Top 4 Places to Live in Kyoto for Families

Supervised By: 風戸 裕樹

不動産のエキスパート

Are you planning to move to Kyoto with your family and wondering where the best place to live is? 

Would you like to know what factors you need to consider when choosing a place to live in Kyoto?

In this guide, we will be introducing the 4 best places to live in Kyoto for families, based on key factors like access to international and public schools, transportation, green spaces, shopping, and overall quality of life.

We’ll explore:

• Goshominami: a centrally located area with top-rated public schools and great city access
• Kitayama: a peaceful neighborhood surrounded by nature and cultural landmarks
• Katsura: an affordable residential area with excellent transit links to Kyoto and Osaka
• Nijo: a vibrant district with modern amenities and historical charm

Whether you're an expat relocating to Kyoto or a local family searching for a better place to live, this article will help you find the perfect neighborhood to call home.

Read Also: 🔗The 7 Best Areas to Live in Kyoto for Foreigners🔗

Top 4  Places to Live in Kyoto for Families

1. Goshominami (South of Imperial Palace, Chūō Ward)
2. Kitayama Area (Kamigamo & Shimogamo, Kita/Sakyō Wards)
3. Katsura Area (Nishikyō & Minami Wards)
4. Nijo Area (Nakagyō Ward)

1. Goshominami (South of Imperial Palace, Chūō Ward)

Goshominami refers to the area located south of the Kyoto Imperial Palace in Chūō Ward. 

The Imperial Palace is one of Kyoto's most iconic landmarks and is perfect for leisurely family strolls.

While offering excellent access to cafes, restaurants, and popular tourist spots, the area also provides a peaceful and comfortable environment for daily living.

Goshominami is popular among families raising children due to the presence of several well-regarded public schools, such as Goshominami Elementary School and Oike Junior High School. 

Some international families choose to send their children to Japanese public schools, so this is worth mentioning.

The area is geographically located in the heart of Kyoto and offers excellent access to the city center.

• CBD access: Excellent. The area lies near Kyoto Imperial Palace and is close to Karasuma-Oike Station, where the north-south Karasuma Line and east-west Tōzai Line intersect. This gives easy access to Kyoto Station and central areas.
• International Schools: 
  Even though there are none directly in the area, access to the following schools is easy:
  - Kyoto International School (KIS) located in Kamigyō‑ku (close by) 
  - Lycée Français International de Kyoto near Kyoto Station
• Why it’s great for foreign families: Highly family-friendly, with reputable local schools such as Goshominami Elementary and Oike Elementary, peaceful residential vibe, and central convenience. 

2. Kitayama Area (Kamigamo, Kita Ward & Shimogamo, Sakyō Wards)

The Kamo River winds its way through Kamigamo in Kita Ward and Shimogamo in Sakyō Ward, bringing a sense of calm and natural beauty to the area.

Nearby, you'll find the Kamigamo Shrine and Shimogamo Shrine, both recognized as World Heritage Sites. 

These historic shrines are not only cultural landmarks but also host a variety of traditional events throughout the year, adding to the area's rich atmosphere. 

The Kitayama area in northern Kyoto is known for its refined and modern charm. 

It's an upscale residential neighborhood that reflects the quiet elegance of the city. 

Life here moves at a gentle pace, with nature close at hand, making it an ideal place for those who value serenity. 

Centered around Kitayama Station, the area is home to cultural venues such as the Kyoto Botanical Garden, which celebrated its 100th anniversary in 2024, and the Kyoto Concert Hall. 

The garden hosts events throughout the year and is perfect for strolls with small children and the concert hall would be a nice place to enjoy music with your teens on the weekend.

Kitayama also offers a range of stylish cafes and restaurants, all while providing convenient access to central Kyoto. 

With its balance of nature, culture, and comfort, Kitayama is especially popular among families looking for a nurturing place to raise children.

• CBD Access: Solid via the Karasuma Line. Kitayama Station offers quick north–south access into central Kyoto.
   
• International Schools: Similar to Goshominami. No schools directly here, but accessible to KIS and Lycée Français.
   
• Why it’s great for foreign families: Quiet, scenic, rich in heritage (Kamigamo & Shimogamo Shrines, botanical garden), great if you value nature and tradition with moderate access to city life.

3. Katsura Area (Nishikyō & Minami Wards)

This area is located in Nishikyō Ward and Minami Ward. 

The large shopping center, AEON Mall Kyoto Katsuragawa, reopened in 2021 after extensive renovations, significantly improving convenience for residents.

