15 Best Restaurants and Cafes in Arashiyama

Arashiyama: A Famous Tourist Destination in Kyoto

Located in the western part of Kyoto, Arashiyama is a popular tourist destination with a rich history spanning over 1,200 years. Easily accessible, it’s just a 20-minute train ride from Kyoto Station or about 50 minutes by bus. Highlights of the area include the iconic Togetsukyo Bridge, where the mountains reflect in the river to create a breathtaking view, and the enchanting bamboo groves, with their towering stalks that make them a must-visit destination at least once in a lifetime.

The garden of the World Heritage-listed Tenryu-ji Temple is another standout, featuring a stunning landscape of rocks and trees that transform beautifully with the seasons—from delicate cherry blossoms in spring to the vibrant hues of autumn leaves. Arashiyama also boasts a diverse food culture, ranging from traditional ryotei (high-end Japanese restaurants) to modern cafes offering Japanese sweets.

Immerse yourself in the essence of Japan with a rickshaw ride or a cruise on a yakata-bune (traditional boat), all while soaking in the timeless Edo-period atmosphere.

Restaurants and Cafes Around Arashiyama

Though Arashiyama is a bit farther from the city center, it boasts many renowned restaurants featured in the Michelin Guide, offering everything from traditional kaiseki (multi-course meal) and tempura (lightly battered and deep-fried seafood and vegetables) to creative French cuisine. While sightseeing, you can also stop by casual cafes to enjoy seasonal Japanese sweets and matcha green tea. Along with modern cafes, you’ll find charming traditional tea houses where you can savor authentic Kyoto-style confections passed down through generations. From fine dining to Kyoto’s distinctive sweets, Arashiyama is home to a wide range of celebrated spots. Be sure to immerse yourself in the diverse and traditional food culture unique to Kyoto.

15 Best Restaurants and Cafes in Arashiyama

1. Shigetsu (篩月) / Japanese

Shigetsu, which has been awarded the Bib Gourmand for seven consecutive years and earned a Michelin star in 2024, is a restaurant specializing in shojin ryori (Buddhist vegetarian cuisine) located within the grounds of the World Heritage site, Tenryu-ji Temple. Chef Kotani, who refined his skills at renowned ryokan inns, prepares authentic shojin dishes using Kyoto vegetables, hand-picked mountain greens, and seaweed. A standout feature of the restaurant is that it excludes all animal-based ingredients from its menu. Enjoy the delightful flavors and artful presentation of shojin cuisine, all while taking in the stunning views of Tenryu-ji's garden and the seasonal beauty of the surrounding landscape.

2. Tempura Matsu (天ぷら 松) / Tempura

Tempura Matsu, a regular in the Japan Restaurant Award and the Best 100, is also a Michelin-selected restaurant. It is renowned for offering a wide range of Japanese dishes, from tempura (lightly fried seafood and vegetables) to kaiseki. The menu features seasonal seafood and premium ingredients, beautifully presented on traditional tableware, carefully chosen by the owner. While tempura is the focus, the course menu also incorporates the elegance of kaiseki, allowing guests to savor the flavors of each season. Set in a peaceful space with mountain views, it offers a true taste of Kyoto’s culinary tradition.

3. MUNI ALAIN DUCASSE (ムニ アラン デュカス) / French

1. Michelin (2022 - 24): One Star

MUNI ALAIN DUCASSE, which has earned a Michelin one-star rating for two consecutive years, is an upscale French restaurant located inside the MUNI KYOTO hotel in Arashiyama. Led by the world-renowned French culinary master Alain Ducasse, the restaurant’s kitchen is overseen by Chef Alessandro Gardiani, who spent over 10 years refining his craft at prestigious restaurants worldwide. The menu showcases French cuisine made with Kyoto’s finest local ingredients, seamlessly blending the traditions of Japanese and French cooking, with dishes featuring ingredients like shellfish and caviar, bamboo shoots, and truffles. A standout part of the dining experience includes table-side sauce pouring and artfully crafted plating. The wine list primarily offers French selections, along with original Japanese sake. The elegant, modern interior provides a view of the tranquil courtyard, creating the perfect ambiance for an unforgettable meal.

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4. Okina (おきな) / Japanese

1. Michelin (2010 - 24): One Star

Okina, a Michelin one-star restaurant for 14 consecutive years, is a renowned kaiseki dining destination located in Arashiyama, Kyoto. Situated near Seiryo-ji Temple, the restaurant is celebrated for its dedication to high-quality, generationally passed-down ingredients and its expert cooking techniques, particularly charcoal grilling, which amplify the natural flavors of each dish. A standout feature is the delicately prepared tilefish and fresh, seasonal seafood, showcasing the essence of each season. With its warm, family-run atmosphere and the chef’s exceptional skill in highlighting the ingredients' purest flavors, dining at Okina is an experience not to be missed.

