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Enjoy Authentic Sushi in Kyoto! 14 Excellent Sushi Restaurants
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Although Kyoto is not located by the sea, it offers some of the best sushi in Japan. This article introduces several traditional Kyoto sushi restaurants, well-known Edomae sushi establishments in the ancient city, and affordable delicious conveyor belt sushi.
Written by
I used to live in Japan and managed to conquer 78 out of the 100 famous castles and 12 existing castle towers in 8 years. As a history enthusiast, I also have a passion for baseball and Japanese dramas, which have driven me to visit all 47 prefectures. I hope to convey not only the scenery of Japan but also more of its culture and way of life.
In addition to regular Edomae sushi that you can also find in Tokyo or other locations, Kyoto has authentic sushi dishes that originated in this city due to geographical and historical factors.
Mackerel sushi and chirashi-zushi (scattered sushi) are two types of sushi that Kyoto is particularly famous for. The sushi restaurants introduced below are located in Gion and other areas in central Kyoto so they should be easy to find.
Kyoto Sushi Restaurants
Classic Kyoto Sushi: Mackerel Sushi
1. Izuu
2. Izuju Sushi
3. Suehiro
Kyoto-Style Chirashi-zushi (Scattered Sushi)
4. Hisago-Zushi
Regular Edomae Sushi Restaurants
5. Sushi Gion Matsudaya
6. Sushi Matsumoto
7. Gion Sushi Tadayasu
8. Gion Sato
9. Nishiki Sushi Shin
10. Nakata Sushi and Cuisine
11. Nijo Kizuki
Affordable Conveyor Belt Sushi
12. Daiki-Suisan Conveyor Belt Sushi
13. Conveyor Belt Sushi Chojiro
14. Musashi Conveyor Belt Sushi (Sushi no Musashi)
Classic Kyoto Sushi: Mackerel Sushi
Picture courtesy of PR Times
Despite the historical prosperity of Kyoto, it is not a city located by the sea. Instead of consuming fresh seafood, the custom marinating fish in vinegar or making heat-treated fish dishes is more prominent in Kyoto.
In ancient times, there was even a road specifically used to transport seafood from the Sea of Japan, earning the nickname "Mackerel Road" due to the large quantities of mackerel being transported. The mackerel transported to Kyoto was used to create mackerel sushi, which has become a traditional delicacy of Kyoto.
Therefore, a visit to Kyoto should include savoring this traditional dish!
1. Izuu
Picture courtesy of PR Times
Founded in 1789, the Gion old shop Izuu has a history of over 200 years. They select mackerel from the Sea of Japan, pair it with rice produced in Shiga Prefecture, and wrap it in kelp from Hokkaido.
When sliced, the cross-section resembles a rabbit, a clever idea said to have originated from the first-generation owner via the kanji character for "rabbit."
Izuu
Address: 367 Kiyomotocho, Higashiyama ward, Kyoto City MAP
Website: https://www.izuu.jp/english/
2. Izuju Sushi
Located opposite Yasaka Shrine, Izuju is a branch of the old shop with a history spanning about 100 years. Their sushi dishes are famous for their flavor and quality.
The shop is particularly famous for the "Supreme Mackerel Sushi," which boasts abundant mackerel fat and tastes mild and mellow. Alongside mackerel sushi, one of Kyoto's three main types of sushi, there are other sushi deeply loved by locals.
Izuju Sushi
Address: 292-1 Gionmachi Kitagawa, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto City MAP
Website: https://gion-izuju.com/english-page/
3. Suehiro
Located south of the Kyoto Imperial Palace, Suehiro opened during the late Edo Period (1603-1868) and has faithfully preserved the traditional taste of Kyoto sushi for over 200 years.
The mackerel sushi is characterized by exceptionally thick fish meat that retains its elasticity even after pickling. No wonder it attracts a constant flow of customers to the store.
You'll also find traditional Kyoto-style sushi, including hako sushi and maki rolls. It's worth trying when you have the opportunity!
