Yubasho, located on Karasuma-dori, a 6-minute walk from JR Kyoto Station, was established in 1885 and will celebrate its 140th anniversary in 2025. It is known as the store that introduced fresh yuba to the yuba industry, which used to be dominated by dried yuba, and is a challenging manufacturer that pioneers the times.

Currently, three shops (the main store Rakujuan, the Kyoto Station store, and the Nihonbashi Mitsukoshi store in Tokyo) sell fresh yuba, dried yuba, and other yuba products.

A must purchase here is the signature item, raw yuba, which is carefully scooped up piece by piece by hand by artisans.

This dish is made by heating soy milk made from ground water and carefully selected soybeans, and having artisans carefully scoop up the hardened protein film one by one. In order to preserve the rich flavor that is the key to the deliciousness of nama-yuba and the exquisite thinness that gives it a firm texture, the soy milk used to scoop up the nama-yuba is limited to the first few times. The soy milk used after the raw yuba is scooped is used to make dried yuba, and the restaurant is committed to using up every last ingredient.

Since its creation 20 years ago, this dish has had many repeat customers. Yuba, which is of such high quality that it can be eaten as raw yuba, chirimenjako (dried baby sardines), dried shiitake mushrooms, and Japanese pepper are cooked in a broth made from kombu and bonito, soy sauce, mirin (sweet sake), and other seasonings. The flavor of the yuba and its firm texture are so addictive that you can eat as many servings of rice as you like.

And a new product just released this fall is Soy Ramen 648 yen, made with 100% soybean noodles. These soy ramen noodles are actually made from 100% "high-oleic acid soybeans," a new type of soybeans co-developed with Toyota Motor Corporation's "HAPPY AGRI" agricultural brand. The peculiar taste and odor characteristic of soybeans have been removed, resulting in noodles with an easy-to-eat flavor. In addition, it contains 87% less sugar than ramen noodles made with wheat noodles, as well as 19.9g of protein and 8.5g of dietary fiber, making it a high nutritional value food that can be considered a complete meal in itself. Four flavors are on standby: soy sauce, miso, umami salt, and chicken white soup. It is recommended as a gift as well as for yourself.

Yuba is one of the highest protein and nutrient-dense soy foods. I don't think there is any other food that is so nutritious and delicious. We would be happy if people could easily enjoy the excellence of soy products not only through yuba, but also through processed foods such as yuba chirimen and ramen noodles," says President Keiichiro Hashimoto. He says he will continue to vigorously develop soy foods, so keep your eyes on Yubasho for more information on the possibilities of yuba and other soy products.