Okutan Nanzenji is a historic yudofu (simmered tofu) restaurant near Nanzenji Temple, tracing its roots to a tofu shop founded in the Edo period (1635), making it one of Kyoto's oldest tofu specialists. The setting is traditional and quiet, with tatami seating and views over a garden, evoking the temple-town atmosphere of the Nanzenji approach. The kitchen makes fresh tofu daily, served simmering in individual pots at the table alongside sesame tofu, deep-fried tofu skewers (dengaku), and vegetable tempura in a multi-course style once favored by Zen temple monks. Note: as of recent reports the restaurant has been temporarily closed since spring 2024, with no confirmed reopening date.
Address
86-30 Nanzenji Fukuchichō, Sakyo Ward, Kyoto, 606-8435, Japan
From a 1,000-year-old mochi shop in Kyoto to Edo-period tempura stalls in Asakusa, these legendary establishments have been serving the same iconic dishes for generations — some for over 500 years. Step back in time and taste history at Japan's most enduring culinary institutions.
