Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Where Do the Children Play?
On a sunny day in Kyoto, local parents of young children tend to congregate in the
several playing fields, a playground, the Kyoto Municipal Zo and museums (parents of
young children can take turns visiting the exhibits while their partner plays with the kids
outside). Best of all, the area is completely flat and has wide pavements, making it perfect
for those with strollers. In addition, it can be accessed by subway (take the Tōzai subway
line to Higashiyama Station and walk north along the Shira-kawa Canal). Tip: the pond
behind the Kyoto Municipal Museum of Art is great for picnics.
Getting Around with a Stroller
Kyoto is pretty easy to navigate with a stroller. Most train stations have elevators, as do
large departments stores and museums. The major streets downtown have wide pave-
ments, but once you get into the narrower streets, pavements may not exist at all. For-
tunately, Kyoto drivers are relatively sane. While taxis do not have child seats, most
drivers will leap out and help you get your stroller into the trunk. You can usually get your
stroller into restaurants - but you'll find that some fancy places are not willing to accom-
modate a stroller and/or fussy children. Go for larger 'family restaurants'. As for sightsee-
ing, most areas of Kyoto are relatively easily negotiated with strollers, but the Southern
Higashiyama area has some hills and stairs. Most temples in Kyoto do not have access
ramps - you just have to carry your child inside (it's usually safe to leave the stroller out-
side).
Kid-Friendly Attractions
NEED TO KNOW
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Changing facilities
Department stores, some train stations and public buildings
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Cots
Available in hotels (book in advance) but not ryokan
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Health
Diseases not a big problem
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Highchairs
Available in some restaurants
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Kids' menus
Usually only in 'family restaurants'
