Sasa-No-Yuki hasn't been around as long as tofu but it is still fairly ancient. It was founded over three hundred years ago in its present location on the Yamanote line in Uguisudani. Sasa-No-Yuki means "snow on bamboo leaves" and was named by a relative of the then-reigning Emperor.

You are transported back as you sit in its very traditional tatami room at low tables, looking at ukiyo-e and the scrolls that adorn the walls. A large window gives you a view of a small waterfall amongst bamboo and other plants, making for a very serene setting - just right for eating a rather subdued food. 

The service as well offers a taste of traditional Japan. Befittingly, Sasa-no-Yuki provides the royal treatment: Shoes and, in the case of a rainy day, umbrella taken at the door and waiting for you when you leave. The place isn't so Japanese that they don't have English menus for those of us who aren't as up to par on reading as we should be. We wanted to try a little bit of everything, and they graciously accommodated us by splitting the eight course meal among two people. 

The meal commences with complimentary plain tofu and tofu wine. This sample of wine proves to be a good amount, since it's sweeter than your usual white wine. A la carte items and set meals range from three courses for ¥1500, six courses for ¥3050, and eight courses for ¥4200. Courses come with ocha but there is also beer, sake, soft drinks and juice available. The eight course meal was more than enough for two people. 

Some favorites are kuya tofu (tofu steamed with egg custard, minced meat and seaweed), ankake tofu (tofu with soup-flavored soy sauce), and kake-joyu tofu (tofu with chicken, onions and mushrooms in a soy-based broth). These are just a few of the ingenious ways Sasa-No-Yuki finds to serve tofu. If the thought of consuming so much tofu makes you apprehensive, just think of it as snow on bamboo leaves.