Kyoto Best Sushi 2026: 25 Michelin & Must-Try Hidden Restaurants Beloved by Locals
I visited Kyoto several times between August and October 2025. I'm updating this article to share the new charms of Kyoto I discovered and to recommend the latest spots worth visiting. In this update, I've also included the newest information about Kyoto for 2026.
Another reason for this update is the growing interest in tours that allow visitors to fully experience Kyoto's traditions and culture.
Due to Kyoto's deep history and traditions, first-time visitors often find it challenging to explore the city efficiently while gaining a deeper understanding. This has led to increasing popularity of guided tours like those offered by Magical Trip, where local guides help tourists navigate the city.
Notably, Magical Trip's tour, which was ranked No.1 among all tours on Tripadvisor in 2024, is experiencing high demand in 2026.
For those who want to experience Kyoto deeply and efficiently, we recommend these two tours. With guides who are well-versed in Kyoto's culture and traditions explaining the tourist spots, you'll enjoy your sightseeing several times more than if you were to explore on your own:
If you're interested in Kyoto's food culture, we also recommend the "Kyoto Night Foodie Tour," which ranked No. 6 among all tours on TripAdvisor in 2024. You can fully enjoy the cuisine of Kyoto, a city that once ranked fourth worldwide for the number of Michelin-starred restaurants.
Introduction
Kyoto is one of Japan's most representative tourist destinations, with an elegant atmosphere that is popular among foreigners. While Tokyo is the current capital of Japan, Kyoto actually served as the capital for over 1,000 years from 794 to 1869. As a result, many people and restaurants gathered in Kyoto from that time.
Japanese cuisine includes a genre called "Kyoto cuisine," and one type of sushi served in Kyoto cuisine, "Sabazushi (Mackerel Sushi)," originated in Kyoto. Furthermore, Kyoto has its own unique sushi traditions, such as "Hakozushi (Box Sushi)," which consists of various types of sushi packed into a single box.
The seafood used in Kyoto Sushi in the past came from Fukui Prefecture. In the era before automobiles, it took two to three days to travel from Fukui to Kyoto. As a method to preserve the freshness of seafood and eat it deliciously, Kyoto's unique sushi traditions were born, involving techniques such as curing fish like mackerel with salt and vinegar or cooking them.
Kyoto has an abundance of restaurants where you can enjoy such traditional sushi and unique Kyoto-style sushi, including "Vegetarian Options (Shojin Dish)" that don't use seafood.
In this article, I will introduce popular sushi restaurants in Kyoto by genre and explain in detail the key points to maximize your enjoyment of sushi.
Table of Contents
-Kyoto Has Unique Sushi Tradition
-Three Nationally Famous Restaurants Carrying Kyoto Sushi Culture into the Modern Era
-Michelin-Listed! Introducing Sushi Restaurants You Must Visit When Coming to Kyoto, Organized by Price
-7 Kyoto Sushi Restaurants Beloved by Locals
Kyoto Has Unique Sushi Traditions
Kyoto's food culture strongly reflects its distant location from fishing ports and the influence of Buddhist culture. In contrast to Tokyo sushi, which uses fresh raw fish from Tokyo Bay, Kyoto developed its own unique style that evolved from fish preservation techniques and Shojin Dish eaten by Buddhist monks.
[Kyoto's Distinctive Sushi Traditions]
Sabazushi (Mackerel Sushi): Pressed sushi using mackerel that has been salted and cured in vinegar.
Hakozushi (Box Sushi): An assortment of pressed sushi using seafood that has been cured in vinegar or cooked.
Vegetarian Options (Shojin Dish): Sushi made with vegetables and other plant-based foods.
Traditional Kyoto-style sushi features concentrated seafood umami flavors with delicate taste and artistic presentation, which are my recommendation points. Below, I will introduce each of Kyoto's representative sushi traditions in detail.
Sabazushi (Mackerel Sushi)
Sabazushi (Mackerel Sushi) is a representative pressed sushi of Kyoto, a traditional sushi made by placing mackerel cured with salt and vinegar on vinegared rice. The techniques of salting and vinegar curing developed to prevent mackerel from spoiling when transported from Fukui to Kyoto. I also love the elegant and beautiful appearance of the silver-shining mackerel.
Sabazushi is an excellent dish where the umami of fatty mackerel and the refreshing acidity of vinegared rice complement each other perfectly. By wrapping kelp around the sushi, the kelp broth blends with the mackerel, adding depth. Sabazushi is recommended for those who want to taste traditional sushi full of umami where the mackerel melts in your mouth.
Hakozushi (Box Sushi)
Hakozushi (Box Sushi) is a type of pressed sushi made by filling a wooden box with vinegared rice and various ingredients, then pressing it down from above. The recommendation point of Hakozushi is its beautiful appearance like an art piece, with colorful ingredients such as small sea bream, Pike conger, shrimp, and thick omelet arranged neatly.
Hakozushi not only prevents spoilage by reducing exposure to air through pressing, but also has the effect of blending the umami of ingredients with the flavor of vinegared rice. Vinegar-cured fish has concentrated umami that pairs well with the acidity of vinegared rice. Hakozushi is sushi that allows you to experience Kyoto's food culture with attention to both taste and appearance.
