Where to Stay in Kyoto
Family-friendly areas, safe neighborhoods, and activities for all ages
Our pick for families
Stay in Arashiyama
Combines engaging cultural sites like the bamboo grove with natural attractions and boat rides.
Best Neighborhoods for Families
Ranked by relevance for families visiting Kyoto
Kyoto Station Area
Mid-rangeModern, bustling hub with excellent transport links and contemporary amenities.
- +Unbeatable transportation convenience
- +Wide range of dining and shopping options
- +Modern hotel choices at various price points
- -Lacks traditional charm
- -Can feel less authentic than other areas
🛡️ Very safe during the day and night; well-lit and populated areas.
Arashiyama
Mid-rangeSerene district known for its iconic bamboo grove, temples, and scenic river views.
- +Stunning natural beauty
- +Peaceful atmosphere outside peak hours
- +Unique cultural sites
- -Can be extremely crowded, especially the bamboo grove
- -Further from central Kyoto attractions
🛡️ Very safe during the day; quiet and peaceful at night, but limited services and fewer people around.
Kawaramachi
Mid-rangeLively downtown area with vibrant shopping arcades, diverse restaurants, and nightlife.
- +Excellent access to shopping and dining
- +Lively atmosphere, especially in the evenings
- +Good public transport connections
- -Can be noisy
- -Less traditional charm compared to Gion
🛡️ Generally safe, but be aware of pickpockets in crowded shopping areas and exercise caution in dimly lit side streets at night.
Gion
LuxuryTraditional geisha district with preserved wooden machiya houses and exclusive teahouses.
- +Authentic historical atmosphere
- +Charming streets for exploration
- +High-end dining and exclusive experiences
- -Can be crowded with tourists
- -Accommodations can be expensive
🛡️ Generally very safe, but be mindful of your surroundings and respect the privacy of geiko and maiko.
Daily Budget (Mid-Range)
JPY 15000/day
Hidden Gems in Kyoto
Lesser-known spots the locals love
Otagi Nenbutsu-ji Temple
This temple is famous for its 1200 Rakan statues, each with a unique, often whimsical expression carved by amateurs. It's a serene and slightly quirky place offering a different spiritual experience than the more famous temples.
Nishiki Market
FREEKnown as 'Kyoto's Kitchen,' this narrow, five-block long shopping street is lined with over one hundred shops and restaurants selling fresh seafood, produce, pickles, sweets, and kitchenware. It's a vibrant place to sample local delicacies and experience daily Kyoto life.
Gekkeikan Okura Sake Museum
Explore the history of sake brewing at this museum in the Fushimi sake district. You can learn about the traditional brewing process and enjoy a sake tasting at the end of your visit.
Philosopher's Path
FREEWhile popular, many tourists opt for more famous routes. This stone path follows a canal lined with cherry trees, connecting Ginkaku-ji (Silver Pavilion) to Nanzen-ji Temple. It's especially beautiful during cherry blossom season but offers a peaceful stroll year-round.
Safety in Kyoto
Very safeSolo Female Travel
Kyoto is exceptionally safe for solo female travelers. Standard precautions apply, but serious crime is rare.
At Night
Most areas are safe and well-lit. Stick to main streets and avoid poorly lit alleyways, especially in entertainment districts.
Emergency
110 (Police), 119 (Fire/Ambulance)
Common Scams to Watch For
- 1Overpriced 'tour guide' services offered unsolicited near popular attractions.
- 2Fake temple monks asking for donations (usually seen outside major temples).
2 areas to be cautious about
Read our full safety guide for Kyoto