Founded in Meiji 10 (1877)
Inari sushi made with thin fried tofu well soaked in flavor
Located in the middle of Ningyocho Amazake Yokocho, an area lined with many long-established shops, “Ningyocho Shinoda Sushi Sohonten” is a take-out sushi shop with over 140 years of history.The showcase at the storefront is lined with boxed assortments of inari sushi, norimaki, pressed sushi, chakin sushi, and more.With so many combination options, you may have a hard time choosing.Meijiza Theater is just a short walk away, and many visitors stop by to buy souvenirs after a performance.
The signature product is the inari sushi “Shinoda,” whose taste has remained unchanged since the shop was founded.To keep that flavor unchanged, they adjust the production method in fine detail according to the ingredients.
“Ingredients such as soy sauce, sugar, and fried tofu may change suppliers over time, and their quality may also vary.For example, long ago we used the boiled tofu skins the same day, but now we rest them in the refrigerator for 3–4 days and boil them again.“Those steps allow the flavor to blend perfectly,” says Mr. Takayasu Yoshimasu, the fifth-generation owner.
Shinoda’s style is to spare neither time nor effort to prevent the flavor from shifting due to ingredient differences.A few years ago, their tofu skin supplier went out of business, and they searched tirelessly for the ideal replacement.
“Our inari sushi is sweet and richly seasoned, so we order specially made thin tofu skins to prevent the flavor from becoming too heavy.We searched throughout the country for a company that could make such tofu skins.さAnd when the tofu skins change, the best way to boil them also changes.That is where the skills and intuition of veteran craftsmen are essential. They stayed by the pot the whole time to determine the ideal boiling method.”
The key to making delicious tofu skins is how the oil is removed and how long they are simmered.By being particular about those steps, they create traditional inari sushi loved by all generations.If you walk a little toward Meijiza Theater, you’ll find Hamacho Park along the Sumida River, and it’s recommended to take your favorite boxed sushi there and enjoy it under the open sky.
History
The business began in Meiji 10 (1877), when the first-generation owner, who lost his samurai position after the Meiji Restoration, started selling his favorite inari sushi.In the late Meiji era, the shop began offering delivery service, which was rare at the time.Records show that the shop’s curtain displayed a three-digit phone number and that orders were taken by phone and delivered by bicycle.After the war, the shop was rebuilt after being destroyed, and it became widely known not only for its traditional inari sushi but also for its expanding menu.Today, there are three lineages of split-off shops, each operating independently.
Mr. Takayasu Yoshimasu
Fifth-generation owner of Ningyocho Shinoda Sushi Sohonten
Shinoda Sushi began with inari sushi, but recently they also offer a wide variety of items, such as visually fun sushi donuts and vacuum-packed tofu skins that can be enjoyed easily at home.While valuing tradition, we also want to keep taking on new challenges.
This Notable Item
Norimaki Shinoda
9 pieces — 842 yen
The inari sushi features a perfect balance of richly flavored tofu skin and sweet-and-tangy rice, and the kanpyo roll offers moderate sweetness and a firm texture.This boxed set is popular because you can enjoy both signature items at the same time.The strongly seasoned pickled ginger, flavored only with vinegar and salt, pairs wonderfully with the sweet inari sushi.It is recommended to place a slice of ginger on top of the inari sushi before eating.
Spot Overview
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