A respected sushi restaurant affiliated with Tokyo's Tsukiji Sushi Sei, offering excellent Edomae-style nigiri sushi in Kyoto. The fish is flown in fresh from Tsukiji/Toyosu market in Tokyo. A reliable choice for high-quality sushi at a fair price, with both counter and table seating.
Tsukiji Sushi Sei Kyoto is the Kyoto branch of a respected Tokyo sushi group affiliated with the former Tsukiji market trading network, offering Edomae-style nigiri sushi with fish delivered daily from Toyosu Market. Located near Shijo-Kawaramachi in Nakagyo Ward, the restaurant provides reliable high-quality sushi in both counter and table seating formats — a combination that makes it accessible for both committed sushi enthusiasts who want the counter omakase experience and groups who prefer to order from a menu. Edomae (Tokyo-style) sushi uses vinegar-seasoned rice pressed by hand, with toppings varying by season: spring sees clam (hamaguri) and cherry blossom shrimp; summer brings sea urchin (uni) and sweet shrimp (amaebi); autumn is yellowtail (hamachi) and Pacific saury (sanma); winter offers toro fatty tuna and flounder (hirame). The omakase nigiri counter course allows the chef to demonstrate the full seasonal range. The chirashi don — a bowl of seasoned rice topped with an assortment of sashimi — is a more economical option that does not compromise on fish quality. Service is professional and the restaurant is comfortable for visitors unfamiliar with sushi counter etiquette. Located in Nakagyo Ward, central Kyoto, Japan, a few minutes from Kawaramachi Station.
Signature dishes
- Omakase nigiri course (¥5,000-18,000)
- Seasonal tuna and seafood nigiri
- Chirashi don
Good to know
- Hours
- 11:30AM-2PM and 5:30PM-10PM daily
Location
Shijo Kawaramachi area, Kyoto
35.0034, 135.7706 View on map
Highlights
- Edomae (Tokyo-style) nigiri sushi with fish delivered daily from Toyosu Market
- Counter omakase course showcases the full seasonal range of the chef's selection
- Both counter and table seating available — accessible for sushi newcomers and enthusiasts alike
- Chirashi don offers an economical alternative without sacrificing fish quality
- Central Nakagyo Ward location near Kawaramachi — convenient for Kyoto sightseeing
Tips for visiting
- Counter seats for omakase are the best value per quality — request them when booking
- Lunch nigiri sets (from around ¥2,500–¥5,000) are significantly less expensive than dinner
- Inform staff of any fish allergies or preferences before the omakase begins
- The chirashi don is a reliable lunch option for those who prefer not to sit at the counter
- Book counter seats a week ahead; table seating is often available more spontaneously
Accessibility
The restaurant has both counter seating (bar height) and standard table seating on the ground floor. The entrance is step-free. Wheelchair users can be accommodated at table seats; notify staff when booking.
Frequently asked questions
What is Edomae sushi?
Edomae is the Tokyo-born style of nigiri sushi in which the chef hand-presses vinegar-seasoned rice into an oval shape and lays a single topping on top. It differs from Kyoto's pressed sushi (oshi-zushi) tradition in being fresher, lighter, and constructed to order.
Is fish at Tsukiji Sushi Sei Kyoto fresh?
Yes. Despite the Kyoto location, fish is delivered daily from Toyosu Market in Tokyo, the same wholesale market that supplies top-tier sushi restaurants across Japan.
What does the omakase course cost?
Omakase nigiri courses range from approximately ¥5,000 at lunch to ¥18,000 for the most extensive dinner course. Individual pieces and set menus are also available.
Is the restaurant suitable for sushi first-timers?
Yes. Both table seating and an English menu are available. Staff are experienced with international visitors and can explain each piece. It is a comfortable introduction to quality sushi without the pressure of the most exclusive counters.