Overview

Start / end point: your accommodation in Kyoto city. Transit: walking (use local buses or short taxi rides if children are tired). Pace: family-friendly with mid‑morning and mid‑afternoon breaks. Carry water, snacks, sun protection; bring a stroller for younger children where helpful (some temple paths have steps).

Day 1 — Higashiyama & Gion (east Kyoto) — Morning to Evening

Morning (start ~08:30)

• 08:30 — Leave accommodation and walk or short bus/taxi to Ginkaku‑ji (Silver Pavilion). Light stroll in the gardens; children can enjoy open spaces.
• 09:45 — Walk the Philosopher's Path (slow, 20–35 min segment with stops for photos/ice cream).
• 10:30 — Stop at small cafes / snack shops along the path; rest.

Midday (11:15–13:00)

• 11:15 — Continue to Kodaiji Temple area (explore garden, lanterns, short detours). Suitable for photos and a calm walk.
• 12:15 — Lunch in Higashiyama area (many family‑friendly restaurants and set meals). Allow time for children.

Afternoon (13:30–16:30)

• 13:30 — Explore Higashiyama Ward streets (Ninenzaka, Sannenzaka) — souvenir shops and local sweets. Slow pace for kids; try matcha sweets.
• 14:30 — Gion: look for traditional machiya houses; if desired, quick break near Yasaka Shrine.
• 15:30 — Samurai & Ninja Experience and Museum (book ahead) — a hands‑on activity great for kids (costumes, demonstrations). Allow ~60–90 minutes.

Evening (17:30–19:00)

• 17:30 — Early dinner in Gion or near your accommodation. If kids are tired, return to hotel earlier. Optional short evening stroll in Gion to spot geisha (quiet observation only).

Tips for Day 1

• Book Samurai & Ninja Experience in advance and confirm family sizes and children’s age rules.
• Higashiyama streets are often uneven; comfortable shoes recommended.
• Many shops close ~18:00–19:00 — buy souvenirs earlier in the day.

Day 2 — Fushimi Inari (early) then Arashiyama (west Kyoto) — Full day

Early Morning (start ~07:00)

• 07:00 — Depart accommodation and head to Fushimi Inari Shrine. Arrive early to avoid crowds and heat; walk part of the torii pathway (choose a shorter loop with children — 30–60 minutes depending on stamina).
• 08:30 — Light snack near the shrine; restroom break.

Mid‑morning Transfer to Arashiyama (aim arrival by ~10:30)

• 09:00–10:30 — Walk back to accommodation and take a short taxi or public transit to Arashiyama (consider a taxi with children to save time and energy).

Late Morning — Arashiyama Bamboo & Okochi Sanso (10:30–13:00)

• 10:30 — Arashiyama Bamboo Grove — walk the path early to avoid crowds; short stops for photos.
• 11:15 — Visit Okochi Sanso Garden (beautiful viewpoints; small entrance fee). Great vistas and gardens for kids to explore safely.
• 12:30 — Lunch near Togetsukyō (family restaurants and cafes along the river).

Afternoon — Tenryu‑ji, Monkey Park & Togetsukyō (13:30–16:30)

• 13:30 — Tenryu‑ji Temple and its famous garden (relaxed stroll).
• 15:00 — Arashiyama Monkey Park Iwatayama — climb to observation deck (steep path; allow ~30–45 min climb up; consider older children or carry smaller children). Enjoy city/river views and wild macaques (follow park rules).
• 16:30 — Relax by Togetsukyō Bridge — let children watch river/boats; souvenir shops nearby.

Late Afternoon / Return (17:30–19:00)

• 17:00 — Begin return to Kyoto city center (taxi or train depending on energy levels). Arrive back at accommodation by early evening.

Tips for Day 2

• Start Fushimi Inari very early (07:00–08:00) to avoid peak crowds and heat.
• At Monkey Park, supervise children closely; do not feed monkeys and keep belongings secured.
• Arashiyama has many small inclines and steps; bring comfortable shoes and water.

Optional / Add‑ons (if time and energy)

• Kyoto Imperial Palace: if you prefer the palace to be included, visit late afternoon on Day 1 or swap a morning slot on Day 2 (check visiting hours and reservation rules).
• Nishiji Market (textiles) or Nishiki Market (food): insert during Day 1 midday if you want more shopping/food tastings — both are near central Kyoto and easily walkable.

General Family Recommendations

• Carry a compact first‑aid kit, snacks, and a portable charger. Many temples have coin lockers or limits on strollers — check on arrival.
• Restroom availability: major temples and tourist spots have facilities, but bring tissues and hand sanitizer.
• Weather: Kyoto summers are hot/humid; winters can be cold. Check forecast before travel and dress in layers.

Notes

• Opening hours, admission fees, and activity availability (Samurai & Ninja Experience, Okochi Sanso, Monkey Park) can vary; prebook where possible.
• This itinerary emphasizes walking; substitute short local bus or taxi rides if children become tired.