Kyoto Sushi Guide 2024: 13 Best Traditional and Local Sushi Restaurants
Kyoto is called the "Ancient Capital" and can be considered the starting point of Japanese history. Even now, many old townscapes remain in Kyoto City, making it a very popular spot for foreign tourists.
I've visited Kyoto many times, and I always feel the difference in sushi compared to Tokyo and Osaka. The fact that there are unique sushi types and restaurants where you can eat while experiencing the traditional townscape is something I feel is unique to a city with such a long history.
So this time, I'd like to introduce Kyoto's unique sushi culture and recommended sushi restaurants in detail for foreign tourists. Please use this guide to enjoy Kyoto's sushi!
Sushi Culture in the Traditional City of Kyoto: Differences from Tokyo and Osaka
Kyoto's sushi has some unique characteristics that differ from Tokyo and Osaka. Let's take a closer look at these differences.
Unique Features of Kyoto Sushi
Source: Tabelog by hiro0827
First, Kyoto City is not facing the sea, so historically, it was difficult to use fresh fish like Tokyo's Edomae sushi. As a result, "mackerel sushi" developed in Kyoto as a preserved food.
Mackerel sushi is made by pickling mackerel in salt and vinegar, then pressing it into a box with vinegared rice. It's characterized by its high preservability. When I ate mackerel sushi in Kyoto, I was impressed by its unique taste, with the flavor of mackerel spreading in my mouth amid the sourness characteristic of preserved food.
Osaka also has a box sushi culture similar to mackerel sushi, but Osaka's is characterized by using not only mackerel but also salmon and egg rolls.
If you want to know about sushi in other regions, check out the related article "sushi perfect guide."
Related Article: The World of Sushi in Japan: The Perfect Guide for Foreigners
Many Sushi Restaurants in the Traditional Town
Source: Wikipedia
A characteristic of Kyoto's sushi is not just the sushi itself, but also the "location" of sushi restaurants. There are many sushi restaurants within Kyoto's traditional townscape.
In particular, "Pontocho" is known as a geisha district with over 400 years of history, and is now popular among tourists as a street where you can enjoy dining in historic buildings. Sushi restaurants here are reputed to offer local flavors while experiencing Kyoto's ancient history.
It's also a unique feature of Kyoto, with its long history, that there are many sushi restaurants with histories longer than those in Tokyo or Osaka, some with over 200 years of operation. However, there are also casual, popular sushi places and chain stores, which is nice for the variety of choices.
I've eaten sushi in Pontocho several times, and I was able to enjoy delicious sushi while also enjoying the Kyoto-like atmosphere. However, Kyoto is large, so there are fewer traditional townscapes outside of Kyoto City.
When you visit Kyoto, please try to enjoy sushi at a restaurant in Kyoto City's traditional townscape.
4 Recommended Sushi Restaurants to Eat Mackerel Sushi in Kyoto
Here are four recommended restaurants where you can eat Kyoto's specialty, mackerel sushi. Reservations are generally not required, so feel free to drop by.
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/
Hanaore: Characterized by Thick Mackerel
Source: Tabelog by グルメタクシー
The second is "Hanaore". Unlike Izuu introduced earlier, this shop is characterized by mackerel sushi that isn't wrapped in kelp.
It's a famous mackerel sushi shop with over 100 years of history, and its popularity stems from the particularly thick mackerel, although the pieces are relatively small. Takeout is available, and it's conveniently accessible, just a 5-10 minute walk from Keihan Demachiyanagi Station.
The budget is reasonable at 2,000-3,000 yen per person. The mackerel sushi I ate wasn't very large per piece, but I could really taste the mackerel and it was delicious. It was an elegant-feeling mackerel sushi.
<Store Information>
Address: 121 Shimogamo Miyazakicho, Sakyo Ward, Kyoto, 606-0802
Closed: Wednesdays
Phone: 075-712-5245
Hours: 10 AM–6 PM
Website: https://hanaore.storeinfo.jp/
Chidoritei: A Mackerel Sushi Restaurant Popular with Locals
Source: Tabelog by みるみんく
The third is "Chidoritei". It's a mackerel sushi shop with over 100 years of history, loved by local people. It's an eat-in sushi restaurant, open only for lunch.
The voluminous mackerel sushi lunch is popular, with a reasonable budget of 2,000-3,000 yen per person. I felt it was more voluminous than other mackerel sushi shops, giving high satisfaction.
It's about a 5-minute walk from Gion-Shijo Station, so it's easy to drop by while sightseeing. It's a restaurant where you can enjoy delicious mackerel sushi in a local atmosphere.