Suehiro
Address: 711 Teramachi Nijo-agaru Kamigyo-ku, Kyoto City MAP
Website: https://sushi-suehiro.jp/index.html (Japanese)
Kyoto-Style Chirashi-zushi (Scattered Sushi)
Picture courtesy of PR Times
Kyoto's scattered sushi (chirashi-zushi) originates from the Tango region in the northern part of Kyoto Prefecture. It does not contain raw fish but grilled mackerel chunks topped with shredded egg, fish board, red ginger, and other colorful ingredients.
Due to the frigid winter climate in Kyoto, locals steam the scattered sushi, making steamed sushi ("mushi zushi") a symbol of the city's winter.
4. Hisago-Zushi
Hisago-Zushi is in the bustling Kawaramachi district. Their signature scattered sushi mixes sweetly cooked shiitake mushroom and shredded seaweed into the rice. It is then topped with shredded egg, blanched shrimp, and grilled gizzard shad.
In winter, the restaurant changes the scattered sushi to steamed sushi, steaming the seasonal dish when ordered. Although the waiting time is about ten minutes, it's truly delicious. Patrons are always willing to wait for this tasty dish.
Hisago-Zushi
Address: 344 Shioyacho, Nakagyo-ku, Kyoto City MAP
Website: http://www.hisagozusi.co.jp/ (Japanese)
Regular Edomae Sushi Establishments
Kyoto's sushi culture is associated with fermented fish but in recent years, there's been an increase in the number of Edomae sushi establishments opening in the city.
At these restaurants, you can enjoy regular bite-sized nigirizushi, makizushi (rolled sushi), and other types of sushi.
5. Sushi Gion Matsudaya
Matsudaya is located in Gion, Kyoto. After receiving a Michelin one-star rating, it has gained acclaim domestically and internationally among gourmands.
To maintain quality, the restaurant operates strictly on a reservation-only basis, accommodating only 12 guests daily. You should make reservations well in advance to secure a spot. It's important to note that Matsudaya only admits children aged 12 and above who can consume the set menu.
Sushi Gion Matsudaya
Address: 570-123 Minamigawa, Gionmachi, Higashiyama ward, Kyoto City MAP
Website: https://gion-matsudaya.com/en/
6. Sushi Matsumoto
Sushi Matsumoto, which shares its name with the Michelin one-starred sushi restaurant in Tokyo's Akasaka, is not a branch of the same establishment. Mr. Matsumoto, a sushi chef from the Kanto region, decided by chance to establish his restaurant in Gion, capturing the discerning palates of Kyoto with delicious Edomae sushi.
In addition to the common ingredients found in Edomae sushi, Matsumoto applies the traditional techniques of Edomae sushi to seafood from the Kinki region, creating a more local sushi experience.
Sushi Matsumoto
Address: 570-123 Minamigawa, Gionmachi, Higashiyama ward, Kyoto City MAP
Website: https://tabelog.com/kyoto/A2601/A260301/26002579/ (Japanese)
7. Gion Sushi Tadayasu
Sushi chef Tadayasu Morita has always aspired to open a sushi restaurant from a young age. After learning the art of Edomae sushi at a Tokyo sushi restaurant, he opened Gion Sushi Tadayasu in Kyoto.
The restaurant's specialty lies in preparing two types of sushi rice paired with different types of fish, accentuating the deliciousness of the ingredients. The alcoholic beverage selection for dining is diverse and changes with the seasons, making multiple visits always feel fresh.
Gion Sushi Tadayasu
Address: 572-9 Minamigawa, Gionmachi, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto City MAP
Website: https://www.facebook.com/gionsushitadayasu/
8. Gion Sato
In addition to meticulously selected sushi ingredients, Sato excels at utilizing delicate seasonal local ingredients for its exquisite cuisine, promising a delightful culinary journey.
Gion Sato
Address: 570-118 Minamigawa, Gionmachi, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto City MAP
Website: https://tabelog.com/kyoto/A2601/A260301/26005853/ (Japanese)
9. Nishiki Sushi Shin
Nishiki Sushi Shin is an Edomae sushi restaurant in Nishiki Market in Kyoto. Here, they creatively utilize fresh ingredients to create distinctive dishes.
What makes this restaurant special is its reasonably-priced lunch, where you can enjoy an Edomae sushi set for 4,500 Japanese yen!
