
Sushi Matsumoto
A Michelin-starred Kyoto gem offering authentic Tokyo-style Edomae sushi with meticulously prepared red vinegar rice.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Sushi Matsumoto

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A Michelin-starred Kyoto gem offering authentic Tokyo-style Edomae sushi with meticulously prepared red vinegar rice.
"The best sushi experience I’ve ever had; I didn’t know sushi could be prepared this well. "
Book Far in Advance
Reservations are essential and should be made well in advance to secure a table.
Counter Seats Recommended
Opt for counter seats to witness the chefs' masterful preparation up close.

Quick Facts
Cuisine
Japanese Sushi
Price
$$$
Phone
+81 75-531-2031
Address
570-123 Gionmachi Minamigawa, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto, 605-0074, Japan
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Authentic Edomae Sushi
Experience traditional Tokyo-style sushi with red vinegar rice, devoid of sugar, for a pure umami flavor.

Masterful Chef Preparation
Witness the art of sushi making by skilled chefs, a mesmerizing and masterful experience.

Michelin-Starred Excellence
Dine at a Michelin-starred establishment renowned for its fresh, seasonal fish and exceptional sushi.
Plans like a pro.
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Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Book Far in Advance
Reservations are essential and should be made well in advance to secure a table.
Counter Seats Recommended
Opt for counter seats to witness the chefs' masterful preparation up close.
Confirm Opening Hours
Always double-check with the restaurant directly before visiting to avoid surprises.
Understand Omakase
Be prepared for an omakase (chef's choice) menu; not ideal for first-timers unfamiliar with the style.
Tips
from all over the internet
Book Far in Advance
Reservations are essential and should be made well in advance to secure a table.
Counter Seats Recommended
Opt for counter seats to witness the chefs' masterful preparation up close.
Confirm Opening Hours
Always double-check with the restaurant directly before visiting to avoid surprises.
Understand Omakase
Be prepared for an omakase (chef's choice) menu; not ideal for first-timers unfamiliar with the style.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Sushi Matsumoto offers a highly traditional Edomae sushi experience, with many praising the freshness of the fish and the unique rice preparation. However, some diners find the sourness of the rice overpowering and the portions insufficient for the price. While celebrated by sushi aficionados, it may not be ideal for those new to Omakase or seeking a more modern approach.
"Had a wonderful experience last night. The skill and fish were pure magic. The meal progression was fast the only thing I was sad about, because we were enjoying our experience so much. Highly recommended."
Jarred Russell
"I’ve eaten sushi all over Japan after living here for 16 years. Sushi Matsumoto was fine. Atmosphere was decent, service was good, and food was well done. Not worthy of a michelin star and definitely not anything groundbreaking. He pares back the use of sugar and vinegar in rice and the portions are decent, but quality of fish isn’t as high as I had expected. My wife doesn’t eat clams which we explained in advance; instead of substituting these pieces, he just didn’t serve her pieces of sushi. Sushi Matsumoto is fine. Can find equivalent in America and Canada and elsewhere. I’m sorry it was expensive and unremarkable."
Alex Krupp
"our 2nd visit. The raw fish were fresh and tasted really good. Just that the rice was a bit sour and vinegar taste sometimes cover the taste of the raw fish. Other than that, we had a very enjoyable meal. Thank you Matsumoto san for the great meal."
SS Leung
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, Sushi Matsumoto has earned one Michelin star, recognized for its exceptional Edomae sushi.
Edomae sushi is a traditional Tokyo-style sushi that emphasizes the natural flavors of the fish and uses rice seasoned with red vinegar, often without added sugar.
Yes, reservations are highly recommended and should be made well in advance due to the restaurant's popularity.
Sushi Matsumoto is considered upscale, with omakase courses typically ranging from 9,000 to 12,000 yen or more.
The restaurant primarily focuses on omakase courses, which include a selection of appetizers and sushi, rather than à la carte options.
Yes, it is possible to sit at the sushi counter, and it's recommended for the best experience to watch the chefs.
Some reviews suggest that substitutions may not always be accommodated, and the chef may simply omit a dish if a dietary restriction is not fully understood or catered for.
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Where To Find The Best Sushi In Kyoto
Another of Kyoto’s most respected sushi restaurants, one-Michelin-star Matsumoto is on the same small street as Matsudaya and shares many of the same distinctions. The owner and chef also studied the art of edomae sushi in Tokyo, and uses fresh seasonal fish from around Japan, including tai (Japanese sea bream) and octopus from Setouchi, a region three hours southwest of Kyoto. Edomae specialties on offer include kohada (vinegared gizzard shad) and kanpyo-maki, made with dried gourd and served at the end of the meal.
The 7 Best Sushi Restaurants in Kyoto
