Shiba Tofu Ya Ukai

Kyoto is famous for its tofu, but it doesn’t have a monopoly on the stuff. Tokyo Shiba Tofuya Ukai near Tokyo Tower serves an exquisite tofu kaiseki that gives Kyoto a good run for its money.

[Shiba Tofu-ya Ukai - image © Florentyna Leow]

Unlike the bland, watery stuff sold in many Western supermarkets, the best tofu is rich and sweet, with a strong soybean flavor and creamy texture. Kyoto is one of the most famous cities in Japan for tofu - but luckily, you don’t have to head out west for good tofu. Tokyo Shiba Tofuya Ukai, a tofu specialist at the foot of Tokyo Tower, serves an exquisite tofu kaiseki that rivals the best of Kyoto’s soy offerings.

[Shiba Tofu-ya Ukai - image © Florentyna Leow]

As the name suggests, tofu is the mainstay of the menu here, but you’ll be surprised at how many different guises tofu can take in this elaborate multi-course meal. It’ll vary with the seasons, but think dishes like a hotpot of tofu in bonito and kelp-infused soy milk, deep-fried sheets of tofu skin, thickly-cut slices of fried tofu with sweet miso, and tofu dumplings.

[Shiba Tofu-ya Ukai - image © Florentyna Leow]

The surroundings of Tokyo Shiba Tofuya Ukai are just as evocative as the food they serve. The restaurant is housed in a former Edo-period merchant’s residence set within a sprawling Japanese garden. Dining here isn’t just about the meal; you’ll quite literally be transported to another world here.

[Shiba Tofu-ya Ukai - image © Florentyna Leow]

Despite being a tofu kaiseki, it isn’t vegetarian: seafood and meat do appear throughout. While Tokyo Shiba Tofuya Ukai does cater to vegetarians, you’ll need to let them know when reserving a table. Indeed, reservations are essential and best done well in advance to avoid disappointment.

For more Tokyo kaiseki, kappo and other haute cuisine choices, see our Best Kaiseki, Kappo and Other Haute Cuisine in Tokyo page.

English name:
Tokyo Shiba Tofuya Ukai

Japanese name:
東京 芝 とうふ屋うかい

English address:
4-4-13 Shibakoen, Minato-ku, Tokyo, 105-0011

Japanese address:
〒105-0011 東京都港区芝公園4-4-13

Opening hours:
Monday-Friday: 11:45am-3pm, 5pm-7:30pm
Saturday, Sunday and national holidays: 11:30am-7:30pm

Price:

Non-smoking section:
Yes

Reservations:
Possible

Nearest Transport:
Subway: 5-minute walk from the Akabanebashi exit of Akabanebashi Station on the Toei Oedo line.

Telephone:
+81-3-3436-1028

Website: Official website (English)

Customer Reviews:
Read customer reviews of Tokyo Shiba Tofuya Ukai on TripAdvisor.

Near To Here:
Tokyo Shiba Tofuya Ukai is located in Tokyo’s Shimbashi, Shiodome, Hamamatsucho and Shinagawa district. See our complete list of things to do in Tokyo’s Shimbashi, Shiodome, Hamamatsucho and Shinagawa district, including places to eat, nightlife and places to stay.

More Tokyo Restaurant Recommendations:
See all Kaiseki & Kappo & Other Haute Cuisine we recommend on our Best Kaiseki & Kappo & Other Haute Cuisine in Tokyo page and get the complete list for all cuisines on our Best Tokyo Restaurants page.

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