For a taste of Kyoto while in Tokyo, head over to Inshotei in Ueno-koen Park. You’ll enjoy gorgeous views of the park while feasting on beautiful, delicious kaiseki-style food.
Inshoutei - image © Florentyna Leow
Inshoutei in Ueno serves delicious kaiseki-style meals in equally beautiful settings, and it’s a good place for those looking to try this genre of food. Imagine a meal comprised of many exquisite small bites: fresh, sweet yuba (tofu skin); a tender chunk of yam; a tiny baby eggplant; crunchy bamboo shoots; fresh raw fish; a beautifully wobbly steamed egg custard.
Inshoutei - image © Florentyna Leow
Besides the food, one of the main draws here is the communal dining area with large windows overlooking the park. It’s particularly magical at night during the cherry blossom season, when the trees are lit up.
Inshoutei - image © Florentyna Leow
Dinner is the more expensive option, and well worth the splurge, but going for lunch is a good choice if it’s your first foray into kaiseki cuisine. Reservations are essential at dinnertime; if you head there at peak lunch hours you may find yourself stuck with a long wait in line.
English name:
Inshoutei
Japanese name:
韻松亭
English address:
4-59 Uenokoen, Taito-ku, Tokyo, 110-0007
Japanese address:
〒110-0007 東京都台東区上野公園4-59
Opening hours:
Monday-Saturday: 11am-3pm, 5pm-11pm
Sunday and national holidays: 11am-3pm, 5pm-10pm
Price:
Non-smoking section:
Yes
Reservations:
Possible
Nearest Transport:
Train: 3-minute walk from the Park exit of Ueno Station.
Telephone:
+81-3-3821-8126
Website:
Official website (Japanese)
Customer Reviews:
:: Read customer reviews of Inshoutei on TripAdvisor.
Near To Here:
Inshoutei is located in Tokyo's Ueno district. See our complete list of things to do in Ueno, including places to eat, nightlife and places to stay.
Tokyo Vacation Checklist
- For all the essentials in a brief overview, see my First Time In Tokyo guide
- Check Tokyo accommodation availability and pricing on Booking.com – usually you can reserve a room with no upfront payment. Pay when you check out. Free cancellations too
- Need tips on where to stay? See my one page guide Where To Stay In Tokyo
- You can buy a Japan SIM card online with Klook for collection on arrival at Tokyo Narita or Haneda airports. Or rent an unlimited data pocket wifi router
- See my comprehensive Packing List For Japan
- Compare airline flight prices and timings for the best Japan flight deals.
- If you're visiting more than one city, save a ton of money with a Japan Rail Pass – here's why it's worth it
- A prepaid Suica card makes travelling around Tokyo much easier - here's how
- Get esssential travel insurance for Tokyo – World Nomads is well-regarded (and here's why)
