If you are planning a family trip to Kyoto, staying in Arashiyama is a perfect way to combine convenience and atmosphere. We recently stayed at Kyoto Arashiyama Hotel Kadensho, a family-friendly onsen ryokan operated by the Dormy Inn group (Kyoritsu Resort). It was the highlight of our Kyoto visit—not only for its location but also for its thoughtful family services. Here’s why families love this hotel.
Reason 1: Early Morning Access from Kyoto Arashiyama Hotel Kadensho
One of the biggest advantages of staying at Kadensho is the ability to visit the bamboo grove early in the morning before the crowds arrive. From Kyoto Arashiyama Hotel Kadensho, you can walk directly to the famous bamboo grove and enjoy a rare, peaceful moment in one of Kyoto’s busiest attractions. For families with young children, this is a huge plus—kids tire quickly in the daytime crowds, so starting early makes sightseeing much easier. Even for adults, having the bamboo forest almost to yourself feels like a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Reason 2: Family-Friendly Services at Kyoto Arashiyama Kadensho
As part of the Kyoritsu Resort group, Kadensho offers a range of services that make family stays comfortable:
- Yukata and samue rental for both adults and taller children.
- Kids’ meals are available so children can enjoy dining without fuss.
- Four private baths (no reservation required) mean families can enjoy onsen time together.
- Free evening ice pops and morning yogurt drinks—small touches that children love.
Kids’ Meals in Detail
Kadensho’s kids’ dinner is especially generous, with nine child-friendly dishes, chawanmushi (savory egg custard), and a clear soup. The variety ensures there’s always something your child will love—our daughter ate everything except the vegetables! It’s a positive dining experience for even picky eaters.
Yukata and Samue Rental in Detail
Many ryokan offer yukata, but few provide a wide selection of patterns, and even fewer allow you to borrow samue. At Kadensho, guests can choose their favorite colorful yukata design. Although there are no dedicated kids’ yukata, taller children can still enjoy wearing an adult S size comfortably. Samue (two-piece lounge wear) are perfect for sleeping since they don’t come undone easily. We usually bring pajamas when staying at a ryokan, but here samue made packing lighter and more convenient.
Reason 3: Modern Kyoto-Style Comfort with Family-Sized Rooms
Kyoto Arashiyama Hotel Kadensho combines modern cleanliness with traditional Kyoto charm. The hotel is new and well maintained, with stylish interiors that balance Japanese design and contemporary comfort. Rooms are spacious enough for families to relax after a long day of exploring. From the entrance to the tatami floors, the atmosphere feels authentically Kyoto while still being practical for parents and children.
Bonus Perks Families Appreciate
Beyond the main reasons, Kadensho Arashiyama Hotel also offers:
- Excellent Location: Just a 2-minute walk from Arashiyama Station, yet the hotel remains quiet. Major Arashiyama attractions are all within walking distance.
- Free Yonaki Soba: A Dormy Inn signature, this late-night ramen snack is complimentary and loved by both adults and kids.
- Private Terrace Views: Rooms with terraces overlook Kyoto’s autumn foliage, creating a luxurious atmosphere right from your room.
- Adult Dinner: A Kyoto-inspired feast with seasonal dishes and obanzai, offering an authentic Kyoto dining experience.
Togetsukyo Bridge and Morning Walks
On the first day, we dropped our luggage at the hotel after arriving at Arashiyama Station and explored the area hands-free. On the second day, we visited the bamboo grove before breakfast. On the way back through the quiet streets, we noticed temple gardens with autumn colors that had been hidden by the previous day’s crowds. These morning walks felt like an indulgent, once-in-a-lifetime Kyoto experience.
Terrace Experience
During the autumn season, the terrace offers beautiful views of colorful foliage directly from your room. This experience feels like a different kind of luxury compared to sightseeing at crowded spots and adds a special Kyoto atmosphere to the stay.
Dinner for adult
The adult dinner was also impressive. Guests could enjoy Kyoto specialties such as yuba, along with a selection of seasonal dishes. The highlight was the obanzai buffet, where you could freely add as many side dishes as you liked, making the meal both generous and flexible.
FAQ About Kyoto Arashiyama Hotel Kadensho
Q1. Is Kyoto Arashiyama Hotel Kadensho good for families with kids?
Yes. Kadensho provides kids’ meals, child-sized samue, free ice pops and yogurt drinks, and family-friendly private baths. These thoughtful services make it a top choice for parents traveling with children.
Q2. Does Kadensho have private onsen baths?
Yes. There are four private baths available, and no reservations are required. Families can enjoy a relaxing soak together in privacy.
Q3. What makes Kadensho different from other Arashiyama hotels?
Kadensho combines the charm of Kyoto-style design with the comfort of modern, clean facilities. It also offers unique perks such as samue rental and complimentary Yonaki Soba late at night.
Q4. How close is Kadensho to the Arashiyama bamboo grove?
The hotel is within walking distance, making it possible to visit early in the morning before most tourists arrive. This is one of the best ways to experience the bamboo forest.
Final Thoughts
Kyoto Arashiyama Hotel Kadensho is more than just a place to stay—it’s an experience that combines location, comfort, and thoughtful family services. Whether it’s beating the crowds in the bamboo grove, enjoying kid-friendly perks, or relaxing in clean, Kyoto-style rooms, this hotel is a top choice for families visiting Kyoto. Add in the bonus touches like yukata, samue, and free late-night ramen, and it’s easy to see why so many families love staying here.
Related Articles
- Arashiyama 2-Day Family Itinerary → Plan your perfect family day in Arashiyama.
- Fushimi Inari with Kids – Travel Guide → Discover tips for visiting Fushimi Inari with children.
- Best Onsen Ryokan in Japan – Complete Guide → Explore our onsen pillar article for more family-friendly hot spring stays.
External Link
- Official Website of Kyoto Arashiyama Hotel Kadensho → Check availability and book your stay directly