Hideaki Moriさん(@hideaki197205)がシェアした投稿 - 2019年 2月月2日午前6時17分PST. Sushi Matsumoto is Kyoto's #1 sushi restaurant. It was opened in 2005 by an owner who previously worked at famous Tokyo restaurant "Shinbashi Shimizu," a restaurant strongly admired by current sushi chefs.The techniques and skills the owner learned at Shinbashi Shimizu are alive and well despite his shift to Kyoto, and the distinct flavor of Edo-mae sushi from Tokyo, with rice tart from red vinegar and vinegared kohada (gizzard shad), is perfectly maintained as well.The owner has held true to his desire to "inherit and protect the culture of Edo-mae sushi," and as a result Sushi Matsumoto has been granted a Michelin star every year since 2011.Sushi Matsumoto offers two lunch courses: 13 pieces for 9000 yen, and 17 pieces for 12000 yen.We highly recommend trying the more luxurious 17-piece course here.Similar to Sushi Tadayasu, Sushi Matsumoto is located in the middle of Kyoto's sightseeing spots.If you're a sushi fan visiting Kyoto, be sure to enjoy the Edo-mae sushi of Chef Matsumoto, whose experience is leading him close to his peak as a sushi chef and craftsman.
15 Best Sushi Restaurants in Kyoto: Top Must-Try Places
Not to be confused with a similarly-named restaurant originally from Tokyo (called Kyoto Sushi Matsumoto, near Karasuma-Shichijo), Sushi Matsumoto is a relatively recent addition to the Michelin Guide, first receiving its star in 2022 — and making it one of the last remaining Michelin-starred sushi restaurants in Kyoto. Like many of the finest restaurants in Kyoto, Sushi Matsumoto is located in the geisha district of Gion. Originally from Kanazawa, head chef Matsumoto Daisuke trained in the Tokyo restaurant Shinbashi Shimizu before falling in love with Kyoto on a trip there, eventually deciding to set up shop there on the advice of one of his guests from Osaka.
Enjoy Authentic Sushi in Kyoto! 14 Excellent Sushi Restaurants
Sushi Matsumoto, which shares its name with the Michelin one-starred sushi restaurant in Tokyo's Akasaka, is not a branch of the same establishment. Mr. Matsumoto, a sushi chef from the Kanto region, decided by chance to establish his restaurant in Gion, capturing the discerning palates of Kyoto with delicious Edomae sushi. In addition to the common ingredients found in Edomae sushi, Matsumoto applies the traditional techniques of Edomae sushi to seafood from the Kinki region, creating a more local sushi experience.
The 16 Best Sushi Restaurants to Visit While in Kyoto
Sushi Matsumoto has earned one Michelin star three times and has establishments in major cities such as Tokyo, Osaka, Kobe, and Fukuoka. The Kyoto branch also offers an immersive experience in traditional Edomae (Tokyo-style) sushi. They only offer omakase courses, where the chef curates the dishes to ensure a delightful combination of appetizers with playful touches and traditional Edomae sushi.
Where to Find the Best Sushi in Kyoto
Sushi Matsumoto is a renowned sushi restaurant in the Gion District of Kyoto, known for its intimate setting and exceptional sushi. The restaurant is run by Chef Matsumoto and his wife, who together create an inviting atmosphere and a memorable dining experience. The menu at Sushi Matsumoto features a variety of sushi made with the finest ingredients sourced from the local markets in Kyoto.
Kyoto’s Best Sushi Restaurants: A Culinary Journey
Experience: Sushi Matsumoto is a prestigious Michelin-starred sushi restaurant located in Kyoto’s Gion district. This intimate sushi bar offers an omakase (chef’s choice) menu that highlights the freshest ingredients of the season. Highlight: The chef’s expertise in balancing traditional Edomae sushi with local Kyoto flavors makes each piece a culinary work of art.
10 Best Sushi Restaurants in Kyoto Discover Oishii Japan
Sushi Matsumoto, a 5-minute walk from Gion-Shijo Station, is a sushi restaurant located in the vibrant city of Gion. When you open the sliding door, you will see a stone-paved front garden, and behind that is the clean interior of the store. The space is typical of Kyoto, such as the small garden in front and the interior made of wood and bamboo.
5 Best Sushi Restaurants in Kyoto, Japan
Sushi Matsumoto is a Michelin-star restaurant and definitely one of the best sushi restaurants in Kyoto. The owner of the restaurant trained in Tokyo and mastered Edo-style sushi, prompting him to open the restaurant in 2005. Sushi Matsumoto takes pride in its principle to only use the finest ingredients sourced across Japan.
The 10 Best Sushi Restaurants You Must Eat in Kyoto, Japan
What makes this Sushi spot distinctive from others is the use of aged vinegar, more commonly known to Japanese people as the red vinegar. For this reason, sugar is not used to make sushi rice to really enhance the umami flavor that comes from the vinegar. Here, the only item on the menu is the chef’s choice of the day.
Kyoto Best Sushi 2025: 5 Top Restaurants
Sushi Matsumoto" is an offshoot of a famous restaurant in Tokyo's Akasaka that has earned one Michelin star for two consecutive years. The lunch "Omakase Course" is particularly good value, and I highly recommend it. With both counter seats and private rooms available, it's suitable for various occasions.
5 Best Kyoto Sushi Joints and Restaurants
Another one-Michelin star restaurant, Sushi Matsumoto is on the same street as Matsudaya. They also share other similarities, for example, both owners studied the art of edomae in Tokyo. Specialties include kohada (vinegared gizzard shad) and kanpyo-maki that’s made with dried gourd.
10 Best Sushi Restaurants in Kyoto
Sushi Matsumoto is one of the best sushi restaurants in Kyoto, which earned one Michelin star. It is located on Hanamikoji-Dori Street in the Gion area known as Geisha District. The owner had trained his skills to make Edo-style sushi (Edomae-sushi) in Tokyo.
Eat the Best Sushi While in Kyoto
Sushi Matsumoto is located in the Gion district right next to Sushi Matsudaya. Owner and chef Daisuke Matsumoto trained and worked as a sushi chef in Tokyo. He was inspired by Kyoto’s elegance and moved here to start his new restaurant.
10 Must Know Sushi Restaurants In Kyoto
Are you in the mood for upscale sushi in the heart of Kyoto’s Geisha District?. Look no further than Sushi Matsumoto, one of the highest-rated sushi restaurants in Japan. This is not your typical sushi restaurant.




Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit