Arashiyama Yoshimura

I had originally bookmarked Arashiyama Yoshimura because they’re a famous spot along the lake for their soba. When we arrived, post hike to the Monkey Park, the wait time was 2 hours. We put our name down and thought we’d take a walk around the main street (for souvenirs) before returning for lunch. On our way out, we noticed that they also had a tofu restaurant in the back as well. They were only a 30 minute wait so we decided to give it a try (since we’ve already had Soba 2 – 3 times during our trip).
It actually turned out brilliantly because we thoroughly enjoyed our meal. We ordered their most expensive set since we didn’t eat breakfast that morning and won’t be having dinner until we returned to our homebase in Osaka. It included tofu — either hot or cold along with soba and an assortment of other dishes. I got my tofu cold and my mom got her tofu hot. We both sampled each other’s dish and I thought both were outstanding. The tofu was soft and silky and the two dipping sauces were unique in their own way.
We were given a super nice table by their garden area so we were able to look outside and pretend we were somewhere in the mountains of Kyoto, having a delicious tofu lunch.

went here during my Japan trip in April during hanami season. the area was packed with tourists, but this little cozy soba spot was very inviting and had a nice view since it was located on the 2^nd floor overlooking the river nearby.
upon entering, you’ll have to take your shoes off and put them in a shoe cubby. then you’re lead upstairs to the small dining area. the tables near the window can fill up pretty quickly, so there may be a bit of a wait if you want to have a window seat. the tempura soba set was great and filling. the noodles were super fresh and the broth was awesome. they even had some pretty cool looking stone pint glasses that they served the beer in… and they also sell them for something like $ 35 or so. it was too much for me… but i’m now regretting not purchasing one!
bathrooms are on the first floor and there are sandals inside the bathroom so you won’t have to be tip toeing in your socks. definitely worth a visit if you’re in the mood for some fresh soba and want a nice view of the river as you eat.

This was a real find!!! The restaurant is located on the river’s edge and it was a particularly beautiful sunny day. We were starving and were about to venture out to climb the mountain. We stopped here and although it was a bit of a wait, it was worth it! A beautiful soba noodle dish with several elements. Taste sensations that are very hard to shake! I just wanted more! An absolute must, not only for Kyoto in general but the area!

My boyfriend and I had an excellent experience at this place. After checking out the bamboo forest and the monkeys at the nearby monkey park, we were very hungry. This place hit the spot. Specializing in soba, this restaurant surprisingly has a lot of choices on the menu. There were different hot and cold soba dishes and combos to choose from, and if you had trouble deciding whether you wanted hot or cold soba, you could order a combo that had both (like my boyfriend did). Personally, I chose the cold soba with tempura dish, and it was delicious.
The atmosphere of this restaurant was also pretty special. When you walk in, you are required to take off your shoes, as is traditional in a Japanese house. There are cubbies by the door to hold your shoes while you eat. We had the pleasure of sitting on the second floor by the window and had a great view of the river.
I would love to come back here again.

Oh, man, did we luck out finding THIS place!
With a spectacular view of the Katsura river, watching rickshaw carriers and bicyclists and boaters and a gentle waterfall, what a spot!
And the food, which was excellent. The locals seem to eat-​it-​and-​beat it, in and out in twenty minutes or so; we were lingerers and we weren’t made to feel rushed in the slightest.
Again. Great food, great view, easy to find — it would be worth going even if you didn’t get a front row seat!

Very reasonable wait and the atmosphere was great. High quality soba. Get it cold with tempura. We got tofu over rice too. All fantastic. Waiting was a pleasure in their picturesque courtyard.

Wow, what a great meal and wonderful setting, service and view. If you’re mostly gluten free like me meals her in Japan can be challenging but soba is made with buckwheat which is not wheat at all. Only about a 13 minute walk from the bamboo forest in Arashiyama in Kyoto.

Delicate and fresh soba. We got the zen set which includes hot and cold soba, each with their own special dipping sauce.
Go on a sunny day, the view is amazing.