A Family’s Two-Month Adventure in Kyoto — How Our Long-Stay Support Made It Special

When most people think of visiting Kyoto, they imagine temples, geisha, and cherry blossoms. But for one family from the U.K., their two-month stay in Kyoto became something much deeper: a heartwarming immersion into everyday life, community, and cultural connection, with the help of Porch Kyoto’s Long-Stay Family Support.

📩 Family long-stay support in Kyoto Started Before They Even Arrived

Our family long-stay support in Kyoto didn’t begin at the airport—it began months before.

After receiving an initial inquiry via email, we started a series of email responses to carefully plan the family’s time in Kyoto.

We discussed:

• Their ideal daily rhythm with two small children (aged 3 and 6 months)

• What kinds of classes or activities they wanted to experience

• Where to stay and how to find the most suitable neighborhood for their lifestyle

In parallel, we researched available classes and programs across Kyoto, contacting instructors directly to confirm age suitability, schedules, and availability. We even arranged online meetings with teachers, helping both sides feel prepared and connected before arrival.

We create every welcome package with care, just for your family

To support their adventure, we created a personalized welcome pack, including:

• A custom Kyoto adventure guide with their child’s name on the cover

• A curated list of classes they could attend during their stay

• A map of nearby child-friendly parks and playgrounds

• A calendar of Kyoto’s seasonal events and family-friendly activities

This was all shared with them before their arrival, so they felt confident, excited, and fully prepared. We then reviewed the full plan in person on Orientation Day, adding context and local tips as we explored the city together.

We share everything you need to know—from the class setting to whether English is supported—and we also meet with the instructors ahead of time to make sure it's a good fit

Along with class schedules, we provide a calendar that includes local children’s playgroup dates, open days at community spaces, and seasonal events like Kyoto markets

🏡 About the Family

This lovely family from the U.K. arrived in Kyoto with their two young boys—aged 3 years and 6 months at the time. They were on a mini-gap-year during the mother’s maternity leave, with a shared dream to live abroad for a while and experience a new culture as a family. Kyoto, a city they had always admired, was their destination of choice.

👣 Orientation & Everyday Life

On their orientation day, we walked through family-friendly neighborhoods and visited a local playground only known to nearby moms. We also introduced them to a shopping mall with a great selection of baby and kids’ goods—something that quickly became part of their weekly routine.

We also coordinated trial visits to several local classes and programs, including:

• 🎶 Baby music class

• 🥋 Aikido for toddlers

• 🧘‍♀️ Mom & baby yoga

Our role was more than just introducing them—we handled communication, attended trial lessons together, and ensured that each experience matched their needs and interests.

We support you in discovering play spaces and familiar spots where your child can feel comfortable and connected

🎉 A Special Kyoto Memory: Shichigosan Celebration

Toward the end of their stay, we helped them celebrate a uniquely Japanese tradition—Shichigosan—for their 3-year-old son, Noah. The whole family dressed in kimono and visited Shimogamo Shrine for a ceremony, just like local families do. It was a joyful, meaningful moment and one of their most cherished memories of the trip.

We pour our hearts into helping you create unforgettable memories of Japan’s seasonal traditions, arranging one-of-a-kind experiences that are only possible at that special time of year

💬 What the Family Had to Say

“We cannot thank Yukie enough for the incredible experience she curated for us in Kyoto. We stayed there for 2 months as our mini gap experience during my maternity leave, with our 6-month and 3-year old boys. From the moment we met her, she was warm, welcoming, and full of local insights especially for mums that enabled us to enjoy the city in a way we never could have managed on our own.”

“With her help, we even celebrated shichigosan on Noah's 3-year birthday in the iconic Shimogamo Shrine!”

“What stood out most was her genuine kindness and attention to detail. Whether it was helping us navigate the local hospital (yes, on our first day!), recommending the best hairdresser or making last-minute adjustments to our itinerary, Yukie was always one step ahead and incredibly gracious.”

“Thanks to her, our time in Kyoto was a deeply personal and enriching journey. Yukie is a true gem, and we wholeheartedly recommend her to anyone visiting Kyoto. She turned our trip into something truly unforgettable!”

🌱 Why This Kind of Support Matters

Porch Kyoto’s Long-Stay Support is ideal for families who want more than sightseeing—it’s for those who wish to:

• Let their children interact with local peers

• Foster meaningful friendships and cultural exchange

• Experience the real rhythm of Kyoto life

• Access flexible, thoughtful planning tailored to their needs

We’re here to help families not just visit Kyoto—but to live in it, connect with it, and feel truly welcomed.

We had a fun day by the Kamo River, enjoying a picnic and playdate with my son included

🏯 Come See a Different Side of Kyoto

If your family is planning to stay in Kyoto for more than a few days—and you want to explore beyond the typical tourist spots—consider joining us. Whether it’s helping you find baby gear, enrolling in a local class, or creating a once-in-a-lifetime cultural memory, our goal is to make your stay not only comfortable, but truly connected.

Your Kyoto adventure can be more than just a trip. It can be a life chapter you’ll remember forever.