Vegetarian Options (Shojin Dish)
In Kyoto, where Buddhist culture has been rooted since ancient times, sushi using vegetables derived from "Shojin Dish" for monks is also popular. Shojin Dish is a traditional cuisine made with plant-based ingredients such as vegetables and grains without using meat or fish, based on Buddhist precepts to avoid killing living beings, and is characterized by refined flavors.
Vegetarian Options sushi using seasonal vegetables allows you to feel Kyoto's four seasons not only through the rich taste of vegetables but also through their vibrant appearance. For those who dislike raw fish or are vegetarian, Vegetarian Options are a valuable choice to experience authentic Japanese sushi.
Three Nationally Famous Restaurants Carrying Kyoto Sushi Culture into the Modern Era
Kyoto has many prestigious restaurants that carry on traditional sushi culture. These establishments have continued to refine their techniques across generations and are highly regarded not only by local customers but also by gourmets from Japan and abroad.
I will introduce in detail three particularly famous restaurants where you can taste traditional Kyoto Sushi.
Izuu: A Famous Mackerel Sushi Restaurant
Source: Tabelog by hiro0827
The first one is "Izuu". Founded in 1781, it's known as a long-established mackerel sushi restaurant with over 200 years of history. It's a shop that has been loved by Kyoto locals for a long time.
Here, the popular dish is traditional mackerel sushi with thick mackerel and plenty of rice wrapped in kelp. The beautiful presentation and takeout wrapping paper are also well-regarded. The budget is reasonable at 2,000-3,000 yen per person.
The mackerel sushi I ate here had thick, fatty mackerel, and the balance with the kelp and vinegared rice was exquisite. It's conveniently located just a 5-minute walk from Keihan Gion-Shijo Station, making it easy to stop by while sightseeing.
<Store Information>
Address: 367 Kiyomotocho, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto, 605-0084
Closed: Tuesdays
Phone: 075-561-0751
Hours: 11 AM–10 PM, 11 AM–9 PM (Sundays)
Website: http://izuu.jp/
Izuju
Source:Tabelog
Izuju is a long-established sushi restaurant with over 100 years of history, known as a famous restaurant for traditional Kyoto Sabazushi and Hakozushi.
At Izuju, they maintain manufacturing methods that have remained almost unchanged since their founding, paying attention to details from ingredient procurement to cooking, allowing you to taste exquisite sushi carefully handmade one by one.
The specialty Sabazushi uses high-quality mackerel caught off Tsushima in the Sea of Japan, allowing you to fully enjoy the umami of the mackerel's fat. Additionally, I love the flavor of the kelp wrapped around the Sabazushi to prevent it from drying out.
The kelp flavor that transfers to the mackerel and vinegared rice enhances the umami of the mackerel, allowing you to enjoy delicate flavors.
Furthermore, what I always taste when visiting Izuju is "Jō-Hakozushi." "Jō-Hakozushi" is an excellent dish where, in addition to standard ingredients like shrimp and thick omelet, you can also taste seasonal fish such as Pike conger in summer and Spanish mackerel in winter. Please experience Kyoto's seasonality through the colorful appearance and seasonal flavors.
<Information>
Address: 292-1 Gion-cho Kitagawa, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture
Business Hours: 10:30-18:00 approximately
Regular Holidays: Wednesday, Thursday
Phone Number: 075-561-0019
Official Website: https://gion-izuju.com/
Hanaore Shimogamo
Source:Tabelog
Hanaore Shimogamo is a representative long-established sushi restaurant in Kyoto with approximately 110 years of history since its founding.
The specialty of Hanaore Shimogamo is Sabazushi made with the finest mackerel caught in the Sea of Japan. My recommendation point for this restaurant's Sabazushi is that you can enjoy high-quality excellence using carefully selected Japanese ingredients, including rice from Shiga Prefecture and kelp from Hokkaido, all sourced from Japan.
The characteristic of this restaurant's Sabazushi is to taste the transparent kelp topping on the silver-shining mackerel together. The light yet flavorful mackerel fat and the vinegared rice with moderate acidity harmonize as the delicate umami of kelp envelops the whole.
At Hanaore Shimogamo, they have not only regular Sabazushi but also seared mackerel versions, so comparing them is also interesting.
<Information>
Address: 121 Shimogamo Miyazaki-cho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture
Business Hours: [Dine-in] 10:00-15:00 [Takeout] 10:00-17:00
Regular Holidays: Every Wednesday, 1st Tuesday, 3rd Tuesday
Phone Number: 075-712-5245
Official Website: https://www.hanaore.co.jp/
If You Want to Enjoy Kyoto's Traditional Food Culture, Get Guided to Restaurants Loved by Locals
For those who want to experience traditional food culture in Kyoto, we recommend joining the "Kyoto Night Foodie Tour" guided by local experts.
This tour allows you to savor authentic Kyoto regional cuisine at hidden gem restaurants in the Gion area and Pontocho, where the traditional streets of the ancient capital of Kyoto spread out.
On this tour, you can experience Kyoto's food culture extensively, including traditional home-style cuisine "Obanzai" and dishes using Yuba (tofu skin), which represents "Shojin Dish" rooted in Buddhist culture.
