October 2022: Please note Sasanoyuki has now permanently closed. Please see our Ueno page for other places to eat in the district. See all vegan and vegetarian restaurants we recommend on our Best Vegan and Vegetarian in Tokyo page and get the complete list for all cuisines on our Best Tokyo Restaurants page.
For an unforgettable tofu meal, visit Sasanoyuki near Ueno. It’s an old-fashioned restaurant, but that’s all part of the experience.
Sasanoyuki - image © Florentyna Leow
In the quiet, love hotel-filled neighborhood of Uguisudani - a short 15-minute walk from the north side of Ueno Park - is Sasanoyuki, a restaurant specializing in tofu. Some have called it the best tofu restaurant in Tokyo. Given the quality of its tofu, it’s not entirely an unfounded statement.
Sasanoyuki - image © Florentyna Leow
Sasanoyuki was so named by a prince more than 300 years ago, when he expressed that the tofu reminded him of the beauty of snow on the bamboo. They do take pride in their tofu: it’s made fresh on the premises everyday, drawing water from their private source deep underground.
Sasanoyuki - image © Florentyna Leow
It is a resolutely old-fashioned restaurant, with few attempts to pander to contemporary tastebuds accustomed to strong flavors. Try their silken tofu unadorned - it is surprisingly rich and creamy, with no need for extraneous accompaniments. Their ankake-dofu, covered with a light, starchy sauce, is justly famous as well.
For more Tokyo vegan and vegetarian choices, see our Best Vegan and Vegetarian in Tokyo page.
English name:
Sasanoyuki
Japanese name:
笹乃雪
English address:
2-15-10 Negishi, Taito-ku, Tokyo, 110-0003
Japanese address:
〒110-0003 東京都台東区根岸2-15-10
Opening hours:
11:30am-8pm
Closed Monday or the following Tuesday when Monday is a national holiday
Price:
Non-smoking section:
Completely Non-Smoking
Reservations:
Possible
Nearest Transport:
Train: 2-minute walk from the north exit of Uguisudani Station on the JR Yamanote line.
Telephone:
+81-3-3873-1145
Website:
Official website (English)
Customer Reviews:
:: Read customer reviews of Sasanoyuki on TripAdvisor.
Near To Here:
Sasanoyuki 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.
More Tokyo Restaurant Recommendations:
See all vegan and vegetarian restaurants we recommend on our Best Vegan and Vegetarian in Tokyo page and get the complete list for all cuisines on our Best Tokyo Restaurants page.
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 and Agoda.com - often you can book with no upfront payment and free cancellation
- Need tips on where to stay? See my one page guide Where To Stay In Tokyo
- You can buy shinkansen (bullet train) tickets online from Klook - popular routes include Tokyo to Kyoto, Tokyo to Osaka and Tokyo to Hiroshima
- You can buy an eSim to activate in Japan or buy a Japan SIM card online 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. Check my guides to arriving at Narita Airport and at Haneda Airport.
- If you're visiting more than one city, you might save money with a Japan Rail Pass – see if it's worth it for you
- A prepaid Welcome Suica card makes travelling around Tokyo much easier - here's how
- World Nomads offers simple and flexible travel insurance. Buy at home or while traveling and claim online from anywhere in the world
- Do you want help planning your trip? Chris Rowthorn and his team of Japan experts at Japan Travel Consulting can help