A reference video for thinking about raising children and choosing a neighborhood in Kyoto.
Do not choose by a 'popular school district' alone. Look together at the number of children, parks, hospitals, supermarkets, rail access and childcare. We selected ten areas, beginning with Sakyo and Kamigyo wards where this site has the most detailed data.
We also checked nursery schools, kindergartens and current attendance zones. Population figures use Kyoto City's census statistical areas, not school-district boundaries, so they should not be confused with school-district population.
In July 2026, Iwakura-minami had 12,345 residents, including 1,908 aged 0–14—about 15.5%. It has access to Kokusaikaikan Subway Station and the Eizan Railway, and Takaragaike Park is nearby, making it a strong starting point for family housing.
Of 8,316 residents, 1,021 are aged 0–14, about 12.3%. Matsugasaki Subway Station is available, with easy access to Takaragaike Park and Kitayama. A major advantage is being able to organize family life without depending too heavily on a car.
The Aoi area has 11,330 residents, with 1,275 aged 0–14 (about 11.3%). It combines the living environment of Shimogamo and Kitayama, the Kyoto Botanical Gardens, and transport toward Kitayama and Kitaoji subway stations.
Kamitakano has 6,895 residents, with 762 aged 0–14 (about 11.1%). The Children's Paradise area of Takaragaike Park is a major strength, and both the Eizan Railway and the Kokusaikaikan subway area are accessible.
Shugakuin Daiichi has 14,465 residents, including 1,528 aged 0–14 (about 10.6%). Shopping and dining along the Eizan Railway coexist with the calmer atmosphere at the foot of Mt. Hiei.
Shimogamo has 7,290 residents, including 754 aged 0–14 (about 10.3%). The Kamo River and Tadasu no Mori serve as everyday outdoor play spaces, with easy movement toward Demachiyanagi and Kitaoji.
The area stands out for the large green space of Kyoto Gyoen and access to Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine Hospital. It suits families who want to organize life in central Kyoto mainly on foot or by bicycle.
This area makes it relatively easy to combine access toward Kyoto Second Red Cross Hospital, subway and JR Nijo transportation, and everyday conveniences such as supermarkets.
The Ninna area has 9,548 residents, including 832 aged 0–14. It offers easy movement toward Kitano-Hakubaicho and Emmachi, with Randen, JR and city buses available.
Its strengths are Nishijin's shops and everyday culture plus proximity to central Kyoto. Because many homes are older, compare each property carefully for size, renovation condition and earthquake resistance.
| What you prioritize | 候補 |
|---|---|
| More children / suburban style | 岩倉南 |
| 地下鉄＋公園 | Matsugasaki |
| Streetscape + nature | 下鴨・葵 |
| 病院・中心部 | 御所東・二条城北 |
| Rent + local lifestyle | 西陣・北野 |
Population figures are as of July 1, 2026. School-district and population-statistical boundaries differ.