Since an English-speaking guide accompanies you, even ingredients you're trying for the first time can be enjoyed with confidence as you listen to explanations.
This tour may accommodate vegetarian menu options. If you have any requests or allergies regarding meals, please inform us at least by the day before the event.
<Information>
Meeting point: In front of Izumo no Okuni Statue, right outside of Exit 5 of Gion Shijo Station (Keihan Line)
Tour area: Gion area, Pontocho vicinity
Start time: 17:00 / 18:00
Michelin-Listed! Introducing Sushi Restaurants You Must Visit When Coming to Kyoto, Organized by Price
If you want to enjoy exquisite sushi in Kyoto, we recommend Michelin-listed restaurants that are highly popular both in name and reality. Kyoto has many Michelin-listed Kyoto sushi restaurants across a wide price range that excel not only in sushi taste but also in service.
From here, we will introduce Michelin-listed sushi restaurants you should definitely visit when coming to Kyoto, organized by price.
Top-Class Michelin-Listed Restaurants in the 20,000 Yen and Above Category
Sushi Matsumoto
source： Official website
"Sushi Matsumoto" is an offshoot of a famous restaurant in Tokyo's Akasaka that has earned one Michelin star for two consecutive years. The lunch "Omakase Course" is particularly good value, and I highly recommend it. With both counter seats and private rooms available, it's suitable for various occasions.
The "sunoko" (the part from the lower jaw to the chest) of Minke whale served as sashimi was surprisingly delicious. Sunoko is a marbled cut with less distinctive flavor compared to other parts. The thickness is carefully considered, resulting in a texture that's chewy yet creamy, with a richness that rivals tuna toro.
Of course, the tuna is also exquisite. The fish are sourced through a special route from a fishmonger rather than from the market. The umami that oozes from the lean tuna spreads in your mouth, making you want to savor it again and again.
While red shari made with red vinegar is common in Edomae sushi, this restaurant uses a blend of four types of vinegar. Furthermore, they adjust the acidity of the shari for each seat, considering the different temperatures at the counter and table seats, to provide sushi in the best possible condition.
- Address: 99 Maoyacho, Shimogyo-ku, Kyoto
- Closed: Irregular holidays
- Phone: 075-606-5710
- Hours: [Weekdays] Lunch 11:30-14:00, Dinner 17:00-23:00 [Weekends and Holidays] Lunch 11:30-14:00, Dinner 16:00-23:00
- Website: https://sushi-matsumoto-g.com/shop/kyoto/
Kiyamachi Ran
Source:Official website
Kiyamachi Ran is a high-end Kyoto sushi restaurant representing the city, founded in 1949. Kiyamachi Ran was listed in the "Michelin Guide Kyoto-Osaka" for the first time in December 2024. In the charming interior that retains the atmosphere from over 70 years ago, you can savor exquisite sushi and authentic Japanese cuisine such as tempura.
Kiyamachi Ran serves dishes in "Omakase" courses starting from 30,000 yen. "Omakase" is an ordering style where you leave the selection of dishes to the sushi chef, who provides sushi and single dishes using the freshest fish and vegetables that are most delicious that day.
What I particularly love about this restaurant is that in addition to the signature fatty tuna sashimi, you can enjoy Kyoto-style sushi such as Sabazushi and sushi using pickled vegetables.
Especially, the sushi made with pickled vegetables, which originated at this restaurant, features a healthy and refreshing taste and is recommended for those who want to experience Kyoto's food culture.
<Information>
Address: 212-6 Nabeyacho, Kiyamachi-dori Shijo-agaru, Nakagyo-ku, Kyoto City
Business hours: 17:00-22:00 (L.O. 20:30)
Closed: Sundays
Phone number: 075-221-0647
Official website: https://www.sushi-ran.com/
Sushi Rakumi
source： Official website
"Sushi Rakumi" fuses Edomae sushi and Kyoto cuisine. The young chef serves unique sushi that can only be tasted here.
The crown jewel of Edomae sushi is "tuna." At Rakumi, they offer only one course centered around three types of tuna nigiri. You can enjoy about 20 varieties of dishes, including appetizers and sushi.
At Rakumi, they use red vinegar for the rice, making it "red shari." The combination of tuna and red vinegar is the essence of Edomae sushi, with the acidity of the red shari intensifying the flavor of the tuna.
My recommended dish that best exemplifies the fusion of Kyoto cuisine is the "pressed sushi with mackerel on a stick." It combines sweet and sour pickled kanpyo and myoga with shiso leaves, wrapped in nori, paired with thick slices of mackerel, and seared directly with charcoal.
Even foreigners who think mackerel has a strong smell will find Rakumi's mackerel sushi easy to eat, with no unpleasant odor.
- Address: 332-6 Miyoshicho, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto
- Closed: Sundays, 2nd and 4th Mondays, irregular holidays
- Phone: 090-4566-3733
- Hours: Lunch starts at 12:00, Dinner [1st seating] starts at 17:00 to 19:00, [2nd seating] 19:30 to 21:30
- Website: https://gionsasaki.com/sushirakumi.html
Kikunoi Sushi Ao
Source:Official website
Kikunoi Sushi Ao is a high-end sushi restaurant that earned one Michelin star, operated by "Kikunoi," a renowned restaurant of "Kyoto cuisine" based on Japanese cuisine. At this restaurant, sushi is positioned as one dish within a traditional Japanese cuisine course, and you can enjoy sushi carefully prepared to complement appetizers and soups.
