Tokyo Shiba Toufuya Ukai

A stone’s throw from Tokyo Tower and Shiba Park, to step through the gate of this picturesque restaurant is to be transported into Japan's ancient past. The entryway opens out into a huge, beautiful courtyard, complete with a long koi pond with a bridge, dozens of trees, and a spinning water wheel. The building is an old merchant’s house, and to this day it retains its original, gorgeous design features and paraphernalia from its days as a sake brewery. All of the private rooms offer views of the serene garden space. The meal itself is tofu-centric kaiseki dining. The tofu is made with Hokkaido soybeans, processed at the restaurant’s own artisan factory in Okutama. This is then turned into dishes like tofu hotpot in a broth of soy milk, deep fried tofu, fresh fish sashimi, and tofu skin grilled and painted with a rich sauce. Once guests finish their meal, the staff will give them as much time as they desire to relax in the room and enjoy the beauty and silence of the scene, relishing the peacefulness. A visit to Ukai is more than just a meal; it's a total rejuvenating experience for both stomach and soul.