyama gets extremely crowded at the peak of cherry blossom season (early April) and fall foliage season (late November). If you're traveling with a stroller, it's best to visit the main spots before 9 a.m. or in the evening, avoiding the midday peak. You can walk from around the Togetsukyo Bridge to the Bamboo Grove path, but since some sections have stone paving or gravel, a baby carrier is a reassuring backup. The Sagano Scenic Railway has limited seating, so advance reservations are strongly recommended during peak travel seasons.
Best season
Spring (cherry blossoms) and fall (foliage) are the visual peak, but if you want to avoid crowds, the fresh greenery of May and June is a great choice. Summer is cool along the banks of the Katsura River, and winter offers a quieter, less crowded Arashiyama.
Getting there
About 15 minutes from Kyoto Station to Saga-Arashiyama Station on the JR Sagano Line. Hankyu Arashiyama Station and Randen Arashiyama Station are also options. By car, it's about 30 minutes from the Kyoto-Minami interchange on the Meishin Expressway, but public transportation is recommended during peak travel seasons, since surrounding roads get congested.
Frequently Asked Questions
From what age can families enjoy a trip to Arashiyama?
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It's enjoyable from a newborn baby's first trip. Every listed hotel has Japanese-style rooms, making it easy to co-sleep or put your child down on a futon. The area around the Togetsukyo Bridge and the banks of the Katsura River are also easy to walk with a stroller, and visiting the Bamboo Grove path in the morning lets you avoid the crowds.
Are there any Arashiyama hotels you'd recommend for families with a baby?
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Hotels in Arashiyama Onsen are mostly built around Japanese-style rooms, and many offer toddler meals or allergy support. Choosing a property with a private-hire bath lets your family enjoy the hot spring on your own, and one with a bath in the room means bathing is easy even for a baby who isn't ready for a communal bath yet. Hotels with in-room dining also let you relax at dinner without worrying about other guests.
Is a car necessary to visit Arashiyama?
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Public transportation alone is more than enough. It's about 15 minutes from Kyoto Station on the JR Sagano Line, and there are also Hankyu and Randen stations, with the main sightseeing spots within walking distance of the stations. If anything, traveling by train is recommended during peak seasons, since the surrounding roads get congested and parking is limited.
Can families still enjoy Arashiyama with kids on a rainy day?
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The Sagano Scenic Railway runs rain or shine, letting you enjoy views of the Hozugawa River gorge from the train window. Tenryu-ji Temple has covered viewing areas too, and at a hot spring inn you can simply enjoy your time indoors with a private-hire bath or in-room dining. The Bamboo Grove is also less crowded in the rain, giving it a quieter, more atmospheric Kyoto feel.
When is the best season to visit Arashiyama?
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Early April, for cherry blossoms, and late November, for fall foliage, are the visual peaks, but the area gets extremely crowded during those times. For families with kids, the fresh greenery of May and June, the cool riverside in summer, and the quieter crowds of winter are all comfortable alternatives. If you do visit during peak season, it's best to start sightseeing early, before 9 a.m.