10 Must-Visit Cafes & Restaurants in Arashiyama, Kyoto: From Photogenic Japanese Sweets to Traditional Cuisine
Contents
Your Ultimate Arashiyama Food Guide: Unforgettable Cafes and Restaurants
Kyoto’s Arashiyama and Sagano district is renowned for stunning scenery including the iconic Togetsukyo Bridge and the enchanting bamboo grove. This area attracts countless visitors who discover that beyond sightseeing, there are remarkable cafes and restaurants that leave a lasting impression.
From Instagram-worthy Japanese sweets to traditional cuisine with centuries of history, we’ve handpicked 10 exceptional establishments from our personal visits. Centered around Keifuku Railway’s Arashiyama Station, each restaurant combines visual beauty with outstanding flavors—places we confidently recommend.
After exploring the bamboo paths and riverside walks, take a moment to relax and savor the unique flavors of Kyoto in these beautiful spaces.
Kumonocha Cafe Arashiyama
This wildly popular Japanese-style cafe is famous for its adorable fluffy “Cloud Mousse.” Enjoy photogenic desserts like bamboo tube tiramisu, matcha ice cream, and souffle cheesecake in their refreshing interior inspired by bamboo groves.
| Name | Kumonocha Cafe Arashiyama |
|---|---|
| Hours | 10:00 am - 5:30 pm |
| Address | 20 - 13 Sagatenryuji Tsukurimichicho, Ukyo - ku, Kyoto 616 - 8384 |
| Website | Kumonocha | Arashiyama | KUMONOCHA |
| @kumonocha_kyoto |
Kyo Matcha Crepe ARINCO
A specialty shop for Kyoto matcha crepes. Their vibrant and adorable crepes are incredibly popular. Not too sweet and easy to eat, with a gentle matcha aroma and perfectly balanced bitterness and sweetness. We also highly recommend their drinks like matcha latte, green tea, and Italian soda.
| Name | Kyo Matcha Crepe ARINCO |
|---|---|
| Hours | 10:00 am - 6:00 pm |
| Address | 20 - 1 Sagatenryuji Tsukurimichicho, Ukyo - ku, Kyoto 616 - 8384, Keifuku Arashiyama Station Hannari Hokkori Square 1F |
| Website | ARINCO Kyo Matcha Crepe Specialty Shop |
| @arinco_arashiyama |
Warewarewa Arashiyama
A cafe and dining establishment by “Pan to Espresso to.” From Japanese dishes like udon, tempura rice bowls, tamagoyaki set meals, and ochazuke to chiffon cake and espresso—enjoy beautifully presented meals in a stylish traditional Japanese house setting.
| Name | Warewarewa Arashiyama |
|---|---|
| Hours | 8:00 am - 6:00 pm |
| Address | 3 - 14 Sagatenryuji Susukino Babacho, Ukyo - ku, Kyoto 616 - 8385 |
| Website | Warewarewa Arashiyama | Hitohibito Inc. |
| @warewarewa_arashiyama |
Yoshiya Hondori
A long-established souvenir shop founded in 1948. The first floor “Oku no Niwa” serves traditional Japanese cuisine. They also offer vegan, vegetarian, halal, and gluten-free menu options, embodying their mission to “share Japanese cuisine with the world.” The modern Japanese interior creates a wonderful atmosphere.
| Name | Yoshiya Hondori |
|---|---|
| Hours | 10:00 am - 5:00 pm |
| Address | 31 Sagatenryuji Tsukurimichicho, Ukyo - ku, Kyoto 616 - 8384 |
| Website | Yoshiya |
| @yoshiya_arashiyama |
Gyatei
A Japanese restaurant specializing in “seasonal obanzai” (Kyoto-style home cooking) served as set meals and small plates. The colorful array of small dishes served in a calm Japanese atmosphere is guaranteed to lift your spirits.
| Name | Gyatei |
|---|---|
| Hours | 11:00 am - 2:30 pm |
| Address | 19 - 8 Sagatenryuji Tsukurimichicho, Ukyo - ku, Kyoto 616 - 8384 |
| Website | Arashiyama Gyatei | Obanzai Lunch and Street Food |
| @gyatei_arashiyama |
Yojiya Cafe Sagano Arashiyama
A cafe operated by Yojiya, famous for their oil-blotting papers. While featuring modern cafe trends, the interior includes a Japanese garden in the courtyard, offering a refined modern Japanese experience. The latte art featuring “Yojiko,” the woman depicted in the Yojiya logo, is especially popular.
