Sushi in Kyoto: No Disappointment

Once you arrive in Kyoto, you might start thinking about having sushi in Kyoto. Sushi is, of course, an important part of Japanese food culture, but it’s not as simple as it may seem.

Here, I’ll explain what makes sushi special and how to enjoy sushi in Kyoto.

How Sushi in Kyoto Is Different from Sushi in Tokyo

One of the best Kyoto style sushi in my favorite restaurant.

This is a must-know: there’s a big difference between sushi in Kyoto and sushi in Tokyo.

The sushi style most people know today was developed in Tokyo during the Edo period (1603–1868). That’s why sushi around the world usually means Tokyo-style sushi.

But there are many different styles of sushi across Japan. Kyoto has its own unique style, and it’s quite different from sushi in Tokyo.

Kyoto sushi is also known as “Kamigata-sushi.” The rice is a bit sweeter, and the texture is slightly firmer. The taste is quite different from Tokyo-style sushi, so you might be surprised if you don’t know this in advance.

There are some Tokyo-style sushi restaurants in Kyoto as well, but if you’re planning to visit Tokyo, I’d recommend saving that experience for there. Hokkaido is another great option—prices are generally lower, and the quality is amazing.

What Is Sushi in Kyoto?

When it comes to Kyoto-sushi, this place is my first call.

As I mentioned earlier, sushi in Kyoto is unique—and it tastes great. There are several types of Kyoto-style sushi, such as saba-zushi (mackerel sushi), hako-zushi (box-shaped sushi), maki-zushi (rolls), and chirashi-zushi (sushi bowls).

Kyoto-style sushi rice is made with sugar and dashi (seaweed-based soup stock), which gives it a different flavor from Tokyo-style sushi. Another reason for this style is preservation. Kyoto city is an inland city and does not face the ocean, so sushi developed in a way that keeps fish fresh for longer.

While all kinds of Kyoto sushi are delicious, my personal favorite is saba-zushi (mackerel sushi). I’ve loved it since I was a kid, and I was honestly very excited about it when I decided to move to Kyoto. When it comes to saba-zushi, Kyoto is one of the best places in Japan.

Saba street (Mackerel road)

There is a historic route known as “Saba Kaido,” or Mackerel Road. It runs from Fukui Prefecture down to Kyoto.

Mackerel is caught in Fukui, lightly vinegared, and then transported to Kyoto. During the journey to Kyoto, the vinegar slowly soaks deeper into the fish.

If you travel closer to Fukui along this route, you can enjoy saba-zushi that is closer to raw, with a lighter touch of vinegar. In a way, you can enjoy different stages of saba-zushi as you move along the road.

I’ve never tried the full route myself—but I definitely will someday :)

I’ll Be Your Concierge for Sushi in Kyoto — and Everything Else About Japan

It’s impossible to explain everything about sushi—and Japan—in just one article. What matters most is choosing the right place to stay for your trip.

We have a hotel in Arashiyama called “The GrandWest Arashiyama,” and an Airbnb accommodation in central Kyoto, Karasuma-Oike, called “fuwari kyoto stay"

If you’d like to discover the best places to enjoy sushi in Kyoto, please stay with us—we’d be happy to share our local tips.

Thank you for stopping by!