Shimatofuya
Sample the Local Flavours of Shimatofu
I love that travelling within Japan, one really discovers the local flavours in each region that define how typical Japanese ingredients and produce have been influenced by their surroundings or have evolved due to extenuating circumstances or simply the urge to create something new.
Tatsugo town area, located a short 10-15 min walk from the Nakagachi Village entrance bus stop, is the delightful Shimatofuya. If you’re a lover of tofu, you simply must stop by and enjoy their various teishoku lunch sets which are so delicious and a nice respite if you need a break from eating seafood. There is parking available if you’re driving (which I would recommend)
Generally shimatofu is a harder type of tofu, perfect for use with bittermelon (champuru), however at Shimatofuya, the tofu is softer with a hint of sweetness due to their use of mineral-rich bittern (salt) from Amami seawater
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Charming Interiors with Showa Retro Feels
There’s something incredibly nostalgic about this sweet little restaurant with its warm wooden high beams, thin metal leather chairs in vibrant red (some chipped and fraying) and the vintage movie and advertising posters adorning the walls. It’s simple, rustic and utterly charming.
The front of the restaurant sells their various tofu products, other local handmade delicacies and snacks, perfect to feed you on your continuing adventure or take home for omiyage. In better weather, there are also a few seats outside in their little garden. One area of the restaurant are tables and chairs, and another has a lovely tatami sitting space, where when we were there, a lot of local families and their children are normally sat.
What to Eat at Shimatofuya?
Like any lunch sets in Japan, their starting price of their teishoku sets are extremely reasonable; from 900JPY and are extremely satisfying. They also have a self service stand where you can re fill your tea, and have an endless supply of their simple shimatofu to try with numerous sauces and dashi to pair with.
In the photo below, its the little white bowl with the spoon sticking out of it! You can take that little bowl back, serve yourself more tofu and try the different sauces. Generally the other little accompanying dishes change daily and what you’re mainly choosing is your main dish (big bowl bottom right of the bottom right photo)
I would definitely recommend trying some of their fresh yuba, their fried shimatofu and hubby especially liked their buta-kakuni (braised pork belly)
Hope you get a chance to enjoy this feast! You can find their full menu here.
PS. It’s cash only, and closes rather early - 6ish? If memory serves me - so more of a lunchtime feast or very early dinner.
OTHER PLACES TO STAY & THINGS TO DO
Amami Oshima:the largest of the Amami Islands, lush and tropical
Hotel Denpaku Akakina- a cozy hotel renovated from the former local supermarket
Denpaku Kominka Sea Turtle- a traditional kominka restored and renovated by a private beach in Tokunoshima
おうちカフエ島じかん - charming cafe restaurant in a local’s home serving traditional lunch dishes in Tokunoshima
TRAVEL FURTHER
Kagoshima Prefecture:renowned for its onsen, wild islands and delicious food
Yakushima Island: Explore the island that inspired Studio Ghibli’s Princess Mononoke
Tokunoshima Travel Guide: a unique island of differing, awe-inspiring landscapes
Okinoerabu-jima
Yoron Island
