Kyoto Family Hotels: Station-Front, Arashiyama Onsen, or Machiya

When choosing where to stay in Kyoto with kids, the first thing you'll likely wrestle with is: a station-front hotel that's convenient for sightseeing, an onsen inn where you can relax, or a machiya townhouse where your family can have the place to yourselves? Kyoto's attractions are spread widely across the city, and some areas — like Arashiyama — sit a bit farther out, so where you base yourself makes a big difference to how easily you can get around. With young children in tow, choosing the right location and type of hotel really shapes how comfortable your trip feels.

For families who want to sightsee efficiently, a large hotel near Kyoto Station is convenient. Its strength is easy access by Shinkansen and simple onward travel to each sightseeing spot by city bus or subway. Hotels like Rihga Royal Hotel Kyoto offer Japanese-style rooms and kid-friendly meals, which helps cut down on the hassle of moving around with a baby and all your gear. Arashiyama, on the other hand, has onsen inns, so you can pair a stroll across Togetsukyo Bridge and through the bamboo grove with a relaxed, hot-spring-centered Kyoto trip.

Looking at facilities for children, 12 of the Kyoto hotels listed on this site have a Japanese-style tatami room where futon co-sleeping is easy, and 12 offer cribs for rent, making them easy to stay at even with a very young baby. 7 hotels can accommodate food allergies. Four hotels have a bath in the room, and two offer a private-hire bath for the family alone (two of which are free of charge), so even little ones who aren't ready for the communal bath can enjoy bathing without worry. Some hotels also hold Welcome Baby certification, recognizing how well they support families with young children.

For families who'd rather settle in and live like locals, a Kyoto machiya townhouse or condominium-style stay is another option. Some come with a kitchen where you can cook your own meals, letting you relax at your child's own pace. Kyoto also has plenty of spots young children enjoy, such as the Kyoto Railway Museum, Kyoto Aquarium (in Umekoji Park), Toei Kyoto Studio Park, and Kyoto City Zoo, so a family trip can be about more than just temples and shrines. Use location, hotel type, and family-friendly facilities as your guide to find the Kyoto stay that fits your family's style.