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5. Kyoto Kitcho Arashiyama Honten (京都 吉兆) / Japanese

1. Michelin (2020 - 24): Bronze
2. Japan Restaurant Award, Best 100 (2021, 2023)

Kyoto Kitcho Arashiyama Honten, a prestigious Japanese restaurant with over 90 years of history, has earned Michelin Bronze for four consecutive years and is ranked among the Top 100 in the Restaurant Awards. Its signature dish, "Scallop Chazuke," masterfully pairs roasted scallops with a special dashi broth. Other standout offerings include "Premium Salmon Chazuke" and "Unagi Kabayaki," featuring carefully grilled domestic eel, as well as a variety of dishes that celebrate the natural flavors of the ingredients. Located in a historic wooden building, the restaurant takes full advantage of its picturesque Arashiyama setting, offering breathtaking views of its seasonal garden. With an English-friendly kaiseki course menu, guests can savor refined Japanese hospitality while immersing themselves in authentic Japanese culinary traditions.

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6. Nishiki (錦) / Japanese

Nestled in Nakanoshima Park, just a 5-minute walk from Arashiyama Station, Nishiki is a historic Japanese restaurant dedicated to preserving the traditional flavors of Kyoto. Their signature dish, the seasonally inspired "Oushukuzen" has been a beloved staple for over 40 years. This exquisite meal highlights the beauty of the four seasons, featuring seasonal appetizers and simmered dishes artfully arranged in a classic two-tiered lacquered box.

Prepare to be delighted by the restaurant's meticulously crafted dishes, made with premium ingredients like Kyoto's fresh seasonal vegetables, sweetfish, and soft-shelled turtle—each offering a true taste of its season.

The restaurant also offers breathtaking, year-round views of Arashiyama’s ever-changing scenery, from cherry blossoms in spring and lush bamboo groves in summer to vibrant autumn leaves and serene snow-covered landscapes in winter. Housed in a traditional sukiya-style building, it provides the perfect setting to unwind and savor the elegance of Kyoto cuisine.

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7. Arashiyama Kumahiko Tankuma (嵐山熊彦) / Japanese

Nestled beside the iconic Togetsukyo Bridge, Arashiyama Kumahiko is a historic Kyoto restaurant with roots in the renowned kaiseki establishment Tankuma Kita. The restaurant proudly preserves the traditional flavors passed down through generations, offering signature dishes such as soft-shelled turtle hot pot, quail dumplings, and tamago houraku (a savory egg custard topped with a fluffy, soufflé-like layer).

At the heart of their cuisine is their meticulously crafted dashi broth, made from kombu kelp and bonito flakes, which form the essential base for every dish. This dashi enhances the flavors of carefully selected seasonal ingredients, elevating each dish to something truly exceptional.

Housed in a charming, century-old traditional building, the restaurant boasts stunning views of the Togetsukyo Bridge and the tranquil river below. It’s an idyllic setting to enjoy an unforgettable dining experience, savoring exquisite Kyoto cuisine while immersing yourself in the beauty of Japan’s changing seasons.

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8. Unagiya Hirokawa (うなぎ屋 廣川) / Unagi

1. Japan Restaurant Award, Best 100 (2018 - 19, 2022, 2024)

Unagiya Hirokawa, a restaurant that has earned a spot in the Japan Restaurant Award's Best 100 four times, specializes in eel dishes and offers a taste of traditional eel cuisine passed down from the Edo period, set in the historic townscape of Kyoto. Their kabayaki, grilled over Kishu Bincho charcoal, pairs perfectly with the signature "Hirokawa no Tare" sauce, which brings out the eel's natural flavors. Inside the restaurant, a wooden structure crafted by Kyoto’s master carpenters provides views of a seasonal garden and the breathtaking scenery of Sagano Arashiyama. Since its founding in 1967, this renowned establishment has upheld Japan's eel culture, allowing guests to savor eel to their heart's content.

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9. Arashiyama Yoshimura (嵐山よしむら) / Soba

Arashiyama Yoshimura, a highly acclaimed soba (buckwheat noodles ) restaurant in Kyoto, is located in a beautifully restored historic residence that once hosted gatherings of cultural luminaries. The restaurant offers stunning views of Arashiyama's iconic Togetsukyo Bridge and the picturesque surrounding mountains, making it an ideal spot to relax while exploring Kyoto.

