Hi all! We'll be in Kyoto for a couple days next month, during the cherry blossoms (if they are out anyway). Got a couple of young kids with us, and grandparents. Any recommendations for restaurants or things we shouldn't miss? Only there for a very short time unfortunately

We'll have one night in Osaka (Nampa area) as well if there is anything fun to do.
Thanks!!!

Kaiyukan Aquarium in Osaka is a must for families. It's one of the largest aquariums in the world and home to a few whale sharks. Amazing facility.

Nara (deer roaming around openly the city and park) is cool and just a 30-40min train ride is very unique. If you want to stay local near namba: hang out and stroll dotonburi. Pedestrian area of shops, food paradise (try everything!). Enjoy the lights and canals and bridges and Glico running man.

Since you'll be there during cherry blossom time, look up the Philosophers Trail. Its an easy path through the city that goes by a river and streams lined by cherry blossoms. It'll also take you to a bunch of temples along the way that you can visit if you wish. I used to live there so if you have more questions, you can private message me.
https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e3906.html

following

I would say, for one of the days in kyoto, take the whole family to Gion and either buy or rent kimonos to wear for the day. There are shrines nearby, as well as lots of nice restaurants.

Young kids will love the monkey park in Arashiyama (It's up a mountain, and you can buy fruit at the top to feed the monkeys in a special hut that separates you from them). It's good to combine with the bamboo grove and wandering among the shops in that area.
I don't know how old the kids are, but a fun "experience" to try is ichiran ramen. It's pretty tasty, very customizable (which is not something that's common in Japan - they expect you to eat what you're given) it's got bar seating, water dispensers and you order through a ticket machine. You can usually fold back the walls of the little booths so that people can sit together. I've had better ramen in other places, but I still love ichiran in the same way I love White Spot as a kid who grew up in BC XD super easy and nostalgic.

Arashiyama Bamboo Grove and the Okochi-Sanso Garden inside would probably be good stops
https://youtu.be/XCxzKsXk9SI

https://youtu.be/fIvuKdC1azw

Following

https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e3901.html this one is a must in Kyoto.

You should visit Nara. It's not far from Kyoto and the kids can feed deer. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GcLg0qSsdDE

I’m from Kyoto. I recommend going to Kyoto Aquarium! There is Obanzai buffet restaurant nearby called Miyako Yasai Kamo. Obanzai buffet is traditional food. There is a park nearby and you can visit a train museum and see old Nijo Station. TOJI temple is nearby and they have a flea market. You can find antiques. You can also go to Aeon Mall. If you like seafood, go to Moyatake.

Do you where I could find some Japanese tour guides that speak English to show us around Tokyo and/or Kyoto?

Diana I don’t know about Tokyo but You can find some free tour at the visitor centre near Kyoto Tower or Kyoto International community house. Kyoto International community house is close by Nanzenji temple. I love the area! You can see cherry blossoms around there too. (Keage)

Nobu Yoshi

Thank you for your help. Much appreciated. When is the best time to visit Japan? November? February?

Diana, Early April or Early November

When I was Tokyo last time, I only took Oedo Line using a day pass. When I lived in Kyoto, I loved taking Keihan Line.

Nobu Yoshi, i am thinking to see Fushimi Inarni Shrine, Kiyomizu Dera, Kinkakku-ji, Nijo Casyle, Inari shrines and Kyoto Cultural Forest. What order is best?

Bonnie Au Take Keihan Line to see Fushimi Inari, Tofuku ji and Kiyomizu dera. Take Tozai Line to Nijo Castle and Arasiyama. Do you mean Arashiyama bamboo forest right? Kinkaku is accessible by bus. Kyoto bus one day pass is very cheap but always crowded. However you can get everywhere you want. Is that help?

Nobu Yoshi how about Bamboo groves in Arashiyma, Tenryu-Ji temple, Jojakko-Ji temple, Togetsujyo bridge.

Nobu Yoshi thank you

Nobu Yoshi the bamboo forest in Arashiyama is the same as Bamboo groves?

Bonnie Au I think so. There are in the same area.

Nobu Yoshi ok thanks very much!

If you are in Namba, I recommend going to Tsutenkaku area, take a bath at Spa World and eat out Kushikatsu and Takoyaki! Yum!

folowong, we will be there

Nara a short train ride from Kyoto or Osaka. Kids would love the deers

The water temple in a yukata or kimono or normal clothing. You can make a wish, ring the bell and see your fortune. A nice glimpse of older times. There was also a specific dessert that is native to Kyoto. Can't miss eating it!

Following!

+1 Arashiyama.- great little hike to the monkey park on top of the hill

I would also recommend the Philosophers Path as the perfect place for a relaxed walk with kids and see the cherry blossoms. https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e3906.html

Thanks everyone!! Going to be a lot to cram in, but with all the suggestions we will definitely not be bored. Will hit up the path, the monkeys, and the deer for sure, with the temple somewhere in the middle, and hope to squeeze in the aquarium on the last day! Very much appreciated!!

Dont forget the bamboo forest in kyoto

Nobu Yoshi, where is a good supermarket u would sugg in Kyoto and Toyko?