Japan Travel Guide: the best Kyoto hotels with toddlers

Traveling to Kyoto, Japan with toddlers can be an incredibly rewarding experience, immersing your little traveler in the rich culture and history of Japan. However, finding the right Kyoto hotels with toddlers is key to a smooth and enjoyable trip. You need convenience, space, and amenities that cater to the needs of young children.

This blog post highlights five exceptional toddler friendly hotels in Kyoto that are not only welcoming to families with littles but are also located near public transportation and offer onsite laundry facilities – essential for vacations with toddlers!

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Cribs in Japan Hotels

Finding a hotel that offers cribs in Japan can be tricky, as Japanese people typically co-sleep with their young children. 

If your Tokyo hotel offers a crib or a baby bed, they typically have an age cut-off of 10 months, although some will allow you to use a crib for babies up to 12 months. These hotels will likely offer bed guards for babies and toddlers older than 10 or 12 months.

If you do not want to co-sleep with your toddler, bring a portable travel crib or an inflatable toddler bed with you. 

Most hotels allow children to stay for free, as long as they don’t need their own bed (or crib). FYI – there may still be charges for breakfast for children who stay free. 

Best hotel chain for toddlers in Kyoto (and Japan)

Mimaru apartment hotels are by far the best hotel with toddlers in Kyoto, and Japan in general. All rooms have a kitchenette and offer children’s cutlery. Mimaru rooms are apartment style and have separate rooms so you can put your little traveler down for a distraction-free nap, while you do other things (like also nap). 

Tokyo Mimaru hotels offer cribs for toddlers up to 24 months, which is almost unheard of in Japan! Toddlers 2 and up can use bed guards. Either way, request these items when booking to ensure availability. 

If you’d prefer not to co-sleep with your toddler, or want to save money by not reserving them their own bed, bring a highly-rated inflatable toddler travel bed! 

For Muslim travelers, Mimaru also offers halal cooking utensils for your in-room kitchenette. 

Most hotels in Japan offer a luggage forwarding service, which can be arranged with the front desk and is delivered the following day to your new hotel or airport. With Mimaru, they offer same-day delivery to their other branches in Tokyo, Osaka and Kyoto, so you won’t have to worry about packing an overnight bag!

When to book Kyoto hotels with toddlers

Hotels in Japan typically open for booking about 6 months in advance.

Hotels in Kyoto that can accommodate western traveler’s idea of toddler-friendly are fairly rare, meaning they sell out early. When you find a hotel room that suits your family’s needs, book it right away so you don’t lose it! 

Top 5 Kyoto hotels for toddlers

These toddler-friendly hotels provide a comfortable and convenient base for exploring Kyoto’s wonders, from the serene Arashiyama Bamboo Grove to the vibrant Gion district. Being close to public transport makes navigating the city with strollers and tired little legs much easier.

The availability of onsite laundry, whether a service or self-use machines, is a game-changer for families, allowing you to pack lighter and deal with inevitable spills and messes efficiently. Furthermore, each of these hotels offers unique amenities and features that will make your family’s stay in Kyoto truly memorable.

Without further adieu, here are the best hotels in Kyoto with toddlers:

Mimaru Kyoto Station (my top pick!)

Best For: Families seeking apartment-style accommodation with flexibility for self-catering.

Mimaru Kyoto Station offers spacious rooms equipped with kitchenettes, providing the convenience of preparing your own meals and snacks for picky eaters or those with dietary restrictions. The hotel is located just a short walk from the massive Kyoto Station, making it incredibly easy to access various train and subway lines to explore the city. The larger rooms provide ample space for toddlers to move around, and having a washing machine and dryer in the room (in select room types) is a huge plus for families.

• Room type: 4* apartment hotel
• Closest rail station: Kyoto Station
• Breakfast: yes, plus in-room kitchenettes
• Laundry: shared coin laundry, certain room types have machines in the rooms
• Toddler amenities: cribs (up to 24 months!), bed guards (18 months plus)
• Book here: Klook

Hotel Granvia Kyoto

Best For: Families who appreciate upscale amenities and direct access to transportation hubs.

