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I recently went on a trip to Kyoto, and I’d like to share with you 7 temples and shrines that I personally recommend as stroller-friendly.
When people think of temples and shrines, many imagine gravel paths, which can be tough for parents pushing strollers. So this list is based on my firsthand visits to places that either have paved paths—or are so beautiful they’re worth visiting even if they don’t. I’ve ranked them from the most stroller-friendly down.
Kitano Tenmangu Shrine
Famous as the shrine of Sugawara no Michizane, the god of learning, Kitano Tenmangu is number one on my list.
Most of the grounds are stone-paved, making it very stroller-friendly. The crowds weren’t overwhelming either, which was a big plus.
At the entrance, you’ll be greeted by ox statues on both sides, said to be Michizane’s companions. The shrine entrance has a slope, so you can smoothly roll in with a stroller.
There’s even a red-eyed ox statue, and the lantern-decorated stone walkway gives the place a unique atmosphere.
Tofukuji Temple
Designated as an Important Cultural Property, Tofukuji comes in second.
Much of the temple grounds are stone-paved, so you can safely push your stroller. It was also less crowded compared to other popular spots, making it relaxing for parents.
However, the famous Tsutenkyo Bridge has steep slopes, and the staff told us it would be difficult with a stroller. If you’re traveling with children, I recommend enjoying the Hojo Garden instead.
By the way, Fushimi Inari Taisha is just a 10-minute walk from here, so you can pair the two in your itinerary. You can also get there easily by train.
Fushimi Inari Taisha
Even on a weekday morning around 11 a.m., the area outside Inari Station was packed, with about 90% being foreign tourists.
The approach road is paved, so managing a stroller at first is fine. However, as soon as you try to head for the iconic Thousand Torii Gates, it becomes much harder. That’s why I ranked it third.
There are stroller parking areas available at the entrance of the Torii path. From there, you’ll need to continue on foot.
We managed to reach the beginning of the torii tunnel, but the climb went on for about 30 minutes, and just when we thought we were near the end, we saw a sign saying it would take another 40 minutes to reach the peak. With a child, it felt impossible, so we turned back.
For reference, the full hike to the summit of Mt. Inari takes about 4 kilometers and over 2 hours round trip.
On the way back, the crowds were overwhelming, but there were side paths where you could slip through to avoid heavy congestion.
If you plan to carry your child part of the way, I recommend a baby carrier that comes with storage pockets for snacks and essentials—it was a lifesaver.
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Tenryuji Temple
Located in Arashiyama, Tenryuji was founded by Ashikaga Takauji to honor Emperor Go-Daigo.
The entrance area is fully paved, so you can move easily with a stroller. That makes it fourth on my list.
Along the buildings with onigawara (ornamental roof tiles), stone-paved walkways make for smooth stroller access.
The Sogen Pond Garden, a UNESCO World Heritage site, offers an incredible view.
But before you get to the famous Bamboo Grove Path, stairways suddenly appear, so you’ll need to fold your stroller and continue on foot.
After passing through Tenryuji, you can directly enter the Bamboo Grove. When we visited at 9 a.m. on a weekday, it was already packed with tourists, but the refreshing atmosphere made it quite calming. Be mindful, as there are some slopes along the way with a stroller.
Toji Temple
Most of Toji’s paths are gravel, so it’s not very stroller-friendly.
Still, it deserves a spot on this list (fifth) because of the must-see three-dimensional mandala planned by Kobo Daishi Kukai, and the statues of the Twelve Heavenly Generals. (Photos are not allowed, so please check the official website for images.)
The towering five-story pagoda serves as a landmark visible from across the city.
Just outside Toji’s gate, about 50 meters to the left, is Toji Mochi, a sweet shop. Their soft, fluffy rice cakes filled with smooth red bean paste were heavenly—highly recommended.
Nijo Castle
Built by Tokugawa Ieyasu and later where Tokugawa Yoshinobu returned power to the Emperor (Taisei Hokan), Nijo Castle is sixth on the list.
The entrance has paved walkways, but once you pass through the gate, you’ll hit gravel, making stroller use quite tough.
Inside, the Ninomaru Palace features creaking “nightingale floors,” which chirp like birds when stepped on—an unusual and memorable experience.
The castle tower was lost to a lightning strike long ago, but the views from it must have been breathtaking.
Heian Shrine
Heian Shrine is spacious but covered mostly in gravel, so it’s not stroller-friendly. That’s why it ranks seventh.
The upside, however, is that unlike the bustling crowds of places like Fushimi Inari or Kiyomizu Temple, here you can let your little one walk around more freely.
If you do stop by, I recommend visiting Okakita, a famous udon restaurant nearby. Their shrimp and egg tendonji udon (about 1,600 yen) was outstanding. The shrimp had a sesame oil fragrance, the eggs were fluffy, and the noodles were perfectly chewy. I drank every last drop of the broth.
Bonus: Arashiyama’s Scenic Train & Togetsukyo Bridge
No trip to Kyoto is complete without a ride on the Arashiyama Scenic Railway and a stroll across Togetsukyo Bridge.
The views from the train are always breathtaking, though I can only imagine how crowded it gets during peak autumn foliage season.
When our child grows older, I’d also love to try the nearby Hozugawa River Boat Ride.
As for Togetsukyo, we visited early in the morning around 8 a.m., and it wasn’t crowded at all—perfect for a calm stroll. The view of the Katsura River from the bridge was simply beautiful.
Bonus: Chiikawa Mogu Mogu Honpo (Kyoto Fushimi Store)
Located right near Fushimi Inari Taisha, this shop is packed with exclusive Chiikawa character goods you won’t find anywhere else. Fans will love it—pure healing energy!
Conclusion
These are the temples and shrines in Kyoto I found stroller-friendly (or at least manageable) based on real visits.
We skipped Kiyomizu Temple since we’d heard the crowds and slopes would make it extremely difficult with a stroller.
If you’re planning a Kyoto trip with a small child, I hope this guide helps you out.
As for strollers, I recommend a lightweight one that folds easily—it was a lifesaver every time we faced stairs without elevators. That’s when dads really need to step in!
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Thank you very much for reading to the end.
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