A special morning in Arashiyama. Here are 8 exceptional breakfast spots where even the locals go.

Arashiyama, Kyoto—a place known for the graceful arc of the Togetsukyo Bridge, the lush bamboo groves, and the mountains reflected in the Katsura River. While this area swarms with tourists during peak season, the early morning remains quiet and serene. A simple stroll through the crisp air is enough to reset your soul. What makes an Arashiyama morning even richer are the unique breakfast spots rooted in this town.

From long-standing retro cafes to renovated traditional houses and specialized Japanese restaurants focused on dashi (broth), I want to introduce 8 of my favorite spots in the Arashiyama area. Read on and imagine your perfect "Arashiyama Morning."

A Special Time Before the Crowds Begin

The beauty of Arashiyama’s breakfast scene lies in its incredible variety. You can choose from cute waffles, meticulously prepared dashi courses, retro Showa-era egg sandwiches, or bread served in a 200-year-old traditional house. Your choice of breakfast will completely change the tone of your day. I highly recommend making a reservation or arriving right when they open to enjoy the silence before the crowds arrive.

1. kyocafe chacha: Photogenic Waffles That Blend Cuteness and Flavor

Located about a 5-minute walk from Hankyu Arashiyama Station, kyocafe chacha is a stylish building that appears suddenly in a quiet residential area. They open at 8:00 AM, making it perfect for early birds who want to see Arashiyama before the rush.

Their signature item is the ice bar-style waffle on a stick. It’s picture-perfect whether you take it out to eat against the Arashiyama scenery or enjoy it inside. The interior features white walls, wood accents, and antique furniture, with every table offering a different vibe. The second floor houses the hotel "The GrandWest Arashiyama," allowing guests to wake up and head straight to breakfast.

• Hours: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM / Irregular holidays

• Address: 48 Arashiyama Kamikaido-cho, Nishikyo-ku, Kyoto

2. Dashi to Kome MUKU ARASHIYAMA: An Artistic Breakfast of Broth and Rice

Located on the first floor of the YADO Arashiyama hotel, just a short walk from Togetsukyo Bridge, this restaurant focuses on the twin pillars of Japanese cuisine: rice and dashi. It opens at 7:30 AM and is available to non-hotel guests.

In the center of the shop sits an okudosan (traditional hearth), where rice cooked in a large iron pot (hagama) serves as the climax of the meal. The 4,000 yen course is served on small plates, beginning with a "welcome dashi" and moving through dashimaki omelets, steamed seasonal vegetables, and pickles. The floor-to-ceiling windows and the stunning interior design make this a meditative morning experience.

• Hours: 7:30 AM – 3:00 PM (L.O. 2:00 PM) / Closed Tue & Wed

• Address: 45 Arashiyama Nakaoshita-cho, Nishikyo-ku, Kyoto (Inside YADO Arashiyama)

3. Blue Onion: A Nostalgic Breakfast Served in Meissen Porcelain

Founded in 1984, this veteran cafe sits quietly just a 2-minute walk from Hankyu Matsuo-taisha Station. The name comes from the famous "Blue Onion" pattern by Meissen, and the shop is filled with an impressive collection of high-end cups and saucers.

They open at 9:00 AM. While there isn't a specific "morning set," you can enjoy all-day classics like cinnamon toast, thick-cut egg sandwiches, and katsu sandwiches. The katsu is fried to order, providing a satisfying crunch to start your day. With many local regulars and a warm atmosphere, it's the perfect place to escape the tourist noise.

• Hours: 9:00 AM – 10:00 PM (L.O. 9:30 PM) / Closed Thu

• Address: 53-3 Arashiyama Asazuki-cho, Nishikyo-ku, Kyoto

4. Bread, Espresso & Arashiyama Garden: Bread in a 210-Year-Old Heritage House

Located near Tenryu-ji Temple, this cafe is a renovation of the Old Kobayashi Family Residence, a Kyoto Prefecture designated cultural property. The massive thatched roof is a sight to behold, making you feel like you've stepped into a Japanese folktale.

The site consists of two buildings: the cafe "Espresso to" and the bakery "Pan to." From 8:00 AM, you can grab fresh bread or sit down for the popular "Matsu" brunch set—a luxurious two-tiered plate featuring five types of bread and various delicacies. Eating on the veranda overlooking the lush garden is a truly exceptional way to spend a morning.