The menu at this restaurant consists only of "Omakase" courses starting from 33,000 yen, characterized by elaborate single dishes frequently appearing between standard nigiri sushi such as tuna and sea bream. You can savor Kyoto-specific ingredients such as Pike conger, a staple ingredient of Hakozushi, and the traditional vegetable Kamo eggplant.
What I particularly love about Kikunoi Sushi Ao's nigiri sushi is that the toppings are generous compared to the small rice portions, allowing you to fully taste the umami of fresh seafood. Please experience the essence of Kyoto's food culture woven together by sushi and Kyoto cuisine.
<Information>
Address: 463-30 Shimokawara-dori, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture
Business hours: 15:00-22:00
Closed: Tuesdays
Phone number: 075-551-2000
Official website: https://kikunoi-sushi-ao.com/
Sushi Hayashi
source： Official website
The last Michelin-listed restaurant we're introducing is "Sushi Hayashi," where the chef was involved in setting up the sushi restaurant at Four Seasons Kyoto. Here, you can enjoy a fusion of "Edomae sushi × Kyo sushi" using ingredients from waters near Kyoto.
My favorites are the Sea Urchin Gunkan Sushi and mackerel sushi. The nori in the Sea Urchin Gunkan Sushi melts in your mouth excellently, and the unique sweetness of the sea urchin lingers for a long time.
The mackerel sushi uses slightly sweet shari cooked firmly with dashi. Although it's cooked firmly, it breaks apart immediately in your mouth, perfectly matching the moist feeling of both the mackerel and the shari.
This restaurant is one of the few sushi places that offers Swiss wines, which have an export volume of only 1%. Moreover, the chef can speak French as he trained in Switzerland. If you're looking for exceptionally high-level hospitality and service, be sure to visit Sushi Hayashi.
Sushi Kawano
Source:Hot Pepper
Nestled in a residential area near the Kamo River and the Botanical Gardens, Sushi Kawano is a place in Kyoto where you can enjoy authentic Edomae-style sushi.
There are two course options: a course featuring 14 pieces of nigiri, or an omakase course that also includes à la carte dishes. Because there are many dishes served before the nigiri, the meal feels especially satisfying.
The shari used for the Edomae sushi is red shari, seasoned just right with red vinegar. Its clean, refreshing flavor pairs exceptionally well with rich, fatty fish. The temperature of the shari is kept relatively warm overall, which makes the tuna melt beautifully in your mouth.
Among the restaurant’s signature seared dishes, the Nodoguro (Blackthroat Seaperch) was the most memorable for me. Nodoguro is naturally high in fat, and lightly searing it brings out even more umami. It’s a delicious fish year-round, and at Kawano, you can fully savor its sweet, rich flavor.
<Store Information>
Address: 72-8 Shimogamo Higashi-Hangi-cho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto
Closed: Mondays
Phone: 050-3503-4867
Business Hours: Tue (17:30–21:00), Wed–Sun (12:00–14:00, 17:30–21:00)
Website: https://www.tablecheck.com/shops/sushi-kawano/reserve
For those who want to taste the highest quality sushi in Japan, we also recommend participating in the "Finest Quality Sushi & Tempura Dining Experience in Ginza" held in Tokyo's Ginza district.
This tour allows you to savor high-end sushi prepared by skilled artisans, as well as tempura, a hidden popular dish in Japanese cuisine.
On this tour, an English-speaking guide carefully teaches manners and how to eat at high-end Japanese restaurants, so even foreign visitors coming for the first time can enjoy with confidence.
Additionally, since the guide handles reservations at difficult-to-book restaurants, you can concentrate on savoring exquisite sushi, tempura, and delicious sake.
Each restaurant has age restrictions, and this tour is only available to participants aged 12 and above. Please be aware of this in advance.
<Information>
Meeting point: In front of Lion Statue at Ginza Mitsukoshi near Exit A8 of Ginza Station
Tour area: Ginza area
Start time: 15:30 / 16:00 / 16:30
Michelin-Listed Restaurants Where You Can Enjoy Japan's Finest Sushi in the 10,000-20,000 Yen Range
Shimogamo Ichiman
Source:Tabelog
Shimogamo Ichiman is a popular Michelin-listed sushi restaurant nestled in a quiet residential area of the Shimogamo district, home to the World Heritage Site "Shimogamo Shrine."
In the evening, you can enjoy sushi and individual dishes starting from 15,000 yen, while at lunch, you can savor their signature "Temari zushi" and nigiri sushi set menus for around 5,000 yen.
Among their offerings, my personal recommendation is the signature "Temari sushi," featuring bite-sized sushi pieces of tuna, sea bream, shrimp, and more arranged beautifully on the plate.
Beyond its visual beauty, you can indulge in the exquisite flavors created by fresh fish from Hokkaido—one of Japan's premier seafood regions—combined with shari (sushi rice) made using Kyoto vinegar.
