A Local Heroine Beyond Tofu — The Bold Journey of Ikejima Tofu Shop in Yokosuka - 葉山Navi 通称”ハヤナビ"【葉山/逗子/鎌倉/江の島/横須賀】#はやなび#はやまなび#葉山なび#葉山ナビ#ハヤマナビ

Opening: A New Chapter of a Tofu Shop, Guided by Chiffon Cake

Peli

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This time, we’re featuring Ikejima Tofu Shop, located about a 10-minute walk from Kinugasa Station, in a quiet residential neighborhood.

At first glance, it looks like a traditional tofu shop. But step inside and you’re greeted by a sweet aroma…

In fact, this shop doesn’t just sell tofu and atsuage—it also offers unique desserts like chiffon cake and pudding made from soy milk.

With a heartfelt desire to revitalize the local community through tofu, owner Midori-san continues to pursue new ideas every day. Her passion truly moved me.

In this article, we’ll share not just the delights of Ikejima Tofu Shop, but also the touching stories behind them.

The Town Has Changed, But the Flavor Remains

The street where Ikejima Tofu Shop is located used to be the lively Hirasaku Chuo Shopping Street, lined with many local stores.

Clothing shops, grocers, fishmongers, and hardware stores once filled this area. Today, it has become a quiet residential zone, but traces of its bustling past still linger.

“Back then, just working hard was enough to be valued,” recalls the owner’s mother, whose words resonate in contrast with the present calm.

Even now, Ikejima Tofu Shop continues to hang its noren (traditional shop curtain), preserving the flavors and memories of the community.

Highlight #1: Fluffy Soy Milk Chiffon Cake—A Tofu-Inspired Dessert

“Cake? At a tofu shop?” That was my first thought too.

But once I tried the soy milk chiffon cake, I was amazed by its fluffiness and gentle sweetness. Flavors like roasted tea, lemon, and chocolate rotate with the seasons.

Midori-san told us, “Because I’m used to working with ingredients, I can make great desserts even with soy milk.”

And she even has her husband taste them every morning—how sweet is that?

Highlight #2: Freshly Fried Atsuage—Be There by 10 AM!

The best-seller at the storefront is undoubtedly the freshly fried atsuage (thick deep-fried tofu).

With a crispy texture and rich soybean flavor, it’s something you can’t find in supermarkets.

It’s freshly prepared around 10 AM. If you want to make sure you get some, pre-ordering is recommended.

Attraction ③: The Owner, Midori’s Determination and Challenge

Midori, the owner, is originally from Hiroshima and married into the family through an arranged marriage, stepping into the completely unknown world of tofu making.

She had no familiarity with the area and knew nothing about tofu. But driven by her desire to support her husband, she took the initiative in developing sweets, handling sales, and promoting the shop.

Today, people know Ikejima Tofu as “the shop with the energetic landlady.”

She even decided to marry her husband on their second meeting. That strong personal decision gave her the confidence and motivation to run the tofu shop together with him.

Peli

Her words, “I made the decision myself,” really touched me. She’s such a strong and straightforward person.

Attraction ④: Master Craftsman—Katsutaka and the Art of Tofu

The man behind all the tofu making is Midori’s husband, Katsutaka.

He once worked for a general company but returned to inherit the family business.

He believes tofu isn’t “the same no matter who makes it” but something that deeply reflects the hand and soul of its maker—a true artisan’s philosophy.

From preparing soy milk every morning to monitoring temperature and humidity, everything relies on delicate senses. It’s a subtle and exacting process.

Though a man of few words, his passion for tofu comes through loud and clear.

Attraction ⑤: The Legacy of a Mother Who’s Still Going Strong After 60 Years

Still active at the store today is Katsutaka’s mother, a seasoned artisan who fries tofu every day just like she has for decades.

The roots of Ikejima Tofu Shop trace back to her parents’ tofu shop, once located in Shinkoyasu. After relocating to Yokosuka, the family business has been part of the local community for over 60 years.

“Back then, we didn’t even have refrigerators. But the more care you put in, the more customers would line up,” she recalls with a smile.

Now 85, she continues to stand tall and work at the stove, embodying the spirit of postwar Japan’s strong, hardworking women.

Peli

I can only hope to be as strong and active when I’m 85. Her posture alone inspired me to stand a little straighter.

Attraction ⑥: A Forward-Thinking Tofu Shop—Connecting with the Community Through Local Markets

In recent years, the store has been actively participating in department store and station pop-up events to reach more customers.

They also host a local market in front of the shop once a month. Partnering with other local businesses, they are reviving the spirit of the town through these events.

Midori shared that rather than going out to exhibit elsewhere, she wanted to bring people back to this very shopping street.

On market days, customers who remember the bustling past of the shopping district gather with joy to enjoy the various vendor stalls.

Peli

Midori is amazing—a true head of sales!

For Parents with Babies and Kids

Stroller-friendly and welcoming to families with children.

However, the store is compact, so it’s best to visit during off-peak hours if it’s crowded.

The soy milk sweets are also great as post-weaning treats for toddlers.

Dog-Friendly Tips

Although there’s no terrace seating or dog café area, the shop is mainly for takeout.
Perfect for grabbing a treat during a walk and enjoying it on a nearby bench with your pup.