A Detailed Guide to the Best Gourmet Spots in Arashiyama

 

　Table of Contents

1. What is Arashiyama’s Local Cuisine?
2. Recommended Restaurants in Arashiyama
   
3. Best Street Food in Arashiyama

はIntroduction

Arashiyama, one of Kyoto’s most famous sightseeing destinations, is not only known for its breathtaking scenery throughout the seasons but also for its rich food culture. The historic streets of Arashiyama are home to long-established kaiseki (traditional multi-course Japanese cuisine) restaurants and renowned yudofu (hot tofu) specialty shops, where visitors can savor delicate flavors that highlight the natural taste of ingredients.

Additionally, Arashiyama is a paradise for street food lovers, offering a variety of local delicacies such as traditional Japanese sweets, matcha-based desserts, and quick bites that are perfect for strolling through the area. Each visit presents an opportunity to discover new and delicious flavors unique to this historic district.

In this article, we will introduce must-visit restaurants in Arashiyama and highly recommended street food spots, ensuring you make the most of your culinary experience in this charming area.

1. What is Arashiyama’s Gourmet Scene? 

Arashiyama is one of Kyoto’s most renowned areas for its rich culinary culture, home to many prestigious restaurants that serve traditional Kyoto cuisine (Kyo-ryori). The area is also famous for its vibrant street food culture, where visitors can enjoy a diverse range of flavors, from classic Japanese sweets (wagashi) to modern desserts.

One of Arashiyama’s signature dishes is yudofu (hot tofu), made using Kyoto’s pristine water and high-quality soybeans. This simple yet deeply flavorful dish is prepared by warming tofu in kombu-based broth and serving it with condiments and a special dipping sauce. Many historic yudofu specialty restaurants in Arashiyama offer their unique take on this traditional dish, each adding its own special touch.

For those who enjoy street food, Mame Mono to Taiyaki Arashiyama Honten is known for its uniquely round-shaped taiyaki. Their “An Butter” (sweet red bean paste with butter) is particularly popular, with a recommended “best before” time of just one minute—just enough time for the butter to melt into the hot pastry. 

Another must-visit spot is % Arabica Kyoto Arashiyama, a globally recognized coffee shop with a sleek, minimalist design and high-quality coffee. Their café latte, brewed using a specially designed espresso machine, is one of their signature offerings and a favorite among visitors. 

出展：株式会社シナジー　HP

2. Recommended Restaurants in Arashiyama 

　■ Saga Tofu Ine 

出展　嵯峨とうふ 稲 公式HP

Saga Tofu Ine is a well-known restaurant specializing in yudofu, yuba (tofu skin), and hirosu (ganmodoki, or deep-fried tofu fritters), all made using their house-made Saga Tofu. Their tofu is crafted using domestic soybeans, blending traditional techniques with modern technology to create an exquisite taste.

One of their most popular dishes is the “Saga Gozen”, a luxurious set meal that includes yudofu, fresh yuba, and house-made sesame tofu. The restaurant is conveniently located just a one-minute walk from Randen Arashiyama Station, right in front of Tenryu-ji Temple’s main gate, making it an easy stop during your sightseeing in Arashiyama.

　■ Arashiyama Yoshimura 

出展　嵐山よしむら 公式HP

Arashiyama Yoshimura offers handmade soba noodles, meticulously crafted by expert chefs who grind domestic buckwheat using a stone mill. The restaurant is uniquely situated along the river, providing stunning views of Togetsukyo Bridge and the Katsura River while you enjoy your meal.

The menu includes a variety of soba dishes such as zaru soba (cold soba with dipping sauce), tororo soba (grated yam soba), and sansai soba (mountain vegetable soba). They also offer soba-based specialties, including soba grain salad and soba tea ice cream. The restaurant is housed in the former residence of Meiji-era painter Kanshu Kawamura, allowing diners to enjoy their meal in a historically rich atmosphere.

　■ eX Cafe Kyoto Arashiyama Honten 

出展　eX cafe 京都嵐山本店 

eX Cafe Kyoto Arashiyama Honten is a stylish café that combines a renovated traditional Japanese house with a beautifully designed Japanese garden and modern art interior.

Their menu features unique offerings such as “Tea Soba Carbonara”, a creative twist on traditional soba noodles. However, their most famous dish is the “Hokuhoku Dango Set”, where visitors can grill their own skewered dumplings (dango) using a small personal charcoal grill—making it an Instagram-worthy experience.

Located just a one-minute walk from Randen Arashiyama Station, this café is the perfect stop for a relaxing break while exploring Arashiyama.

　■ Unagiya Hirokawa 

出展　うなぎ屋 廣川  公式HP

Unagiya Hirokawa is a renowned unagi (grilled eel) restaurant, established in 1967. It specializes in the Edo-style unagi cooking method, where high-quality domestic eels are carefully selected, purified in well water, and grilled to perfection over Kishu binchotan charcoal.

The crispy yet tender kabayaki (grilled eel with sweet soy sauce glaze) is a must-try for those looking for an authentic Japanese dining experience. The traditional interior features a beautiful tsuboniwa (courtyard garden) and breathtaking views of Arashiyama’s mountains, creating a serene and exclusive dining atmosphere.

Reservations are required, and the restaurant is just a three-minute walk from Randen Arashiyama Station.