At Shimogamo Ichiman, they offer a wide variety of beverages including carefully selected sake from across Japan, as well as wine and champagne. Be sure to experience the perfect pairing with their exceptional Kyoto sushi made with carefully selected ingredients.
<Information>
Address: 93-1 Shimogamo Nishihangicho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture
Business Hours: [Lunch] 11:00-13:00 [Dinner] 17:00-21:00
Closed: Wednesdays
Phone Number: 075-791-0101
Official Website: https://www.instagram.com/shimogamo_ichima/?__pwa=1
Sushi Imajin
Source:Table Check
Sushi Imajin is a hidden gem sushi restaurant that was featured for the first time in the "Michelin Guide Kyoto-Osaka" in November 2025. At this establishment, nigiri sushi using seasonal seafood and creatively prepared individual dishes are served in a 22,000 yen "Omakase" course.
My favorite aspect of Sushi Imajin's nigiri sushi is how generously thick and large the toppings are, almost completely covering the shari. In spring, cherry trout, and in autumn, Pacific saury—the umami of seasonal seafood fills your mouth, creating an exquisite harmony with the mellow acidity of the shari made with red vinegar.
Another secret to Sushi Imajin's popularity is that you can enjoy exceptional sushi in a traditional atmosphere within a renovated machiya (traditional townhouse) that is over 100 years old.
While savoring sushi made with seasonal ingredients in this serene space, experience the refined food culture and sense of seasonality unique to Kyoto sushi.
<Information>
Address: 442 Tachibanacho, Gokomachi-dori Bukkoji-sagaru, Shimogyo-ku, Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture
Business Hours: 17:30-23:00
Closed: Irregular holidays
Phone Number: 050-1721-1060
Official Website: https://www.instagram.com/sushi_imagine/
Sushi-Kappo Nakaichi
Source:Tabelog
Sushi-Kappo Nakaichi is a one-Michelin-star restaurant with a distinctly Kyoto-style approach, where you can enjoy both Sabazushi and other sushi alongside traditional Kyoto Japanese cuisine.
At this establishment, appetizers, soup dishes, nigiri sushi, desserts, and more can be enjoyed as an authentic Japanese cuisine course starting from 15,000 yen.
Here, you can savor exceptional dishes that fuse seasonal seafood from the Seto Inland Sea and other regions of Japan with traditional techniques passed down through two generations.
Additionally, what I particularly love is that you can feel the aesthetic sensibility of "Kyoto cuisine" through the beautiful presentation using traditional Japanese lacquerware and ceramics.
Furthermore, especially at the counter seats, being able to dine while watching the chef prepare sushi right before your eyes is one of the reasons I highly recommend this place. Please experience these supreme masterpieces that merge traditional Kyoto Japanese cuisine with Kyoto sushi, while feeling the chef's skillful techniques up close.
<Information>
Address: 570-196 Gionmachi Minamigawa, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture
Business Hours: [Lunch] 12:00-14:00 (L.O. 13:00) [Dinner] 16:30-22:00 (L.O. 21:00)
Closed: Irregular holidays
Phone Number: 075-531-2778
Official Website: https://sushikappo-nakaichi.com/
Michelin-Listed Restaurants Where You Can Enjoy Excellent Sushi for Under 10,000 Yen
Izugen
Source：Tabelog
Izugen is a renowned establishment beloved by locals that carries on Kyoto's historic sushi traditions. Selected as a Bib Gourmand in the Michelin Guide, you can reasonably enjoy traditional Kyoto sushi including Sabazushi and Hakozushi.
What I most recommend at Izugen is the "Kyō zushi" (1,900 yen), where you can taste Sabazushi, Hakozushi, and maki-zushi (rolled sushi) all at once.
The Sabazushi in particular has an exquisite balance between the sweet richness of mackerel fat and the acidity of the vinegared rice—I finished it in no time and couldn't help but order more.
Since Sabazushi can be ordered starting from 2 pieces (900 yen), I also recommend it for those who want to casually experience traditional Kyoto sushi. For foreigners who don't speak Japanese, reservations can be made via Instagram messages. For details, please check the <Store Information> below.
<Information>
Address: 391 Takeyamachi, Shimogyo-ku, Kyoto City
Business Hours: [Lunch] 11:00-14:30 (L.O. 14:00) [Dinner] 15:30-19:00 (L.O. 18:30)
Closed: Thursdays
Phone Number: 075-351-2516
Official Website (Official Instagram): https://www.instagram.com/sushi_idugen/?igsh=MWFpNnpiN2kxcDZicA%3D%3D&utm_source=qr#
Sushizen
source：Tabelog
When it comes to chirashi sushi in Kyoto, "Sushizen" is the place to go. Founded in 1939, this aged establishment was selected for the Michelin Guide 2023 Bib Gourmand.
The most popular dish at Sushizen is the "seafood chirashi sushi." As a chirashi sushi lover myself, this is one of my favorite places. As of January 2026, it's offered at a very reasonable price of 1,850 yen.
When you order the seafood chirashi sushi, what appears before you is a surface of kinshi tamago (shredded egg crepe). Lifting the kinshi tamago reveals seafood underneath, coated with a homemade sweet sauce. Digging through the seafood, you finally see the nori and vinegared rice.
