29 things to do in Kyoto with teenagers

Kyoto is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Japan. There are a lot of things to do in Kyoto with teenagers, especially if you are interested in Japanese culture, history and nature. You visit temples and shrines, take a walk through the bamboo forest, or enjoy the views from the top of Mount Yoshida.

Table Of Contents

1. Know before you go. Our top Kyoto travel tips
   • Where to stay in Kyoto with teenagers
   • Kyoto apartment alternative for your stay
   • Getting to Kyoto
   • How to get around Kyoto
   • Weather in Kyoto
   • Kyoto for international visitors
   • Travel accessories for teenagers that travel
2. Things to do in Kyoto with teenagers
   • Cherry Blossoms in Kyoto
   • Things for teenagers to do in Kyoto – Kyoto Tower
   • Kyoto Samurai Experience
   • What to see in Kyoto with teenagers – Bamboo Forest
   • Kyoto hop-on hop-off bus
   • Fun things to do in Kyoto with teenagers – Rickshaw Tour
   • Family holidays in Kyoto – Rail Museum
   • Samurai & Ninja Museum Ticket
   • Japanese Archery experience in Kyoto
   • Kyoto Manga Museum
   • Nijo Castle in Kyoto with teenagers
   • Things to do in Kyoto for young adults – Dark Kyoto tour
   • Teenage things to do in Kyoto – Fushimi Inari Shrine
   • Watching football in Kyoto
   • Toei Kyoto Studio Park
   • A Hozugawa River boat ride
   • Teenage girls in Kyoto – Japanese Courtesan photoshoot
   • Things for teenage girls to do in Kyoto – Rent a Kimono
   • Things to do in Kyoto with teenage girls – High Tea
   • The most Instagramable spots in Kyoto
   • Professional photoshoot in Kyoto
   • Pin Bowling in Kyoto with teenagers
   • Bike riding in Kyoto for teens
   • Family holidays in Kyoto – Going to the cinema
   • Shopping in Kyoto with teens
3. Free things to do in Kyoto with teens
4. Annual events in Kyoto that teens will love
5. Day trips from Kyoto with teens
   • Osaka
6. Places to eat in Kyoto for teens
   • Street food – Kyoto experiences with teens
7. Frequently asked questions about Kyoto
   • What is the legal drinking age in Japan?
   • Is it safe for families to visit Kyoto?
   • How do I call emergency services in Kyoto?
   • Do I need to tip in Japan?
   • Can I drink Kyoto’s tap water?
   • What type of power sockets are used in Japan?
   • Where are the best places to stay in Kyoto for teenagers
   • More travel inspiration for your trip to Asia
8. Author bio:

Know before you go. Our top Kyoto travel tips

Travelling to Japan with teens can be such an enriching experience for the whole family, and Kyoto is one of the top family destinations in Asia. Did you know that was the capital of Japan for over 1,000 years?

There are so many things to do in Kyoto, and having information on the best place to stay, how to get around, which currency to use and more is extremely important. Below you will find some information for planning a hassle-free family vacation in Kyoto Japan.

Where to stay in Kyoto with teenagers

Great vacations with teens start with some great vacation planning. When you are planning a trip to Asia with teens, you’ll never be short of options for your family accommodation in Japan. For the best Kyoto hotels for families, you will find a range of hotels, apartments, and hostels for families on holiday in Kyoto.

You will be sure to be able to find something to fit singles, couples, families, and groups on every budget on your family trip to Japan.

• For luxury family-friendly hotels in Kyoto, we suggest The Four Seasons in Kyoto’s temple district, The Hyatt Regency with its Bamboo forest and The Westin Miyako Kyoto featuring a pool and spa.
• For affordable family-friendly hotels in Kyoto, we suggest The Thousands with its spacious rooms, Mimaru Kyoto Shinmachi Sanjo with its option to connect rooms and Sakara Kyoto with its centrally located position.

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If you’re not keen on any of our picks below or have specific needs for your teen travel holidays, we recommend using Expedia and Agoda to find the best prices in Japan for your family vacation to Kyoto.

Kyoto apartment alternative for your stay

If you prefer a home away from home-style accommodation when on your trip to Japan with teenagers in Kyoto, then an apartment is the best choice for you on your family vacation.

There are so many options that include cooking and laundry facilities when renting an apartment. You can search VRBO to find the perfect apartment in Kyoto for teens on your Japan trip with family.

Getting to Kyoto

Kyoto is one of the best family destinations for travel with teens. Kyoto is a major city in Japan and is connected by highways, long distant buses, trains and planes all bringing people daily to the city. This makes Kyoto one of the easiest family travel destinations to get to in Japan.

• Kansai International Airport is the main international access point to Kyoto by plane. There is no dedicated Kyoto airport. Book a train from Kansai airport to Kyoto.
• You can catch a train to Kyoto from Osaka (90 minutes) and Tokyo (2.5 hours). Japan is known as the pioneer of high-speed trains, book your Japan Train tickets today.
• Kyoto can be reached by bus from cities across Japan. Bus travel with teens in Japan can add so many wonderful experiences for teens on vacation. Book your bus tickets to Kyoto with Busbud.
• If you plan to road trip with teenagers in Japan you can hire a car at any International airport and dealership across the country. Book a car in Japan with Economy Bookings Rental Cars.

Japan Rail Passes

Japan is a country that is known for its high-speed railways. The Shinkansen, or bullet train, is one of the fastest trains in the world. It can reach speeds of up to 320 kilometres per hour. The railway system in Japan is so efficient that the trains are almost always on time.

