When it comes to Japanese cuisine, 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 blend of flavor contained within a single bite! There are plenty of opportunities to try authentic, high-quality sushi for yourself when visiting Japan, especially in regions that neighbor the ocean. Tokyo is one of the best locations to find sushi spots, especially with markets like Tsukiji Fish Market and Toyosu Fish Market. You can also find restaurants like Sushi Dai and Daiwa Sushi in Tokyo, which are two of the most famous Sushi restaurants in the area.
But what if you’re looking for the perfect sushi feast in Kyoto?
Kyoto is the ancient capital of Japan. It’s a historic area where you can find various sophisticated sushi restaurants as well as cheaper alternatives like conveyor belt sushi trains. Kyoto also has its own style of traditional sushi called temari-sushi and saba-sushi (pressed mackerel sushi). Make sure you stick around to discover where you can get access to these unique sushi and much more!
In this article, we will introduce some of the best sushi restaurants in Kyoto along with the various styles on offer, with price ranges in mind!
Higher priced restaurants
1. Sushi Matsumoto / 鮨 まつもと
Sushi Matsumoto is one of the best sushi restaurants in Kyoto, earning them a Michelin star. It is located on Hanamikoji-Dori Street in the Gion area known as the Geisha District. The owner has spent years refining his skills to make traditional Edo-style sushi (Edomae-sushi) in Tokyo. After years of training, he opened this restaurant in Kyoto in 2005 to share this style of sushi with Kyoto. Enjoy this expert made Edo-style sushi made with the finest ingredients from across Japan!
Prices: \10,000 – \15,000 (Lunch) / \20,000 – \30,000 JPY (Dinner)
[Address] 570-123 Gionmachi Minamigawa, Higashiyama-Ku, Kyoto
[Google maps] https://goo.gl/maps/hSHpvZ8vaQvRbaCw5
[Reservations] Telephone only
2. Gion Sushi Tadayasu / 祇園 鮨 忠保
Gion Sushi Tadayasu is a sushi restaurant that opened in the Gion district during 2017. Shortly after opening, they became popular among the locals in Kyoto.
Both casual dining seats along the main counter as well as private rooms are available for customers of the establishment. Each private room is suitable for moderately sized gatherings, with a capacity of up to 4-6 people. This authentic Edomae-style sushi restaurant is a must-visit on your next visit to Kyoto. Each sushi here is carefully prepared, and the environment has a dignified charm.
Prices: \6,000 – \8,000 (Lunch) / \30,000 (Dinner)
[Address] 572-9 Gionmachi Minamigawa, Higashiyama-Ku, Kyoto
[Google maps] https://goo.gl/maps/sJtJ2Hiskeu
[Reservations] Can be made via their 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 the corner of Hanamikoji Street in the Gion District. The seafood provided at this restaurant is freshly sourced from either Toyosu Market in Tokyo or Nishiki Market in Kyoto.
Matsudaya has no fixed menu, as the chosen fish of the day depicts which dishes are on offer. If you get the chance, be sure to try their caviar sushi! You will be impressed by both its appearance and exquisite flavor.
Prices: \20,000 – \30,000 (Lunch) / \20,000 – \30,000
[Address] 570-123 Gionmachiminamigawa, Higashiyama-Ku, Kyoto
[Google map] https://goo.gl/maps/6jp3NR6X3Er
[Reservations] Can be made via their website
(https://pocket-concierge.jp/en/restaurants/243856?seat_date_eq=)
4. Sushi Kawano / 鮨 かわの
Sushi Kawano is located in the hidden local area of Kitaoji (Northern Kyoto City). This restaurant has just 9 seats spread along its main counter. Each time you dine here, the owner provides a full service where they explain the seasonal ingredients being used within every dish. If you’re looking for some peace and quiet paired with unique ingredients and the interesting stories behind them, head to Sushi Kawano.