Directly connected to Kyoto Station, Hotel Granvia Kyoto offers unparalleled convenience for families relying on public transport. The hotel offers comfortable and well-appointed rooms, some of which can accommodate large families. The hotel has multiple dining options, including kid-friendly choices for breakfast. The proximity to the station means less travel time with tired toddlers, and the hotel’s amenities, like a seasonal swimming pool, can provide a welcome break for energetic little ones.

• Room type: 4.5* hotel
• Closest rail station: Kyoto Station
• Breakfast: yes, for a fee
• Laundry: laundry service
• Toddler amenities: cribs (only up to 12 months, so I recommend bringing your own), this hotel also offers thoughtful extras, like toddler toothbrushes and slippers, plus step stools to reach the sink
• Book here: Klook

Kyoto Century Hotel

Best For: Families who value a comfortable stay with excellent access to Kyoto Station and a range of dining options.

Located directly adjacent to Kyoto Station, Kyoto Century Hotel provides exceptional convenience for families navigating the city. The hotel offers various room types to accommodate families and has multiple restaurants with options to suit different tastes, including young children. The immediate proximity to all the transportation links at Kyoto Station simplifies getting around with toddlers, and the hotel offers laundry services for guests.

• Room type: 4* hotel
• Closest rail station: Kyoto Station
• Breakfast: yes, for a fee
• Laundry: laundry service
• Toddler amenities: cribs (only up to 12 months, so I suggest bringing your own)
• Book here: Klook

RIHGA Royal Hotel Kyoto

Best For: Families seeking a comfortable and well-equipped hotel with excellent access to transportation and various amenities.

Located within walking distance of Kyoto Station, RIHGA Royal Hotel Kyoto offers spacious rooms and a welcoming atmosphere for families traveling in Kyoto with toddlers. The hotel provides multiple restaurants with diverse options, including child-friendly choices. The proximity to Kyoto Station makes exploring the city incredibly convenient, and the hotel offers amenities like a kids’ play area and laundry services to cater to families.

• Room type: 4* hotel
• Closest rail station: Kyoto Station
• Breakfast: yes, for a fee
• Laundry: laundry service
• Toddler amenities: cribs (up to 24 months!)
• Book here: Klook

Good Nature Hotel Kyoto

Best For: Families who value eco-conscious practices, a central location with easy access to Gion, and a focus on healthy food options.

Good Nature Hotel Kyoto is located in the heart of Kyoto, within walking distance of Gion and close to both Kawaramachi and Gion-Shijo Stations. The hotel offers spacious family rooms and a commitment to sustainability and locally sourced, healthy food options for breakfast. The central location makes it easy to explore popular sights, and the hotel’s eco-friendly ethos can be a great talking point with older toddlers.

• Room type: 4* hotel
• Closest rail station: Kawaramachi Station or Gion-Shijo Station
• Breakfast: yes, for a fee
• Laundry: laundry service
• Toddler amenities: cribs, plus TONS of toddler items are available at the front desk
• Book here: Klook

Wrapping it up

Choosing the right Kyoto hotel with toddlers can significantly enhance your Japan family vacation. These five options not only provide comfortable and well-equipped accommodations but also prioritize convenience for families with toddlers through their proximity to public transportation and onsite laundry facilities, ensuring a smoother and more enjoyable experience exploring the beautiful city of Kyoto.

Planning a trip to Kyoto with your little ones? We hope this guide has provided you with some excellent accommodation options. Start planning your unforgettable family adventure today and book your stay at one of these fantastic toddler-friendly hotels!

Protect your Japan vacation

Japan is a gorgeous island country showcasing some of the most beautiful scenery in the world. However, from earthquakes to typhoons, Mother Nature can be very unkind to the Land of the Rising Sun.

From weather to lost luggage to illness (especially with toddlers), make sure you protect your family vacation by getting travel insurance.

I personally use Arch RoamRight for all my travel, and recommend all my clients use the same. Get your personalized quote here!

You might also like:

• Best hotels with toddlers in Tokyo
• When to visit Japan with kids: a family travel guide
• Japan Rail Pass (JR Pass) with kids
• Essential gear for flying with a toddler

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