The toppings include plenty of tuna, sea bream, conger eel, yellowtail, squid, and octopus. The homemade sauce coats the toppings, creating a unified taste with the vinegared rice, nori, and kinshi tamago. While the seasoning is refined in typical Kyoto style, the layered flavors create a taste that's both gentle and impactful.
I recommend ordering the clear soup separately, as it doesn't come with the chirashi sushi. Also, the service is quick, making it ideal for a meal between sightseeing spots when time is limited.
- Address: 41-2 Kinugasa-cho, Sanjo-dori Shinmachi Higashi-iru, Nakagyo-ku, Kyoto
- Closed: Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays
- Phone: 075-221-3848
- Hours: 10:00-18:00 (Until sold out)
- Website: https://tabelog.com/kyoto/A2601/A260202/26001255/
KASHIWAI
Source:Official website
KASHIWAI is a Michelin Guide Bib Gourmand-selected restaurant where you can enjoy sushi that is as adorable as traditional Japanese sweets. In addition to seafood like tuna and shrimp, you can enjoy sushi made with traditional Kyoto ingredients and vegetables used in Shojin Dish, such as Yuba and Namafu (wheat gluten).
What I definitely want you to taste at KASHIWAI is, without question, their signature "Tsumami zushi." Fifteen bite-sized round sushi pieces come with miso soup and dessert for 4,300 yen (10 pieces for 3,300 yen), allowing you to savor a wide variety of traditional Kyoto sushi at a relatively reasonable price.
The sight of the small sushi pieces arranged neatly is beautiful like a jewelry box, and I couldn't help but take many photos. Please experience this unique sushi that fully reflects Kyoto's food culture, with attention to both appearance and taste.
<Information>
Address: 3-3 Koyama Shimouchi Kawaracho, Kita-ku, Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture
Business Hours: 9:00-20:30 (After 17:00, reservation required by the previous day)
Closed: Tuesdays, Wednesdays
Phone Number: 075-491-7056
Official Website: http://kyotojapon.co.jp/k/
7 Kyoto Sushi Restaurants Beloved by Locals
Pontocho Sushi Ishiya
source：Tabelog
"Pontocho Sushi Ishiya" is a hidden gem tucked away in the alleys of Pontocho. In a relaxed atmosphere, you can enjoy meals at reasonable prices.
There are two types of courses, and both serve many seasonal dishes before the sushi. These courses are also very filling and popular among tourists.
This restaurant's specialty is not just sushi, but also meat dishes using "Kyo no niku," a Kyoto Prefecture brand beef. The same quality beef as their sister restaurant "Yakiniku Ishiya" is included in the course. This beef has a smooth texture and a pure, straightforward meat flavor.
The tuna, which seems to be served at just the right moment, is sourced from Fujita Suisan, famous as the only tuna broker in Kyoto from Toyosu market. The quality of Fujita Suisan's tuna is among the best in Japan, allowing you to enjoy the deliciousness of fresh akami (lean tuna) and toro (fatty tuna).
- Address: Pontocho 24th alley, 210 Nabeya-cho, Nakagyo-ku, Kyoto
- Closed: Wednesdays (*They can open for lunch or on Wednesdays if you make a reservation)
- Phone: 050-5589-6125
- Hours: 17:00-23:00 (Last order 22:30)
- Website: https://www.instagram.com/sushi.ishiya.pontocho
Sushi Gion Matsudaya
Source:Official website
Sushi Gion Matsudaya is a high-end sushi restaurant located in the Gion area, where Kyoto's traditional streetscapes remain. My recommendation is that you can enjoy exceptional Kyoto sushi while watching the chef carefully prepare each piece of sushi, one by one, in an intimate space with only six counter seats.
At Sushi Gion Matsudaya, you can savor "Edomae sushi," which centers on nigiri sushi that developed in Tokyo. Using seasonal seafood procured from markets in Kyoto and Tokyo, the sushi is exquisite, prepared with cooking methods that maximize the qualities of each ingredient, whether raw fish or fish that is seared, steamed, or grilled.
The Kyoto sushi at Sushi Gion Matsudaya creates an exquisite harmony between classic "Edomae sushi" toppings like tuna and Kohada (Gizzard shad) and the flavorful rice seasoned with red vinegar. In the traditional streets where the atmosphere of old Japan remains, please enjoy authentic high-end sushi.
<Information>
Address: 570-123 Gion-machi Minamigawa, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture
Business Hours: 17:00~ / 19:30~
Closed: Irregular holidays
Phone Number: 090-3721-3338
Official Website: https://gion-matsudaya.com/
Sushi Iwa
Source:Tabelog
Sushi Iwa is an authentic sushi restaurant with approximately 50 years of history since its establishment, beloved by local customers and gourmets from around the world. In a space wrapped in a refined Japanese atmosphere, you can enjoy not only classic nigiri sushi such as tuna, sea bream, and squid, but also uniquely individual dishes using seasonal seafood and Kyoto's traditional vegetables.
Among them, my favorite is the nigiri sushi of "Kama toro (tuna collar)," a rare cut with plenty of fatty tuna. When you put it in your mouth, the high-quality fat melts and intertwines well with the soft, tender rice. It's a masterpiece where you can deeply savor the moderate acidity of the vinegared rice and the rich umami of the fatty Kama toro.
