Craving sushi in Kyoto? You’ve come to the right place! Kyoto offers a wide range of sushi restaurants to satisfy any palate and budget. From historic Gion to bustling downtown, you’ll find everything from intimate 8-seat counters to conveyor belt joints pumping out affordable bites. The key is knowing where to look.
Traditional sushi shops in picturesque districts serve up edomae-style pressed sushi and nigiri made with the day’s catch. Meanwhile, kaiten-zushi (conveyor belt) restaurants provide quick, casual fare for families and tourists near major stations. Prices range from ¥100 plates at kaiten-zushi to ¥20,000+ multi-course feasts at Michelin-starred venues.
To help narrow your search, we’ve compiled the definitive list of the top 10 sushi restaurants in Kyoto. From historic restaurants in Gion to more affordable options near Kyoto Station, you’ll find the perfect spot for your sushi fix. Just click below to continue reading our complete guide. With so many incredible sushi restaurants to choose from, your tastebuds will be singing in no time!
Historic Sushi Restaurants in Gion
Kyoto’s Gion district is home to some of the city’s most venerable sushi establishments. Sit at the counter and watch the itamae craft edomae-style nigiri with the seasons’ freshest seafood. Just be prepared to splurge for the premium ingredients and artistry.
Sushi Matsumoto
Tucked on a Gion side street, Sushi Matsumoto offers a 10-seat sushi counter in a traditional wooden townhouse. Third-generation owner and chef Kanzaki-san uses a charcoal grill to impart smoky flavors into his pressed sushi and sears fish like katsuo (skipjack tuna) to melting perfection. Matsumoto is tiny so reservations are essential.
Location: Shimbashi Nishi Iru, Gion-Shinbashi-Dori, Higashiyama-Ku
Price: ¥¥¥¥ ¥20,000+ multi-course menu
Gion Sushi Tadayasu
Slip off your shoes and step up to the polished 9-seat hinoki cypress counter at this historic Gion sushiya. Chef Tadayasu Yamamoto personally selects and ages each piece of premium seafood. Opt for the omakase course to experience edomae sushi at its finest. Reservations are highly recommended.
Location: Hanamikoji-dori, Gion, Higashiyama-ku
Price: ¥¥¥¥ ¥15,000+ multi-course menu
Sushi Wakon
Overlooking a private Japanese garden, Sushi Wakon combines Kyoto and Edo sensibilities into a rarefied 10-seat sushi counter experience. Chef Yamamoto crafts each nigiri to highlight the fresh catch of the day from Kyoto’s morning fish markets. Reservations are essential for dinner or lunch at this Michelin-starred gem.
Location: 551 Honeyanocho, Nakagyo-ku
Price: ¥¥¥¥ Multi-course menus from ¥20,000
Casual Sushi Dining in Central Kyoto
For more casual and affordable sushi fare, head to central Kyoto. Grab a seat at the counter or a table and relax over beautifully crafted sushi that won’t break the bank.
Sushisei
Conveniently located downtown, Sushisei serves high-quality sushi and friendly service in a relaxed ambiance perfect for tourists. The nigiri options focus on lean cuts and vegetables. Go for the good value teishoku sets.
Location: Sanjo-Kawaramachi Higashi Iru, Nakagyo-ku
Price: ¥¥ ¥2,500-4,000 for teishoku sets
Tsukiji Sushisei
Inside the Daimaru food hall, Tsukiji Sushisei offers solid sushi at affordable prices. Grab a seat at the 45-person counter to watch the chefs prepare tekkamaki rolls, seaweed salads, and nigiri. The teishoku sets offer excellent value.
Location: Daimaru Food Hall, Shijo Takakura, Shimogyo-ku
Price: ¥¥ ¥1,000-2,000 teishoku sets
Kakuredokoro Shunsai Sengyo Sanji
Near Karasuma Oike station, this hidden 8-seat sushi counter serves edomae-style nigiri made with seasonal seafood. Chef Sanji sources fish like hirame and aji daily from Kyoto’s Nishiki Market. The omakase course offers the best value. Reservations recommended.
Location: 107 Umeyacho, Nakagyo-ku
Price: ¥¥¥ ¥5,000-10,000 omakase
Sushi Near Kyoto Station
Grab fast, fresh sushi near Kyoto’s main train hub. These restaurants cater to families, travelers, and anyone craving quick bites.
Daiki Suisan
Daiki Suisan’s kaiten-zushi restaurant by Kyoto Station turns out consistently tasty conveyor belt sushi. Plates start at just ¥105 for nigiri, maki rolls, and seaweed salad. The restaurant stays open late, perfect for a post-drink bite.
Location: Shiokoji Sawaragicho, Shimogyo-ku
Price: ¥ ¥105-500 per plate
Sushi no Musashi
This popular kaiten spot by Kyoto Station’s west entrance serves bargain sushi on two floors. Plates start at ¥130 for basics like tuna and salmon nigiri. Musashi stays open until 2am, ideal for a late-night sushi fix.
Location: Kyoto Station 8th floor, Shiokoji Sawaragicho, Shimogyo-ku
Price: ¥ ¥130-500 per plate
Japanese Restaurant Mai
For a more upscale experience near Kyoto Station, visit Japanese Restaurant Mai. Alongside kaiseki-ryori dishes, Mai serves skilled edomae-style nigiri made with fish from Kyoto’s markets. Go for the sushi alone or sample it as part of a multicourse meal.
Location: Higashishiokoji-cho 561, Shimogyo-ku
Price: ¥¥¥ ¥5,000-15,000 per person
Find Your Favorite Kyoto Sushi Spot
With its focus on seasonality and quality ingredients, Kyoto is a sushi lover’s paradise. From intimate sushi counter experiences to quick kaiten bites, you’ll find plenty of stellar sushi. Use our guide to pinpoint the top sushi restaurants in Gion, downtown, and around Kyoto Station for your upcoming foodie adventure.
