Kyoto Station with Kids
Last Updated on September 22, 2025 by Kay
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It’s very likely that when you arrive in Kyoto with your family, your first destination will be Kyoto Station.
Kyoto Station is one of the most beautiful stations in Japan, but it’s not only an architectural marvel. There is plenty to do in the station and the surrounding area, especially for kids.
In this article, I’ll share my top picks for what to do in and around Kyoto Station with kids.
Table of Contents
The Best Things to Do In and Around Kyoto Station with Kids
See the Kyoto Station Stair Light Show
The grand staircase inside Kyoto Station has beautiful lights at night that are not only great for photos — kids will absolutely love it, especially if they’re like my daughter.
She was tired from the day but when she saw the stairs lit up in rainbow lights, she quickly dashed to them and found the energy to jump right up them like a bunny!
Make sure not to miss out on the writing on the stairs as well, although it’s usually only in Japanese.
Enjoy a Snack at Mister Donut
Mister Donut is Japan’s answer to Dunkin’ Donuts (or Timmy’s, if you’re Canadian). Their donuts are delicious, and sometimes they even have fun collaborations with anime like Pokémon!
The are Mister Donuts branches all across Japan, but if you’re in Kyoto Station, why not take a break and enjoy one of their many delicious donuts at their store?
See the View from Sky Garden
On the 15th floor of Kyoto Station, there is a rooftop terrace where you can relax, kids can run around, and you can see a stunning view of the city.
Don’t worry, you don’t need to take the stairs all the way there. There is an elevator as well as an escalator.
Take a Family Photo in Front of Kyoto Tower
There’s a spot on the east side of Kyoto Station where you can get a great photo with Kyoto Tower in the background.
If you’re lucky like we were, someone might offer to take a photo of you with your family. (Although there’s no problem asking either! Use this phrase in Japanese: “Sumimasen, shashin totte kuremasu deshouka?“)
Shop at Porta and ISETAN
Porta and ISETAN are areas inside the west side of Kyoto Station that has three floors dedicated to various foods, including Kyoto-made products such as food and handicrafts. It’s a great place to pick up souvenirs for yourself or a loved one.
Visit Kyoto Tower
I’ve been visiting Kyoto Tower, now called Nidec Kyoto Tower, for years. It might seem like a tourist trap, but even my Japanese husband enjoyed his visit when I took him.
My daughter loved the view from the tower as well, especially as she pointed out places she had visited in Kyoto, such as Kiyomizudera Temple.
Kyoto Tower was also having an anime collaboration at the time, so she had fun taking photos with the cardboard characters despite not knowing who they were.
I recommend going to Kyoto Tower right before sunset to get the best view. However, don’t visit at night because you won’t see much. Unlike Tokyo, Kyoto doesn’t have tall buildings and skyscrapers, so there isn’t much of a night view.
Make sure to buy your tickets in advance so you can go to the tower right away. We visited Kyoto Tower using Klook’s Kansai Pass.
Notably, the basement of Kyoto Tower has lots of great places to eat. My daughter got a gyoza set that she really enjoyed, while I had steak from NICK STOCK. (Looking back, I should have gotten a burger.)
Peruse Babies R Us/Toys R Us
If you need supplies such as baby food or wipes, then I recommend stopping by Kyoto’s Babies R Us, which is located in a mall called AEON Mall. It also has an attached Toys R Us, which will appeal to older children.
Visit Toji Temple
A 14-minute walk from Kyoto Station, Toji Temple has a rich history, having been erected in 796. It’s also the main headquarters of Shingon Buddhism.
My daughter first visited Toji Temple when she was two years old, and she loved looking at the five-story pagoda and posing in front of various trees and halls. There’s also lots of space for kids to run around and a nice, clean toilet to use.
Spend the Day at Umekoji Park
Located either a 3-minute bus ride or a 13-minute walk from Kyoto Station, Umekoji Park is probably one of the best places to take young children in Kyoto.
It consists of a beautiful Kyoto-style playground, the famous Kyoto Aquarium, and the Kyoto Railway Museum. There’s also a smaller playground that’s great for toddlers.
Expect to spend an entire day here, especially if you have a child who refuses to be torn away from fun, like my daughter.
If you have older kids, they are bound to enjoy the aquarium and the railway museum since those are for visitors of all ages, but they also might enjoy Suzaku Garden.
Where to Eat Around Kyoto Station with Kids
Wondering where to eat in the Kyoto Station area with children?
As mentioned earlier, there are lots of places to eat in the basement of Kyoto Tower (B1F Food Hall). Since it’s a food court, there’s something for everyone, and even if you order from different places, you can all eat together. As far as I know, though, they don’t have high chairs.
Another suggestion is to head to the upper floors along the Grand Staircase in Kyoto Station (10th to 11th) because there is so much to choose from.
Also on the ground floor, Hokkyokusei has omurice (omelette rice), which is always a hit with my daughter, and there’s an IPPUDO ramen shop as well. (And yes, you can share your meals with your child. If you ask for a small bowl or plate and cutlery, the staff will give it to you.)
There’s a GOEMON here as well, which is a chain pasta shop that sells very affordable Japanese-style pasta. It’s absolutely worth trying if you haven’t been!
If you have older kids (or ones who are okay with sitting in one place like my daughter typically is), then I suggest visiting Sumibi to Wine. The food and drinks here are absolutely fantastic!
Where to Stay Around Kyoto Station with Kids
Kyoto Station is undoubtedly a convenient place to stay when traveling in Kyoto.
If you’re wondering where to stay in the area with children, I’ve written an article packed with my recommended spots.
Looking for More on Kyoto with Kids?
Before traveling, make sure you check out my in-depth article about Kyoto with kids, which has the best spots to visit for families and important tips every parent should know to help make their trip smoother.