1. % ARABICA Kyoto Arashiyama: A Leader of Global Coffee Trends
% ARABICA has become one of the beloved brands for coffee enthusiasts around the world. They have branches in over 20 countries worldwide, recognizable by their elegant logo and distinctive interior designs.
As the flagship store in Japan, the Arashiyama store is situated by the riverside offering a close view of the Togetsukyo Bridge. There is always a queue of customers lining up, proving their popularity.
Photo by Pixta
Although the Arashiyama store focuses mainly on takeout orders, it's very enjoyable to sit back and appreciate the beautiful views of Arashiyama while holding a cup of coffee in hand.
I particularly enjoyed % ARABICA's latte, which is both fragrant and smooth. Don't forget to take a snapshot of the takeaway cup with the backdrop of Arashiyama as a keepsake!
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2. Bread, Espresso and Arashiyama Garden: Bread Takes the Spotlight
Picture courtesy of PR Times
Starting from Tokyo's Omotesando and expanding to various locations in Japan, Bread, Espresso and ... has transformed the 210-year-old Former Kobayashi Residence, a tangible cultural property by Kyoto Prefecture, into a coffee shop and bakery, while also tidying up the elegant garden that exudes a serene ambiance.
I loved the terrace seats! There's nothing like holding a delicious and sweet coffee in hand while sitting quietly on the terrace to appreciate the beauty of the garden.
Picture courtesy of PR Times
The Kyoto-exclusive matcha French toast, with its moist and soft texture and rich matcha honey, spreads a subtle tea aroma in your mouth, a delicacy that would surely have green tea enthusiasts nodding in approval.
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3. Bhagavan Arashiyama: Tasting Tea in a Temple from "The Tale of Genji"
After getting off at Arashiyama Station on the Randen tram line, it takes about 20 minutes to reach the famous Saihoji Temple on foot. This temple is said to have been built by the historical character who inspired the figure of Prince Genji from "The Tale of Genji."
Bhagavan Arashiyama, originally a traditional Japanese dumpling tea house inside Saihoji Temple, was revitalized after years of neglect by a prominent garden master known for his work at Rurikoin Temple.
The tea house was transformed into a coffee shop where guests can admire the beauty of the four seasons from every angle, creating a picturesque reflection on the tables that merges with the breathtaking scenery outside. Visitors have expressed their admiration for this immersive experience.
Here, you can enjoy coffee, matcha tea, red bean soup, shaved ice, red bean cream-filled mochi desserts, as well as traditional Japanese afternoon tea treats named after Kabuki theater performances.
A highly recommended dish is the freshly baked soybean flour mochi dessert, which not only exudes a delicious soy sauce aroma but also offers a chewy and irresistible texture.
*Please note that the shop's monthly closing days are not fixed; it's advisable to check their official Instagram account before visiting.
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4. TEA ROOM KIKI Kyoto Arashiyama: English-style Afternoon Tea
TEA ROOM KIKI currently has four stores in Japan, faithfully presenting the culture of British afternoon tea through their dishes and elegant tea sets.
They have also crafted tea flavors suitable for Eastern tastes, which are greatly loved by their customers. The building of the Arashiyama store used to be a post office! Stepping inside, you can feel the gentle ambiance characteristic of wooden houses.
I ordered the Matcha Jam Original & Earl Grey Scone Set, which features a matcha jam exclusive to the Arashiyama store. Both the scones and jam are handmade, and the Uji-produced matcha green tea has an exceptionally rich flavor.
The scones don't crumble at first bite; their fluffy and delicate texture leaves you wanting more. The tea that comes with the set is refillable for 80 minutes, with the staff serving a different recommended variety each time.
On the day I visited, I enjoyed the South African Rooibos tea, muscat grape black tea, and Assam black tea, all exuding elegant fragrances without any bitterness.
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5. YOJIYA Cafe Arashiyama: Curated by Kyoto's Renowned Cosmetics Brand
Picture courtesy of PR Times
The popular Kyoto cosmetics brand YOJIYA operates coffee shops located in Kyoto and Haneda Airport, among other places, with one situated near the Saga-Arashiyama Station.
Here, you can taste the exclusive Matcha Cola Cake for takeout, made with matcha ice cream, matcha cream, red bean paste, and various other rich ingredients.
The multi-layered texture is enhanced by a generous topping of rich fresh cream, sandwiched between slightly bitter matcha cookies made from green tea flavored white chocolate, and adorned with matcha mochi, ensuring a delightful experience without feeling overly sweet until the last bite. (850 yen)
Picture courtesy of PR Times
Another specialty offered at the Saga-Arashiyama Store is the Matcha Parfait, inspired by the store's garden. Layers of matcha sponge cake are topped with matcha ice cream, white mochi balls, strawberries, and various colorful ingredients, creating an exquisitely presented and satisfyingly flavorful dessert. (1,800 yen)
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Enjoy a Break in Kyoto's Arashiyama
Although Arashiyama is known for its picturesque attractions and Japanese cuisine, the surrounding cafes each have their own unique blend harmonized with the local essence of Arashiyama.
Whether you are a matcha enthusiast, a coffee aficionado, or someone who enjoys indulging in afternoon tea, one of the cafes introduced above will surely satisfy your preferences.
Main image by Pixta
