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Searching where to find the best sushi in Kyoto? Lucky you—we know where the best sushi restaurants in Kyoto are.
Sushi is a world-renowned Japanese dish. You’ve probably eaten them in your own country. When visiting Japan, it’s everywhere. If you are in Kyoto, you might be worried about it being landlocked, away from the source of fresh seafood.
Don’t worry. We have some recommendations so you can experience what authentic fresh sushi tastes like.
You can find world-class sushi restaurants in Kyoto. From high-end sushi places to more affordable ones like a conveyor belt-style restaurant, you have many options where you can taste traditional Kyoto-style sushi dishes like pushed mackerel sushi and Temari sushi.
Here are 5 of the best sushi restaurants in Kyoto:
1. Izuju Sushi
Izuju was founded across Yasaka Shrine over 100 years ago. As a traditional restaurant, Izuju serves not just any sushi that serves it nigiri style, which is a common style of sushi in Japan. Izuju serves pushed mackerel sushi such as inari sushi and saba sushi, authentic sushi that originated from Kyoto.
Price: 2,000 - 3,000 JPY for Lunch/Dinner
Hours: 10:30 am – 6:00 pm Monday-Friday
Location: 292-1 Gionmachi Kitagawa, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto
Also Read: 5 Best Sake Brands in Japan for Beginners
2. Sushi no Musashi
If you are looking for an affordable conveyor belt-style sushi restaurant in Kyoto, head over to Sushi no Musashi. Established in 1977, Sushi no Musashi offers over 50 authentic and fresh sushi variants, ranging from standard tuna salmon sushi to more flavorful inari sushi. Mind you, their sushi ranges from 1-2 USD per plate, so it’s very affordable! Sushi no Musashi now has two branches in Kyoto.
Price: 1,000 - 2,000 JPY for Lunch / 2,000 - 3,000 JPY for Dinner
Hours: 10:30 am - 9:30 pm Daily
Location: 8-3 Higashishiokoji Takakuracho, Shimogyo Ward, Kyoto
3. Gio Mametora
If you are looking for authentic Kyoto-style Temari sushi (bite-sized sushi), Gio Mametora is a great option. Although sushi is already bite-sized originally, Temari sushi is even smaller and rounder. They serve Temari sushi with seasonal ingredients as well as vibrant sushi carefully arranged in a bix. Temari sushi was originally intended for geiko and maiko (traditional female entertainers in Kyoto) so they won’t mess up with their sophisticated makeup as well as the way they open their mouths. Gio Mametora is located right across Kaburenjo, the place where maiko and geiko practice and perform.
Price: 4,000 - 5,000 JPY for Lunch / 10,000 - 15,000 JPY for Dinner
Hours: 11:30 am - 3:00 pm (Lunch) / 5:00 pm - 8:30 pm (Dinner)
Location: 570-235 Gionmachi Minamigawa, Higashiyama-Ku, Kyoto
Also Read: 5 Best Buffet Restaurants in Kyoto
4. Sushi Giom Matsudaya
Sushi Giom Matsudaya is a small exclusive sushi restaurant in Kyoto with only 7 seats at the counter. They serve Edo-style sushi made from fresh ingredients sourced from either Nishiki Market in Kyoto or Toyosu Market in Tokyo. Sushi Giom Matsudaya has no hard and fast menu because they want to serve the best fish of the day. One thing you should also try is caviar sushi, whose flavor, smell, and look will captivate you.
Price: 20,000 - 30,000 JPY for Dinner
Hours: 5:00 - 10:00 pm Daily
Location: 570-123 Gionmachiminamigawa, Higashiyama-Ku, Kyoto
Also Read: 5 Best Ramen in Kyoto
5. Sushi Matsumoto
Sushi Matsumoto is a Michelin-star restaurant and definitely one of the best sushi restaurants in Kyoto. The owner of the restaurant trained in Tokyo and mastered Edo-style sushi, prompting him to open the restaurant in 2005. Sushi Matsumoto takes pride in its principle to only use the finest ingredients sourced across Japan.
Price: 10,000~15,000 JPY for Dinner
Hours: 5:00 - 10:00 pm
Location: 570-123 Gionmachi Minamigawa, Higashiyama-Ku, Kyoto
