Arashiyama Rilakkuma Tea House — Restaurant in Kyoto

During my recent trip to Kyoto, I had the delightful experience of visiting the Arashiyama Rilakkuma Tea House, a must-visit for fans of the beloved bear and those seeking a unique café experience. Located near the scenic Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, this two-story establishment seamlessly blends traditional Japanese aesthetics with the adorable charm of Rilakkuma and friends. The first floor houses a well-stocked merchandise shop offering exclusive items, from plush toys to themed snacks and souvenirs. The second floor features a cozy café adorned with Rilakkuma-themed décor, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere.

The menu offers a variety of dishes and desserts, all presented with meticulous attention to detail. I particularly enjoyed the Rilakkuma-themed parfait and the matcha soba noodles, both of which were as delicious as they were visually appealing. The café also offers seasonal drinks and treats, often featuring honey or tea, aligning with the "tea house" theme .

One of the highlights of my visit was the opportunity to take photos with Rilakkuma plushies placed at each table, adding a playful touch to the dining experience. The staff were friendly and patient, allowing guests ample time to enjoy their meals and capture memories.

It's worth noting that the café can get quite busy, especially on weekends. To avoid long wait times, I recommend arriving early or visiting during off-peak hours. Additionally, while the prices are on the higher side, they are justified by the quality of the food and the unique, immersive experience .

Overall, the Arashiyama Rilakkuma Tea House offers a charming and memorable experience that combines delicious food with the whimsical world of Rilakkuma. Whether you're a dedicated fan or simply looking for a delightful café in Kyoto, this spot is well...

We had went to the cafe on a Wednesday 5 min before they opened the store. As soon as they opened we had went up to RSVP for the ticket. The cafe opens about 30 min after store opening. There wasn’t really a wait as we were able to get 1st in line and the staff assisted in helping us in the system. Even just a few minutes before opening the cafe you could register to be within single digits in the queue for the day we went. During our wait, we shopped around the store which is split into two. Between the store, there is an outdoor area where you have photo opt with the Rilakkuma stone statue, back drop, and plastic models with Rila/friends with the current date. The store has a variety of Rila merch along with a small shop that sells sweets.

As our time for the RSVP drew closer, we arrived to the 2F and we’re seated right away. The room was well decorated with Rilakkuma and friends. We placed our order and the food arrived relatively quick (possibly within 10 - 15 min). All the food items looked very accurate to the menu photos.

We had a great time at the tea house and the staff was very polite. Definitely a great place to visit during your time in Kyoto especially as a Rilakkuma fan.

Note: this cafe only does in-person...

This is the cutest restaurant I've ever been to. It's on the 2nd floor of the Rilakkuma shop. It's styled like a traditional Japanese tea house. They do not accept reservations. Instead, arrive early and put your name into the system and get a ticket. There were 7 groups ahead of us and our estimated wait time was 40 min (ended up waiting 1.5 hours). But you do not have to wait in the restaurant. You can scan your ticket and check online or check the number called in the shop.

Inside the restaurant was very tiny which was why it took so long. Servers were very fast at taking our orders. Food also came out fast. I was pleasantly surprised at how tasty everything was. My friend had the curry, she said it was pretty average but the presentation was on point. Other friend had pancakes. He said they were presented well and were extra fluffy. There was fruit between them too which was unexpected. I had the matcha soba with Inari zushi. I liked that you can order the soba hot or cold. The Inari zushi was delicious. We also enjoyed the matcha lattes and iced Coffee. They come with liquid sugar which mixes well with the cold drinks (something which I'd never...