　■ Arashiyama Udon Ozuru 

Arashiyama Udon Ozuru is a popular udon restaurant known for its handmade noodles made with Sanuki Premium wheat from Kagawa Prefecture. Their signature dishes include:

Yuba Tama Udon (udon with tofu skin and egg)
Kamo Kujonegi Udon (duck and Kyoto Kujonegi green onion udon)
The restaurant's interior has a traditional Japanese ambiance, making it an inviting space for families and groups. Conveniently located just a three-minute walk from Randen Arashiyama Station, it is an ideal place to enjoy a hearty bowl of udon during your visit.

　■ Giatei 

出展　茶寮 八翠  公式HP

Giatei is a beloved restaurant in Arashiyama where visitors can enjoy Kyoto-style obanzai (traditional home-style dishes). Their most popular dish is the “Giatei Gozen”, which features twelve small dishes showcasing a variety of seasonal Kyoto ingredients.

The restaurant emphasizes local Kyoto vegetables and seasonal produce, offering delicately flavored and health-conscious cuisine. The serene dining environment, paired with views of Arashiyama’s stunning scenery, makes this restaurant a top choice among tourists looking for an authentic Kyoto dining experience.

3. Arashiyama’s Best Street Food & Walking Gourmet Guide 

Arashiyama is one of Kyoto’s most famous sightseeing destinations, and one of its biggest attractions is the street food scene, where visitors can enjoy delicious treats while strolling through the picturesque town. From traditional wagashi (Japanese sweets) to eye-catching desserts and unique snacks, every visit to Arashiyama offers a chance to discover new flavors.

Below, we introduce some of the best street food and snacks in Arashiyama, categorized by type.

　1. Wagashi & Sweets 

・Hanabi Dango (Okaki-dokoro Terakoya Honpo Arashiyama Branch)

📍 Address: 37 Sagatenryuji Tsukurimichi-cho, Ukyo-ku, Kyoto

• Why it's special: These colorful, bite-sized dango (skewered rice dumplings) are not only delicious but also highly photogenic. They come in a variety of flavors that change with the seasons.

・Kyo Baum Soft (Kyo Baum Arashiyama Branch)

📍 Address: Saganotano-babacho, Ukyo-ku, Kyoto

• Why it's special: This luxurious treat consists of matcha and soy milk-flavored baumkuchen, topped with a rich matcha soft serve—a true Kyoto specialty.

・Mame Mono to Taiyaki (Mame Mono to Taiyaki Arashiyama Honten)

📍 Address: 40-8 Saganotano-babacho, Ukyo-ku, Kyoto

• Why it's special: These round-shaped taiyaki come in three flavors: red bean paste, custard, and an butter (sweet red bean with butter). Their unique shape and warm, fresh-out-of-the-oven texture make them a popular snack.

　2. Baked Goods & Savory Snacks 

・Nure Okaki Skewers (Okaki-dokoro Terakoya Honpo Arashiyama Branch)

• Why it's special: These skewered glutinous rice crackers resemble yakitori but have a crispy yet chewy texture. The sweet and savory glaze makes them an addictive treat.

・Dashi-maki Rice Burger (Nakagawa Hatsumeido)

• Why it's special: This unique rice burger features a thick, fluffy dashi-maki tamago (Japanese omelet), combined with pickled shibazuke and perilla leaves, creating a flavorful and satisfying snack.

・Korokke (Nakamuraya Sohonten)

• Why it's special: A local specialty from a butcher shop with over 60 years of history, these crispy, freshly fried croquettes are a must-try for anyone looking for an authentic, hearty snack.

　3. Drinks & Cafés

・Matcha Latte (Mame Mono to Taiyaki Arashiyama Honten)

• Why it's special: This rich and creamy matcha latte is made using soy milk from Moriya, a famous Kyoto tofu maker. It pairs perfectly with taiyaki.

・Café Latte (% Arabica Kyoto Arashiyama)

📍 Address: 3-47 Sagatenryuji Tsukurimichi-cho, Ukyo-ku, Kyoto

• Why it's special: This world-famous coffee brand has a scenic riverside location in Arashiyama. Their specialty espresso drinks, brewed using high-quality beans, are a must-try for coffee lovers.

・Matcha Espuma Latte (Cha San Raku)

• Why it's special: This innovative matcha latte is topped with a fluffy espuma (foamed matcha and milk), creating a light, airy texture that makes it a truly unique Kyoto experience.

　4. Instagram-Worthy Desserts

・Kyo Waffle (Kyocafe Chacha Arashiyama Branch)

📍 Address: 48 Arashiyama Kamikaido-cho, Nishikyo-ku, Kyoto

• Why it's special: These stick-shaped waffles are easy to eat while walking, making them a perfect street food snack. The café also offers dine-in options with ice cream toppings.

・Matcha Ice Eclair “Chacha-bo” (Malebranche Arashiyama Branch)

📍 Address: 1F, Arashiyama Shoryuen, Tenryuji-monzen, Ukyo-ku, Kyoto

• Why it's special: This rich Uji matcha soft serve is wrapped in a crispy cookie eclair, offering a delicious combination of textures. It’s a popular matcha dessert exclusive to Kyoto.

 Final Thoughts 

Arashiyama offers a wide range of culinary experiences, from traditional Kyoto cuisine to modern street food and sweets. Whether you prefer a leisurely meal at a historic restaurant or a fun street food adventure, Arashiyama has something for everyone.

Additionally, with the opening of “Arashiyama Gourmet Yokocho” in 2023, the area continues to evolve, offering new flavors and experiences each year. As you explore Arashiyama’s beautiful landscapes and rich history, be sure to enjoy its seasonal delicacies and must-try local eats.