While Tokyo is justifiably famous worldwide for its high-end sushi scene, you can also get phenomenal sushi in Kyoto. If you are looking for the best affordable sushi in Kyoto, this guide highlights approachable, budget-friendly, and mid-range restaurants perfect for foreign travelers.
Why Choose Affordable Sushi in Kyoto?
We have listed our absolute favorite sushi standbys in the city below. They are all affordable, consistently delicious, and most importantly, highly approachable for non-Japanese patrons.
Yes, you might find slightly better sushi at a few of Kyoto’s elite, high-end omakase counters, but it is notoriously difficult to enter such exclusive places without a Japanese friend or a hotel concierge to book for you. The restaurants listed here are welcoming, accessible spots you can actually visit, walk into, and thoroughly enjoy without breaking the bank.
Top Rated Affordable Sushi Restaurants
Here are the best budget and mid-range sushi spots in Kyoto that offer incredible quality and a welcoming atmosphere.
Den Shichi (Central Kyoto | Mid-Range)
Classic Edomae Atmosphere
Widely considered one of the best and most approachable sushi bars in central Kyoto, Den Shichi serves mouth-watering, meticulously crafted sushi in a classic, traditional sushi-bar atmosphere. The chefs are highly skilled, and the restaurant offers a fantastic introduction to authentic counter dining for international visitors.
Sushi Ryori Nakata (Downtown Kyoto | Premium Mid-Range)
Intimate and Friendly Dining
This downtown sushi restaurant serves some fantastic, seasonal sushi in a remarkably intimate and friendly setting. The word ryori implies they also serve excellent cooked dishes alongside their raw fish. It will likely be among the best sushi you have tried in the city. Because it is small and highly sought after, please get your hotel concierge to reserve a seat for you well in advance.
Sushi Taizo (Downtown Kyoto | Hidden Gem)
Refined Riverside Sushi
This hidden gem of a sushi place near the scenic Kamo-gawa River is the ultimate destination for a refined but unpretentious sushi meal. The chef focuses on perfect technique and high-quality, seasonal catches. With only 12 counter seats and one private table, it offers a highly personalized experience. Reservations are absolutely recommended to secure a spot at the counter.
Sushisei (Downtown Kyoto | Tourist-Friendly)
Comfortable and Convenient
Sushisei is widely regarded as one of the best moderately priced sushi restaurants in downtown Kyoto. The staff is relatively comfortable with foreigners, making it a stress-free dining experience. Its prime downtown location near the Kawaramachi shopping district makes it an incredibly convenient stop after a long day of sightseeing and shopping.
Azuma Sushi (Southern Higashiyama | Local Favorite)
Authentic Neighborhood Vibe
Eating sushi at a local neighborhood joint does not get much better than this. For unpretentious, incredibly delicious sushi that will not break the bank, head over to Azuma Sushi in the historic Higashiyama district. It is the perfect, authentic spot to grab a quick, high-quality bite after visiting nearby temples like Kiyomizu-dera.
Kanazawa Maimon Sushi (Kyoto Station | Best Budget Conveyor Belt)
High-Quality Kaiten-Zushi
This excellent automatic sushi place (known as kaiten-zushi or conveyor belt sushi) located in the basement of the Porta mall beneath Kyoto Station is always crowded, and for good reason: the sushi is remarkably cheap but exceptionally fresh and excellent! It is the ultimate spot for a quick, budget-friendly meal right next to the train tracks.
Chojiro Kyoto Avanti (Kyoto Station | Casual & Quick)
Less Crowded Station Dining
Just a short walk south of Kyoto Station in the Avanti Mall, this automatic conveyor belt sushi place is one of our absolute favorite spots for a casual sushi lunch near the station. The best part? It is significantly less crowded and chaotic than Maimon, offering a much more relaxed dining experience while still delivering fantastic, affordable sushi.
10 Frequently Asked Questions About Kyoto Sushi
What is the best budget sushi in Kyoto?
The best budget sushi in Kyoto can be found at the conveyor belt restaurants near Kyoto Station, specifically Kanazawa Maimon Sushi and Chojiro Kyoto Avanti. They offer incredibly fresh fish at very low prices, often starting at around 100 to 150 yen per plate.
Where is the best conveyor belt sushi near Kyoto Station?
Kanazawa Maimon Sushi in the Porta basement and Chojiro in the Avanti Mall are the two best conveyor belt sushi restaurants near Kyoto Station. Maimon is famous for its high quality but gets very crowded, while Chojiro offers a slightly more relaxed atmosphere just a few minutes away.
How much does a sushi meal cost in Kyoto?
At a budget conveyor belt sushi restaurant near Kyoto Station, expect to spend between 1,500 and 3,000 yen per person. For a mid-range sit-down sushi bar like Den Shichi or Sushisei, a satisfying meal will typically cost between 5,000 and 10,000 yen per person.
Do I need to reserve sushi restaurants in Kyoto?
For conveyor belt sushi like Maimon or Chojiro, no reservations are needed; you simply wait in line. However, for sit-down counter sushi restaurants like Sushi Taizo, Sushi Ryori Nakata, and Den Shichi, reservations are highly recommended and often required, especially for dinner and weekend lunches.
Is Kyoto good for sushi?
Yes, Kyoto is excellent for sushi. While it is an inland city, Kyoto has a deep culinary tradition and access to high-quality seafood via nearby Osaka and historical trade routes. Kyoto sushi chefs are particularly famous for their shigoto (prep work), such as curing and marinating fish, which was historically necessary before refrigeration.
What is the most foreigner-friendly sushi bar in Kyoto?
Sushisei and Den Shichi are widely considered the most foreigner-friendly sit-down sushi bars in Kyoto. The staff is accustomed to international guests, and the atmosphere is welcoming. For absolute ease, the conveyor belt spots near Kyoto Station feature English tablet ordering.
What makes Kyoto style sushi unique?
Because Kyoto is far from the ocean, historical sushi chefs mastered the art of preserving fish. Kyoto style sushi often features kobujime (fish cured in kombu kelp to draw out umami) or local specialties like saba (mackerel) pressed with vinegar and kelp. You will also find excellent use of local Kyoto vegetables in their sushi rolls.
How do I order at a conveyor belt sushi restaurant in Kyoto?
At modern conveyor belt sushi spots like Chojiro or Maimon, you will usually find a touchscreen tablet at your seat. You can simply select your desired sushi in English, and the plates will be delivered directly to your seat via a high-speed bullet train track or a conveyor belt.
What is the best time to eat sushi in Kyoto to avoid lines?
To avoid long waits at popular budget spots like Kanazawa Maimon, arrive right when they open for lunch (usually around 11:00 AM) or go for an early dinner (around 4:30 PM). For high-end counters, booking weeks in advance is the only way to guarantee a seat.
Can I find vegetarian sushi in Kyoto?
Yes, you can easily find vegetarian sushi options in Kyoto. Look for kappa maki (cucumber roll), natto maki (fermented soybean roll), oshinko maki (pickled radish roll), and tamagoyaki (sweet egg omelet). Always confirm with the staff that the rice vinegar and pickles do not contain fish-based dashi if you are strictly vegan.