At Sushi Iwa, the beautiful presentation using Japanese traditional crafts such as "Kiyomizu-yaki," pottery fired in Kyoto, is also a must-see. Please fully enjoy Kyoto's unique food culture, where the finest Kyoto sushi made with top-grade seafood fuses with tradition.
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Address: Corner of Shimojuzuyacho-dori and Ainomachi, Shimogyo-ku, Kyoto City
Business Hours: 12:00-14:00 / 17:00-22:00
Closed: Mondays
Phone Number: 075-371-9303
Official Website: http://www.sushiiwa.jp/
Sushi Naritaya
Source:Tabelog
Sushi Naritaya is a sushi restaurant in Kyoto's popular tourist area, Arashiyama, popular with both local customers and domestic and international tourists. While it's right in the heart of the tourist area, about a 2-minute walk from Arashiyama Station (Keifuku Electric Railroad Co., Ltd.), you can enjoy sushi using fresh seafood procured from all over Japan.
At Sushi Naritaya, my favorite is the assorted nigiri sushi platter where you can taste a wide variety of Kyoto sushi at once, including tuna, salmon, shrimp, and more. The sight of the glossy, vividly colored sushi lined up is beautiful, and it's popular as a dish that can be enjoyed visually along with its excellent taste and outstanding freshness.
Another reason I recommend Sushi Naritaya is that the menu has English descriptions. Even foreigners eating sushi for the first time can confidently choose their preferred menu items. If you want to casually experience authentic sushi, please visit.
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Address: 3-25 Saga-Tenryuji Susukinobabacho, Ukyo-ku, Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture, Arashiyama Square West Park
Business Hours: 11:00-15:00
Closed: Wednesdays, and other irregular holidays
Phone Number: 090-8579-8383
Official Website: https://masashianiki.wixsite.com/naritaya
Nigiri Chojiro - Kitayama Shichiku
Source:Tripadvisor
"Nigiri Chojiro - Kitayama Shichiku" is a popular conveyor belt sushi restaurant where you can enjoy diverse Kyoto sushi with over 50 types of nigiri sushi alone. Committed to seasonal seafood procured from throughout Japan and domestic rice, despite being an affordable conveyor belt sushi format, you can taste authentic sushi woven from fresh toppings and the chef's skill.
The sushi at this restaurant is offered at around 200 to 500 yen per plate, and my favorite point is that you can try various toppings without worrying about your budget. From classic nigiri sushi toppings like tuna and salmon to Kyoto-style Sabazushi and seasonal limited toppings, you can also enjoy the fun of deciding which topping to choose.
At this location, you can order using a multilingual touch panel, so even foreigners who don't understand Japanese can safely and carefully select their favorite menu items. In addition to sushi, Japanese dishes such as tempura and udon are also available, so it's also recommended for those who want to try a little bit of a wide range of Japanese cuisine.
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Address: 47-2 Shichiku Nishinoyamahigashicho, Kita-ku, Kyoto City
Business Hours: [Weekdays] 11:00-15:00 (L.O. 14:30) / 17:00-23:00 (L.O. 22:30) [Weekends and Holidays] 11:00-23:00 (L.O. 22:30)
Closed: None
Phone Number: 075-432-7122
Official Website: https://www.chojiro.jp/shop/detail?id=49
Sushi no Musashi - Sanjo Main Store
Source:Google Maps
"Sushi no Musashi - Sanjo Main Store" is the main store of a conveyor belt sushi chain representing Kyoto, established in 1977. While it's a restaurant where you can enjoy sushi reasonably, it has maintained high standards in everything from the taste of the cuisine to the cleanliness of the interior and the staff's hospitality, and has been loved by locals for a long time.
At this restaurant, my favorite point is that you can enjoy seafood with outstanding freshness, such as procuring some toppings like horse mackerel and white fish directly from Kyoto fishermen. The fresh toppings where you can taste the umami of the seafood are perfectly compatible with the rice made from a blend of three types of domestic rice and vinegar fragrant with kelp flavor.
One of the attractions of "Sushi no Musashi - Sanjo Main Store" is that you can enjoy nigiri sushi affordably from around 100 yen per plate. On the other hand, there are also premium toppings at nearly 1,000 yen per plate, so please find your favorite sushi from a wide range of choices.
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Address: 440 Ebisucho, Kawaramachi Sanjo Agaru, Nakagyo-ku, Kyoto City
Business Hours: 11:00-21:45 (Last entry 21:20, L.O. 21:30)
Closed: January 1st
Phone Number: 075-222-0634
Official Website: https://sushinomusashi.com/
Sushi no Musashi - Kyoto Station Hachijo Entrance
Source:Official website
"Sushi no Musashi - Kyoto Station Hachijo Entrance" is one location of the conveyor belt sushi chain that has "Sushi no Musashi - Sanjo Main Store," which I introduced earlier, as its main store. Like the main store, it gathers popularity by offering a wide variety of Kyoto sushi using freshly caught seafood at reasonable prices.
