Restaurant · Nanzenji
Okutan Nanzenji 奥丹 南禅寺
Founded in the 1630s, Okutan claims to be Kyoto's oldest yudofu house: one set menu, eaten on tatami overlooking a mossy garden inside Nanzenji's precinct.
About
Okutan has served tofu to Nanzenji pilgrims for nearly four centuries, and it keeps things simple: a single set (yudofu ikkai) of tofu simmered in kelp broth, sesame tofu, grilled dengaku with sweet miso, vegetable tempura, yam rice and pickles. Diners sit on tatami in an old thatch-and-wood building, looking out at a garden of moss, maples and a pond. It is fully vegetarian and quieter and more atmospheric than its bigger neighbours. Cash only.
Highlights
- Kyoto's oldest yudofu restaurant, founded in the 1630s
- Single vegetarian set menu
- Tatami rooms overlooking a moss and maple garden
- Sweet miso tofu dengaku grilled on skewers
- Inside the quiet northern edge of Nanzenji
Tips
- Cash only
- Arrive at opening; there are no reservations at busy times
- It closes on Thursdays, so plan around it
- Combine with Eikando and the Philosopher's Path
Open in Google Maps · Info checked 2026-10-09
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Open in the appNearby
- Nanzen-ji and Suirokaku AqueductTemple · 220 m away
- Eikando (Zenrin-ji)Temple · 260 m away
- Nanzenji JunseiRestaurant · 290 m away
- Lake Biwa Canal MuseumMuseum · 440 m away
- Kyoto City ZooZoo & Aquarium · 450 m away
- Keage InclinePhoto Spot · 480 m away
- Hinode UdonRestaurant · 490 m away
- Murin-anGarden · 540 m away