eX cafe Kyoto Arashiyama Main Store

Renovated from a traditional Japanese house, inside its imposing stature is a popular cafe serving WA (Japanese) sweets. Tucked away in an alley and hidden from view, it is popular and always filled with tourists lining up.

The popular “Hokuhoku Odango (Dumpling) Set” is an experience-based menu where visitors can create their own dumplings by grilling one. Three dumpling skewers of Wormwood (yomogi) and plain can be grilled to your liking, a fun experience. Mitarashi (sweet soy sauce glaze) and anko (red bean paste) are served on the side, so you can top it up as you like! Other popular snacks include Warabimochi, a Kyoto favorite and “Kyoguro Roll”, made with dough including bamboo charcoal. Make sure to try other menus such as shaved ice and zenzai (stewed red beans sweetened with sugar).

The 400m area garden viewed from the shop is also an attraction in itself. Make sure to spend a quiet time by seeing the seasonal sights of Kyoto. The entrance murals and artwork in the Japanese room made by Kyoto-based artist Hideki Kimura is also a must see.