Nishiki Sushi Shin
Address: 169-2 Higashi Aburakoji-cho, Nakagyo-ku, Kyoto City MAP
Website: https://www.nishiki-sushishin.com/ (Japanese)
10. Nakata Sushi and Cuisine
Not far from the bustling area of Kyoto's Shijo-Karasuma, Nakata Sushi and Cuisine offers affordable and delicious sushi sets.
For less than 10,000 Japanese yen, you can enjoy a full Edomae sushi meal accompanied by carefully prepared Japanese cuisine. Despite being open for only a few years, it has gained quite a reputation.
Nakata Sushi and Cuisine
Address: Hakurakutencho 511-1, Shimogyo ward, Kyoto City MAP
Website: https://peraichi.com/landing_pages/view/sushi2021nakata (Japanese)
11. Nijo Kizuki
Apart from offering fresh seafood Edomae sushi, Nijo Kizuki also provides Japanese sake from the owner's hometown in Yamaguchi Prefecture and creative Japanese dishes such as Ube beef.
You can enjoy delicious Edomae sushi for only 2,000 yen during lunchtime, making it popular due to its reasonable prices.
Nijo Kizuki
Address: 659 Seimeicho, Nakagyo ward, Kyoto City MAP
Website: https://nijyou-kizuki.net/ (Japanese)
Affordable Conveyor Belt Sushi
If you want to eat sushi on a budget or haven't made a reservation and wish to eat on a whim, there are highly-rated conveyor belt sushi options in Kyoto's urban area. In addition to the nationwide chains of Sushiro and Kura Sushi, we will introduce a few local conveyor belt sushi restaurants.
12. Daiki-Suisan Conveyor Belt Sushi
A chain restaurant originating in the region around Kyoto, Daiki-Suisan carefully selects locally sourced fresh catches to offer a wide variety of affordable sushi. Moreover, one of their branches is near Kyoto Station, making it a convenient stop when you arrive in Kyoto!
Daiki-Suisan Conveyor Belt Sushi Kyoto Tower
Address: B1F, 721-1 Higashi-Koji-dori Shichijo-sagaru Karasuma-dori, Shimogyo ward, Kyoto MAP
Website: https://sushi.daiki-suisan.co.jp/ (Japanese)
13. Kaitenzushi Chojiro Kyoto-Avanti
Kaitenzushi Chojiro Kyoto-Avanti offers the usual hand-pressed sushi and seasonal set menus, allowing you to taste the freshest seafood. Their branch at Kyoto Station is very convenient.
Kaitenzushi Chojiro Kyoto-Avanti
Address: B1F, Kyoto Avanti, 31 Higashi-Koji-dori Rokujo-sagaru Higashishiokoji-cho, Minami-ku, Kyoto City
Website: https://www.chojiro.jp/
14. Sushi no Musashi - Kyoto Station Hachijo Entrance
With locations within Kyoto's urban area, Sushi no Musashi selects fresh seafood and ensures that its rice, vinegar, tea, and soy sauce meet specific standards.
With over 40 years in operation, it remains the top conveyor belt sushi restaurant in the hearts of Kyoto residents. The main branch is in the lively Sanjo area, and there's also a branch in front of Kyoto Station!
Sushi no Musashi - Kyoto Station Hachijo Entrance
Address: 8-3 Takakura-cho, Higashi-iru Higashi-shiokoji-dori, Shimogyo-ku, Kyoto City MAP
Website: https://sushinomusashi.com/ (Japanese)
Enjoy Sushi in Kyoto
Kyoto's sushi culture is diverse and rich. In addition to mackerel sushi and steamed sushi, there are also sushi restaurants that utilize the techniques of Edomae sushi, sourcing local ingredients and creating new paths for sushi.
Whether you want to savor traditional flavors, experience artisan creativity, or taste fresh sushi, eating sushi in Kyoto is the way to go!
Read also
Main image from PR Times
I used to live in Japan and managed to conquer 78 out of the 100 famous castles and 12 existing castle towers in 8 years. As a history enthusiast, I also have a passion for baseball and Japanese dramas, which have driven me to visit all 47 prefectures. I hope to convey not only the scenery of Japan but also more of its culture and way of life.
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