Kyoto, located about 280 miles west of Tokyo, is, without a doubt, a must-visit. While Tokyo’s temples and shrines have more of an urban backdrop, Kyoto’s are surrounded by beautiful mountains and forests. Here are my top picks if you plan on exploring Kyoto’s temples and shrines with kids.
Before your visit:
- Here’s some kid-friendly info about the basic concepts of Shintoism and Buddhism, the main religions of Japan.
Fushimi Shrine
Fushimi Inari Taisha is one of Kyoto’s most visually striking Shinto shrines. It’s famous for its thousands of vibrant red torii gates that form an enchanting tunnel-like path, guiding you on a forest hike to the summit of Mount Inari.
This hike can stretch to 2-3 hours—a bit much for my boys’ energy levels. No worries, though! The lower parts of the shrine are equally impressive. Feel free to leisurely wander through the Torii gate tunnel until your crew’s enthusiasm starts to wane, signaling it’s time to head back downhill.
Admission and Hours
Admission: Free
Hours: Always open
Don’t forget to…
- Ask your kiddos to point out the many fox statues across the shrine grounds. Foxes are believed to be Inari’s (the Shinto god of rice) messengers.
- Bring some change so you can pay to write a wish on a wooden stick, which you’ll leave at the temple to be burned in a holy bonfire in November.
Yasaka Shrine
Also known as Gion Shrine, the shrine entrance is marked by a large gate called the “Chinowa” gate. The path to the main hall is lined with traditional stone lanterns, creating a magical atmosphere, especially in the evenings.
Admission and Hours
Admission: Free
Hours: Always open
Don’t forget to…
Wander around the nearby Gion district, known for its traditional wooden machiya houses, tea houses, and geisha culture.
Kiyomizu-Dera Temple
Kiyomizu-dera (“Pure Water Temple”) is one of Japan’s most famous temples. Founded in 780 on the site of the Otowa Waterfall, it is best known for its wooden stage and main hall, both built without nails. The wooden stage offers a fantastic view of the forest and of Kyoto.
Admission and Hours
Admission: 400 yen
Hours: 6:00am to 6:00pm (until 6:30pm in July and August).
Don’t forget to:
Stop at the Otowa Waterfall at the base of the main hall. You will find a platform where the water is divided into three streams. You use a cup attached to a long pole (if you are a germaphobe like me, you’ll appreciate that the cups are sterilized under a UV light before each use) to fill your cup and drink from the falls.
Each stream’s water is said to have a different benefit (long life, success in school, a good love life). We couldn’t figure out which stream was which, but ultimately, we decided to take whatever good luck came our way. Note that it’s said that drinking from all three streams is seen as greedy (don’t do this!).
Ginkaku-ji (The Silver Pavilion)
Ginkaku-ji was built by Ashikaga Yoshimasa, a shogun, as a retreat and place of artistic expression. Despite its name, the temple has no silver exterior like its counterpart, Kinkaku-ji (The Golden Pavilion). It does, however, offer a meticulously designed sand and stone Zen garden and a moss garden with ponds and bridges. The grounds are a fabulous combo of beauty and minimalism.
Admission and Hours
Admission: 500 yen
8:30am to 5:00pm (March to November)
9:00am to 4:30pm (December to February)
Don’t forget to…
Stroll along the famous Philosopher’s Walk, a picturesque pathway along a canal lined with cherry trees. If your kids are mini-foodies, and you can score a reservation, we walked from The Silver Pavilion along the Philosopher’s Path to a fantastic dinner at Monk.
Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion)
Initially built in the late 14th century, Kinkaku-ji was a retirement villa for shogun Ashikaga Yoshimitsu. After his death, it was converted into a Zen temple, per his wishes. Believe me when I say this place is a real showstopper. The temple is three stories high, with the top two completely covered in gold leaf. Additionally, it sits beside a reflective pond, which perfectly mirrors its golden shine.
Admission and Hours
Admission: 500 yen
Hours: 9:00am to 5:00pm
Don’t forget to…
Consider combining a trip to Monkey Park with the Golden Pavilion as they’re both on Kyoto’s western side and can be done in a day.
Conclusion
In short, my kids loved Kyoto. It’s brimming with charm and tradition. Altogether, in our five days there, we explored diverse temples and shrines, each leaving us in awe. While we all had favorites, honestly, every single one was amazing!