Prices: \8,000 – \9,000 (Lunch) / \20,000 – \30,000 (Dinner)
[Address] 72-8 Shimogamo Higashihangicho, Sakyo-Ku, Kyoto
[Google maps] https://goo.gl/maps/AvRyi7itXu42
[Reservations] Telephone only
5. Fukuyoshi
Fukuyoshi, established in November 2019, brings the essence of Japanese sushi to life with its carefully crafted dishes made with fresh seafood and seasonal ingredients selected by the chef. The menu is comprised of a unique selection of sake and wine to accompany your authentic sushi experience. Located inside a traditional restored 120-year-old Kyoto townhouse, the restaurant acts as a glimpse into Kyoto’s historic past. Guests can savor their meal at the counter, or make use of the private tatami rooms for an intimate dining experience.
Prices: \10,000 – \20,000
[Address] 602-8241 Kyoto, Kamigyo Ward, Yakunincho
[Google map] https://maps.app.goo.gl/Vw3e7xsVw2aBDerSA
[Reservations] Can be made via their website
Moderately priced restaurants
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, they serve authentic inari sushi and Kyoto-style pressed mackerel saba sushi, which are unique and very tasty. If you wish to try authentic, traditional Kyoto sushi, Izuju could be the best choice for you.
Prices: \2,000 – \3,000 (Lunch) / \2,000 – \3,000 (Dinner)
[Address] 605-0073 Gionmachi Kitagawa 292, Higashiyama-Ku, Kyoto
[Google map] https://goo.gl/maps/s8DPqPstzxG2
[Reservations] No reservation required (entry can involve long wait times)
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 if you’re looking to try Edomae-style sushi. This restaurant has more affordable pricing, making it a good alternative for those looking for a quick glimpse into the Kyoto sushi experience.
Prices: \2,000 – \3,000 (Lunch) / \8,000 – \10,000 (Dinner)
[Address] 169-2 Higashiuoyacho, Nakagyo-Ku, Kyoto
[Google maps] https://goo.gl/maps/Gd5TfvVYrZG2
[Reservations] Telephone only
8. Gion Mametora / 祇をん 豆寅 祇園店
Gion Mametora offers Kyoto-style temari-sushi, a 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, a popular geiko practice spot, Mametora serves colorful, seasonal temari sushi pieces presented like jewels. It’s the perfect place to taste the best of Kyoto-style sushi!
Prices: \4,000 – \5,000 (Lunch) / \10,000 – \15,000 (Dinner)
[Address] 570-235 Gionmachi Minamigawa, Higashiyama-Ku, Kyoto
[Google map] https://goo.gl/maps/7TRzTjHq5S52
[Reservations] Telephone only
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 with branches all throughout Kyoto. Their main goal is to combine simplicity with authentic fresh ingredients offered at affordable prices. You can eat over 50 kinds of sushi including maguro (tuna) and salmon sushi from 1-2 dollars per plate.
Prices: \1,000 – \2,000 (Lunch) / \2,000 – \3,000 (Dinner)
[Google maps]
(Sanjo Head store) https://goo.gl/maps/dMiCCdyaGFt
(Kyoto Station) https://goo.gl/maps/LcDLEuAbTQT2
[Reservations] Not required but wait times can be long
10. Kappa Sushi / かっぱ寿司
Conveyor belt sushi is a common style of sushi restaurant in Japan due to its convenience and affordability. Kappa Sushi is a popular chain of conveyer sushi restaurants with branches across the country. All sushi are served at only 100 yen (plus tax) per plate! It’s super cheap, but the taste is still enough to satisfy your palate! Kappa Sushi has a unique conveyor belt system with a cute Shinkansen train carrying each order to your table! It’s also a great place to take your family and children for a convenient meal.
Price: around \110 per plate
[Address] 2 Nishikyogoku Higashiomarucho, Ukyo-Ku, Kyoto
[Google map] https://goo.gl/maps/Rm3KYWm8SMq
[Reservations] 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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