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Umekoji Potel Kyoto Family Review: A Great Stay with Kids?

Traveling with little ones can be a challenge, especially when it comes to finding a hotel that caters to the entire family’s needs. From spacious rooms to kid-friendly activities, there are so many factors to consider. After all, a happy child means a happy parent! Although it was a year ago, we stayed at the Umekoji Potel Kyoto with our then four-year-old daughter. We’re writing this blog post now as we were reminiscing about what a kid-friendly hotel it was. If you’re planning a trip to Kyoto with your family and looking for a hotel that will make your vacation a breeze, then keep reading to see if the Umekoji Potel Kyoto is the perfect fit for you.

Overall, our experience was fantastic, and we can confidently say that this hotel is a gem for families with kids and a great choice for those looking for a relaxing and convenient stay. The hotel is designed with families in mind, and the thoughtful amenities and services truly made a difference in our trip.

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Pros and Cons: A Quick Look

Pros

  • Excellent Location: One stop from JR Kyoto Station and a 5-minute walk from Umekoji-Kyotonishi Station.
  • Family-Friendly Attractions: Easy walking distance to Umekoji Park, Kyoto Aquarium, and the Kyoto Railway Museum.
  • Thoughtful Amenities: The hotel provides child-sized towels and other essential amenities, which is a huge plus.
  • Clean and Comfortable Rooms: The rooms are modern, spacious, and well-maintained, perfect for a family trip.
  • Communal Spaces: “Awai-no-Ma” and the rooftop terrace offer great spaces for play and relaxation.
  • In-house Facilities: The convenient coin laundry and “Pote-yu” public bath are a great bonus.

Cons

  • Limited Breakfast Variety: The breakfast buffet is heavily focused on Japanese cuisine, which may not appeal to all picky eaters.
  • No Dedicated Kids’ Club or Pool: While there are communal play areas, families seeking a hotel with a pool or staffed kids’ club might need to look elsewhere.
  • No Playground: While there are communal areas, there is no dedicated playground for children to burn off energy.
  • Fixed Showerheads in the Public Bath: The traditional sento style of the fixed showerheads might be a bit awkward to use.
Night Aqualium

The photo above shows the Kyoto Aquarium at night. At that time, a “Night Aquarium” event was being held, and we were able to re-enter with our one-day ticket (please check for the latest information).

Location & Accessibility: A Parent’s Dream

One of the biggest selling points of the Umekoji Potel Kyoto is its incredible location. It’s just one stop from JR Kyoto Station, making it incredibly easy to access from anywhere in the city. The hotel is located just a 5-minute walk from Umekoji-Kyotonishi Station, so there’s no need to worry about long walks with tired children after a day of sightseeing. We were particularly impressed with how convenient it was to get to the hotel and drop off our luggage before heading out to explore. The hotel’s proximity to the station, which is a rare find in Kyoto, made our trip so much more relaxed.

But the convenience doesn’t stop there. The hotel is situated in a prime spot for family entertainment. Right next door is Umekoji Park, a huge green space perfect for kids to run around and burn off some energy. The Kyoto Aquarium is also within a short walking distance, a must-visit for families. For our little one who loves trains, the Kyoto Railway Museum was just a stone’s throw away. This location truly made our Kyoto family trip so much more enjoyable, as we could easily access some of the city’s best family attractions without a long commute.

Our Room & Comfort: Kid-Friendly Amenities Included

We stayed in a twin-bed room with a balcony, and it was a wonderful experience. The room was incredibly clean and well-maintained, and the design felt modern yet cozy. The beds were comfortable, and there was plenty of space for our family of three to relax without feeling cramped. The balcony was an added bonus, offering a lovely view of the surrounding area and a nice spot to unwind in the evening.

The hotel’s attention to detail for families with kids was evident in the amenities provided. The bathroom was spotless, and the bathtub was a good size, perfect for a relaxing soak after a long day of walking. They also had a wide range of complimentary amenities in the lobby, including child-sized towels, toothbrushes, and other essentials, which was a huge help. This saved us from having to pack extra things and made us feel like the hotel truly understood the needs of traveling parents.

Kid-Friendly Activities & Amenities

The Umekoji Potel Kyoto is truly a haven for family travel. The hotel has a space called “Awai-no-Ma” where you can enjoy various activities, so even if the weather is bad, you can have fun inside the hotel. There is also a great rooftop terrace with a fantastic view, which was a great spot for us to enjoy a break while our daughter enjoyed the open space. The communal areas are well-designed and encouraged a sense of community, which is something we really valued.

Dining for Families: The Breakfast Buffet

The breakfast buffet at the Umekoji Potel Kyoto was a mixed bag for us. The food was delicious and fresh, with a focus on traditional Japanese dishes. They had a great selection of rice, miso soup, and various side dishes. The coffee corner, with its self-serve coffee machines, was a big hit with the adults.

However, we did feel that the variety was a bit limited, especially for a picky eater like our daughter. There weren’t many Western options or a dedicated kids’ menu, so we had to get creative with what was available. While we were able to find enough for her to eat, it might be a bit challenging for other families with picky eaters. On the plus side, high chairs were readily available, and the staff was friendly and accommodating. They were always quick to help and made us feel welcome.

Hotel Facilities: “Pote-yu” and Other Services

The hotel has a public bath called “Pote-yu.” The showerheads are fixed, which some people may find a bit inconvenient, but it’s perfect for those who want to experience a traditional Japanese sento. Be sure to check the specific manners for using a public bath before you go in. The hotel also has a convenient coin laundry room, a lifesaver for families with kids on longer trips.

Final Verdict & Recommendation: Would We Stay Again?

The Umekoji Potel Kyoto is a fantastic choice for families with kids who prioritize convenience, a clean and comfortable room, and a relaxed atmosphere. It’s perfect for those who plan to spend their days exploring the nearby family-friendly attractions and are looking for a comfortable base to return to. The hotel’s location is its biggest strength, and the thoughtful amenities for children make it a standout choice for a stress-free vacation.

For us, the pros far outweighed the cons. We would absolutely stay at the Umekoji Potel Kyoto again on our next family trip to Kyoto. It truly felt like a home away from home, and we left feeling refreshed and ready to tackle the rest of our travels.

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