<Store Information>
Address: 203 Rokukencho, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto, 605-0806
Closed: Thursdays
Phone: 075-561-1907
Hours: 11 AM–5 PM
Website: https://chidoritei.jp/
Izuju: Popular for Boxed Mackerel Sushi
Source: Tabelog by Layuhanomimoni
The fourth is "Izuju". It's closely related to Izuu, which I introduced first, and is a long-established mackerel sushi shop with over 100 years of history.
They offer mackerel sushi wrapped in kelp like Izuu, as well as regular mackerel sushi. Particularly popular is a menu item featuring various pressed sushi including mackerel sushi in a box.
The budget is reasonable at 2,000-3,000 yen per person, and I felt it was quite voluminous and good value. It's about a 5-minute walk from Gion-Shijo Station and is located opposite the famous Yasaka Shrine, making it easy to visit.
I found this shop when I went to Yasaka Shrine and decided to try it. The box sushi was beautiful to look at and very delicious. When sightseeing in Kyoto, please make sure to stop by a delicious mackerel sushi restaurant.
<Store Information>
Address: 292-1 Gionmachi Kitagawa, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto, 605-0073
Closed: Wednesdays, Thursdays
Phone: 075-561-0019
Hours: 10:30 AM–6 PM
Website: https://gion-izuju.com/
6 Restaurants Where You Can Enjoy Sushi in Kyoto's Historic "Pontocho"
Here are six sushi restaurants on Kyoto's historic Pontocho Street. While they may not offer sushi unique to Kyoto, eating sushi in this historic street is something special.
In addition to local shops in Pontocho, I'll also introduce places where you can eat casually and cheaply. Many shops in Pontocho open in the evening and are often closed on weekdays, so be careful.
4 Sushi Restaurants Where You Can Best Experience Pontocho
The essence of Pontocho is enjoying sushi at local shops within the traditional townscape. Here are four shops where you can fully experience the atmosphere of Pontocho.
Yoshino: An Elegant Sushi Restaurant
Source: Tabelog by Yoshino
The first is "Yoshino". It's a sophisticated sushi restaurant in Pontocho, known for its satisfying and delicious sushi using fresh seafood.
It's a place where Kyoto locals go for dates or special occasions. The budget is a bit high at 5,000-6,000 yen per person for lunch and 10,000-20,000 yen for dinner, but in return, you can enjoy sushi in a relaxed atmosphere. Lunch is only available on weekends, but it's nice that you can enter without a reservation.
I used it at night, and I was impressed by the elegant atmosphere of the restaurant and the high quality of the sushi. I could well understand why it's popular among locals for special occasions.
<Store Information>
Address: Pontocho Kuro BAR, 122-5 Ishiyacho, Nakagyo Ward, Kyoto, 604-8002
Closed: Wednesdays
Phone: 075-746-3061
Hours: 5 PM–10 PM
Hours (Saturdays, Sundays): 11:30 AM–2 PM, 5 PM–10 PM
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kyoto.sushi.yoshino/
Maruman: Casual Yet Elegant Sushi
Source: Tabelog by jadewww
The second is "Maruman". It's a famous sushi restaurant in the Pontocho area with over 40 years of history, popular for its delicious sushi in a homey atmosphere.
The budget is 3,000-4,000 yen per person, allowing you to enjoy a high-quality Pontocho-like atmosphere at an affordable price. No reservation is needed.
When I visited, I was not only able to enjoy fresh and delicious sushi, but I was also very impressed by the kind and warm service. I recommend this restaurant for those who want to relax and enjoy sushi in Pontocho.
<Store Information>
Address: Daiichi Kohashi Kaikan 1st Floor, Shimogyo Ward, Kyoto, 600-8001
Closed: None
Phone: 075-221-0927
Hours: 6 PM–10 PM, 6 PM–9 PM (Tuesdays)
Website: Unavailable
Taisushi: A Local Favorite for "Omakase"
Source: Tabelog by y_hay
The third is "Taisushi". It's a retro-atmosphere restaurant loved by locals. Its simple style of omakase nigiri sushi and three types of alcohol is popular.
"Tai" means "sea bream", but you can enjoy various types of sushi. The budget is reasonable at 3,000-4,000 yen per person, allowing you to enjoy the atmosphere of Pontocho and sushi at an affordable price. No reservation is needed.
I was looking for a cheap and delicious local sushi restaurant in Pontocho, so this restaurant was perfect. The atmosphere of the restaurant was also nice, and I felt the cost-performance was quite high even among Pontocho restaurants.
<Store Information>
Address: 388 Komeyacho, Nakagyo Ward, Kyoto, 604-8026
Closed: Sundays, Thursdays
Phone: 075-221-6598
Hours: 5 PM–10 PM
Website: Unavailable
KINBE: For Enjoying Alcohol and Sushi Pairing
Source: Google Map by Danien Kano
The fourth is "KINBE". It's a restaurant that offers sushi using fresh seasonal ingredients. While sushi is the main focus, you can also enjoy small side dishes.