| Name | Yojiya Cafe Sagano Arashiyama |
|---|---|
| Hours | 10:00 am - 6:00 pm |
| Address | 2 Sagatenryuji Tateishicho, Ukyo - ku, Kyoto 616 - 8375 |
| Website | Yojiya Cafe | Sagano Arashiyama |
| @yojiyacafe_official |
eX cafe Kyoto Arashiyama Main Store
Famous for their “Hokuhoku Dango Set” where you grill your own dumplings. They offer many Japanese sweets with photogenic presentations. The exterior and interior boast exceptional design, offering a uniquely traditional yet contemporary Japanese experience unlike any other cafe. They also serve Kyoto craft beer and other alcoholic beverages alongside coffee and lattes.
| Name | eX cafe Kyoto Arashiyama Main Store |
|---|---|
| Hours | 10:00 am - 6:00 pm |
| Address | 35 - 3 Sagatenryuji Tsukurimichicho, Ukyo - ku, Kyoto 616 - 8384 |
| @excafe_official |
Tofu Cuisine Matsugae
A highly popular tofu specialty restaurant—reservations required. The restaurant occupies the renovated former residence of painter Manshu Kawamura, where notable cultural figures like Rosanjin Kitaoji and Taikan Yokoyama once gathered. Enjoy your meal while admiring the exquisite Japanese garden. Beyond their high-quality tofu-centered dishes, don’t miss the desserts—their buckwheat seed cake in gentle Japanese colors is a popular photogenic menu item.
| Name | Tofu Cuisine Matsugae |
|---|---|
| Hours | 11:00 am - 4:00 pm (Sweets cafe from 2:30 pm) |
| Address | 3 Sagatenryuji Susukino Babacho, Ukyo - ku, Kyoto 616 - 8385 |
| Website | Tofu Cuisine Matsugae | Kyoto Arashiyama Tofu - Yoshimura Group |
| @yoshimura_gr |
Arashiyama OMOKAGE Terrace
A cafe terrace located within the Saga Arashiyama Museum of Arts and Culture. Enjoy fresh salads and toast on the wonderfully open terrace. Reasonably priced and available for cafe-only visits. The refined architecture and spacious, open terrace make this a highlight. You’re guaranteed a pleasant cafe experience here.
| Name | Arashiyama OMOKAGE Terrace |
|---|---|
| Hours | 10:00 am - 5:00 pm |
| Address | 11 Sagatenryuji Susukino Babacho, Ukyo - ku, Kyoto 616 - 8385 (Inside Saga Arashiyama Museum of Arts and Culture) |
| Website | Saga Arashiyama Museum of Arts and Culture |
| @omokageterrace |
Kyo no Sake Cafe Tomiya
A comprehensive Kyoto sake experience! This Kyoto local sake specialty shop on the first floor of Keifuku Arashiyama Station’s Hannari Hokkori Square offers sake tastings and local craft beers. They also serve Japanese sake sours, Kyoto whiskey highballs, and amazake lattes—all exclusively Kyoto beverages. Souvenirs are available for purchase too. A standout destination bringing together all of Kyoto’s sake offerings in one place.
| Name | Kyo no Sake Cafe Tomiya |
|---|---|
| Hours | 10:00 am - 6:00 pm |
| Address | 20 - 2 Sagatenryuji Tsukurimichicho, Ukyo - ku, Kyoto 616 - 8384 |
| Website | Arashiyama (Inside Station) - Kyo no Sake Cafe Tomiya [Official] | Enjoy Kyoto Local Sake in a Cafe Setting |
| @tomiyaarashiyama |
A Culinary Experience Unique to Kyoto and Arashiyama
Kyoto’s Arashiyama offers far more than famous landmarks like the bamboo grove and Togetsukyo Bridge. As showcased in these 10 establishments, there are numerous wonderful cafes and restaurants that satisfy both heart and palate. The seasonal scenery, delicate Kyoto flavors, modern Japanese spaces blending tradition with innovation, and attentive hospitality multiply the value of your journey.
Take a break at a charming cafe while strolling through Arashiyama. Savor matcha sweets while feeling the bamboo forest breeze, or enjoy traditional Kyoto cuisine in a historic building. Many shops offer casual takeaway options, making street food exploration another great choice.
Combining “Kyoto scenery × food” enriches your Kyoto journey. Between exploring beautiful landscapes, stop for a refreshing break. Experience the culinary delights that can only be found in Kyoto and Arashiyama.
We hope this article helps guide your gourmet adventure in Kyoto’s Arashiyama. May your trip be filled with wonderful Kyoto culinary experiences.
