Kyoto has been blessed with pure water since ancient times, and a food culture in which "water is life," such as tea, sake, and tofu, has taken root. In particular, Fuyacho-dori is a historic street where many craftsmen have gathered in search of high-quality water and honed their skills.

Located in this corner is Hirano Tofu, a tofu shop that has been popular with locals and long-established inns for over 100 years.

When you open the door, you can hear the sound of well water and the soft aroma of soybeans fills the air. The tofu is carefully scooped up by artisans and put into containers on the spot. Each and every step of the daily work is a "handmade" process that has been handed down for many years.

A taste that continues to be loved by long-established inns and locals

Hirano Tofu, which has been loved for many years, is a firm tofu that is as smooth as silken tofu and has a dense, gentle texture.

Firm tofu is made by adding a coagulant to soy milk, solidifying it, breaking it down, placing it in a box lined with cotton cloth to squeeze out the water, and solidifying it again. This process is carried out by craftsmen checking the elasticity with their fingertips, resulting in a delicate finish that crumbles easily the moment you pick it up.

No preservatives are used, and only soybeans, natural nigari, and high-quality water from Kyoto are used. With one bite, the rich flavor of soybeans fills your mouth, and the soft texture melts away in your mouth. It has a gentle flavor that makes the most of the power of the ingredients.

This tofu has long been a beloved breakfast dish at Kyoto's long-established inns, including Hiiragiya, which stands along Fuyacho Street. Its carefully crafted flavor will bring you a moment of peace and calm.

More than 100 years of tradition in tofu making

"The basic concentration of soy milk and the ratio of water to soy milk have not changed since the first generation," says Yoshiaki Hirano, the third-generation owner of the store. However, he adds that there have been some small changes over time, such as fuel and equipment.

Also, because the fat content of soybeans changes depending on the time of harvest, the amount of nigari and how it is mixed are carefully adjusted based on the condition of the soy milk on that day.

"When it comes to these sensory aspects, experience really matters."

The unchanging taste is ensured by the artisans' delicate handiwork and the daily efforts they make.

A taste preserved by the passion of the craftsmen

Hirano-san has now taken over the restaurant and is preserving the traditional flavors that have been passed down for over 100 years, but he recalls that he had no intention of taking over the restaurant in the past. He was working for a regular company and only helped out on his days off.

Meanwhile, every time he heard kind words from regular customers, he felt that "there are people waiting for this taste," and so he decided to take over the restaurant.

However, when he first took over, there were days when he felt dissatisfied with the monotonous work. However, as he continued to make tofu following in the footsteps of his father, the second generation owner, he became fascinated by the depth of the process and his passion gradually grew.

Now, he and his wife work hand in hand every day, carefully preserving the traditional flavors.

Belief in preserving the same taste

It is not easy to maintain the same taste even as times change. However, at Hirano Tofu, we rely on abundant water, a long history, and the tireless efforts of our craftsmen to continue producing tofu that you can enjoy with peace of mind.

"Make natural things, naturally."

Behind these simple words lies the reliable techniques and unwavering beliefs that have been handed down for over 100 years. In a time of change, cherishing the things that remain the same. Perhaps it is this attitude that makes Hirano Tofu's tofu so special.

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平野とうふ
電話：075-221-1646 
住所：京都府京都市中京区姉小路通麩屋町角289 
アクセス：京都市営地下鉄烏丸線「烏丸御池駅」から徒歩10分、京都市営地下鉄東西線 「京都市役所前駅」 徒歩5分 

*For details about opening hours and closing days, please contact the store directly.