They have a wider variety of alcoholic drinks than most local shops, which is nice for enjoying pairings with sushi. The budget is 4,000-5,000 yen per person, and no reservation is needed.
When I visited, I really liked the retro Kyoto-like exterior and interior of the restaurant. And above all, I was impressed by how well the alcohol paired with the sushi.
<Store Information>
Address: 465 Matsugaecho, Rokkaku Nishi-iru, Nakagyo Ward, Kyoto, 604-8034
Closed: Mondays
Phone: 050-548-55797
Hours: 5 PM–10 PM
Hours (Saturdays, Sundays): 12 PM–3 PM, 5 PM–10 PM
Website: https://kinbei.gorp.jp/
2 Restaurants Where You Can Casually Enjoy Sushi in Pontocho
In Pontocho, there are increasingly more shops where you can enjoy sushi more casually in terms of both price and atmosphere. While the taste might be better at the long-established shops I introduced earlier, these casual shops are popular among locals who want to eat sushi in Pontocho at a lower price.
Kappa Sushi Pontocho: High-Quality Sushi at Affordable Prices
Source: Tabelog by Kappa Sushi Pontocho
The first is "Kappa Sushi Pontocho". This is a shop opened by the national sushi chain "Kappa Sushi" to match the atmosphere of Pontocho.
It features an elegant menu unique to Pontocho that you can't taste at other Kappa Sushi restaurants. In summer, you can even use seats outside where you can eat while looking at the Kamo River.
The budget is reasonable at 4,000-6,000 yen per person, and while lunch is only available on weekends, no reservation is required. While dining in Pontocho is especially popular among tourists and for special occasion dinners, this place is popular among locals as an everyday sushi restaurant where you can enjoy delicious sushi at reasonable prices.
I actually visited, and I was very satisfied with being able to eat delicious sushi at an affordable price while feeling the atmosphere of Pontocho in a seat overlooking the Kamo River. On weekends, I recommend it for lunch between sightseeing. No reservation is needed.
<Store Information>
Address: Shiori Building 1F, 160 Matsumotocho, Pontocho, Nakagyo Ward, Kyoto, 604-8013
Closed: None
Phone: 075-746-3061
Hours: 5 PM–11 PM
Hours (Saturdays, Sundays): 12 PM–3 PM, 5 PM–11 PM
Website: https://kappasushi.gorp.jp/
Sushitetsu Pontocho: The Cheapest Sushi Restaurant in Pontocho
Source: Tabelog by みつ
The second is "Sushitetsu Pontocho". It's a sushi chain restaurant popular for its delicious sushi at affordable prices.
This store offers the lowest-priced sushi in Pontocho. You can enjoy single sushi dishes (2 pieces) for about 250 yen, which is incredibly cost-effective. It's also nice that they use fresh seafood directly shipped from Tsukiji, Tokyo's famous fish market.
The budget is very reasonable at 2,000-3,000 yen per person, and no reservation is needed.
When I asked a Kyoto local, they said it was quite shocking to be able to eat sushi at this price in Pontocho.
To be honest, the restaurant doesn't have much of a Pontocho or Kyoto feel, but I think this is the place I'd recommend if you want to eat relatively cheap and decent sushi in Pontocho.
<Store Information>
Address: Karafuneya Pontocho Building 1F, Sanjo-dori, Pontocho-sagaru, Nakagyo Ward, Kyoto, 604-8002
Closed: Wednesdays
Phone: 075-257-1285
Hours: 5 PM–10:30 PM
Hours (Saturdays, Sundays): 12 PM–2 PM, 5 PM–10:30 PM
Website: https://sushitetsu.owst.jp/
3 Sushi Restaurants in Kyoto Selected for the Michelin Guide 2024
Did you know that there are sushi restaurants in Kyoto that have earned stars in the Michelin Guide?
While they're mostly "Edomae sushi" restaurants in the Tokyo style and may not have much of a Kyoto feel, I'd definitely recommend these restaurants for those who want to experience higher quality sushi.
Sushi Rakumi: A 1-Star Sushi Restaurant Popular for Its Side Dishes
Source: Tabelog by Sushi Rakumi
Sushi Rakumi, located near Keihan Sanjo Station, is a sushi restaurant that has earned one Michelin star.
When I visited, I was surprised by the wide variety of side dishes that go well with sushi, in addition to the nigiri sushi. Each dish was carefully prepared and the taste was superb.
The restaurant serves sushi and side dishes as part of an "omakase course", so you can enjoy the chef's recommendations.
The budget is 20,000-25,000 yen per person, and advance phone reservation is required, but I think it's a highly satisfying restaurant where you can enjoy high-quality sushi and side dishes.