• Hours: 8:00 AM – approx. 5:00 PM / Irregular holidays

• Address: 45-15 Saga Tenryuji Tsukurimichi-cho, Ukyo-ku, Kyoto

5. Hirose Coffee: A Local Institution Open from 6:00 AM

Situated between JR Saga-Arashiyama and Randen Saga stations, Hirose Coffee is a rare gem that opens at 6:00 AM. When asked how long they've been in business, the owner simply replies, "Oh, we've been here a long time," reflecting its status as a beloved local landmark.

The breakfast is beautifully simple: coffee and toast for around 450 yen. The master, wearing a classic white shirt and bow tie, often helps tourists with directions. This is the place to see the "other side" of Arashiyama—the daily life of the locals. It’s the perfect stop after a very early walk through the bamboo grove.

• Hours: 6:00 AM – 4:00 PM

• Address: 4-1 Saga Tenryuji Imahori-cho, Ukyo-ku, Kyoto

6. Coffee Shop Yamamoto: A Retro "Showa" Haven with In-House Roasting

Founded in 1969, this famous shop is located about 500 meters north of Togetsukyo Bridge and opens at 7:00 AM. You can smell the home-roasted beans from the roasting room next door. With its dim lighting, wooden walls, and leather sofas, it preserves the authentic atmosphere of a Showa-era cafe.

The morning sets are available until 11:00 AM. I recommend the "C Set," which includes ham toast sandwiches (made with slightly sweet homemade mayo), scrambled eggs, and salad. Sipping coffee while listening to jazz or oldies records offers a moment of true peace away from the crowds.

• Hours: 7:00 AM – 6:00 PM (Morning until 11:00 AM) / Irregular holidays

• Address: 9 Saga Tenryuji Setogawa-cho, Ukyo-ku, Kyoto

7. % Arabica Kyoto Arashiyama: The Ultimate Cup by the River

Standing on the banks of the Katsura River, this is the global flagship store for the world-renowned coffee brand % Arabica. The brand’s commitment to quality is evident in this location, which serves as the benchmark for all their stores worldwide.

Opening at 8:00 AM, they offer a simple but high-quality menu including caffe lattes and the "Kyoto Latte" (matcha and espresso). Seating is very limited, so most people take their coffee to go and walk across the Togetsukyo Bridge or sit on the riverbank. Since it gets very crowded later in the day, early morning is the best time to visit.

• Hours: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM

• Address: 3-47 Saga Tenryuji Susukinobaba-cho, Ukyo-ku, Kyoto

8. eX cafe Kyoto Arashiyama Main Store: Grilling Bread Over a Charcoal Hearth

Located in a quiet alley near Randen Arashiyama Station, eX cafe is a hidden gem inside a renovated early-Showa mansion. Behind the heavy gates lies a 400-square-meter Japanese garden. The interior features dynamic "Red Lion" murals by Japanese painter Hideki Kimura.

Their most popular breakfast is an experiential meal where you toast "Neko Neko Shokupan" (cat-shaped bread) yourself on a shichirin (small charcoal grill). You can top your toast with bean paste, butter, or whipped cream. Their signature "Hoku-hoku Dango Set" also uses the grill, allowing you to cook your own dumplings to perfection while enjoying matcha in a traditional tatami room.

• Hours: 10:00 AM – approx. 6:00 PM

• Address: 35-3 Saga Tenryuji Tsukurimichi-cho, Ukyo-ku, Kyoto

Find Your Own "Special" Arashiyama Morning

Looking at these eight spots, it’s clear just how diverse Arashiyama’s breakfast scene is.

• For a luxurious Japanese dashi experience, choose MUKU.

• For bread in a historic thatched-roof house, go to Bread, Espresso & Arashiyama Garden.

• For retro vibes and home-roasted coffee, visit Yamamoto or Hirose.

• For open-air riverside coffee, head to % Arabica.

• For photogenic waffles, try kyocafe chacha.

Every shop offers a special experience that can only be fully appreciated in the morning. When planning your next trip, starting with "where to eat breakfast" might just make your journey even more rewarding.