Best Tofu restaurants in Japan

I never knew ice cold and boiled tofu can be so delicious until I had lunch at Yodofu Takemura! They have 4 sets in their menu and any of the 4 is good!
I forgot to take pictures of the other items because I was too hungry!
🤣

We actually only wanted to order cold tofu but they offers lunch sets only, they were trying explain to us they can do 1 lunch set and add extra cold tofu for ur, tbh, I didn’t understand what she was trying to say and feel rude just walk out. However after I saw the meal we were getting and the price on the bill, I figured out 😅. They charged 1 item for 2900 and another item for 1500. Thank you so much for accommodating us.

A nice restaurant close to the river. They serve delicious food which looks nice as well. They were also accommodating to a small toddler. I highly recommend to visit here for a tasty meal?

If you are looking for traditional Kyoto dishes, should try Yu dofu which is hot tofu. Foods are very simple so you can really enjoy tofu flavor. Service is excellent, very kind. The restaurant creates traditional Japanese atmosphere in the middle of Arashiyama. Highly recommend.

One of my favorite dining experiences in Japan, staff were so kind and welcoming, and everything tasted delicious.

The restaurant is located in a traditional Japanese house with a view on a beautiful garden. The food served is mainly tofu based. The menu is composed of several little dishes that are absolutely delicious. The quality and taste of the tofu is exceptional. The staff is also very friendly and helpful.

Gorgeous location!

If you're interested in tofu, this is a decent recommendation. The menu is simple with 3 main course options. There were two menus, one for the tofu and rice options and the other for soba. Strangely, we only received one menu and we were denied when we asked about the soba menu. Anyone know the reason why?

Otherwise, the food was really light and came out quick. The rice with tofu skin is similar to congee. Tofu comes with two options, a boiled and a not boiled one. I personally recommend the not boiled tofu if you want a cold dish.

If I could give this place more stars on ambience alone, I would! The tofu set menu was light but beautifully flavored. The texture of the tofu in light kombu dashi (seaweed broth) was nothing short of perfection. Dining in full view of a beautiful Japanese garden with background Japanese flute music felt like I was on the set of a movie. Do not miss an opportunity to dine here when visiting the bamboo forest and Tenryu-ji. It will be one of the highlights in a land full of great food!

Don’t overlook this place while visiting Arashiyama! The dishes are extremely delicious, and there’s a vegan menu that does not require one to pay vegan tax—it is exceptionally priced for the quality of the food we ate! It is a cozy little space—which might have made one overlook it at first. The staff is friendly and there is an English-speaking staff. They also accept card payment. Highly recommended!

Excellent vegetarian food with view of traditional Japanese garden.
Note: some of the dishes on the set menu come with dashi which does contain some fish.

I feel like this is a sister restaurant to yashimura but it emphasizes tofu instead of noodes. I saw people dining here that got the noodles too so maybe they share menus or something?

Anyways, this is a more quaint and low key restaurant compared to the other. A lot of the sides and dishes look the same too so you don't need to try both.

Buckwheat tofu and other desserts are the popular items here. If you order a meal set then you'll actually be getting a lot of sides and other dishes that will make up most of the meal.

The tofu itself was interesting and more grainy than soy but not too different actually. Make sure to experiment with dipping sauces because that's what make it tasty.

You'll take your shoes off when you go inside of the restaurant and it's very nice and traditional. It's behind a serene garden if you're able to get a window seat.

If you're not into tofu that much, I'd highly recommend skipping this and getting the cold soba from the restaurant next door.

Beautiful restaurant but tofu dishes were underwhelming. Side dishes and tempura were delicious. But the cold tofu and tofu skin rice bowl was quite bland and there was no wow factor. I couldn’t taste anything special about Kyoto tofu and I’m a tofu lover.

The dishes also came out separately. The rice dish came last and took a while. I would prefer if it came out all at once so I could try the set together.

I loved the garden view from my counter seat. I would recommend the garden seats or open window seats for an even better ambience.

A tofu connoisseur’s delight.
Wonderful meal that is cooked and prepared very well in a beautiful garden setting.
We will be back, again and again.

Great atmosphere. Food was just OK. Not really worth it for 4000 yen per person

Nestled in the heart of Kyoto, Matsugae is a culinary gem that tantalizes the taste buds and transports diners to a world of exquisite flavors. From the moment you step through its doors, you're greeted by a sense of serenity and elegance that sets the stage for an unforgettable dining experience.

The star of the show? Without a doubt, Matsugae's tofu dishes. Crafted with the purest spring water, each tofu creation is a masterpiece of simplicity and sophistication. Delicate yet robust in flavor, these tofu offerings showcase the essence of Kyoto cuisine, honoring tradition while embracing innovation.

But Matsugae is more than just its tofu. It's a symphony of Kyoto-style Japanese cuisine, expertly prepared by a team of passionate chefs who pour their hearts and souls into every dish. From the melt-in-your-mouth sashimi to the savory grilled specialties, each bite is a revelation, a testament to the restaurant's commitment to culinary excellence.