The Japanese railway system is one of the most extensive in the world. It consists of both high-speed bullet trains and slower local trains. Find a Japan Rail Pass to suit your holiday.

How to get around Kyoto

Kyoto is serviced by an efficient and reliable public transport network. The City of Kyoto has multiple public transportation options, with municipal subways and buses available.

Japan Rail trains and privately-operated railways and bus lines operate routes across the city. The best of Kyoto is easily seen with public transport.

Weather in Kyoto

August is the hottest month in Kyoto, with an average temperature of 28.5°C (83°F). This warm weather location means shorts and shirts are a must in summer.

Snow falls on average 25 days a year, with the coldest being January at 4.5°C (40°F). Kyoto is known for its cold winters, so make sure you pack appropriately.

Summer essentials for Kyoto

Winter essentials for Kyoto

• Sunscreen
• Sunglasses
• Water bottle
• Men’s & women’s sunhat
• Convertible pants
• Compact travel towel

• Winter scarf
• Small travel umbrella
• Base layers for warmth
• Gloves
• Winter jacket
• Waterproof shoes

Kyoto for international visitors

International travel to Kyoto requires a bit more thought. You will need travel insurance in Japan. Medical care is not cheap and if you want good quality care it will cost you a fortune if you don’t have travel insurance.

The official currency of Japan is the Japanese Yen. If you use your bank account from home you will be stung with high transaction fees, while your mobile phone calls will all be charged at an international rate. These are just some of the things you need to think about,

• For International travellers, travel insurance is a must get a quote through Insurance Masters and don’t go home with a huge bill for medical expenses
• Do you need a visa to visit Kyoto? The country of Japan may require you to have a visa or an ETA (Electronic travel authorization) to enter the country. You can check and buy these documents at iVisa
• Load a Revolut Travel Money card with USD dollars for your visit and save on transaction fees
• Make phone calls with an international sim card that you can buy before leaving home or buy a voucher for a virtual e-sim for your mobile phone.
• A 4G pocket Wi-Fi modem is essential for accessing the internet. You can rent a pocket modem that you can pick up at the airport or your hotel, alternatively buy a pocket modem that you can use on all future trips with your phone, tablet or computer.

Travel accessories for teenagers that travel

For teenagers, travelling can be a fun and exciting experience. However, there are a few things that they need to take into account in order to make the trip as comfortable and safe as possible. One of these is ensuring that they have the necessary travel accessories.

• Lightweight daypack
• Travel journal
• Travel neck wallet
• Wearable super soft travel blanket
• Scarf with hidden pockets for money & cards

• Powerbank to keep phones going
• Action camera
• Foldable jewellery case for girls
• Bluetooth travel speaker
• Compression packing cubes for luggage

Things to do in Kyoto with teenagers

Now that we have covered all the essential Kyoto travel tips for families, here are all the very best things to do in Kyoto with teenagers.

Cherry Blossoms in Kyoto

Cherry blossoms in Kyoto are a special time of year. The city comes alive with colour and the air is filled with the scent of flowers. It’s a time to enjoy the company of friends and family and to create memories that will last a lifetime.

If you’re planning a trip to Kyoto with teens, be sure to add cherry blossom viewing to your itinerary. The best time to see the blossoms is late March to early April. But don’t wait too long, as they only bloom for about two weeks.

There are many ways to enjoy the cherry blossoms in Kyoto. Take a stroll through one of the city’s many parks, or join in on a hanami picnic beneath the trees. And if you’re lucky, you might even catch a glimpse of Mount Fuji peeking out from behind the clouds.

Things for teenagers to do in Kyoto – Kyoto Tower

Kyoto Tower stands 131 meters tall and is the tallest structure in Kyoto. The tower offers 360-degree views of the city and is a popular spot for teenagers to visit on holiday in Kyoto.

A trip to the top on your family vacation in Kyoto is a great option

The tower is also one of the most popular attractions in Kyoto, with over 2 million visitors each year. At the base of the tower is a 9-story building housing a hotel and shops. Book your Tower of Kyoto entry tickets today.

Visit Japan: The ultimate list of things to do in Tokyo with teenagers

Kyoto Samurai Experience

Kyoto is known for its rich history and culture, and one of the best ways to experience this is by learning about the Samurai.

Things to do with teenagers in Kyoto, learn the way of the Samurai

At the Kyoto Samurai Experience, you can do just that. You’ll learn about the samurai way of life, and even get to dress up in traditional clothing. This is a great way to immerse yourself in Japanese culture and have a unique experience that you won’t find anywhere else.

What to see in Kyoto with teenagers – Bamboo Forest

Bamboo forests are a sight to behold and Kyoto’s is no different. The Bamboo forest, located in Arashiyama, is one of the city’s most popular tourist attractions.

Teens in Kyoto will love the Bamboo Forest

And for good reason, the forest is home to some of the tallest bamboo trees in the world. Strolling through the forest is like stepping into another world. It’s peaceful and serene, it’s one of the best places to go in Kyoto with teenagers to take some unforgettable photos.

Kyoto hop-on hop-off bus

The Kyoto hop on hop off bus is always popular with family travelers. A sightseeing bus tour in Kyoto is a great way to give you an overview of the city.

The bus is an easy way to see points of interest in Kyoto with teens

The bus route takes you to all the Kyoto attractions, so you can see everything from Nijo-jo Castle to the Nishiki-ichiba Market. This tour bus allows you to get out and..

* This article was originally published here