When visiting Arashiyama, in addition to enjoying the beautiful scenery, I also recommend setting aside time for a meal featuring Kyoto's classic yudofu, or simmered tofu. Yudofu Sagano is a well-known restaurant where you can enjoy traditional Japanese architecture, a beautiful Japanese garden, and its signature yudofu cuisine all at once. Sitting in the dining area overlooking the Japanese garden and taking in the relaxed, peaceful atmosphere makes the whole dining experience feel very Kyoto-like.
The yudofu I tried this time had a delicate texture and a light, refreshing flavor. It was simple, but it really highlighted the characteristics of Japanese cuisine, and I quite liked the overall taste. The lunch set was JPY 4,400 including tax. For the price, I personally thought the portion was average to slightly small, so anyone with a bigger appetite might not feel completely full.
Aside from the food, however, the biggest draw here is still the setting and atmosphere. The garden is beautiful, and together with the traditional Japanese architecture, it feels especially relaxing to sit down and enjoy a leisurely meal.