And let's not forget the ambiance. Matsugae's serene surroundings provide the perfect backdrop for a leisurely meal with friends or a romantic evening for two. The restaurant's minimalist décor, accented by traditional Japanese elements, creates an atmosphere of understated luxury that enhances the dining experience.

But perhaps the most beautiful aspect of Matsugae is its people. From the warm welcome at the door to the impeccable service throughout the meal, every member of the staff radiates a genuine passion for hospitality. Their dedication to ensuring every guest leaves with a smile is truly commendable and adds an extra layer of warmth to an already unforgettable dining experience.

In conclusion, Matsugae is more than just a restaurant – it's a culinary journey through the heart and soul of Kyoto. With its impeccable tofu dishes, stunning ambiance, and exceptional service, Matsugae sets the standard for Japanese dining excellence. Whether you're a seasoned foodie or simply looking for an extraordinary dining experience, Matsugae is not to be missed.

If anyone wants to try authentic healthy traditional Japanese food, look no further. This is a meal with no meat, but it does have a little bit of fish and eggs. It just has 1 meal set menu for both adults and children.
There is also include a bowl of rice, 5 pieces of different types of vegetable tempura, and a dessert with strawberry jam. Forgot to take a picture of it.

The front of the store has a lot of monk statues, and you will hear monk prayers coming from the store. When you go in the reception will show you to the back to the garden, koi pond and the dining area. It feels very peaceful in the garden.

was planned to try the udon in the opposite street, it had a long queue and we tried this tofu resto instead

Atmosphere was very traditional: we had to get off our shoes before getting in; we were sitting on the tatami for the meal

Staff: although they knew a limited of English, menus were in English, they tried their very best to communicate with us

Authentic Tofu restaurant at Arashiyama. The price is slightly higher than other Tofu restaurant. The black sesame Tofu is special. Though everything is vegetarian, you won't crave for meat at the end of the meal.

*** Tofu, Tofu, Tofu ***
If you like tofu, you will like Yudofu. It is presented in all of the dishes and was a perfect vegetarian meal after visiting the bamboo forest and the temples nearby.

Tofu traditional set menu in a serene traditional setting overlooking the river, far from the crowds. Service excellence and a great experience. Reservations needed

Felt like fine dining in a Japanese home. Two of us ordered the shorai and shofu (2nd and 1st most expensive) and found each set to include many pleasant surprises. I loved the tofu gratin & tofu ice cream a lot! Just be careful to know that “plum tea” is not what you’d expect - in very salty and neither of us could finish that drink 😂

It's hard to imagine a more relaxing setting for lunch than Shoraian, set in the woods overlooking the river in Arashihama. The inside is traditional, and elegant. The lovely servers are very kind and welcoming.

The Shofu course was a lot of food, and a great way to try tofu in various forms -- fresh, fried, boiled, as a gratin, tofu skin/yuba, and as ice cream. This is a very special place, and will be a highlight of your visit in Arashiyama.

Reservations are required in advance.

Second time visiting the restaurant when we are in Arashiyama.
Make sure to call to book weeks in advance, it is almost impossible to call in the day of or the day before.
The food is tofu centric, there are so many ways to have tofu it was amazing to taste all the different textures.
The service is great and super patient in explaining.
Loved the window seat which we requested for during the reservation call.
Will love to visit again when we are back in Arashiyama some day.

Kyoto is known for its tofu; yudofu Sagano is along smaller streets and behind the several statues of monks you may encounter near one of its temples.

It’s a very scenic restaurant and everyone must order a set course, fortunately there’s only one option and it was 4000 yen. It comes with several different kinds of tofu. Dessert is given and there is an optional and extra one, I highly recommend getting it.

Service is great, of course. It really makes you feel like royalty.

Tofu specialty. Only one menu is served. 4000 yen nett per pax. Love Onsen egg, Yuzu Konjac, Soya Pudding and simmered Tofu cubes. Service was attentive and it has English speaking server also. Sounds a bit pricey for a tofu meal but a must for tofu lovers.

At first I didn’t expect to be this good. As a tofu lover I really fond of this place. They create traditional menu that adapt with tofu very well. Also their tempura were delicious. The crisp flour was white and crisp. The texture inside were well cooked and fresh. The tofu dish 👍🏻👍🏻 I ordered the tempura set, tempura plate and another tofu soy milk soup. They serve the dipping sauce set per person. (Without counting how many set you order)

I had a great cultural experience here. Took off our shoes in the front and lead to a private room. (even our party was 3, maybe that’s the available space). Its like entering someone’s house.

The staff were extremely good, well trained. Maybe familiar with a lot of visitors. They greeting us with service hot tea. And explain everything well. Always smile.

