Arashiyama Street Food Guide : 26 Instagram-Worthy Eats in Kyoto

Arashiyama is a must-visit destination in Kyoto, known for its iconic scenery and lively atmosphere. As the area is explored, the streets reveal a wide variety of tempting snacks and sweets perfect for casual street food sampling.
From authentic local flavors to eye-catching, Instagram-worthy treats, Arashiyama’s food scene delights both the palate and the camera. Soak in the traditional Kyoto vibe while strolling, tasting, and discovering some of the area’s best street food with this guide.

• Kinki
• Kyoto
• Sweets
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Kyoto Matcha Crepes ARINCO

Kyoto Matcha Crepes ARINCO is known for its soft, chewy crepes made with matcha-infused batter. Filled with Kyoto-inspired ingredients and seasonal fruits, they are well suited for enjoying while strolling through Arashiyama.
The popular matcha cream crepes come in flavors such as strawberry, caramel banana, chestnut, and kinako with sweet red beans. The shop also offers premium ice cream, including matcha made with tea from Seicha Tsujiki and rich Awaji milk from Awaji Island.

Kyo-no Sake Cafe Tomiya

Operated by a long-established local retailer, Kyo-no Sake Cafe Tomiya specializes in Kyoto-made spirits. The selection ranges from local sake to regional draft beer, whisky, and gin, offering a broad look at Kyoto’s drinking culture.
For sake enthusiasts, the 12-Sake Tasting Set allows for comparison of carefully selected brews, highlighting their distinct aromas and flavors. Non-alcohol options are also available, including Shoutoku Sake Lees Ice Cream, a fragrant treat well suited for eating on the go, and Amazake Latte in matcha, hojicha, or black sesame flavors.

Karancolon Kyoto Arashiyama

Karancolon Kyoto Arashiyama is a charming shop offering Kyoto-style goods inspired by the concepts of hannari (refined elegance) and cuteness. Its shelves are filled with thoughtfully designed souvenirs that capture the spirit of the city.
Traditional coin purses and tenugui hand towels are popular gift options, and the shop also offers takeaway sweets and drinks. A standout item is the Instagram-worthy Mokomoko Soft, a soft-serve ice cream topped with colorful chidori rice crackers and arare. Available in milk, matcha, or swirl, it adds a visually delightful touch to a stroll through Arashiyama.

Telacoya Honpo Arashiyama

Located directly in front of Togetsukyo Bridge, Telacoya Honpo Arashiyama specializes in traditional Japanese snacks that are ideal for an Arashiyama food tour.
The shop offers freshly grilled rice crackers and nure-okaki (moist rice crackers) that are also popular as souvenirs, along with a wide selection of dango suited for eating on the go. From classic soy sauce flavors to colorful hanami dango, these skewers are as visually appealing as they are delicious, making them a natural choice for photos with the iconic bridge in the background.

Shinpachi Chaya

Located at the foot of Togetsukyo Bridge, Shinpachi Chaya serves award-winning Italian-style gelato crafted to highlight the pure flavors of seasonal ingredients. Its quality has been recognized at international gelato competitions in Italy.
Alongside classics such as Premium Pistachio and Lemon Waltz, the menu features distinctive Kyoto-inspired flavors. Highlights include Sakuramochi, made with domyoji rice flour and a gentle cherry blossom aroma, and Saga Tofu, created using fresh tofu from a well-known local producer in the Saga area.

Arashiyama Gyatei

Arashiyama Gyatei is known for its handcrafted obanzai, traditional Kyoto-style home cooking prepared with care by skilled artisans. While you can dine in, the takeaway counter is a dream for street food lovers.
Pair your stroll through Arashiyama with a house-made shiso (perilla) drink, a Kyoto-blend iced coffee, or the original craft beer. For a must-try local snack, order nama-fu dengaku—chewy, grilled wheat gluten skewers. Choose from sesame, yomogi (Japanese mugwort), or millet, or grab the three-piece set to enjoy them all.

Chasanraku

Located in Arashiyama, Chasanraku is a Japanese tea café known for its matcha-based treats. From matcha desserts and tea and wagashi sets to refreshing shaved ice in summer, it’s an ideal place to take a break while sightseeing.
For something easy to enjoy as you walk, try the matcha madeleine sandwich—fragrant matcha sponge filled with lightly sweetened buttercream. It’s popular both as a street snack and a neatly packaged souvenir.
Pair it with your drink or dessert for a memorable, Instagram-worthy shot that captures the spirit of Arashiyama.

