A Detailed Guide to the Best Gourmet Spots in Arashiyama

 

Table of Contents

1. About Arashiyama Gourmet
2. Recommended Restaurants in Arashiyama
3. Arashiyama Street Food

Introduction

Ready to savor the best of Arashiyama gourmet in 2026? In Arashiyama, one of Kyoto’s premier tourist areas, you can enjoy a food culture where tradition and innovation intersect, from long-established yudofu (hot tofu) restaurants to the latest sweets shops. From the delicate flavors of Saga tofu enjoyed against the backdrop of Togetsukyo Bridge, to freshly grilled dango savored while strolling along the Bamboo Grove Path, and even the hottest new cafes opening in 2026. In this article, we thoroughly introduce the must-visit gourmet spots and street food experiences in Arashiyama, along with the latest information.

In this article, we provide a detailed introduction to the renowned restaurants and recommended street food in Arashiyama.

About Arashiyama Gourmet

Arashiyama is an area with a particularly rich food culture even within Kyoto, home to numerous renowned restaurants where you can enjoy traditional Kyoto cuisine.The street food culture is also thriving, offering a diverse range of flavors from traditional Japanese sweets to modern sweets.

Yudofu (hot tofu) is a simple yet profound dish made with tofu crafted from Kyoto’s pure water and high-quality soybeans, warmed in kelp dashi broth and enjoyed with condiments and special dipping sauce. Throughout Arashiyama, long-established and renowned restaurants serving yudofu are scattered, each offering their own unique flavors and presentations.

For street food, “Mamemono to Taiyaki Arashiyama Main Store” offers round-shaped taiyaki (fish-shaped pastry), and the “An-Butter” variety in particular has a best-before time of just one minute as the butter melts into the hot dough, making its unique flavor extremely popular. 

Additionally, “% Arabica Kyoto Arashiyama” is a globally expanding coffee shop known for its refined store design and high-quality coffee. The cafe latte, in particular, is extracted using a dedicated espresso machine, offering an exquisite cup to enjoy. 

Source: Synergy Inc. Website

Furthermore, “Arashiyama Gourmet Yokocho” opened in December 2023, attracting attention as a new gourmet spot gathering six diverse shops offering grilled seafood, tuna bowls, tonkatsu, udon, sweets, and more.

Recommended Restaurants in Arashiyama

Saga Tofu Ine 

Source: Saga Tofu Ine Official Website

Saga Tofu Ine is a renowned restaurant serving homemade Saga tofu dishes including yudofu, yuba (tofu skin), and hirosu (deep-fried tofu fritters). The tofu, made with domestic soybeans using a combination of traditional techniques and modern equipment, is exceptional. The “Saga Gozen” set is particularly popular, offering yudofu, fresh-pulled yuba, homemade sesame tofu, and more all at once. The restaurant is conveniently located just about 1 minute on foot from Keifuku Railway Arashiyama Station, positioned in front of the main gate of Tenryuji Temple, making it easy to stop by during Arashiyama sightseeing.

Arashiyama Yoshimura 

Source: Arashiyama Yoshimura Official Website

Arashiyama Yoshimura is a restaurant where you can enjoy authentic handmade soba noodles, stone-ground from domestic buckwheat by skilled artisans. Located riverside with views of Togetsukyo Bridge and the Katsura River, you can dine while enjoying spectacular Arashiyama scenery. The menu offers various soba options including zaru soba, tororo soba, and sansai (mountain vegetable) soba, with buckwheat seed salad and soba tea ice cream also recommended. The restaurant utilizes the former residence of Meiji-era painter Kawamura Manshu, allowing diners to enjoy their meal in a historic atmosphere.

eX cafe Kyoto Arashiyama Main Store 

Source: eX cafe Kyoto Arashiyama Main Store 

eX cafe Kyoto Arashiyama Main Store is a cafe renovated from an old Japanese house, featuring a stylish space where a beautiful Japanese garden and modern art merge. Lunch options include “Cha-soba Carbonara,” and the signature “Hokuhoku Dango Set” lets you grill your own dango on a small charcoal grill, making it a photogenic treat. Located about 1 minute on foot from Keifuku Railway Arashiyama Station, it is the perfect cafe for a break during Arashiyama strolls.

Unagiya Hirokawa 

Source: Unagiya Hirokawa Official Website

Unagiya Hirokawa is an eel restaurant established in 1967, serving traditional Edomae-style eel. High-quality domestic eel sourced from trusted producers is raised in well water and grilled to fluffy perfection over Kishu Binchotan charcoal, producing exquisite kabayaki. From the pure Japanese-style interior, you can admire a beautiful tsuboniwa (courtyard garden) and the Arashiyama mountain range, enjoying a special dining experience. Reservations are required, and it is located about 3 minutes on foot from Keifuku Railway Arashiyama Station.

Arashiyama Udon Ozuru 

Arashiyama Udon Ozuru is an udon restaurant featuring homemade noodles made from “Sanuki Premium” flour from Kagawa Prefecture and rich dashi broth. The menu is abundant with Kyoto-style options such as yuba-tama udon and duck with kujo green onion udon. The interior has a calm Japanese ambiance, welcoming families and groups alike. Located about 3 minutes on foot from Keifuku Railway Arashiyama Station, it is easy to stop by during sightseeing.