Katsura Station is served by Hankyu Limited Express trains, offering convenient access to both Kyoto and Osaka.

It takes only about 10 minutes to reach Kyoto Kawaramachi Station and about 35 minutes to Osaka Umeda Station, making it convenient not only for daily commuting but also for weekend outings with kids.

• CBD Access: Good. Served by Hankyū Limited Express for direct access to Kyoto and Osaka, making commutes efficient.
   
• International Schools: Not nearby. International options are in central Kyoto or farther out (KYOTO INTERNATIONAL UNIVERSITY ACADEMY, Kyōtanabe City)
   
• Why it’s great for foreign families: Quiet, spacious, more affordable rents, AEON Mall nearby, sufficient amenities, good for families seeking tranquility. If you have teenagers who enjoy going out with friends, they might find the area a bit quiet.

Read Also: 🔗The 8 Best Places to Live in Tokyo for Families🔗

4. Nijo Area (Nakagyō Ward)

Located in Nakagyō Ward, this area offers both convenience and charm.

The recently renovated Bivi Mall is directly connected to Nijo Station, which is served by JR, subway, Hankyu, and bus lines, making it easy to get around without a car.

Nijo Station is one of the only two stations in central Kyoto that has access to both JR and subway lines. From here, Kyoto Station is just a short ride away.

The area continues to grow, with luxury hotels such as HOTEL THE MITSUI KYOTO, Shangri-La Kyoto Nijojo, opening near Nijo Castle. 

Healthcare is easily accessible, with hospitals and holiday clinics within walking distance.

Streetlights and a nearby police box make the area feel safe even at night, especially for families and women. 

It’s also home to Ritsumeikan and Bukkyo University, giving it a lively, student-friendly atmosphere.

With landmarks like Nijo Castle, the area draws many tourists. 

During peak seasons like Golden Week, the area tends to be lively with tourists, so running quick errands might take a little more time.

• CBD Access: Exceptional. Nijo Station connects to Kyoto Station (JR), and the newly renovated Bivi mall (opened on June 20, 2025) is directly linked, offering both retail and transit convenience. 
   
• International Schools: Easy access to KIS and Lycée Français thanks to central location and transport links. KYOTO INTERNATIONAL UNIVERSITY ACADEMY may also be an option if your child is old enough to commute a little further.
   
• Why it’s great for foreign families: Excellent. It combines modern amenities, central culture (near Nijo Castle), planned luxury hotels, plus access to public and international schools, which makes it an appealing, upscale choice.

Summary

We have looked at these 4 places in Kyoto that are recommended for families:

1. Goshominami (South of Imperial Palace, Chūō Ward)

Located south of the Kyoto Imperial Palace, Goshominami is a centrally located, peaceful residential area popular with families for its well-regarded public schools.
Though there are no international schools in the immediate area, access to Kyoto International School and Lycée Français is convenient, making it a strong option for foreign families.

2. Kitayama Area (Kamigamo, Kita Ward & Shimogamo, Sakyō Wards)

Kitayama offers a tranquil, upscale lifestyle surrounded by nature, historic shrines, and cultural venues like the Kyoto Botanical Garden and Concert Hall.
 With solid access to central Kyoto via the Karasuma Line and proximity to international schools, it’s ideal for families who value a quiet, scenic environment.

3. Katsura Area (Nishikyō & Minami Wards)

Katsura provides a quiet, spacious, and affordable living environment with excellent access to both Kyoto and Osaka via the Hankyu Limited Express.
 While international schools are not nearby, the area is family-friendly with ample amenities like AEON Mall, though it may feel too quiet for older children or teens.

4. Nijo Area (Nakagyō Ward)

Nijo combines modern convenience, rich culture, and excellent connectivity, with direct links to both JR and subway lines and proximity to Kyoto Station.
The area is lively, safe, and full of amenities, ideal for foreign families seeking a vibrant, central location with access to both local and international schools.

Whether you're relocating to Kyoto or exploring the best neighborhoods for foreign families, the city offers a diverse range of residential areas to suit different lifestyles. 

From the central convenience of Goshominami and Nijo, to the peaceful, nature-rich atmosphere of Kitayama, and the spacious, family-friendly environment of Katsura, Kyoto blends tradition, safety, and accessibility. 

With excellent transport links, access to local and international schools, and a high quality of life, Kyoto proves it's not just a city for tourists but also a welcoming and practical place to call home.

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