Nikko Food Guide: DON'T miss Yuba Rolls

Yubamaki ZEN in Nikko – A Delicious Yuba Experience

Discovering Yuba in Nikko

Yuba is a well-known local specialty in Nikko, made from the skin that forms on heated soy milk. Many restaurants in the area feature yuba on their menu, and Yubamaki Zen is one of the more popular choices.

We were looking for a walkable spot from the Toshogu Shrine car park - it took about 12 minutes to get there from the car park, and the walk back took longer since it was uphill. Yuba Zen is on the main street, so the footpath can be a bit crowded- and we found this restaurant had decent reviews — Google 4.2 and Tabelog 3.51. We decided to give it a try. 

Tip: Tabelog is a Japanese review platform where you can read locals’ detailed opinions, so I recommend checking both Google and Tabelog reviews.

Opening hours

• Lunch: 11:00–15:30 (walk-ins accepted) - closed on Tuesday

• Dinner: 17:00–21:00 (reservation only, course meals served)

While waiting in line for the opening, we spotted a really cool motorbiker and managed to capture this photo. 

Getting a Table and Ordering Meals

After checking the opening hours, we aimed to be the first customers in line for lunch. Orders were placed via a tablet provided at the table, which felt modern and convenient. We chose one beef roll set and one bream roll set to share. Although we were the first group in the restaurant and the third to order, the food still took 30 minutes to arrive — something to keep in mind if you're short on time. - When ordering, we could view photos of each menu item on the tablet, switch the language setting to English, and also find pictures on their website [Here] 

The interior is not very large — there are four tables on the ground floor. There is a second floor too, though I’m not certain how spacious it is. The restaurant feels modern and is kept tidy. Due to limited space, it’s best to visit around opening time if you want to try it. In particular, walk-ins are acceptable at lunch.

The Meal - Thoughtful Presentation

Each of us received four Wagyu and four Sea Bream rolls, making the set easy to share without having to trade pieces—a small but thoughtful touch! All the side dishes accompanying the rolls were the same for both sets, keeping the meal balanced and complete.

Menu Breakdown - Nikko Yubamaki Gozen Set

• Tochigi Wagyu and Wasabi Yuba Roll (8 pieces) / Red Sea Bream Yuba Roll (8 pieces)

• Three kinds of seasonal side dishes

• Homemade tamari pickles

• Simmered Japanese ivory shell (Baigai)

• Tsukudani of leaf chilli peppers and kelp

• Red miso soup with fresh seaweed

• Fresh Yuba Zenzai “White” (sweet dessert)

Taste & Texture of Yuba Roll Set

We initially expected a texture and flavour similar to tofu, but the yuba was nothing like the dense, beany tofu we imagined. It was silky, soft, and creamy, more like a thin slice of fresh mozzarella or silken tofu. It paired wonderfully with the handmade white sauce — especially with a touch of wasabi mixed in. The outer layer of yuba was light and mild in flavour, while the Japanese herbs inside added an aromatic depth, allowing the filling to shine. 

 All the other dishes in the set menu came in small, elegant portions, much like a fine-dining experience. Despite their modest size, by the end of the meal, we felt pleasantly full. It was a very satisfying experience, clearly focused on quality over quantity.

The only downside was the miso soup, which was a bit too salty and strong for our taste.

A Dessert Highlight 

Everything else was excellent, especially the dessert, which was a highlight. It included yuba, sweet simmered black beans, matcha jelly, and glutinous rice dumplings, all topped with a soy milk-based sauce. It had the texture of pudding but wasn’t overly sweet — just delicate, smooth, and delicious. We practically sucked it down, and the whole meal left us feeling well cared for and satisfied.

[This page] provides a detailed introduction to the desserts

How to Enjoy Yuba Set at Yuba-Maki Zen, Nikko

1. Take in the Whole Set

When the tray arrives, you’ll notice several small side dishes, miso soup, pickles, and the main yuba roll (wrapped with brim or beef). Take a moment to appreciate the variety—it’s a mini kaiseki-style meal.

2. Start Light

Begin with the lighter side dishes such as salad, pickles, or small vegetable plates. These act as an appetiser and prepare your palate for the main yuba rolls.

3. Enjoy the Yuba Rolls (Main Dish)

• Take a piece of the yuba roll carefully with chopsticks.

• Add a small dab of fresh wasabi on top.

• Dip lightly into the provided soy-based or soy-milk sauce.

• The wasabi enhances the delicate flavour of the yuba without overpowering it—so use sparingly.

4. Alternate with Soup

Between bites of yuba and side dishes, sip the miso. This balances the texture and helps cleanse the palate.

5. Finish with Dessert

Many sets include a small dessert, sometimes incorporating soy milk or yuba in a sweet form. It’s a gentle and fitting way to end the meal.

👉Tips

• Don’t overload the wasabi—just a little makes the flavour perfect.

• Try one bite plain, one with wasabi, and one with sauce, to experience different layers of taste.

• Eat slowly and in order—it’s designed to be enjoyed step by step, not rushed.

This is a set meal. As you can see in the photo, the four rolls on the bottom were bream, and the top half was beef — they served us four of each to share. We forgot to take a photo of the highlight: the dessert, which you can see in the top corner of the picture.

👉Click [Here] to explore Nikko in a day: Toshogu Shrine, Irohazaka, Kegon Falls & more – all after savouring a delicious Yuba Roll!

*This review is based on my personal experience, and results may vary for others. Please take it as a friendly reference.