Gyatei 

Source: Saryo Hassui Official Website

Gyatei is a restaurant where you can enjoy Kyoto-style obanzai (home-style dishes) in Arashiyama. The “Gyatei Gozen” featuring 12 small dishes is particularly popular, allowing you to savor a wide variety of Kyoto cuisine all at once. The ingredients center on Kyoto vegetables and seasonal local produce, with the characteristic healthy and delicate flavors that highlight the essence of dashi broth. Since you can enjoy the beautiful Arashiyama scenery while dining, it is popular among many tourists.

Arashiyama Street Food

While Arashiyama is known as one of Kyoto’s premier tourist destinations, the “street food” you can enjoy amid the charming townscape is also a major attraction. From traditional Japanese sweets to photogenic desserts and unique snacks, you can discover new flavors every visit. Here, we introduce Arashiyama’s street food by category in detail.

1. Japanese Sweets & Desserts 

Hanami Dango (Okaki-dokoro Terakoya Honpo Arashiyama)
Recommended point: Colorful and adorable dango on skewers, a supremely photogenic Japanese sweet. Enjoy different flavors with each season.
Address: 37 Saga Tenryuji Tsukurimichi-cho, Ukyo-ku, Kyoto

Kyo Baum Soft Serve (Kyo Baum Arashiyama)
Recommended point: A luxurious sweet featuring rich matcha soft serve atop a baumkuchen made with matcha and soy milk. Savor a distinctly Kyoto flavor.
Address: Saga Tenryuji Susuki-no-Baba-cho, Ukyo-ku, Kyoto

Mamemono to Taiyaki (Mamemono to Taiyaki Arashiyama Main Store)
Recommended point: Freshly baked round taiyaki in adorable spherical form, available in three varieties: tsubu-an (chunky red bean), custard, and an-butter.
Address: Saga Tenryuji Susuki-no-Baba-cho, Ukyo-ku, Kyoto40-8

2. Baked Goods & Snacks 

– Nure-okaki Skewers (Okaki-dokoro Terakoya Honpo Arashiyama)
Recommended point: Unique nure-okaki (moist rice crackers) that look like yakitori. The sweet and savory seasoning is addictive.

Dashimaki Rice Burger (Nakagawa Hatsumeido)
Recommended point: A hearty rice burger combining thick dashimaki (rolled dashi omelet) with shibazuke pickles and shiso leaves.

Croquette (Nakamuraya Sohonten)
Recommended point: The signature croquette from a long-established butcher shop with over 60 years of history. Enjoy the crispy, fluffy texture fresh from the fryer.
Address: 20 Saga Tenryuji Ryumon-cho, Ukyo-ku, Kyoto

3. Drinks & Cafes 

– Matcha Latte (Mamemono to Taiyaki Arashiyama Main Store)
Recommended point: A rich and full-bodied matcha latte made with soy milk from “Morika,” a long-established Kyoto tofu shop. Pairs perfectly with taiyaki.

Cafe Latte (% Arabica Kyoto Arashiyama)
Recommended point: The Arashiyama branch of a globally expanding coffee brand. Enjoy exquisite espresso drinks in the open, glass-walled store.
Address: Saga Tenryuji Susuki-no-Baba-cho, Ukyo-ku, Kyoto3-47

Matcha Espuma Latte (Cha-Sanraku)
Recommended point: A new-sensation matcha latte featuring matcha and milk prepared in espuma style, offering a fluffy, airy texture.

4. Instagram-Worthy Sweets 

Kyo Waffle (kyocafe chacha Arashiyama)
Recommended point: Stick-shaped waffles that are easy to eat with one hand. The eat-in menu with ice cream is also popular.
Address: 48 Arashiyama Kamikaidocho, Nishikyo-ku, Kyoto

Matcha Ice Eclair “Chacha-Bo” (Malebranche Arashiyama)
Recommended point: A sweet wrapping rich Uji matcha soft serve in a fragrant cookie-dough eclair.
Address: Arashiyama Shoryuen 1F, Tenryuji Monzen, Ukyo-ku, Kyoto

2026 Arashiyama Gourmet: Latest Topics

In 2026 Arashiyama, the current rolling stock of the Sagano Romantic Train is scheduled to retire at the end of the year (2026 season: March 1 – December 29, with new rolling stock introduced from 2027), and many tourists are expected to visit to commemorate the final year. The street food spots in Arashiyama will likely see increased activity as well. When making your gourmet rounds, visiting on weekdays avoiding crowded weekends and peak seasons is recommended.

Additionally, Arashiyama Onsen Kadensho is undergoing renovation from January 6 to April 30, 2026, so please be aware if you plan to enjoy hot springs combined with dining. In addition to established Saga tofu and yuba restaurants along the Arashiyama shopping street and around Togetsukyo Bridge, new cafes and sweets shops have continued to open in recent years, evolving as a gourmet area where tradition and modernity coexist.

Summary

Arashiyama is a paradise for food lovers where Kyoto’s traditional flavors meet cutting-edge food trends. Dining while gazing at the scenery along the Hozu River from Togetsukyo Bridge satisfies not just the palate but all five senses. The ever-evolving gourmet scene of Arashiyama in 2026 will deliver fresh excitement no matter how many times you visit.

With this 2026 edition guide in hand, please enjoy Arashiyama’s street food to the fullest. The encounter with your new favorite dish is sure to become the best memory of your trip.