After snapping endless pics of the Arashimaya Bamboo forest, it's time to pretend you are not a tourist and head over to Shoraian for lunch - a Tofu Kaiseiki specialty restaurant.
A short hike from the Bamboo forest, up the mountain path and after climbing several gravel steps, you will arrive at Shoraian, located on the edge of the mountain overlooking the emerald waters of Oi River. Shoraian provides a welcome respite from the photosnapping crowds.
Enter the traditional old building and be ushered to your tatami seats that oversees a picturesque scenery. There are also private rooms which can be reserved upon request. Almost every seat has a close view of the serene and peaceful lush surroundings. I believe it would be even more amazing to dine here during Autumn days where you can see the changing colours of the foliage.
At Shoraian, proprietress Fuyuh Kobayashi upholds the spirit of 'Kororo' in its tofu cuisine and calligraphy works that decorates its interiors. 'Kororo' means bringing the heart, spirit and mind together in the Japanese context. Expect attentive and premium service at Shoraian which belies the touristy nature of the area.
This stunning tofu-specialist restaurant upholds the principles of 'Kororo' by reflecting nature and the changing seasons in its beautiful tofu creations. Dining here allows guests to experience the varied senses and colors of the season.
Taking pride in their fresh handmade tofu, the specialty beancurd is artfully created using some of the best locally sourced soybeans.
There are 3 menus you can choose from during lunch. We ordered the Shoyu and Shofu set to share between 2 pax.
Shoyu 3,800yen (tax not included)
・Appetizer “Sakizuke”
・Dish assortment “Hassun Mori”
・Boiled tofu “Yu Tofu”
・Lightly deep-fried tofu “Agedashi Tofu”
・Rice and soup
・“Chirimen Sansho”
・Dessert
Shorai 4,600yen (tax not included)
・Appetizer “Sakizuke”
・Dish assortment “Hassun Mori”
・Seasonal cuisine of Kyoto “KYO RYORI”
・A original cuisine
・Boiled tofu “Yu Tofu”
・Lightly deep-fried tofu “Agedashi Tofu”
・Rice and soup
・“Chirimen Sansho”
・Dessert
Shofu 5,800yen (tax not included)
・Appetizer “Sakizuke”
・Dish assortment “Hassun Mori”
・Seasonal cuisine Of Kyoto “Kyo Ryori”
・An original cuisine
・Dried soymilk skin “Oke Yuba” and seasonal fried cuisine
・Japanese style gratin made Of raw wheat gluten “Nama Fu”
・Boiled tofu “Yu Tofu”（Free Refill）
・Japanese beef “Wagyu” filet mini steak
・Lightly deep-fried tofu “Agedashi Tofu”
・Rice and soup
・“Chirimen Sansho”
・Dessert
Appetizer “SAKIZUKE” - Soft silky tofu with a serving of salt
Dish assortment “HASSUN MORI” - A wonderful medley of grilled fish, shrimps, roasted duck breast, cold tofu in soy sauce and lady fingers.
Seasonal cuisine of Kyoto “KYO RYORI” - This dish was served alongside with a postcard and sometimes a poem that reflected the seasons. We visited the restaurant during Summer time in Japan which was characterised by warm rainy days. The plating was super fun and we had a good time admiring the Edamame frog.
Dried soy milk skin “OKE YUBA” - Love the delicate pieces of beancurd skin that paired so well when eaten with the soy sauce dip.
Seasonal fried cuisine - A light tempura of Sakura ebi shrimps with green tea powder.
“Nama Fu” - Japanese style gratin made of raw wheat gluten. Love the rich creamy gratin of cheese and tofu which had a lovely custardy texture and eggplants in it.
“Yu Tofu” - The star of the meal is the boiled tofu in a bubbling hotpot (you may request for free refills). You can taste the simplicity of the soya beans in each delicate piece of fresh tofu blocks. It only needed a touch of soy sauce and scallions to accentuate its taste.
Japanese beef “WAGYU” filet mini steak - Wagyu beef from Hida located in the Gifu region. Beautifully marbled beef slices which are grilled to perfection served with eggplants. If you are a beef lover, order the Shofu set menu.
Dessert - At Shoraian, tofu even extends to dessert; the tofu pudding had the loveliest texture and the scoop of soy milk flavoured ice cream came topped with Yatsuhashi (cinnamon flavoured mochi sheets) and brown sugar syrup,. We only wished the desserts came in larger servings.
When you are in Kyoto, you have to visit a Tofu specialty store. Tofu is revered in its many different and delicious ways. Vegans and non vegans alike may take joy in sampling the exquisite forms that Tofu can take.
For an atmospheric and inexpensive experience, Shoraian is a great place to have excellent Tofu kaiseki without the exorbitant price tag. Enjoy the scenic surroundings and allow yourself to immerse in settings of Shoraian. Beautiful things in life come in the form of artfully curated food presented on exquisite crockery reminiscent of tiny art pieces infused with elements of nature.
At Shoraian, the tofu dishes and architectural beauty is sure to appeal to the five senses. Have a meal here, enjoy the delectable seasonal kaiseki cuisine and hope you feel healed and leave with a spirit of 'Kororo'.
Shoraian (松籟庵)
Address: Japan,〒616-8386 Kyoto, Ukyo Ward, Sagakamenoocho
Opening Hours: Mon-Thurs 11:00am-5:00pm, Fri-Sun 11:00am-8:00pm
Website: https://www.shoraian.com/
Kyoto, Japan