Uemura: Seasonal Fugu Kappo Dining

Uemura (うえ村) is a small, highly regarded restaurant in Yokohama dedicated to seasonal Japanese haute cuisine, with a particular focus on natural, wild-caught tora fugu, or tiger pufferfish. During the autumn and spring fugu season (roughly September to April), the restaurant serves multi-course menus that showcase the fish in various preparations. In other seasons, it offers equally praised specialty courses, such as kai-shabu (shellfish shabu-shabu) or menus centered on conger eel and matsutake mushrooms.

Regulars consistently praise the entire fugu progression. Highlights include the nikogori (a delicate jellied fish stock), the generous, thick-cut tessa (sashimi), the creamy grilled shirako (pufferfish milt, available mid-winter), and the crisp karaage (fried fugu) served in two different styles. The meal often includes a theatrical, tableside preparation of hire-zake (hot sake with a charred fugu fin) and concludes with a rich zōsui rice porridge made with the umami-laden hotpot broth.

Guests note that the restaurant is compact, with a small counter and a few tables, so seating can feel intimate. As a small venue with a strong reputation, it is essential to book ahead, especially during the peak winter fugu season. Reviewers also consistently state that payment is by cash only.

Dinner typically costs between ¥20,000 and ¥29,999 per person. Reviewers in recent years have reported paying around ¥17,000 for a full fugu course and ¥21,000 for a course including grilled shirako. A glass of beer costs around ¥880, while the hire-zake service is about ¥2,200. For the exceptional quality of the ingredients and cooking, diners consider Uemura to offer excellent value for a high-end, special-occasion meal.

• Getting there: Uemura is a 2-minute walk from Tanmachi Station on the Tokyu Toyoko Line.
• Reservations: Reservation only. Booking well in advance is strongly recommended, particularly for the winter season.
• Payment: Cash only. Credit cards, electronic money, and QR code payments are not accepted.
• Seating: The restaurant has 18 seats, including counter seating and a private room for up to 4 guests.
• Smoking: The entire restaurant is non-smoking.
• Parking: No parking available.