Sushi Matsumoto
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Sushi Matsumoto

4.6
·491k reviews·,

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

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Wed/Fri 18-21h

Blue hour photography, calmer galleries

CrowdLow
Sushi Matsumoto

Sushi Matsumoto

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

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

4.6
(491k reviews)

"The best sushi experience I’ve ever had; I didn’t know sushi could be prepared this well. Reddit"

TIP

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.

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Quick Facts

Closed·Opens Friday 6PM

Cuisine

Japanese Sushi

Price

$$$

Phone

+81 75-531-2031

Address

570-123 Gionmachi Minamigawa, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto, 605-0074, Japan

Michelin Star

Michelin Star

Excellent Cuisine, where diners can expect skilfully crafted and exceptional dishes

Insta-Factor

Medium

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Authentic Edomae Sushi

Authentic Edomae Sushi

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

Where To Find The Best Sushi In KyotoThe 10 Best Sushi Restaurants You Must Eat in Kyoto, JapanThe 16 Best Sushi Restaurants to Visit While in Kyoto
Masterful Chef Preparation

Masterful Chef Preparation

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

TikTokGoogle Review
Michelin-Starred Excellence

Michelin-Starred Excellence

Dine at a Michelin-starred establishment renowned for its fresh, seasonal fish and exceptional sushi.

TikTokThe 7 Best Sushi Restaurants in Kyoto15 Best Sushi Restaurants in Kyoto: Top Must-Try Places+1
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Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

京都 鮨まつもと ・ ・ ・ #グルメ #グルメvlog #鮨 #寿司 #京都 #京都グルメ #京都旅行 #japan #japanesefood #kyoto #kyotojapan #kyototravel #sushi #sushilover #おすすめ
@mimichan_life_
80 likes • 8.5K views

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.

sushi matsumoto in kyoto 🍣 #kyotojapan
@strawberrycream.archives
49 likes • 2.4K views
京都旅行で【鮨まつもと】さんに行ってきた🍣 #鮨まつもと#祇園グルメ#京都グルメ
@mmmmmm.t6
16 likes • 469 views

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.

#japen #kyoto #sushimatsumoto #michelin 🌟 #tb 🥺
@aomtywanichaya
693 likes • 8.5K views

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

4.6
(491k reviews)

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

Exceptional quality and freshness of fish
Unique red vinegar sushi rice
Masterful preparation by skilled chefs

What People Dislike

Rice can be too sour for some palates
Portion sizes perceived as small
Can be expensive for the experience

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, Sushi Matsumoto has earned one Michelin star, recognized for its exceptional Edomae sushi.

TikTokThe 7 Best Sushi Restaurants in Kyoto15 Best Sushi Restaurants in Kyoto: Top Must-Try Places+1

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.

Where To Find The Best Sushi In KyotoThe 16 Best Sushi Restaurants to Visit While in KyotoThe 10 Best Sushi Restaurants You Must Eat in Kyoto, Japan

Yes, reservations are highly recommended and should be made well in advance due to the restaurant's popularity.

TikTokThe 7 Best Sushi Restaurants in Kyoto

Sushi Matsumoto is considered upscale, with omakase courses typically ranging from 9,000 to 12,000 yen or more.

The 7 Best Sushi Restaurants in KyotoGoogle Review+1

The restaurant primarily focuses on omakase courses, which include a selection of appetizers and sushi, rather than à la carte options.

The 16 Best Sushi Restaurants to Visit While in KyotoGoogle Review

Yes, it is possible to sit at the sushi counter, and it's recommended for the best experience to watch the chefs.

Google Review

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.

Google Review+1

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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.

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