Discover Traditional Japanese Cuisine in an Elegant Setting: Umenohana
If you're looking to savor traditional Japanese cuisine and distinctive Japanese ingredients in an elegant, Japanese-style setting, consider visiting one of the restaurants operated by Umenohana Group.
This article introduces the appeal of the main brands operated by Umenohana Group, along with popular locations in major cities.
From creative kaiseki restaurants featuring traditional ingredients like yuba (tofu skin) and tofu to specialty establishments that bring out the full flavor of premium wagyu beef through shabu-shabu, the group offers a wide range of restaurant concepts and cuisines throughout Japan—making them easy to include in your travel plans.
What is Umenohana?
Founded in Fukuoka in 1976, Umenohana Group now operates approximately 170 locations across Japan.
In addition to major cities such as Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto, Nagoya, and Fukuoka, the group has expanded to suburban areas as well. They also operate a directly managed location in Thailand (Umenohana Solaria).
At the heart of the group is the Japanese restaurant Umenohana, which serves creative kaiseki cuisine featuring traditional ingredients like yuba and tofu, paired with seasonal ingredients.
The group also operates a variety of other dining brands catering to different tastes, including Kobai (a shabu-shabu and sukiyaki restaurant offering premium wagyu beef), Kanishige (a crab specialty restaurant), and China Umenohana (a Chinese restaurant with Japanese hospitality).
The cuisine is meticulously prepared, and the interiors and service reflect a deep commitment to the spirit of omotenashi—Japanese hospitality.
The restaurants are designed to accommodate a wide range of dining scenarios, with options such as private horigotatsu rooms (sunken floor seating), table seating, and large-group dining spaces.
In addition, Umenohana operates takeout specialty shops in train station buildings and department stores, offering popular menu items and rolled sushi for those on the go.
Umenohana: Savor Traditional Japanese Cuisine in an Elegant Setting
Among the 20+ brands operated by Umenohana Group, the one with the largest number of locations is Yuba and Tofu Cuisine – Umenohana.
This restaurant offers kaiseki meals that combine health-conscious ingredients like yuba (tofu skin) and tofu with seasonal delicacies.
One of its key attractions is the variety of dishes that highlight the natural flavors of the ingredients and the umami of the broth.
To ensure consistent quality across all locations, the yuba and tofu are handmade at the company’s own factory.
Each type of yuba is carefully hand-lifted by skilled artisans using techniques tailored to the specific dish.
The tofu is also full of flavor, with the rich sweetness and aroma of soybeans shining through.
The restaurant also offers children’s meals and vegan-friendly options such as vegetable kaiseki and plant-based lunch sets—ideal for health-conscious diners and international visitors with dietary preferences or restrictions.
Multilingual menus are available, making the restaurant accessible and convenient for international visitors.
In addition to the cuisine, the elegant Japanese-style interiors are a signature feature of Umenohana.
From spacious table seating to private horigotatsu rooms, a wide range of seat types are available to suit various dining needs.
Enjoy the refined yet comfortable ambiance and fully immerse yourself in the tradition of kaiseki dining—a true expression of Japanese culinary culture.
5 Popular Locations of "Yuba and Tofu Cuisine – Umenohana" in Major Cities
Among the many Umenohana restaurants across Japan, here are five especially popular locations in major cities.
All are conveniently located near train stations, making them easy to include in your travel plans.
1. [Tokyo] Umenohana Ginza Namikidori
Located in Ginza, one of Japan’s most luxurious shopping districts, Umenohana Ginza Namikidori is just a 5-minute walk from the JR Yurakucho Station Central Exit and a 3-minute walk from Exit C8 of Ginza Subway Station.
The restaurant offers a refined, ryokan-style Japanese atmosphere with 130 seats in total.
Seating options include tables that are accessible for international guests, private horigotatsu rooms where guests can relax without shoes, and large group seating for up to 28 guests—suitable for a wide range of occasions.
2. [Sapporo] Umenohana Sapporo
Located in downtown Sapporo, Umenohana Sapporo is just a 1-minute walk from Exit 37 of Odori Station.
The spacious dining area with 30 table seats provides a serene, Japanese-style atmosphere—ideal for enjoying seasonal creative kaiseki cuisine at a leisurely pace.
The restaurant also features small table seating and fully private horigotatsu rooms, as well as a large private room for up to 22 guests, offering a relaxing and private dining experience.
3. [Osaka] Umenohana Umeda
Just a 5-minute walk from Osaka Station and Umeda Station—two major transportation hubs—Umenohana Umeda is located on the 17th floor of the Hankyu Terminal Building.
Despite its central location, the interior offers a calm, serene ambiance.
There are a wide variety of private rooms for 2 to 78 guests, allowing couples, families, and those with children to dine comfortably in a relaxed setting.
Each room has its own unique character, evoking the feel of a traditional ryokan.
The sweeping views of Osaka’s cityscape from the 17th floor add a special touch to the dining experience.
4. [Nagoya] Umenohana Sakae
Located in Sakae, Nagoya’s premier shopping and entertainment district, Umenohana Sakae is just a 1-minute walk from Exit 1 of Yabacho Station on the Meijo Line, and a 10-minute walk from Exit 13 of Sakae Station on the Higashiyama and Meijo Lines.
Right in front of the restaurant is Matsuzakaya Nagoya, a department store with a wide variety of shops, making it a convenient stop before or after shopping.
The interior combines modern elegance with traditional Japanese aesthetics.
Guests can choose from three types of private rooms—horigotatsu, chair seating, and traditional tatami-style rooms—making the restaurant suitable for family gatherings, romantic outings, or casual meals with friends.
5. [Fukuoka] Umenohana Dazaifu Bessou Shizen-an
Just steps away from popular Fukuoka attractions such as Dazaifu Tenmangu and the Kyushu National Museum, Umenohana Dazaifu Bessou Shizen-an welcomes guests with a traditional Japanese garden beyond its stately gate.
The grounds include a pond and a tea room, and visitors are free to stroll through the seasonal scenery.
A special room overlooking the garden allows guests to enjoy a truly luxurious and serene experience unique to Shizen-an.
Wrap-up
This article introduced the flagship brand of Umenohana Group and highlighted its most popular locations in major cities.
Each location offers not only traditional ingredients and exquisite Japanese cuisine, but also a refined and culturally immersive atmosphere.
If you're seeking authentic Japanese flavors and ambiance, consider including one of these locations in your travel itinerary.