A must-try is the "Tenzaru Zen," a set that includes perfectly crispy tempura, aromatic soba noodles, and chirimen (dried whitebait) rice with a generous serving of soba grains. Each noodle is meticulously handcrafted by skilled artisans, who mill premium soba grains sourced from across Japan using traditional stone grinders.

From traditional soba dishes and inventive creations to Japanese-style desserts infused with soba tea, the diverse menu offers a delightful way to experience the depth and beauty of Japanese cuisine.

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5 Recommended Cafes Around Arashiyama

10. Shinpachi Chaya (新八茶屋) / Sweets

1. Japan Restaurant Award, Best 100 (2023)

Located just a short walk from Togetsukyo Bridge, Shinpachi Chaya is a historic sweet shop founded in 1941, and it was awarded one of the Japan Best 100 in 2023. Its "Shinpachi Matcha Soft Serve" is especially popular among tourists. The shop’s gelato, which earned third place in an international gelato competition, is celebrated for its rich aroma and smooth, refined aftertaste.

Shinpachi Chaya also offers unique Japanese-style gelato made with traditional Kyoto ingredients, such as sakura mochi and Saga tofu, beautifully blending Italian gelato-making techniques with Kyoto's culinary traditions. With its prime location and globally acclaimed sweets, it’s a must-visit spot!

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11. Arabica Kyoto Arashiyama (アラビカ京都) / Coffee Stand

Arabica Kyoto Arashiyama is the Kyoto-based branch of the famous coffee brand “%Arabica”, which has 209 locations worldwide. The highlight here is the coffee, crafted from carefully selected beans sourced from around the globe, offering a smooth taste with subtle acidity and a refreshing finish. It’s brewed with precision using a Slayer espresso machine, widely regarded as one of the best in the world. The café's interior, dominated by white tones, seamlessly blends the traditional charm of Kyoto’s townhouses with a modern flair. Aside from coffee, a highly recommended drink is the refreshing homemade lemon syrup beverage, especially popular in the summer. Sip your coffee while enjoying the stunning view of the Togetsukyo Bridge.

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12. Sagano Yu (嵯峨野湯) / Cafe

Sagano Yu, a charming café in Kyoto, has been boldly transformed from a Taisho-era public bath. The space beautifully blends the past and present, giving visitors a sense of time travel. For lunch, try the pasta or curry, and for a sweet treat, the seasonal pancakes or refreshing shaved ice are a must. While retaining the nostalgic feel of a Showa-era bathhouse, the soft light filtering through the white ceiling adds to the café's unique atmosphere. Be sure to savor a memorable dish in this one-of-a-kind setting.

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13. Arashiyama Sakura Mochi Ine (嵐山さくら餅 稲) / Wagashi

Arashiyama Sakura Mochi Ine, located directly in front of the UNESCO World Heritage site Tenryu-ji Temple, is a cherished Japanese sweets shop renowned for its commitment to traditional confectionery techniques and high-quality ingredients. The shop’s signature delicacy, warabi mochi, is crafted with rare, authentic warabi (bracken starch) and meticulously prepared using Kyoto's time-honored methods. Other offerings include house-made matcha green tea parfaits, hojicha (roasted green tea) parfaits, and seasonal shaved ice, all beautifully presented in elegant bamboo vessels. Take a moment to unwind and savor these exquisite Japanese sweets, imbued with the aesthetic charm of Japan, as you watch the steady flow of passing tourists.

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14. eX cafe / Wagashi

Just a 1-minute walk from Arashiyama Station, eX café is a charming Japanese-style café housed in a historic residence, elegantly renovated with a modern flair. Visitors can relax and soak in the tranquil ambiance of the Japanese garden. The café’s signature treat is the "Kuromaru Roll Cake," a media favorite. Its striking contrast between the jet-black cake and snowy white fresh cream is as visually stunning as it is delicious, especially when paired with matcha green tea.

Another must-try is the "Hokuhoku Dango Set," an interactive dessert where you can grill skewered rice dumplings over a traditional charcoal brazier. Choose from two flavors—plain white or mugwort—and enjoy them with a rich sweet soy sauce glaze or sweet red bean paste. The café also features an impressive drink menu crafted with carefully selected organic ingredients, making it the perfect spot to recharge during your sightseeing adventures. Don’t miss the chance to visit and savor the experience!