Randenya

Located in the cozy Hokkori Square at Arashiyama Station, Randenya offers a huge variety of street food perfect for grazing. Treat yourself to charcoal-grilled aburi dango with a smoky aroma, or cool down with a refreshing fruit parfait topped with chewy nata de coco.
If you’re craving something savory, try the hearty meat-wrapped onigiri dogs or the signature Randen Dog with your favorite sauce. For a unique local taste, don’t miss the Randen Manju—a steamed bun filled with Kyoto pickles and simmered beef. With so many sweet and savory options, it’s the ultimate stop to satisfy any craving while you explore.

DONUT STAND Arashiyama

DONUT STAND Arashiyama is a specialty shop known for its caramelized crème brûlée donuts, offering three easy-to-enjoy options perfect for street eating. The donut base is made with 100% organic soy milk, creating a surprisingly light texture despite its satisfying size.
The top seller is the Crème Brûlée Donut Ice, crowned with vanilla ice cream. Inside, rich custard fills the center, delivering a delightful mix of crisp, creamy, and fluffy textures in every bite—an irresistible treat while strolling through Arashiyama.

Kuwaya Onomiyasu Honpo

Located in the Hannari Hokkori Square at Arashiyama Station, Kuwaya Onomiyasu Honpo specializes in unique sweets made exclusively with Kyoto-grown mulberry leaves.
Their lineup features refreshing mulberry matcha soft serve and traditional kusa-mochi rice cakes, showcasing a natural flavor long appreciated by health-conscious locals. For a truly show-stopping treat, don’t miss the Gold Leaf Soft Serve. Topped with shimmering gold leaf, it’s a striking dessert that’s as unforgettable as it is Instagram-worthy—the perfect way to mark your visit to Arashiyama.

Arashiyama Sakuramochi Ine

Arashiyama Sakura Mochi Ine is a Japanese sweets shop dedicated to handcrafted desserts made with traditional methods. From its signature warabi mochi and sakura mochi to jellies, ice cream, and syrups, every component is prepared in-house. Even the original serving dishes reflect the shop’s meticulous attention to detail.
A favorite for street snacking, the warabi mochi is available in kinako or matcha. Made with premium hon-warabi starch using a slow kettle-kneading method, it delivers a rich elasticity and an exceptionally smooth, melt-in-your-mouth texture. For fans of the classics, the chewy mitarashi dango is another must-try during your visit.

Kyoto Arashiyama Saga Par

Kyoto Arashiyama Saga Par is famous for its extensive selection of soft-serve ice cream, featuring seasonal flavors that evolve with the year. Its signature Tofu Soft Serve is the shop’s most popular choice, cherished for its light, refreshing taste and silky texture.
For bolder flavors, try the Kyoto Matcha, crafted with premium green tea, or the aromatic Black Sesame. If you can’t decide, the Saga Par Special is the ultimate treat—offering five different flavors in a single serving, making it perfect for sampling and comparing the best of Arashiyama.

Nakamuraya Souzai Seisakusyo

Run by a traditional butcher, Nakamuraya Souzai Seisakusyo offers a tempting lineup of street-food favorites made with carefully selected Japanese wagyu beef.
The most popular item is the beef croquette, well known for drawing long lines during Arashiyama’s peak tourist seasons. Crispy on the outside and incredibly juicy inside, it’s a perfect snack to enjoy as you explore the area.
Beyond croquettes, the shop also serves minced meat cutlets and savory fried chicken, both ideal for eating on the go. For a heartier option, try the Nakamuran Beef Cutlet Sandwich, layered in a satisfying mille-feuille style, or the Egg Sandwich filled with a thick, fluffy rolled omelet.

Sagano Croquette

Located on Arashiyama’s main street, Sagano Croquette is a takeout-only spot, perfect for a quick bite while sightseeing.
The stars of the menu are the Gold Prize Croquette, a winner of a national croquette competition, and the classic Beef Croquette, cherished for its nostalgic, comforting flavor. Affordable and easy to enjoy on the go, these items are ideal for tasting and comparing different varieties.
Other favorites include the Bamboo Shoot Croquette, known for its unique texture, the rich Kuroge Wagyu Menchi (minced beef cutlet) made with premium Japanese beef, and juicy fried chicken. In winter, Oyster Fry is also available as a seasonal specialty.

