Location Decision

If you are a family of five (including two 8-yr olds), relying on public transportation to get around Kyoto, is it better to stay at the Kyoto Traveler's Inn (near the City Museum of Art) or in a ryokan near Kiyomuzu-dera? Or does make a difference? We are planning on spending 1-2 days in the eastern part of the city, 1 in the central part, 1 out by Arashiyama, and 1 in the southern part of Kyoto.

PixieN,

If the subway does not get you there the bus certainly will. I think it is a matter more of where you think you will go.

Look a t a map in relationship to where you will go and where you are staying. It is not difficult to get around.

Then again the Ryokan may bring you a little closer to the Japanese living.

Tenshi

Planning on:
1) Ginkakuji, Path of the Philosopher, Nanzenji
2) Sanjusangendo, Nijo, Imperial Palace, Nishi Market
3) Kiyomizudera, Gion, Maru... Park
4) Arashiyama Area
5) Fushimi Area
6) Kitano Tenmangu Market, Ryoanji, Kinkakuji
Maybe 1 museum or botanical gardens.... or swim at the YMCA or department store...

Forget buses and subways. With that time window, those numbers and those ages you need door to door. It isn't so expensive in Kyoto.

So: taxis. My very strong recommendation.

Important fact: 'o-gata' (large size) taxis carry 5 passengers - 2 in front (1 big + 1 small) , 3 in back. They must be summoned by phone, but friendly innkeepers and shopkeepers will do that for you.

They do also cruise the streets, but only about 1 on 30 cabs is an ogata. You will find them at the station, however, if that is how you are arriving.

Good news: their meter rate is only a touch more than regular (kogata) cabs.

On your Arashiyama day a train could be fun. But for everything else ... don't think twice.

So - feel free to stay wherever you like. I'd go ryokan myself, although are you sure the kids will be into it?

Hi
Personally I'd stay in the Ryokan, it's traditional and a beautiful way to experience Kyoto.
Kyoto is quite easy to get around, day bus passes are cheap. Also cabs are quite cheap if you're in a rush