Recommended sushi restaurants in Kyoto, Japan

Recommended sushi restaurants in Kyoto, Japan

Recommended conveyor belt sushi restaurants in Kyoto, Japan

Characteristics of Kyoto’s Cuisine

Kyoto: The Art of Cuisine Woven from Nature and Tradition
Kyoto, surrounded by mountains to the north and the sea to the south, is a basin area that has been blessed with rich natural surroundings since ancient times. This bountiful environment has nurtured a variety of ingredients, supporting Kyoto’s culinary culture.

• Mountain Delights
  In Kyoto’s mountainous regions, a wide variety of mushrooms and wild plants are harvested. Matsutake mushrooms, truffles, kuwai (arrowhead), Kyoto udo, seri (Japanese parsley), and gyoja garlic are known as high-quality ingredients in Kyoto, used in various dishes such as Kyoto cuisine and sushi, adding profound flavors.
• Sea Delights
  Kyoto’s seas are rich with seafood from the Sea of Japan. Yellowtail, pike conger, snow crab, sea bream, abalone, and oysters are representative of Kyoto’s marine products, prepared fresh and adding color to Kyoto’s dining tables.
• Kyoto Vegetables
  Kyoto vegetables, cultivated in a basin’s unique climate with significant temperature differences between day and night and in well-drained soil, are known for their bright colors and delicate flavors. Kamo eggplants, Kyoto turnips, mibuna, and senmaizuke are essential ingredients in Kyoto cuisine and sushi.

In recent years, while preserving traditional culinary culture, new culinary cultures have also emerged. When visiting Kyoto, do savor the charm of Kyoto’s cuisine, created from the blessings of both the mountains and the sea, with its diverse ingredients.

The Delicate Taste Cultivated by History and Culture
Kyoto, thriving for over 1000 years as a capital, has been home to various classes such as court nobles, samurai, and monks. Their cultures and dietary habits merged, developing Kyoto cuisine, characterized by its beautiful appearance and refined taste. Kyoto cuisine emphasizes broth and the natural flavors of ingredients, cooked lightly. The presentation, conscious of the seasons and the senses, is also an important aspect, making it a visually enjoyable culinary experience.

The Basic Dining Table of One Soup and Three Dishes
Kyoto cuisine features a simple dining table with rice, miso soup, and dishes using Kyoto vegetables like simmered dishes, grilled dishes, and vinegared dishes. Recently, more casual Kyoto cuisine restaurants have become popular among tourists and locals alike.

The Deep Connection Between Kyoto and Sushi
The relationship between Kyoto and sushi dates back to the Edo period. At that time, as the capital of Japan, Kyoto attracted many cultured individuals. Sushi, introduced from Edo (Tokyo), became popular quickly due to its convenience, beautiful appearance, and refined taste.
Kyoto sushi differs from Edo-mae sushi, with “pressed sushi” being mainstream, influenced by Kyoto’s court culture, favoring visually elegant and refined sushi. Kyoto also developed its own sushi culture, such as funa-zushi made with crucian carp from Lake Biwa and “Kyoto sushi” using Kyoto vegetables.
In the Meiji era, numerous sushi restaurants opened in Kyoto, making sushi accessible to the common people. Today, Kyoto boasts various sushi restaurants, from established ones to those offering modern twists on sushi.
Recently, Kyoto sushi has begun to attract attention overseas, likely because sushi made with Kyoto’s rich ingredients and traditional techniques appeals to international tourists.
The relationship between Kyoto and sushi reflects not just the availability of sushi but also Kyoto’s culture and history, an indispensable element in discussing Kyoto’s culinary culture.
Examples of the Deep Connection Between Kyoto and Sushi

• In the Edo period, pressed sushi was the main type of sushi in Kyoto.
• Kyoto developed its own sushi culture, including funa-zushi and Kyoto sushi.
• With the Meiji era came the opening of numerous sushi restaurants in Kyoto.
• Recently, Kyoto sushi has gained international attention.
  Lessons from Kyoto and Sushi’s Relationship
• Culinary cultures significantly differ by region, influenced by local history and culture.
• Traditional culinary cultures can create new value when modernized.
• Regional culinary cultures, utilizing local features, can attract tourists.

The Fusion of Kyoto’s Famous Confections and Sushi
Kyoto is known for various confections using matcha, chestnuts, yuzu, and more. Recently, creative sushi incorporating these confections has emerged, such as “matcha sushi” with the flavor of matcha, “chestnut sushi” with candied chestnuts, and “yuzu sushi” utilizing the aroma of yuzu.

Preserving Tradition While Evolving Cuisine
Kyoto continues to preserve its traditional culinary culture while introducing modern twists on dishes. For instance, salads and pasta using Kyoto vegetables and creative dishes with Kyoto ingredients offer new ways to enjoy Kyoto’s culinary culture.

Sustaining and Developing Culinary Culture for the Future
Kyoto must continue to protect its traditional culinary culture while fostering new ones. Educating the younger generation about the allure of Kyoto cuisine and nurturing successors is crucial.

Summary
Kyoto’s cuisine is characterized by its delicate flavors, nurtured by the blessings of the mountains and the sea, along with its history and culture. The dining table, based on one soup and three dishes, features Kyoto vegetables and Kyoto sushi. Recent years have seen the introduction of new dishes that preserve tradition while incorporating modern elements.