Kyoto families, ditch the usual spots! This weekend is packed with the absolute last chance to catch contemporary art and the start of major cultural festivals. We've pulled the most unique, limited-run activities starting this Sunday, Feb 1st, perfect for getting out of the house!
Quick Picks
Play Park at Uzumasa-Tenjingawa Station Area
Uzumasa-Tenjingawa Station Area
Great unstructured outdoor play time for preschoolers, completely free!
Co-jin Collection - Heart's Landscape (Last Day)
京都市上京区
Indoor contemporary art viewing that’s free on its final day, great for older kids.
Play Park at Uzumasa-Tenjingawa Station Area
Uzumasa-Tenjingawa Station Area
Free, supervised play area perfect for the under-8 crowd.
· January 31
2CO-JIN COLLECTION - HEART'S LANDSCAPE (LAST DAY)FREE : This is your absolute last chance to catch this contemporary art exhibition featuring 20 domestic artists. It's a quiet, reflective spot—perfect for older kids and teens into visual arts.It’s the very last day! Score free entry to see some genuinely interesting modern art that most tourist guides skip.
PLAYSTATION OFFICIAL LICENSED POP UP STORE (LAST DAY)FREE : If you have tweens/teens glued to their screens, this limited-time pop-up near the station is a good rainy-day bet. Entry is free, so it’s low commitment fun.It’s a rare, temporary gaming-themed stop perfect for the 8-14 age bracket, and it’s free to peek inside!
· February 1
4PLAY PARK AT UZUMASA-TENJINGAWA STATION AREAFREE : While some events are later, look for the free, unstructured Play Parks on Sunday near Uzumasa-Tenjingawa. Great for letting the little ones burn off energy with some supervision.Free, local, unstructured play time for younger kids—the best way to spend a Sunday morning!
ART EXHIBITION: PICTURES AND CALLIGRAPHY OF THE 100 POETS : See the famous Hyakunin Isshu poetry re-imagined through art and calligraphy. A culturally rich activity for older children who enjoy stories or visual expression.It’s a beautiful, established cultural activity starting up, perfect for engaging school-aged kids with classical Japanese literature in a visual way.
KYOTO NIPPON FESTIVAL 2026: -BEYOND TIME, THE GARDEN BLOOMS- (OPENING DAY) : The major Kyoto Nippon Festival kicks off Sunday at Kitano Tenmangu Shrine. Expect limited-time access or special cultural displays—a great way to experience a local highlight.This is the grand opening of a major local cultural festival, meaning everything is fresh and special for this opening day.
SETSUBUN FESTIVAL RITUALS (EARLY START)FREE : While the official bean throwing is a few days later, some temples like Yasaka Shrine might have early rituals or events on Sunday. Watching the traditional warding-off ceremony is awesome!Get a jump on the Setsubun fun! This is a highly visual, traditional cultural event that’s much more engaging than just reading about it.
Frequently Asked Questions
What free family activities are happening this weekend (Jan 31 - Feb 1)?
We found two great free options: The final day of the 'Co-jin Collection' art exhibition (10+), and the Sunday 'Play Park' near Uzumasa-Tenjingawa for younger kids (3-8).
Are there any indoor activities for teens if it rains on Sunday?
Yes, check out the PlayStation Official Licensed POP UP STORE near Kyoto Station on Saturday (ends today!) or the 'Pictures and Calligraphy of the 100 Poets' exhibition starting Sunday in Saga-Arashiyama.
What cultural event is starting this Sunday, Feb 1st?
The big 'Kyoto Nippon Festival 2026' begins Sunday at Kitano Tenmangu Shrine, offering special openings and exhibits for families.