Kyoto, Japan｜Arashiyama Rilakkuma Tea House

Visit early in the morning, and you won't have to wait too long. I visited on a Sunday at 1030 and was able to reach my turn at 1040. While waiting, you can take selfies and photos with the huge rilakkuma at the waiting area. I'm a fan of rilakkuma, so I was there for vibes and wasn't expecting much for food quality for a theme cafe. The cafe food is really of decent standard compared to other theme cafes, though some may find it expensive if you're not a rilakkuma fan. There's only one waiting staff, so you may experience slow service.

The wait took a while but I did some shopping and photography while I waited. Obviously the food is a bit overpriced as it is a theme cafe, but that is expected. The food was actually really delicious and presentation was on point. I was really happy with my experience. I do with the empty chairs had a bear to keep you company though!

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 seen in the US).