Tokyo is justifiably famous for sushi, but you can also get great sushi in Kyoto. Here are some of the best sushi restaurants in the city that are approachable for foreign travelers.
We’ve listed a few of our sushi standbys in this city below. They’re all affordable, good, and more importantly, approachable for non-Japanese patrons. Yes, you might find better sushi at a few of Kyoto’s elite restaurants, but it would be hard to enter such places without a Japanese friend. The places listed here are all places you can actually visit and enjoy.
- Den Shichi (Central Kyoto; mid-range)
One of the best and most approachable sushi bars in Kyoto, Den Shichi serves mouth-watering sushi in a classic sushi-bar atmosphere. - Sushi Ryori Nakata (Downtown Kyoto; mid-range to expensive)
This downtown sushi restaurant serves some fantastic sushi in an intimate and friendly setting. It will likely be among the best sushi you’ve tried. Get your hotel to reserve. - Sushi Taizo (Downtown Kyoto; mid-range to expensive)
This hidden gem of a sushi place near the Kamo-gawa River is the place to come for refined but unpretentious sushi meal. With 12 counter seats and one table, reservations are recommended. - Sushisei (Downtown Kyoto; mid-range)
Sushisei is one of the best moderately priced sushi restaurants in Kyoto. They’re relatively comfortable with foreigners and its right downtown. - Azuma Sushi (Southern Higashiyama; mid-range)
Eating sushi at a local neighbourhood joint doesn’t get better than this. For unpretentious, delicious sushi that won’t break the bank, head over to Azuma Sushi in Higashiyama. - Kanazawa Maimon Sushi Kyoto Porta Branch (Kyoto Station Area; budget)
This excellent automatic sushi place beneath Kyoto Station is always crowded and for good reason: the sushi is cheap but excellent! - Chojiro Kyoto Avanti (Kyoto Station Area; budget)
Just a short walk south of Kyoto Station in the Avanti Mall, this automatic sushi place is one of our favorite places for a casual sushi lunch near the station and it’s less crowded than Maimon (above).
Best Kyoto Restaurant Recommendations
- Best Restaurants In Kyoto
- Best Affordable Sushi in Kyoto
- Best Cafes in Kyoto
- Best Child-Friendly Restaurants in Kyoto
- Best Gyoza in Kyoto
- Best Izakaya in Kyoto
- Best Japanese Tea and Sweet Shops in Kyoto
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- Best Kissaten in Kyoto
- Best Okonomiyaki in Kyoto
- Best Ramen in Kyoto
- Best Resutoran-gai in Kyoto
- Best Shojin Ryori (Japanese Buddhist vegetarian cuisine)
- Best Shokudo (All Round Restaurants) in Kyoto
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Kyoto Vacation Checklist
- For all the essentials in a brief overview, see my First Time In Kyoto guide
- Check Kyoto accommodation availability on Booking.com and Agoda.com - often you can book with no upfront payment and free cancellation
- You can buy shinkansen (bullet train) tickets online from Klook - popular routes include Tokyo to Kyoto, Kyoto to Osaka and Kyoto to Tokyo
- Need tips on where to stay? See my one page guide Where To Stay In Kyoto
- See my comprehensive Packing List For Japan
- You can buy an eSim to activate in Japan or buy a data-only SIM card online for collection when you arrive at Tokyo's Narita or Haneda Airports or Kansai International Airport. You can also rent an unlimited data pocket wifi router
- Compare Japan flight prices and timings to find the best deals
- If you're making frequent train journeys during your visit, you might save money with Japan Rail Pass – see if it's worth it for you
- World Nomads offers simple and flexible travel insurance. Buy at home or while traveling and claim online from anywhere in the world
- Do you want help planning your trip? Chris Rowthorn and his team of Japan experts at Japan Travel Consulting can help
