Arashiyama is one of Kyoto’s most popular sightseeing destinations. It’s home to the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, Togetsu-kyo Bridge (offering picturesque views of cherry blossoms and fall leaves during their respective seasons), and the Tenryū-ji Temple (a UNESCO World Heritage Site founded in 1339).
Arashiyama is easy to reach from Kyoto: the JR Sagano Line (AKA JR Sanin Line) to Arashiyama Station takes around 15 minutes. You can walk into central Arashiyama from there within just 10 minutes too.
Whatever sites you want to see, you’re sure to work up a hunger and thirst as you explore Arashiyama. And there are some fantastic restaurants and cafes to try, with something for all tastes!
But choosing where to eat and drink in Arashiyama can be tough with so many great spots. To make it easier for you, we’ve picked the best restaurants and cafes in Arashiyama, Kyoto below!
Here’s our pick of the best Kyoto restaurant and cafe options to inspire you during your travels in Arashiyama.
See our recommended accommodations in Kyoto: MACHIYA RESIDENCE INN KYOTO
If you’re in the mood for a laid-back soba lunch, you know what to do in Kyoto: head to Arashiyama Yoshimura! This fantastic Kyoto restaurant is popular with tourists and locals alike.
Arashiyama Yoshimura’s hand-made soba is made in a traditional way: only domestically grown buckwheat noodles are used, ground with a stone mill to maintain the flavor. Like some of the best restaurants in Kyoto, Arashiyama Yoshimura works with producers across Japan to buy its ingredients directly from the areas of production.
There’s more to Arashiyama Yoshimura than soba noodles — you can try the soba tea sweets too! The Soba Tea Roll being a particular favorite of ours. And you can feast your eyes on the spectacular scenery of Arashiyama, Kyoto while you enjoy your tasty treats.
| Arashiyama Yoshimura | |
|---|---|
| Address | 3 Sagatenryuji Susukinobabacho, Ukyo Ward, Kyoto, 616-8385 |
| Google Map | https://maps.app.goo.gl/FQvqsRQxAaEPecGJA |
This popular Kyoto cafe is housed in a renovated former Kobayashi family residence dating back to the late Edo period. You’ll find it near the Tenryū-ji Temple, so it’s a convenient place to stop if you’re doing some sightseeing in the area.
Bread, Espresso and Arashiyama Garden “ESPRESSO &” is a gorgeous spot, with an impressive thatched roof and a garden to relax in. No matter what time of year you come to Arashiyama, Kyoto, this cafe is well worth a visit when you’re nearby.
The aroma of freshly baked bread is hard to resist, so be prepared to devour some if you’re hungry, and there are various sweets to try too. Our experts recommend the Matcha French Toast, which is available after 2pm.
Looking for a great place for breakfast rather than lunch? As this Kyoto cafe opens from 8am, you can stop in for a hearty treat to prepare yourself for a day of exploring Arashiyama, Kyoto!
| Bread, Espresso and Arashiyama Garden “ESPRESSO &” | |
|---|---|
| Address | 45-15 Sagatenryuji Susukinobabacho, Ukyo Ward, Kyoto, 616-8385 |
| Google Map | https://maps.app.goo.gl/LaGEEFfoqnPk1AEC8 |
Sagano-yu is a popular Kyoto cafe with distinctive charm and simple sophistication. The building is a renovated public bathhouse near Randen Saga Station, and its tiled white decor is a reminder of its former purpose. It might seem like an unusual choice to turn into a cafe, but Sagano-yu is a great spot to unwind and enjoy a wide range of dishes.
Such as? Well, you can try curries, Japanese pasta, pancakes, millefeuille, and other meals at Sagano-yu. Love tofu? While Arashiyama has multiple well-known tofu restaurants, Sagano-yu serves its homemade tofu in original ways (e.g. with soy sauce salt and matcha salt).
If you’re in the mood for a soothing drink, Sagano-yu’s menu includes strawberry lattes, sodas, green tea lattes, ice tea, coffee, and more.
| Sagno-yu | |
|---|---|
| Address | 4-3 Sagatenryuji Imahoricho, Ukyo Ward, Kyoto, 616-8366 |
| Google Map | https://maps.app.goo.gl/GwEQWEHk7yuia5tw6 |
Gyatei (which means“go as you please”) is a Kyoto restaurant serving handmade obanzai in small bowls, with dishes created carefully to suit the four seasons. You can try meats, soups, colorful sweets, vegetables, and other foods, all beautifully presented.
If you’ve never tried an obanzai set menu, this Kyoto restaurant is well worth a visit when you’re in the area.
Want to eat while you explore Arashiyama, Kyoto instead of sitting in? Gyatei serves takeout food too! You can order Yuba gyoza, Namafu dengaku, refreshing drinks, and more from Gyatei’s special takeout menu.
| Gyatei | |
|---|---|
| Address | 19-9 Sagetenryuji Tsukurimichicho, Ukyo Ward, Kyoto, 616-8384 |
| Google Map | https://maps.app.goo.gl/QT9thUeftbM2SSgg6 |
Shigetsu is a vegetarian-friendly Kyoto restaurant on the picturesque grounds of the Tenryū-ji temple. It serves dishes made without meat of any kind, with healthy seasonal vegetables and seaweed for an authentic taste of fresh Japanese cuisine.
Shigetsu employs a cooking method inspired by Zen Buddhist training, with a focus on “the harmony of nature and the spirit of eating” (according to its website).
The garden surrounding the restaurant is stunning, with a peaceful atmosphere that will help you focus on the beauty of these quiet moments before you get back to exploring Arashiyama, Kyoto. Take the time to wander the grounds and be amazed by the temple’s intricate architecture.
Shigetsu’s menu includes multiple options, such as a set of six small, diverse dishes with one soup.
| Tenryuji Temple Shigetsu | |
|---|---|
| Address | 68 Sagatenryuji Susukinobabacho, Ukyo Ward, Kyoto, 616-8385 |
| Google Map | https://maps.app.goo.gl/dRht1woDRyEsYVfc9 |
