Where Tokyo is famous for sushi, Kyoto is far more famous for traditional kappo and kaiseki multicourse dining — the Michelin Guide has listed a staggering 118 of them in Kyoto. Sushi Rakumi is the descendant of one of these restaurants, the indomitable three-starred Gion Sasaki, which is possibly the most famous kaiseki restaurant in existence. Situated on the banks of the Shirakawa River, on the northern side of the Gion district, Rakumi’s Michelin star (an award that surprised nobody, given its parentage) brings flocks of visitors to its counter, but especially so in spring, where the dramatic sight of blushing cherry blossoms and swaying willow trees line the river.

Sushi Rakumi, which opened in 2019, offers Edomae (Tokyo-style) sushi, following in the footsteps of the renowned Japanese restaurant, “Gion Sasaki,” a 2003 Michelin Kyoto three-starred restaurant known to be one of the hardest restaurants to get a reservation at in Kyoto. Sushi Rakumi has received one Michelin star for four consecutive years since 2020. Top chef Kazuya Nomura began his training at Gion Sasaki and was later appointed to work at “Sushi Yoshitake” in Ginza, Tokyo, which held three Michelin stars for 12 consecutive years until 2023.

Awarded One Star in 2024 - You can savor a creative omakase course that combines refined Japanese cuisine with Edomae sushi, crafted by a highly skilled chef who trained at Japanese restaurants and sushi establishments that have earned three stars. Ingredients are primarily sourced from Kyoto Central Market, with seasonal, high-quality ingredients also procured from Tokyo's Toyosu Market and Yaizu Market in Shizuoka.

The young chef serves unique sushi that can only be tasted here. The crown jewel of Edomae sushi is "tuna." At Rakumi, they offer only one course centered around three types of tuna nigiri. You can enjoy about 20 varieties of dishes, including appetizers and sushi.