<Store Information>
Address: 332-6 Miyoshicho, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto, 605-0081
Closed: Sundays, Mondays
Phone: 050-5597-8015
Hours: 5 PM–7 PM, 7:30 PM–9:30 PM
Website: Unavailable
Sushi Matsumoto: 1-Star Sushi at Affordable Prices
Source: Tabelog by Sushi Matsumoto
Sushi Matsumoto, located near Keihan Gion-Shijo Station, is a branch of a famous restaurant that was selected for the Michelin Guide in Tokyo for two consecutive years.
It's popular for offering high-quality sushi at relatively reasonable prices for a Michelin Guide restaurant.
When I visited, lunch was about 4,000-7,000 yen, but I was very satisfied with the freshness of the ingredients and the perfect balance of seasoning. Dinner is 10,000-20,000 yen, but even so, I think it's quite affordable compared to one-star sushi restaurants in Tokyo.
While I didn't feel much of a Kyoto atmosphere, I can definitely recommend this restaurant if you want to enjoy high-quality sushi. Note that phone reservation is required.
<Store Information>
Address: 570-123 Gionmachi Minamigawa, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto, 605-0074
Closed: Tuesdays
Phone: 075-531-2031
Hours: 12 PM–2 PM, 6 PM–9 PM
Hours (Wednesdays): 6–9 PM
Website: Unavailable
Sushi Hayashi: 1-Star Sushi Paired with Wine
Source: Tabelog by Sushi Hayashi
Sushi Hayashi, located near Keihan Demachiyanagi Station, is a 1-Michelin-star restaurant characterized by its delicious nigiri sushi paired with wine.
The budget is quite high at 20,000-40,000 yen for both lunch and dinner, but the sushi I tasted with high-quality wine was exceptional. The restaurant atmosphere is also refined, perfect for a special dinner.
Reservation is required, but it's convenient that you can make it online. I'd highly recommend this restaurant for those who want to experience a wonderful marriage of sushi and wine.
<Store Information>
Address: 101 Gran Cosmo Gosho, 31-1 Omotecho, Kamigyo Ward, Kyoto 602-0825
Closed: Wednesdays
Phone: 075-746-3020
Hours: 12 PM–2 PM, 6 PM–9 PM
Hours (Mondays, Thursdays): 6 PM–9 PM
Website: https://hayashi-sushi.com/
Online Reservation: https://x.gd/VU134
FAQ About Sushi in Kyoto
Finally, I'll answer some common questions that foreign visitors often have about enjoying sushi in Kyoto.
What's the Price Range for Sushi Restaurants in Kyoto?
To enjoy mackerel sushi, you'll need a budget of 2,000-3,000 yen per person. While many sushi restaurants in Pontocho, like "Yoshino", cost over 10,000 yen for dinner, there are also local shops and chain stores where you can eat for under 5,000 yen. Also, restaurants selected for the Michelin Guide require a budget of 20,000-40,000 yen.
Which Is Better for Enjoying Sushi, Kyoto or Osaka?
Kyoto's sushi has its own culture, such as mackerel sushi, and the charm of being able to enjoy it in a tasteful townscape. On the other hand, Osaka is characterized by being able to casually enjoy cheap and delicious sushi.
Both are wonderful sushi cities, but my recommendation is Kyoto. I think it's a wonderful experience to eat sushi that you can't taste elsewhere in an atmosphere unique to Kyoto. However, since Osaka and Kyoto are only about an hour apart by train, I recommend that travelers enjoy both.
I've Heard Kyoto Is a Traditional City, But Do Sushi Restaurants Understand English?
Since Kyoto has many foreign tourists, many sushi restaurants have English menus. Even shops in Pontocho, despite their local atmosphere, are accustomed to foreign customers, so there's no need to worry.
However, to be safe, I recommend having a translation app like Google ready to use. If there's a menu with photos, it's also recommended to order by pointing at the menu item you want to eat.
In this article, I've introduced Kyoto's unique sushi culture and recommended restaurants, which have a different charm from Tokyo and Osaka, in this traditional city.
The sushi culture unique to Kyoto, represented by mackerel sushi, and the sushi enjoyed in the tasteful traditional townscape are special experiences that can't be had in other cities.
Please use this guide's recommendations for mackerel sushi shops and sushi restaurants in Pontocho as a reference, and taste for yourself the sushi nurtured by Kyoto's long history and culture!
Just as you might use a tokyo sweets guide to explore the capital's desserts, this guide can help you navigate Kyoto's unique sushi scene. The contrast between traditional Kyoto sushi and modern interpretations offers a fascinating culinary journey that's distinct from what you'd find in Tokyo or Osaka.