This location, directly connected to Kyoto Station, which is the center of Kyoto tourism, has convenience as its greatest attraction. Also, it's open from before noon until late at night, and when I visit Kyoto, my routine is to stop by during free time before or after taking the Shinkansen and enjoy exquisite sushi.
At this restaurant, another point I recommend is that you can enjoy unique Kyoto sushi, such as pressed sushi with Pike conger and sushi using Yuba. When traveling to Kyoto, please casually enjoy traditional sushi using Kyoto ingredients.
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Address: 8-3 Higashishiokoji Takakuracho, Shimogyo-ku, Kyoto City, Kyoto Station Hachijo Exit Area, ASTY ROAD Kyoto Omotenashi Koji
Business Hours: 10:30-21:45 (Last entry 21:20, L.O. 21:30)
Closed: None
Phone Number: 075-662-0634
Official Website: https://sushinomusashi.com/
For those who want to experience Kyoto's food culture even more deeply, I recommend participating in the "Kyoto Bar Hopping Nightlife Tour in Pontocho." In this tour, you can enjoy meals while visiting three hidden izakaya (Japanese bars) in the Gion area and around Pontocho, where Kyoto's traditional streetscapes remain.
I also recommend this tour because you can savor uniquely individual local sake along with "Obanzai," Kyoto's traditional home cooking. With this tour guided by an English-speaking local guide, you can fully experience local flavors while deepening your understanding of Kyoto's food culture.
This tour also provides soft drinks for those who cannot drink alcohol and vegetarian menu options. If you have ingredients you cannot eat, such as being vegetarian or disliking seafood, please let us know in advance when making a reservation.
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Meeting point: Gion Shijo Station, right outside of Exit 5, in front of Izumo no Okuni Statue
Tour Area: Gion area, around Pontocho
Start Time: 17:30~
3 Points to Maximize Your Sushi Enjoyment
Order "Omakase" to Enjoy Seasonal Sushi
Did you know that ingredients have a "shun" (peak season)? Seasonal ingredients are at their highest nutritional value and flavor, making them the most delicious. For example, sea bream is best in spring, eel in summer, and Pacific saury and salmon in autumn.
Professional chefs have more extensive knowledge about ingredients than we do. They also source ingredients with seasonality in mind.
By choosing "omakase" (chef's choice), the knowledgeable chef will serve you sushi made with seasonal ingredients to the fullest. This is overwhelmingly more delicious than ordering à la carte yourself. Whenever I have the option for "omakase," I order it without hesitation.
Remove Your Watch
If you're wearing a watch, remove it before eating sushi. This is to avoid scratching the precious sushi counter.
Most sushi restaurant counters are made from a "single plate" of wood. A single plate is a seamless board cut from a single tree. It retains the unique grain pattern of the wood and is often rare and expensive.
In the case of soft wood, even contact with the metal parts or strap of a watch can potentially cause scratches. Sushi chefs design not only the sushi but also the entire space, including the counter and tableware. Remove other accessories like bracelets as well to show respect for the sushi restaurant and enhance your dining experience.
Avoid Perfume and Smoking
When visiting a high-end sushi restaurant, avoid wearing perfume and refrain from smoking. Sushi is a cuisine that cherishes the aroma of its ingredients and is meant to be enjoyed with delicate flavors. To avoid interfering with these subtle flavors, it's necessary to avoid perfume.
Moreover, smoking not only leaves an odor on your body and clothes but also negatively affects your own sense of taste. Don't smoke not only inside the restaurant but also before visiting the sushi restaurant.
Observing these fragrance manners allows you to enjoy the sushi's flavors to the fullest and shows consideration for other customers. Follow these aroma etiquettes and savor the deliciousness of sushi.
After enjoying meals in Kyoto, enjoy Kyoto's tourist spots deeply and efficiently with guidance from local guides!
After savoring exquisite Kyoto sushi, please also visit popular tourist spots where you can enjoy Kyoto's history and nature. In Kyoto, various guided tours are held where you can enjoy shrines and temples registered as World Heritage sites and nature in all four seasons.
At Fushimi Inari Taisha, famous for its spectacular view of approximately 10,000 red torii gates lined up, I recommend a hiking tour where you can stroll through forest paths known only to locals. You can quietly enjoy Kyoto's history and nature while avoiding roads crowded with tourists.
Also, in the Arashiyama area, a walking tour is popular that visits the Japanese garden of "Tenryu-ji," a Zen temple with high prestige even in Kyoto, and a beautiful bamboo forest that feels like entering the world of a story.
Since both are walking tours, I recommend participating in comfortable walking shoes. Also, when entering shrines and temples, participation in polite attire is necessary. Please check the details of highlights and precautions for each tour from the Tour Information below.
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[Fushimi Inari Hidden Hiking Tour]
- Meeting point: Family Mart Nakai Tofukuji Store
- Tour Area: Around Fushimi Inari Taisha
- Start Time: 9:00~ / 9:30~ / 10:00~ / 13:00~
[Kyoto Arashiyama Bamboo forest & Garden Half-Day Walking Tour]
- Meeting point: Outside the North Exit of JR Saga-Arashiyama Station, at the bottom of the stairs (near taxi stand)
- Tour Area: Around Arashiyama area
- Start Time: 9:00~ / 9:30~