Sagadoufu Sancyuu

Located at the entrance to Arashiyama’s famous Bamboo Grove, Sagadoufu Sancyuu is a casual eatery known for its authentic Kyoto-style tofu at reasonable prices. Soba and udon noodles are also available, making it a popular stop for visitors seeking an affordable local meal.
The takeout menu is equally appealing, featuring house-made Beef Croquettes, chewy Tofu Donuts, and savory Curry Bread, ideal for enjoying while strolling through the area.

Chikujian

At Chikujian, a wide range of traditional Japanese sweets is on offer, led by the shop’s signature Warabi Mochi, along with Dango, Daifuku, Kusamochi, and Dorayaki—all popular choices for souvenirs.
The cup-style Warabi Mochi is ideal for eating on the go, with a smooth, melt-in-your-mouth texture and a refined sweetness, generously coated in fragrant roasted soybean powder. Chikujian also sells long-lasting Warabi Mochi made with a low-temperature pasteurization process, making it easy to take home as a gift.
Other street-food favorites include Arashiyama Dango, skewered dumplings dipped in brown sugar syrup and finished with soybean powder, and Mitarashi Dango, known for its savory-sweet glaze enhanced by the shop’s original dashi flavor.

Koto Imo Honpo

Koto Imo Honpo is famous for its eye-catching sweets, featuring oversized Mitarashi Dango and signature treats made with sweet potatoes. The photogenic Mitarashi Dango comes in a unique tube-shaped container filled with plenty of savory-sweet sauce—dip the large, chewy dumplings into the sauce and enjoy their satisfying texture.
Another must-try is the Strawberry Daifuku Dango, a specialty found only here, made with Hokkaido-grown azuki beans and fresh cream. For a perfect photo opportunity, pick up a cup of Imo Kenpi (crispy sweet potato sticks), served in generous portions piled high and as impressive to look at as they are delicious.

Arashiyama Misola

Arashiyama Misola is a popular destination for freshly made snacks, best known for its innovative drinkable desserts.
The signature Drinkable Sweet Potato is a showcase of textures, blending purple sweet potato soy milk, rich custard pudding, and crunchy sweet potato chips, all topped with a black sesame cream foam. Light on the palate, it finishes with an irresistible nutty aroma.
For a more indulgent option, try the Drinkable Mont Blanc. Crafted with Japanese chestnut soy milk, candied chestnuts, and a velvety chestnut cream foam, it’s finished with a touch of caramel sauce for a truly decadent treat. A perfect companion for a stroll through Arashiyama, these unique sweets are especially appealing to chestnut lovers.

Kyozuan

Kyozuan specializes in handcrafted soy milk sweets made with Japanese-grown soybeans, offering a gentle, naturally sweet flavor.
The star attraction is an ultra-rich soft serve, so thick and creamy that it holds its shape even when turned upside down. Made with Japanese-grown soybeans and oligosaccharides, the ice cream has a silky-smooth texture that melts slowly on the tongue for a refined finish.
The most popular choice is the Two-Flavor Tofu Soft Serve, featuring both silken tofu and black sesame kinako tofu in one serving. This unique combination highlights the surprising depth and versatility of Kyoto-style, plant-based desserts.

Kyoto Kin-no-Hana Saga Arashiyama

A specialty shop dedicated to chestnut and sweet potato desserts, Kyoto Kin-no-Hana Saga Arashiyama offers an impressive lineup of Mont Blanc creations. Highlights include the dramatic Tenryu Mont Blanc, crafted with bamboo charcoal and gold leaf, and the vibrant Strawberry Mont Blanc, generously topped with fresh strawberries.
The highlight is the freshly piped Nama-Shibori Mont Blanc, especially the chestnut-flavored Arashiyama Mont Blanc, which remains a consistent customer favorite. For a street-food–style treat, try the Mont Blanc Imo Dango—a skewer combining chewy mochi, sweet potato paste, and rich Mont Blanc cream in one bite. Satisfyingly substantial yet easy to eat, it’s an ideal companion for a stroll through Arashiyama.

