When it comes to Japanese food, the first food that comes to mind for many is Sushi. This classic dish typically pairs vinegared rice with authentic vegetables, meats and seafood for the perfect .
You can eat delicious and high-quality sushi everywhere in Japan, especially in the area close to the ocean. Tokyo is one of the best sushi spots, especially around Tsukiji Fish Market and Toyosu Fish Market, where there are many good restaurants (especially, Sushi Dai and Daiwa Sushi are the two most famous Sushi restaurants at the fish market).
However, how about Sushi in Kyoto?
Kyoto is the ancient capital of Japan. It’s a historic area where you can find many sophisticated sushi restaurants as well as cheap sushi such as conveyor belt style like the other areas of Japan. Kyoto also has its own traditional style of sushi called temari-sushi and saba-sushi (pressed mackerel sushi).
In this article, we will introduce some of the best sushi restaurants in Kyoto in various styles and price ranges!
Higher price range
1. Sushi Matsumoto / 鮨 まつもと
Sushi Matsumoto is one of the best sushi restaurants in Kyoto, which earned one Michelin star. It is located on Hanamikoji-Dori Street in the Gion area known as Geisha District. The owner had trained his skills to make Edo-style sushi (Edomae-sushi) in Tokyo. After years of hard training, he opened his restaurant in Kyoto in 2005 to spread Edo-style sushi in Kyoto. Enjoy Edo-style sushi made with the finest ingredients across Japan!
[Price range] Lunch: 10,000~15,000 JPY / Dinner: 20,000~30,000 JPY
[Address] 570-123 Gionmachi Minamigawa, Higashiyama-Ku, Kyoto
[Google maps] https://goo.gl/maps/hSHpvZ8vaQvRbaCw5
[Remarks] Reservation can be made by telephone only.
2. Gion Sushi Tadayasu / 祇園 鮨 忠保
Gion Sushi Tadayasu is a sushi restaurant that opened in the Gion district in 2017. Shortly after opening, they became very famous among the locals in Kyoto.
The counter seats on the first floor are perfect for casual occasions. A private room is also available for customers that is suitable for family events with a capacity of 4-6 people. The authentic Edomae-style sushi restaurant is a must-visit when in Kyoto. Customers can experience carefully prepared sushi in a dignified environment.
[Price range] Lunch: 6,000~8,000 JPY / Dinner: 30,000 JPY ~
[Address] 572-9 Gionmachi Minamigawa, Higashiyama-Ku, Kyoto
[Google maps] https://goo.gl/maps/sJtJ2Hiskeu
[Remarks] Reservation can be made by the website.
(https://pocket-concierge.jp/en/restaurants/244178)
3. Sushi Giom Matsudaya / 寿し 祇園 松田屋
Sushi Gion Matsudaya is an Edo-style sushi restaurant located on a corner of Hanamikoji Street in the Gion District. The fish provided at the restaurant are all natural and they are either from Toyosu Market in Tokyo or Nishiki Market in Kyoto.
Matsudaya provides only the best fish of the day so there is no fixed menu. A must-try sushi is caviar sushi! You will be impressed by both its appearance and flavor. Other sushi are also very well elaborate and original.
[Price range] Lunch: 20,000~30,000 JPY / Dinner: 20,000~30,000 JPY
[Address] 570-123 Gionmachiminamigawa, Higashiyama-Ku, Kyoto
[Google map] https://goo.gl/maps/6jp3NR6X3Er
[Remarks] Reservation can be made via the website.
(https://pocket-concierge.jp/en/restaurants/243856?seat_date_eq=)
4. Sushi Kawano / 鮨 かわの
Sushi Kawano is located in the local and hidden area of Kitaoji (Northern Kyoto City). This restaurant has only a counter with 9 seats. The owner explains the seasonal ingredients through the counter. You can dine in a quiet area of Kyoto.
[Price range] Lunch: 8,000~9,000 JPY / Dinner: 20,000~30,000 JPY
[Address] 72-8 Shimogamo Higashihangicho, Sakyo-Ku, Kyoto
[Google maps] https://goo.gl/maps/AvRyi7itXu42
[Remarks] Reservation can be made by telephone only.
5. Sushi Wakon / 鮨 和魂
The five-star Four Seasons Hotel Kyoto opened in October 2016 in the Higashiyama area, Kyoto which is a popular area with a large number of temples and other historical buildings. Sushi Wakon is a stunning location next to the beautiful 800-year-old Sekisuien pond garden. The restaurant was founded by Michelin-starred master Sushi chef Rei Masuda. Chef Masuda has assembled and trained a world-class team that focuses on providing a truly unforgettable Edomae-style sushi dining experience. Sushi Wakon was awarded a 1-star Michelin in the autumn of 2017.
[Price range] Lunch: 30,000~ JPY / Dinner: 30,000~JPY
[Address] 445-3 Myohoin Maegawa-Cho, Higashiyama-Ku, Kyoto
[Google map] https://goo.gl/maps/JGdep7hX7wR2
[Remarks] Reservation can be made by the website.
