The [Nintendo Museum], which opened in October 2024 following the renovation of the [Nintendo Uji Ogura Factory], is a facility where visitors can experience Nintendo’s spirit of craftsmanship firsthand. It’s packed with highlights, including an area showcasing the company’s past video games and toys, as well as photo spots. There are also innovative interactive exhibits that blend nostalgic products with the latest technology, making it enjoyable even for young children.

There are a total of eight hands-on exhibits, which you can enjoy using the coins provided with your admission pass. The [Nintendo Museum] is an extremely popular attraction that requires advance reservations (by lottery). If you're planning a trip to Kyoto, be sure to check the official website first.

Estimated duration of stay: 3 hours or more
On-site restaurant: 1 location (Hatena Burger; offers a kids' burger set for 950 yen)
[Editor's Note]
[Nintendo] traces its roots back to hanafuda. It’s said that when the company was first founded, artisans made everything by hand, and today they offer paid workshops where participants can experience a simulation of the hanafuda-making process. The workshops are authentic and engaging—both adults and children will be captivated!

[Uzumasa Movie Village] reopened in March 2026. The park recreates the capital city of Kyoto during the Edo period and offers a variety of experiences, including shows and attractions. Visitors can also dress up in period costumes, with veteran Toei staff assisting with kimono dressing and hairstyling; children’s costumes—such as those of ninjas, samurai, princesses, and town maids—are also available. The whole family can enjoy a sense of escapism, feeling as if they’ve stepped into the world of a period drama.

There is such a wide variety of attractions that one day isn’t enough to enjoy them all. There are plenty of hands-on activities where children can take the lead, such as an attraction where they become apprentice ninjas and battle a legendary demon, as well as rock climbing.

Estimated duration of stay: Half a day or more
On-site Restaurants / 14 locations (Ajikakure / Ajikakure offers a children’s plate for 1,200 yen)
[Editor's Note]
Following the renovation, new cultural experience programs—such as tea ceremony, flower arrangement, and traditional music—have been introduced. Each experience lasts about 30 minutes, and children ages 3 and up may participate if accompanied by a parent or guardian.

Located within the lush greenery of [Umekoji Park], the [Kyoto Aquarium] is a place where you can encounter approximately 10,000 creatures representing about 200 species. The first area you’ll see upon entering is the “Rivers of Kyoto” section, which recreates the Kamogawa and Yura rivers. Giant salamanders that inhabit Kyoto’s rivers will greet you there. The aquarium also features a wealth of exhibits unique to a Kyoto aquarium, such as “Kyoto’s Ocean” and “Kyoto’s Satoyama.”

The museum is filled with initiatives designed to help children develop an interest in animals while having fun, starting with the “Kyoto Penguin Relationship Chart,” which summarizes each penguin’s personality and romantic relationships. Unique limited-time events, such as the “Croak, Croak! Spot a Frog! Frog Exhibition,” which showcases the jumping abilities of different frog species, are held regularly and are also not to be missed.

Estimated duration of stay: 3 hours or more
On-site Cafes / 3 locations (Harvest Cafe / Penguin Onigiri, 2-piece set for 650 yen)
[Editor's Note]
Apparently, because water temperatures in the waters off Kyoto vary greatly depending on the season, a wide variety of marine life thrives there. The large aquarium “Kyoto’s Sea,” which recreates those waters, is truly breathtaking—a soothing spot where you’ll want to gaze at it for hours.

Located just one stop from Kyoto Station, right in front of Umeda-Kyoto Nishi Station, this railway museum is themed around “See, Touch, and Experience.” It boasts one of the largest collections of rail vehicles in Japan. With interactive exhibits where visitors can learn how trains work by handling models, a massive diorama, and outdoor play equipment inspired by the “Doctor Yellow,” it’s a destination that appeals to everyone from children to adults.

One of the museum’s highlights is not only its exhibits but also its wide range of hands-on activities. Visitors can ride the “SL Steel,” a train pulled by a steam locomotive; operate the simulator actually used by train drivers in training; and—on Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays only—experience what it’s like to be a track maintenance worker who ensures the safety of railways and rail lines.

Estimated duration of stay: 2 hours or more
On-site Restaurants: 2 (Dining car and bento box sales booth; the Type 923 "Doctor Yellow" Lunch Box is available for 1,800 yen)
[Editor's Note]
The fan-shaped roundhouse, which displays 20 steam locomotives, is designated as an Important Cultural Property of Japan. Visitors can also watch a demonstration of how the locomotives are turned using the turntable in the center—the dynamic movement is sure to captivate you!

The [Nidec Kyoto Tower] stands in a prime location just a 2-minute walk from Kyoto Station. The view from the observation deck—at 100 meters above ground, the highest in downtown Kyoto—is truly breathtaking. Along with free-to-use telescopes, there are signs indicating what can be seen in each direction, such as [Kiyomizu-dera] and [Tō-ji], making it fun for families to explore the city’s famous sights together.

The B1F through 2F levels house the “Kyoto Tower Sand” complex, where visitors can not only purchase stylish Kyoto souvenirs but also enjoy hands-on experiences related to traditional Japanese culture, such as kimono rentals and wagashi-making. It’s also a culinary hub featuring 18 shops, including popular Kyoto establishments, making it a go-to destination for various aspects of your Kyoto sightseeing trip.

Estimated duration of stay: 1 hour
On-site Restaurant / Available (Kyoto Tower Sando PANCAKE ROOM / SANDO Pancake: 1,600 yen)
[Editor's Note]
The base of [Nidec Kyoto Tower] (10th floor of the Kyoto Tower Building) is actually the building’s rooftop! [TOWERLAND -ROOFTOP BAR & BBQ-] has opened on that rooftop. They have children’s chairs, and strollers are welcome. They also serve soft-serve ice cream and churros—treats that kids are sure to love.