Kyoto Sagano maison matcha cafe

Located just steps from Torokko Saga Station, Kyoto Sagano maison matcha cafe is a takeout-only spot offering casual street food perfect for enjoying on the go.
The menu features a charming selection of sweets that are as delicious as they are photogenic. Rich Matcha Soft Serve and classic Vanilla Soft Serve are topped with colorful oiri rice candies, adding a cute, traditional Kyoto-style touch.
A wide range of matcha-based drinks is also available, from simple Green Tea to the unique Matcha Beer, a fun option for those looking for something different. It’s an easy stop to recharge while exploring the Sagano area.

Petit Bonheur

Opened in 2021, Petit Bonheur is a specialty crepe stand offering an elevated take on the classic street snack. The dough is enriched with eggs and fermented butter, creating a rich, aromatic base that sets these crepes apart.
The menu features a refined range of flavors, from Strawberry Chocolate Custard to the savory-sweet Honey Cheese with Black Pepper. The most popular option is the Brûlée Crepe, topped with a generous layer of caramelized brûlée cream. Filled with house-made pie crust, sponge cake, crispy feuilletine, and ice cream, it delivers a satisfying depth of texture in every bite.
Seasonal, limited-time crepes made with ingredients at their peak are also worth watching for.

Kyoto Sagano Taketori Chaya Sohonke

Located at the entrance to the iconic Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, Kyoto Sagano Taketori Chaya Sohonke is a popular stop for bamboo-themed souvenirs and takeaway treats.
Pick up sweets perfect for strolling, including Matcha Soft Serve, Vanilla Soft Serve, and Matcha Macarons. On cooler days, try Zenzai (sweet red bean soup with mochi), a comforting local favorite.
Light snacks such as Takoyaki and shrimp crackers are also available, along with a wide selection of Kyoto-style matcha drinks.

Kazurano Seisyuan

Experience the flavors of Arashiyama at Kazurano Seisyuan, where you can enjoy Kyoto-style tofu and soba made with Kyoto’s famous Otowa spring water.
A must-try is the Homemade Oboro Tofu, crafted with 100% domestic soybeans and known for its light, silky texture. For a full taste of Kyoto, try Kamo Seiro Soba or the Obanzai Set, featuring seasonal small plates, tempura, sashimi, and mini zaru soba. Relax over lunch while taking in views of the iconic Togetsukyo Bridge.

Shintogetsu

Savor house-made udon at Shintogetsu, an udon specialty shop featuring fresh ingredients from Kyoto and Shiga. The flour blend is adjusted seasonally and double-aged to create a smooth, pleasantly chewy texture.
A standout dish is Curry Tsuke Udon with Tanba Pork and Fresh Vegetables. Topped with richly flavored Tanba pork and crisp seasonal greens, this dipping-style dish highlights the natural flavor of the noodles.

OBU CAFE

Enjoy scenic views of Arashiyama at OBU CAFE, a Japanese-style café perfect for a relaxing meal or dessert. The menu features hearty lunch options, including premium Japanese black beef shabu-shabu and rich curry rice loaded with meat.
A highlight is the Hannari Kyoto Gozen, a set meal that lets you sample a variety of flavors in one sitting. Dishes include Japanese black beef steak, simmered seasonal vegetables, and sweet-and-sour marinated cod. Finish with a Kyoto-style dessert made with matcha or hojicha.

Arashiyama Unasyuu

Located a short walk from JR Saga-Arashiyama Station, this specialty restaurant serves premium grilled eel in a beautifully restored Kyoto townhouse. Skilled chefs prepare carefully selected domestic eel in the traditional Kansai style—grilled without steaming for a crispy exterior and tender, fluffy interior.
Each eel is freshly prepared in-house to bring out its natural flavor. Paired with premium Hachidaime Gihei Koshihikari rice, the menu features signature dishes such as Unaju (grilled eel over rice), Hitsumabushi, and Unagyu-ju (eel and beef over rice).

Arashiyama is a popular destination for street food lovers, offering everything from savory local specialties to sweet treats perfect for strolling. Pick up a copy of our Arashiyama Street Food Map and make the most of your food walk through this iconic area.
Many of these spots are Instagrammable, so you can snap beautiful photos while you eat. With so many delicious options to choose from, try a few and discover your favorite flavors in Arashiyama.