New Japanese Restaurant THE UKAI: A Tofu Haven Opening at Keio Plaza Hotel in December 2026

New Japanese Restaurant THE UKAI Set to Open

In a delightful culinary announcement, Ukaï Corporation, a prominent player in Japan's restaurant scene, has revealed plans to establish a new Japanese restaurant, tentatively named THE UKAI, within the luxury confines of the Keio Plaza Hotel in Shinjuku, Tokyo. Scheduled to debut in December 2026, this fresh establishment promises to offer an exclusive tofu-centered dining experience that embodies Japanese culture and hospitality.

The Vision Behind the Partnership

Since its inception in 1971, the Keio Plaza Hotel has been committed to creating a vibrant space that promotes community interaction and joy among its guests. It is renowned for evolving with the times and continuing to provide exceptional services that resonate with visitors from around the globe. The collaboration between Ukaï and the hotel marks a significant milestone, as this will be Ukaï’s first direct-operated restaurant within a hotel setting. Moreover, for the first time, diners will enjoy breakfast service featuring Ukaï’s specialty dishes.

Unique Offerings of THE UKAI

- Tofu-Centric Menu:

Drawing from the expertise cultivated through Ukaï’s existing tofu establishments, the THE UKAI menu will boast a diverse array of dishes prepared from homemade tofu and seasonal ingredients. This innovative approach aims to unlock the full potential of soybeans, allowing guests to appreciate the rich flavors and traditional appeal of Japanese cuisine.

- Stunning Ambiance with a Modern Twist:

The restaurant's design will embody a hybrid of tradition and modernity, artfully integrating elements such as open windows, inner gardens, and winding paths. This duality will reflect the essence of Japanese culture, providing a peaceful yet dynamic space where patrons can savor a unique dining experience that aligns with the ambience of the hotel as a communal ‘plaza’.

Cultural Significance

With a long history of serving international guests—projected to number around 640,000 in 2024—the Keio Plaza Hotel has been a beacon of Japanese culture for decades. This new venture symbolizes the alignment of both the hotel’s role as a cultural emissary and Ukaï's commitment to hospitality through traditional Japanese cuisine. By creating a space that not only serves delicious food but also offers an immersive cultural experience, the collaboration is set to redefine luxury dining within the hotel.

The newly established restaurant will carry forward the legacy of the Tokyo Shiba Tofu Restaurant, contributing to an enhanced customer experience and offering a corner for guests to cherish memories over exceptional tofu dishes.

Additionally, the opening of THE UKAI will coincide with the closure of some existing dining options within the hotel, including the Kaiseki Soujuan, Kagari Japanese Restaurant, and Tenanokawa Sake Bar, effective January 12, 2026.

The Craft of Ukaï Tofu

Ukaï’s commitment to quality stems from its ambitious goal of delivering the finest tofu dishes to its patrons. The tofu and fried tofu served at its establishments are expertly crafted at the factory adjacent to the Tofu Shop Ukaï in Yawata in Hachioji, Tokyo. The production begins with meticulous selection and preparation of high-quality, domestic soybeans like Fukuyutaka and Otokaze Oosuzume, which are then soaked, ground, and pressed to yield fresh soy milk that preserves the natural flavors. Each bowl of tofu produced reflects Ukaï’s high standards, ensuring the perfect balance of texture and taste, right to the diner’s plate.

THE UKAI will thus serve as not only a restaurant but also a bridge connecting guests to the beauty and richness of Japanese culinary art. This new venture is eagerly anticipated, promising to elevate the dining experience at the Keio Plaza Hotel and further highlight the significance of tofu culture in Japan.