Mamemono to Taiyaki Arashiyama honten: Modern Taiyaki in Arashiyama

Mamemono to Taiyaki Arashiyama honten (まめものとたい焼き 嵐山本店) puts a modern spin on a classic Japanese snack. Instead of the usual fish shape, their taiyaki are round, and the star of the show is the signature 'an-butter' (あんバター) version. Each one is made to order and handed to you hot, with a thick slice of cold Hokkaido butter inserted just before serving. The shop advertises a 'one-minute window' to enjoy the theatrical moment of the butter melting into the sweet red bean paste—a key part of the experience.

Guests consistently praise the an-butter taiyaki for its rich, sweet-and-salty flavour contrast and the satisfying texture of the crispy shell against the soft, warm interior. The freshness is a major highlight, as you can watch them being prepared. Other popular options include the classic `tsubuan` (sweet red bean paste) taiyaki and drinks like coffee or matcha lattes, which reviewers note pair well with the snacks.

The main drawbacks are practical ones. The melting butter makes the an-butter taiyaki messy, and it must be eaten quickly before it drips. Portions are small and intended as a snack, not a meal. While many enjoy the experience, some foreign visitors have found the 'royal custard' (ロイヤルカスタード) filling to be runny or undercooked. Waits can also be longer than expected, sometimes up to 20 or 30 minutes during peak times.

For a unique Arashiyama snack, the quality and novelty offer good value. Reviewers in 2024–2026 paid around ¥390 for the an-butter taiyaki, ¥350 for the tsubuan, and between ¥320 and ¥350 for the custard. A taiyaki and coffee set was noted at about ¥630, with a typical spend under ¥1,000.

• Booking: This is a takeaway-only stand. Reservations are not available, and you should expect to queue. A buzzer system is used to manage wait times.
• Location: Find it on the first floor of the Arashiyama Shoryuen building, about a one-minute walk from Arashiyama Station.
• Payment: Credit cards and electronic money are not accepted. Cash and QR code payments are accepted.
• Practical Tips: Eat the an-butter taiyaki immediately, as it gets messy. It's wise to have napkins or wet wipes handy.
• Seating: There is no seating available.
• Parking: No parking is available.