We ate a multi-course tofu meal here. It felt like we stepped back in time to eat like the monks. I liked the yuzu miso tofu, but didn't care much for the sesame tofu. The wait was a bit long too. The hosts were nice and took care of us.

I like the fact that they explain the menu in English + that they allow you to avoid egg, etc.

This felt like a real treat. Partly the setting, and partly how friendly the staff were.

They just offer one vegetarian tofu set menu for lunch (they do flag it includes egg), for 3,850 yen per person, cash only.

It's a lovely building to sit on traditional tatami mats looking out on to their gardens.

They have an English language menu to describe each of the courses for you. It was an oasis of calm and tranquility, which was much needed after navigating the crowds on the main street.

I really enjoyed this restaurant. It is so peaceful and it's in a beautiful, well maintained garden close to the Bamboo Forest. It's traditional style so you must remove your shoes at the door and store them in a cabinet. You sit on the ground on the tatami mats, if you have mobility challenges, they will give you a low chair to sit in.

The experience is great as they serve you in a course style. The staff is really friendly. We had a girl shadowing our host, and both were so sweet.

They also give you an English menu that describes what each item is. Everything in the restaurant is vegetarian but you can double check if it's vegan as well as I believe it is but not too sure. I am a huge tofu lover so I really enjoyed everything they served. Everything was so light so I was full at the end of my meal, but not bloated. It was refreshing compared to all the carb-heavy meals I was consuming prior.

If you love tofu, I think this place is very worth visiting. The price is a little high, but the experience is worth it and the atmosphere setting is beautiful.

You'll be happy with whichever seat you can get here, but I recommend reservations for a group in the private rooms. The atmosphere feels like when Kyoto was the capital, the views are spectacular, the food is incredible, the service is fit for royalty, and... Well, I could go on, but really, this is one of the best culinary and cultural experiences I've had in Japan.

Honestly, probably one of my favorite dining experiences I've had! First came here in 2017 and thought it was absolutely amazing, so decided to come back in June 2023 with a large group. Initially wasn't abel to get a reservation, but with some luck, we were able to walk in and secure a reservation for the following day! (Lesson learned: make a reservation)

Nestled away in a corner of Arashiyama right by the river, once you walk in you feel the tranquility and elegance of the restaurant itself. Each course offers different ways to eat tofu, from tofu gratin, to fried tofu skin tempura, to yudoufu (silky tofu served in a simple broth), yet all equally delicious! Considering the quality of the food, the service and the atmosphere, I would be more than ok paying 10000 yen or more, but the shofu set was only about 6300 yen, which is quite an amazing value! I definitely recommend coming here if you visit Kyoto 🙂

Went around 2 pm on a weekday. They were able to seat us immediately. The food was great but the service and ambience really set this place apart. My boyfriend and I had one of the best meals of our trip. The ladies were all incredibly kind and the view was fantastic. Our meals were 5800 yen per person and we ordered the largest course. There were about 10 courses and they were all incredibly unique and interesting. I especially loved the kiwi dashi salad and the tofu gratin! Will definitely be back.

The restaurant have a cosy setting and the menu have different set meal ranging from 2900-5400yen. Take note that each person must order a meal including children. The tofu dishes are special and delicate. Nice experience overall.

The space is beautiful. Gorgeous views overlooking their beautiful garden while you tuck into fresh, in-season produce.

Their specialty, the tofu, is creamy and delicate. Truly the best tofu we've ever had.

They only had set lunches at around ¥2,000++ when we visited. Minimum order of 1 set/pax. We had to top up for the sesame ice cream.

It is a traditional restaurant in a nice area, you don’t need a reservation and the staff is really friendly. I didn’t like too much the taste, the tofu has no flavour. I think it is overpriced, but in general it is a nice experience.

One of the best food experiences we had in Japan. The meal is a set number of courses at a set price that are brought out throughout the meal. The restaurant is in a beautiful traditional Japanese home that is over 130 years old. The view is amazing but it is quite a hike to get up to the building. The tofu here is the best I've ever had in my life and you get to enjoy it in many different styles throughout the course of the meal. The flavor profile through the meal as a whole is not something I have experienced before and I would highly recommend it. It was a little expensive but honestly worth it. Seating is traditional Japanese style and alcohol is available for order. I highly recommend having some sake with your meal.

One of my favorite Tofu restaurants in Kyoto. They may not be the finest, but the good thing is that everything is vegetarian and they have an English menu that explains the dishes and the ingredients (Note that many other Tofu restaurants are not 100% vegetarian and we usually need to ask for customization, and they sometimes cannot accommodate.)

Excellent temple dining experience. The food was vegetarian and can be made vegan by omitting egg in one of the dishes. About 3000 yen per person for an amazing lunch set ... but definitely worth it.

Really nice environment, service good value and good food! They only have one course set. The tofu was really good and tasty. If you are looking for traditional Japanese style restaurant and food this is the place for you! Price is very affordable around $30-40 for one course set.