Arashiyama and Saga are famous sightseeing areas in Kyoto. These places have beautiful nature, historic sites, and delicious Japanese sweets.
If you are looking for a sweet treat in Kyoto, here are 7 must-visit sweets shops that are popular with foreign visitors!
- 1. % Arabica Kyoto Arashiyama – Coffee with a Stunning View
- 2. eX cafe Kyoto Arashiyama – Traditional Japanese Sweets
- 3. Sagano-Yu – A Retro Café in a Former Bathhouse
- 4. Malebranche Arashiyama – Kyoto’s Famous Matcha Sweets
- 5. Arinco Kyoto Arashiyama – Matcha Crepes & Kyoto-Style Sweets
- 6. Kyo Sagano Chikujian – Traditional Japanese Sweets
- 7. Coffee Shop Yamamoto – A Classic Kyoto Coffee House
1. % Arabica Kyoto Arashiyama – Coffee with a Stunning View
- Enjoy high-quality specialty coffee with a view of the river
- A world-famous coffee brand from Kyoto
- Minimalist and stylish café, perfect for Instagram
Recommended Menu: Café Latte
A perfect balance of rich espresso and creamy milk.
Location: Near Togetsukyo Bridge, Arashiyama
Official Website: Arabica Kyoto Arashiyama
2. eX cafe Kyoto Arashiyama – Traditional Japanese Sweets
- A beautiful café with a modern Japanese atmosphere
- Famous for its “Hokuhoku Dango Set” (grilled rice dumplings)
- Offers a variety of matcha sweets
Recommended Menu: Hokuhoku Dango Set
Grill your own dumplings and enjoy them with matcha and sweet red bean paste.
Location: 3-minute walk from Randen Arashiyama Station
Official Website: eX cafe Kyoto Arashiyama
3. Sagano-Yu – A Retro Café in a Former Bathhouse
- A unique café inside an old public bathhouse
- Famous for its fluffy pancakes
- A cozy and relaxing atmosphere
Recommended Menu: Fluffy Pancakes
Soft and airy pancakes with plenty of fresh cream.
Location: 5-minute walk from JR Saga-Arashiyama Station
Official Website: Sagano-Yu
4. Malebranche Arashiyama – Kyoto’s Famous Matcha Sweets
- A popular Kyoto sweets brand
- Home of the famous “Cha no Ka” matcha cookies
- Offers exclusive desserts at the Arashiyama store
Recommended Menu: Matcha Mont Blanc
A rich and creamy Mont Blanc made with high-quality Uji matcha.
Location: Near Randen Arashiyama Station
Price: About ¥800 JPY~ ($6 USD~)
Official Website: Malebranche
5. Arinco Kyoto Arashiyama – Matcha Crepes & Kyoto-Style Sweets
- Known for its chewy matcha crepes with seasonal Kyoto ingredients
- Serves rich matcha ice cream made with Uji matcha from “Seicha Tsujiki”
- Perfect for a sweet treat while exploring Arashiyama
Recommended Menu: Matcha Crepe
A soft and chewy crepe infused with matcha aroma, filled with Kyoto’s seasonal fruits.
Location: Near Randen Arashiyama Station
Price: About ¥1,500 JPY~ ($11 USD~)
Reservation: Not required
Official Website: Arinco
6. Kyo Sagano Chikujian – Traditional Japanese Sweets
- A shop specializing in Kyoto-style wagashi (Japanese sweets)
- Popular for its handmade warabi mochi (bracken starch jelly)
- Perfect for a sweet souvenir
Recommended Menu: Warabi Mochi
Soft and chewy warabi mochi with a delicate sweetness.
Location: 5-minute walk from JR Saga-Arashiyama Station
Price: About ¥600 JPY~ ($4 USD~)
Official Website: Chikujian
7. Coffee Shop Yamamoto – A Classic Kyoto Coffee House
- A retro-style coffee shop with over 50 years of history
- Serves traditional Japanese-style pudding and sponge cake
- A quiet and relaxing atmosphere
Recommended Menu: Classic Custard Pudding
A firm, rich pudding with a slightly bitter caramel sauce.
Bonus: Before 11 AM, enjoy a delicious roast beef sandwich made with homemade roast beef as part of the morning menu!
Location: 10-minute walk from JR Saga-Arashiyama Station
Official Website: Coffee Shop Yamamoto