Date of Visit: Wednesday, April 15, 2026 – Rainy
A rainy day in Arashiyama.
Originally, I had planned to spend the day visiting museums.
But both the Fukuda Art Museum and the Saga Arashiyama Museum of Arts & Culture were closed.
My plans changed first thing in the morning, and somehow I felt myself relax.
That was when a small soba restaurant caught my eye.
It was still preparing to open.
With a little time to spare, I took a walk along the riverside.
When I returned, it was exactly 11:00 a.m.
I was the first customer of the day.
I discovered Togakushi on a rainy day in Arashiyama.
Even before stepping through the noren curtain, the comforting aroma of Japanese cuisine made me stop.
Today, I was in the mood for a Nishin Set Meal.
A Nishin Set Meal with a Choice of Udon or Soba
I ordered the restaurant’s Nishin Set Meal.
Since I could choose between soba and udon, I picked udon.
My first impression when the tray arrived was simple:
“It’s quite modest.”
The rice bowl was small.
The udon was an ordinary portion.
It wasn’t the kind of meal designed for social media.
But while traveling, meals like this can be surprisingly comforting.
A Bowl Where Dashi Takes the Leading Role
I took my first bite of udon.
The broth was slightly salty,
yet beneath that was a rich and satisfying dashi flavor.
The noodles had just the right amount of firmness—exactly the texture I enjoy.
The small tempura rice bowl, topped with seaweed and shrimp, was quietly delicious without trying to stand out.
Nothing about the meal felt extravagant.
And somehow, that simplicity suited the peaceful atmosphere of rainy Arashiyama perfectly.
The Atmosphere
The restaurant was clean and welcoming.
The staff were polite and attentive.
Menus were available in both English and Chinese, making it easy for international visitors to order.
Behind the dining area was a small garden and newly renovated restrooms.
There also appeared to be additional seating farther inside, making the restaurant suitable for groups.
By around noon, nearly every table was occupied.
Many overseas travelers had arrived, along with what looked like several school excursion groups.
Even on a rainy day, it was clearly a popular place.
A gentle bowl of dashi gave me the energy to walk through rainy Arashiyama.
Herring, udon, and a small tempura rice bowl.
Today, I was simply in the mood for Japanese food.
And my journey truly began here.
🍵 YUMEVOJA Food Radar
Togakushi – Nishin Set Meal (¥1,100)
Sweetness: ★☆☆☆☆
Saltiness: ★★☆☆☆
Dashi Flavor: ★★★★☆
Oiliness: ★★★☆☆
Spiciness: ☆☆☆☆☆
Aroma: ★☆☆☆☆
Portion Size: Average
Ease of Use：★★★★☆
YUMEVOJA Rating
★★★★☆ Satisfied
Personal evaluation including the food, atmosphere, and people.
📍 For business hours and crowd conditions,
please check the latest information on Google Maps.
Details may change.
Nothing about this meal was flashy.
Yet every dish felt carefully prepared.
📍Google Maps Here👇
Togakushi
What the Rain Revealed
Outside the window, the rain slowly became heavier.
How far would I be able to walk today?
I wondered that while enjoying a bowl of warm udon.
Travel rarely goes exactly as planned.
But because my plans changed, I found this quiet lunch.
A journey is not defined only by luxurious meals.
Sometimes, a simple bowl that lets tired legs rest becomes one of the memories that stays with you the longest.
That was my rainy day in Arashiyama.
🚉 Related Article | Stopover Journey
Just a short detour from Togetsukyo Bridge, I discovered a quieter side of Kyoto, filled with the sounds of rain and temple bells.
👉☔🚉 Stopover Journey | Rainy Arashiyama: A Quiet Side of Kyoto Beyond the Famous Paths
🍵 Related Article | Beauty & Taste
I entered this café simply to escape the rain.
Instead, I found a rich tiramisu that completely exceeded my expectations.
👉 🍵Beauty & Taste | Tiramisu | The Dessert That Unexpectedly Stayed in My Memory (Coming Soon)
Unable to find dinner in Arashiyama, I made an unplanned stop at Katsura.
Hot sake and gyoza became the perfect ending to the day.
👉 🍵Beauty & Taste | Gyoza & Warm Sake | An Unexpected Evening in Katsura (Coming Soon)
👉 Related illustrations here
(Free to use)
▶︎ 🎨View illustration page
👉Choose Kyoto by mood.
▶︎☆View the Kyoto guide