(http://www.sushiwakon.com/contact/?utm_source=tripadvisor&utm_medium=referral)
Under the middle price range
6. Izuju/ いづ重
Izuju is a traditional sushi restaurant that was established in front of Yasaka-shrine over 100 years ago. Izuju is not an ordinary sushi restaurant serving nigiri sushi, which is the most common style of sushi in Japan, but they serve authentic inari sushi and Kyoto-style pressed mackerel sushi called saba sushi, which are reasonable and very tasty. If you wish to try authentic and unique Kyoto sushi, Izuju could be the best choice.
[Price range] Lunch: 2,000~3,000 JPY / Dinner: 2,000~3,000 JPY
[Address] 605-0073 Gionmachi Kitagawa 292, Higashiyama-Ku, Kyoto
[Google map] https://goo.gl/maps/s8DPqPstzxG2
[Remarks] You don’t need the reservation. But you need to wait a bit to enter because it’s too popular.
7. Nishiki Sushi Shin / 錦 鮨しん
Nishiki Sushi Shin is a sushi restaurant that opened in Nishiki Market in August 2017.
We recommend visiting there during lunchtime as you can taste Edomae-style sushi at a more affordable price.
[Price range] Lunch: 2,000~3,000 JPY / Dinner: 8,000~10,000 JPY
[Address] 169-2 Higashiuoyacho, Nakagyo-Ku, Kyoto
[Google maps] https://goo.gl/maps/Gd5TfvVYrZG2
[Remarks] Reservation can be made by telephone.
8. Gion Mametora / 祇をん 豆寅 祇園店
Gion Mametora offers Kyoto-style temari-sushi, bite-sized sushi that was created for geiko and maiko to eat without ruining their makeup. Located on Gion Hanami-koji, in front of Kaburenjo where maiko and geiko practice, Mametora serves colorful, seasonal temari sushi pieces presented like jewels. It’s the perfect place to taste the best Kyoto-style sushi!
[Price range] Lunch: 4,000~5,000 JPY / Dinner: 10,000~15,000 JPY
[Address] 570-235 Gionmachi Minamigawa, Higashiyama-Ku, Kyoto
[Google map] https://goo.gl/maps/7TRzTjHq5S52
[Remarks] Reservation can be made by telephone.
Conveyor belt sushi
9. Sushi no Musashi / 寿司のむさし
Sushi no Musashi is a conveyor belt sushi restaurant that opened in 1977 and has branches around Kyoto. Aiming to become a simple restaurant specializing in using fresh ingredients since opening, Sushi no Musashi offers authentic and fresh sushi flavors at affordable prices. You can eat over 50 kinds of sushi including maguro (tuna) and salmon sushi from 1-2 dollars per plate at this restaurant. It’s not only cheap but also delicious!
[Price range] Lunch: 1,000~2,000 JPY / Dinner: 2,000~3,000 JPY
[Google maps]
(Sanjo Head store) https://goo.gl/maps/dMiCCdyaGFt
(Kyoto Station) https://goo.gl/maps/LcDLEuAbTQT2
[Remarks] Reservation is not required but it’s a very popular restaurant so you might have to wait for a bit.
10. Kappa Sushi / かっぱ寿司
A conveyor belt sushi is a common style to enjoy sushi in Japan and it’s a popular place to eat out. Kappa Sushi is a chained sushi restaurant that has branches across the country, and all sushi are served at only 100 yen (plus tax) per plate! It’s super cheap, but the taste is still very good. Kappa Sushi has a unique conveyor belt system with a cute Shinkansen train carrying your order to your table! It’s also a good place for a family with small children.
[Price range] 110 JPY per plate ~
[Address] 2 Nishikyogoku Higashiomarucho, Ukyo-Ku, Kyoto
[Google map] https://goo.gl/maps/Rm3KYWm8SMq
[Remarks] Reservation is not required
The map for the restaurants we introduced above:
Japan Wonder Travel Tours in Kyoto
When you are visiting Kyoto and you need some help organizing your trip, you came to the right place. We’re happy to help you make your trip to Kyoto the best trip ever. We can advise you on where to go or even better, show you around with a local, English speaking guide. Let us help you create safe, comfortable, and unforgettable memories in Kyoto!
▶Kyoto 8h Private Custom Highlight Tour with Licensed Guide
On this full-day private tour of Kyoto, you will be able to see the highlights of Kyoto in just one day and at the same time develop a deeper understanding of both the culture of the area and Japan as a whole.
▶Meet a Geisha in Kyoto: Guided Walk in Gion and Enchanted Time with Maiko
Meet a Maiko, a geisha in Kyoto, and enjoy a walking tour in Gion, the geisha district. See an authentic Japanese tradition unfold before your eyes that has existed for hundreds of years. You’ll have chance to take a photo with Geisha!
▶Explore Nishiki Market: Food & Culture Walk
If you’re looking to learn more about the culture and the local cuisine of Kyoto, this is the perfect tour for you! Take part in this Kyoto food and drink tour and explore the 400-year-old market and the famous surrounding areas.
▶Kimono Experience
Kyoto is the best city to explore in kimono, Japanese traditional clothing. You can choose the one you like the most from several patterns and colors at the rental shop. In Kyoto, two locations are both accessible from the main tourist attractions which makes it easy to try it on and explore the city for a day!
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Happy traveling!
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