In Kyoto no Neko, 2-4 players take on the roles of kittens exploring the modern city of Kyoto, Japan, through a series of independent, replayable scenarios. In each scenario, players must complete various missions that represent typical feline behavior, such as befriending a schoolboy, fighting an aggressive stray cat, or stealing food from another player's bowl. As the game progresses, players will evolve, developing their skills and gaining the ability to explore new parts of the map by climbing bushes and rooftops.

Using a skill system, each player interacts with some of Kyoto’s inhabitants, both animals and people. Each turn offers the chance to discover something new about the city, as players reveal elements ranging from small insects to specific objects or Kyoto residents. Some of these elements are represented by cardboard tiles, while others come as standing figures, making for an impressive visual experience.