Experience the pinnacle of Kyoto’s culinary tradition at Tōsuirō (豆水楼), a premier tofu specialty restaurant renowned for its authentic Kyo-ryori (Kyoto-style cuisine) and Kyo-Tofu. Nestled in the historic districts of Kiyamachi and Gion, Tosuiro is celebrated for its signature Oboro-tofu, served in traditional cypress wood tubs. Set within beautifully restored Taisho-era townhouses, the restaurant offers an atmosphere of refined elegance, especially during the summer months when guests can enjoy Yuka dining on outdoor platforms overlooking the Kamo River. Whether you are a vegetarian traveler seeking a high-end plant-based and gluten-free feast or a gourmet explorer wanting to taste the pure flavors of Kyoto’s famous spring water, our guide explores the seasonal multicourse menus and booking tips for this legendary tofu house.
The Dining Experience at Tosuiro
- Tōsuirō’s Kiyamachi Store
- Our Visit to Tōsuirō’s Kiyamachi Store
- Tōsuirō’s Vegan Kaiseki Course Menu: Rokuhara (六波羅)
- Tōsuirō’s Auspicious Decoration
- Tōsuirō’s Gion Store
- Tōsuirō’s Business Hours and Access Information
Tōsuirō’s Kiyamachi Main Shop
Tousuiro’s main restaurant is on Kiyamachi-dori Street (木屋町通). It was renovated from an old house completed in the early 20th century. While there are standard table seats on the second floor, sit on the traditional tatami seats if possible. Unlike many traditional-style facilities, the lower table is built into the ground, giving you the extra legroom you need!
No matter which of Tousuiro Kyoto restaurants you visit, the ambience is cozy and blissful. If you are lucky enough to sit at the counter seat, strike up a conversation with the friendly chef!
By watching how he prepares your food, you will know how passionate he is about cooking and the level of detail and effort he puts into his work.
Refer to HERE for Tousuiro Kiyamachi’s menu.
Our Visit to Tōsuirō’s Kiyamachi Store
We visited Tosuiro Kyoto for their vegan kaiseki dinner. The food at the restaurant was the best way to end a day of exploration in Kyoto. While it was a bit of a shame not to be able to see the Kamo River clearly, the lanterns were only lit at night! The atmosphere created by the lighting from these traditional lanterns was enchanting. It is something you can only get in Japan’s traditional townscape.
The first thing we saw after passing through the restaurant’s wooden gate was a large covered wooden shoe case. We were led to our counter seats after leaving our shoes in the traditional-style shoe case and informing the staff of our reservation. The incredible thing was that the staff remembered where we put our shoes and left them out by the time we got back to the entrance!
And yes, those shoes on the floor are ours (^_-)-☆.
While we waited for the first dish to be served, we walked around the restaurant to explore a bit. The door to the veranda was accessible (confirmed with the staff). While the food wasn’t served there as the weather was too cold, we got a few photos of the Kamo River at night and the restaurant from a different angle.
The small garden, featuring a small shrine, a water fountain, and a maple tree, was gorgeous (see the 3rd photo in the IG post).
Tōsuirō’s Vegan Tofu Kaiseki Course Menu: Rokuhara (六波羅)
As expected, the presentation and the taste of every dish were phenomenal. While 9,000 yen for a dinner course was certainly expensive, the experience was worth it. Although each dish was small, when you put them together, the dinner was really fulfilling.
Yes, we wish the tofu skin rice portion were larger (the second-to-last photo in the IG post). But, while there was only rice, tofu skin, and seaweed in the bowl, its simple taste was still amazing.
The most fascinating thing was how the Yu-tofu was served. At Tōsuirō, it is called Oboro Yu-tofu (おぼろ湯豆腐). The boiled tofu was served in a wooden electric container. The heated container kept both the tofu and the dipping sauce warm. Do you see the green teapot on the top left of the container in the photo above? The teapot wasn’t placed on it, but it was put into it!
When the staff first brought out the Yu-tofu, there were already a couple of tofu in the hot water. The staff also told us that refills are available. But we were a bit hesitant to ask for it.
Fortunately, just as most of the tofu was gone, the staff brought out another plate and asked if we would like more. Of course, we said yes! In fact, we asked for a refill a few times more (´▽｀*).
Because we were the first few groups of guests for the night, the staff brought out an entire plate of tofu. It looked just like a whole raw cheesecake (the 2nd photo in the IG post)! Then she started scooping the tofu from the plate and into the container.
Once you start eating the tofu, you will realize that the chopsticks that Tōsuirō provides are specially made. The tips are as narrow as needles, making it easy to cut the boiled tofu.
Tōsuirō’s Auspicious Decoration
We noticed the large decoration hanging from the ceiling on the way out. If you look carefully, many 1,000 yen notes form part of the decoration.
Apparently, these are not fake money but genuine banknotes!
According to the staff, at the end of the year, the restaurant will bring the decor to the nearby Yasaka Shrine (八坂神社). The money will be donated to the shrine, and the paper decoration will be burnt as part of the Japanese New Year tradition.
Then, a new auspicious decoration is put up. Of course, with real money attached!
Tōsuirō’s Gion Store
The restaurant in Gion was also renovated from an old house and is even older than the house in the Kiyamachi area. The late-19th-century house also features traditional storage that was later transformed into a dining area. If you want to experience dining in a traditional storage, reserve early because there are only two tables!
Tosuiro’s restaurants are the top choice in Kyoto for spending quality time with your family and friends over amazing food and service.
Refer to HERE for Tousuiro Gion’s menu.
Tōsuirō’s Business Hours and Access Information
- Tōsuirō Kiyamachi and Tōsuirō Gion Store are open from 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. and 5 p.m. to p.m.
- Tōsuirō Kiyamachi Store is a 5-minute walk from Kyoto City Subway’s Kyoto Shiyakusho-mae Station (京都市役所前駅).
- Tōsuirō Gion Store is a 15-minute walk from Keihan’s Gion Shijo Station (祇園四条).
Tips:
☛ It is best to reserve a table in advance as Tōsuirō is popular.
☛ Arrive with an empty stomach. Although each dish isn’t big, there will be a lot of food!
☛ You can reserve the Kawadoko (川床) seats from early May to late September at Tōsuirō’s Kiyamachi restaurant. Although it will cost 1,500 yen more, dining on a platform built over the Kamo River is the best way to experience the Japanese dining culture in summer.
Important: Check with the restaurant in advance if they can accommodate children.
Discover Other Vegan-Friendly Restaurants in Kyoto
Your visit to Kyoto may not be just about Gion. The good news is that the prefecture has other vegan-friendly restaurants close to spots in the rural area. While options may be limited, there might be a restaurant near where you want to visit serving delicious vegan or vegetarian dishes to satisfy your cravings!
Refer to our Guide to Kyoto’s Vegan-Friendly Restaurants for more information!
