10 Must-Visit Cafes & Restaurants in Arashiyama, Kyoto: From Photogenic Japanese Sweets to Traditional Cuisine

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10 Must-Visit Cafes & Restaurants in Arashiyama, Kyoto: From Photogenic Japanese Sweets to Traditional Cuisine

Your Ultimate Arashiyama Food Guide: Unforgettable Cafes and Restaurants

Togetsukyo Bridge spanning the Katsura River in Arashiyama with autumn foliage reflecting on the water

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

Kumonocha Cafe Arashiyama interior with green walls, bamboo decorations, and cushion seating with low wooden stools Source: 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.

White curved corridors and bamboo grove-inspired green interior at Kumonocha Cafe Source: Kumonocha Cafe Arashiyama
Kumonocha Cafe Arashiyama Access Information
NameKumonocha Cafe Arashiyama
Hours10:00 am - 5:30 pm
Address20 - 13 Sagatenryuji Tsukurimichicho, Ukyo - ku, Kyoto 616 - 8384
WebsiteKumonocha | Arashiyama | KUMONOCHA
Instagram@kumonocha_kyoto

Kyo Matcha Crepe ARINCO

ARINCO Arashiyama exterior with bamboo walls and wooden counter Source: 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.

Kyo Matcha Crepe ARINCO Access Information
NameKyo Matcha Crepe ARINCO
Hours10:00 am - 6:00 pm
Address20 - 1 Sagatenryuji Tsukurimichicho, Ukyo - ku, Kyoto 616 - 8384, Keifuku Arashiyama Station Hannari Hokkori Square 1F
WebsiteARINCO Kyo Matcha Crepe Specialty Shop
Instagram@arinco_arashiyama

Warewarewa Arashiyama

Traditional Japanese meal set at Warewarewa Arashiyama featuring mentaiko rice bowl with condiments and cast iron tea service Source: 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.

Warewarewa Arashiyama Access Information
NameWarewarewa Arashiyama
Hours8:00 am - 6:00 pm
Address3 - 14 Sagatenryuji Susukino Babacho, Ukyo - ku, Kyoto 616 - 8385
WebsiteWarewarewa Arashiyama | Hitohibito Inc.
Instagram@warewarewa_arashiyama

Yoshiya Hondori

Spacious interior of Yoshiya Hondori with wooden tables and latticed ceiling Source: 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.

Yoshiya Hondori Access Information
NameYoshiya Hondori
Hours10:00 am - 5:00 pm
Address31 Sagatenryuji Tsukurimichicho, Ukyo - ku, Kyoto 616 - 8384
WebsiteYoshiya
Instagram@yoshiya_arashiyama

Gyatei

Colorful obanzai meal set at Gyatei with multiple small dishes arranged in a wooden box Source: 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.

Gyatei Access Information
NameGyatei
Hours11:00 am - 2:30 pm
Address19 - 8 Sagatenryuji Tsukurimichicho, Ukyo - ku, Kyoto 616 - 8384
WebsiteArashiyama Gyatei | Obanzai Lunch and Street Food
Instagram@gyatei_arashiyama

Yojiya Cafe Sagano Arashiyama

Traditional Japanese building exterior of Yojiya Cafe Sagano Arashiyama with stone steps and red umbrella Source: 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.

Yojiya Cafe Sagano Arashiyama Access Information
NameYojiya Cafe Sagano Arashiyama
Hours10:00 am - 6:00 pm
Address2 Sagatenryuji Tateishicho, Ukyo - ku, Kyoto 616 - 8375
WebsiteYojiya Cafe | Sagano Arashiyama
Instagram@yojiyacafe_official

eX cafe Kyoto Arashiyama Main Store

Wooden gate entrance and stone path approach to eX cafe Kyoto Arashiyama Main Store Source: 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.

eX cafe Kyoto Arashiyama Main Store Access Information
NameeX cafe Kyoto Arashiyama Main Store
Hours10:00 am - 6:00 pm
Address35 - 3 Sagatenryuji Tsukurimichicho, Ukyo - ku, Kyoto 616 - 8384
Instagram@excafe_official

Tofu Cuisine Matsugae

View from tatami seating at Matsugae overlooking a moss garden with stone lantern Source: 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.

Tofu Cuisine Matsugae Access Information
NameTofu Cuisine Matsugae
Hours11:00 am - 4:00 pm (Sweets cafe from 2:30 pm)
Address3 Sagatenryuji Susukino Babacho, Ukyo - ku, Kyoto 616 - 8385
WebsiteTofu Cuisine Matsugae | Kyoto Arashiyama Tofu - Yoshimura Group
Instagram@yoshimura_gr

Arashiyama OMOKAGE Terrace

Outdoor seating at Arashiyama OMOKAGE Terrace with glass walls overlooking lush mountain greenery Source: Saga Arashiyama Museum of Arts and Culture

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.

Outdoor terrace seating at Arashiyama OMOKAGE Terrace with white gravel garden Source: Arashiyama OMOKAGE Terrace
Arashiyama OMOKAGE Terrace Access Information
NameArashiyama OMOKAGE Terrace
Hours10:00 am - 5:00 pm
Address11 Sagatenryuji Susukino Babacho, Ukyo - ku, Kyoto 616 - 8385 (Inside Saga Arashiyama Museum of Arts and Culture)
WebsiteSaga Arashiyama Museum of Arts and Culture
Instagram@omokageterrace

Kyo no Sake Cafe Tomiya

Counter display at Kyo no Sake Cafe Tomiya with sake bottles arranged in the bright interior Source: 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.

Display shelves at Kyo no Sake Cafe Tomiya lined with various Kyoto sake bottles and sake barrels Source: Kyo no Sake Cafe Tomiya
Kyo no Sake Cafe Tomiya Access Information
NameKyo no Sake Cafe Tomiya
Hours10:00 am - 6:00 pm
Address20 - 2 Sagatenryuji Tsukurimichicho, Ukyo - ku, Kyoto 616 - 8384
WebsiteArashiyama (Inside Station) - Kyo no Sake Cafe Tomiya [Official] | Enjoy Kyoto Local Sake in a Cafe Setting
Instagram@tomiyaarashiyama

A Culinary Experience Unique to Kyoto and Arashiyama

Red benches and autumn-patterned noren curtains at Keifuku Arashiyama Station Hannari Hokkori Square

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.

Colorful Kyoto cuisine appetizers delicately arranged on a white rectangular plate

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.

DIY dango set with shiratama and yomogi dumplings grilling on a small charcoal brazier
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