A long-established restaurant in Kyoto that I had been curious about saba sushi for a long time. I finally got to visit! I visited around 11:30 am on a weekday and the seat occupancy rate was about half.୨୧┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈୨୧◆Saba guji + hamo There are several options on the in-house menu where you can enjoy two types of sushi. I chose the one with saba, which I love, and guji as a set. Additionally, I asked for the seasonal limited hamo, so I ordered that too. The saba is quite thick! It's very delicious with a good amount of saltiness and a rich flavor of fat! The guji has a refreshing taste with a balanced and delicious flavor of umami and kelp. I also liked the topping of shredded kelp. The additional hamo had no bones and was quite easy to eat. It was delicious with a good seasoning!＊Chilled sake୨୧┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈୨୧All of them are thick, so there is a feeling of fullness due to the amount of rice. All the sushi was delicious, so I would like to try various types.

After visiting Kiyomizu Temple, I took the Keihan Line to Gion Shijo. From there, I walked to Yasaka Shrine. I had lunch at Izuyoshi. The restaurant had been renovated, and there was quite a long line. I waited for about 30 minutes before getting a table. I ordered the set meal with mackerel and sweetfish. The mackerel sushi was reliably delicious. The sweetfish sushi had freshly grilled sweetfish on top, with an incredibly gentle and delicious flavor. As always, the food was reliably delicious, and I left feeling very satisfied.

I went for the first time after the renovation! The interior and exterior are very lovely, and you can feel the blend of new and traditional, creating a great atmosphere. The taste was truly amazing, especially the ayu wrapped in bamboo leaves - I was surprised by how delicious it was! The mackerel sushi and conger eel were consistently delicious as well. It was quite crowded during lunchtime, so I recommend going a bit earlier or making a reservation. Many people were also getting takeout! The water in front of the entrance was refreshing and really nice.

This is a top-notch restaurant in Gion known for its delicious mackerel sushi. I usually go to Izusushi for mackerel sushi in Gion, but this time I went to Izushige. We arrived around 11:20 on Sunday and had to wait for about 3 people. It was very crowded around noon, so it was good that we went a little early. The mackerel sushi was incredibly delicious as expected! It's hard to say which is better between Izusushi and Izushige, as both are equally delicious. Probably, we'll alternate between the two when we go to Kyoto! Since I eat lightly, 6 pieces of mackerel sushi were a bit too much, so next time I'll try the mackerel inari sushi. It was a fantastic Kyoto trip. I will definitely go again!

Date: Weekday, around 11amReservation: Not neededWait time: About 30 minutesNumber of people: 2Seating: Table (shared table)Frequency: First visitThe mackerel sushi was undeniably delicious. The sea bream sushi was also tasty, but it couldn't compare to the mackerel sushi. The red miso soup was incredibly delicious...

I wanted to go to Izuyasu in Kyoto for lunch, and even though it's right across from Yasaka Shrine, the entrance is tucked away in the back, which adds to its charm. The presence of a courtyard is very Kyoto-like. The colorful boxed sushi and mackerel sushi are popular, but I really wanted to try the conger eel sushi, and I also like inari sushi and can't resist a good futomaki roll... I was hesitant, but the staff recommended the Conger Eel Sushi and the Juroku Sushi combo. The conger eel sushi was delicious, despite its brown color. The inari sushi was made with domestically sourced soybeans, giving it a unique texture with a rich broth flavor. The futomaki roll was filled with unusual ingredients like Mitsuba, adding a nice crunch and aroma. The flavors of the shiitake mushrooms, thick omelette, and dried gourd were a bit subtle. The rice was compact, and I prefer it with cherry blossoms. Finally, I fulfilled my wish of trying the pike conger eel sushi, which was served with a tasty Awaji-style teriyaki sauce. The flesh was tender and flavorful, and it was best enjoyed with the plum-flavored sauce. The rice was less vinegary than Kanto-style sushi, making it easy to eat. I also want to try the millet gluten roll sushi and sweetfish sushi next time.

First visit to the new location. The dining area has been slightly expanded and the ceiling is higher than before, with a lovely garden view and a nice atmosphere. Arrived 30 minutes before the Friday opening, was told by staff that it was fine not to line up, returned 5 minutes before opening and was first in line. However, around 15 minutes after opening, the restaurant was full. As of June 16th, the eel was still small in size and couldn't be served as sushi, so I had a chirashi bowl instead. Both the mackerel and eel were delicious. The mackerel tasted even better than last time.

I actually wanted to eat beautifully arranged sushi in an elegant box, but at the last minute, I decided to try a variety of things and ordered box sushi, rolled sushi, inari sushi, and mackerel sushi. Overall, the vinegared rice wasn't too sour and lacked sweetness. The rolled sushi featured shiitake mushrooms, kanpyo (gourd strips), egg, and trefoil, with trefoil making a big impact. The inari sushi had a fluffy fried tofu pouch with sesame seeds in the rice, which are hemp seeds, a superfood! The mackerel sushi had juicy, thick mackerel fillets with a refreshing vinegared rice, creating a delicious combination. Not only did I enjoy the taste of the mackerel sushi, but I also appreciated the attention to detail in the restaurant's design, interior, and tableware. The walls seemed to be traditional Kyoto walls, giving a sense of both newness and tradition, which was intriguing. In Tokyo, I've heard that there's a lack of craftsmen who can create intricate buildings, leading to the inability to repair them and ultimately having to demolish them. However, it seems that in Kyoto, this tradition is still thriving.

When I go to Kyoto, I always look forward to having mackerel sushi. Oshizushi. I visited Izuyoshi because I was very curious about it. The thick mackerel was incredibly delicious!! The sea bream sasazushi, with the accent of sansho pepper inside (sorry if I'm wrong), was also very good. The sake went down very smoothly. However, personally, I felt the saltiness was a bit strong... It was really delicious though!! The interior of the restaurant is very stylish, creating an atmosphere where you want to stay longer. I definitely want to visit again! Thank you for the wonderful meal!!

Kyoto Gion [#Izuju] ☑︎ Steamed Sushi (Winter Limited) ☑︎ Sushi Assortment - Dramatic Before & After Renovation - After a long renovation period since last year, the restaurant has reopened this month with a new look, although it's not completely finished yet. The location remains the same, but the layout is completely different from before, maintaining a historical elegance in the new design. This time, I tried the winter limited steamed sushi that I've been wanting to eat. It's a rare menu item resembling steamed chirashi sushi, not commonly found in Kansai. The steaming makes the toppings tender and the overall taste is very comforting. Of course, I also had the mackerel sushi. Despite many mackerel sushi places in Kyoto, this one is my personal favorite. You can buy it at department stores in the Kansai region, but the taste is different when made in-store, so I recommend dining in. ▫️Izuju ▫️292-1 Gionmachi Kitagawa, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto ▫️10:30-18:00 (Closed on Wednesdays and Thursdays) ▫️Instagram: @izuju.gion #KyotoGourmet #KansaiGourmet #Sushi #MackerelSushi #SteamedSushi #PressedSushi #Foodie #JapaneseFood #Sushi

It's Sunday afternoon. Near Yasaka Shrine. When it comes to sushi in Kyoto, it's all about Hako-zushi and Maki-zushi. I visited Izushige, a place I had been eyeing for a while. It's not even 11 am yet, but the dining area is already full. I'm third in line, but I can sit and wait. I've walked quite a bit from Karasuma, so giving up is out of the question. Luckily, I get a table in a raised seating area within a few minutes. I order Hako-zushi, Maki-zushi, and soup from the menu. The elderly gentleman at the restaurant looks puzzled and suggests, "The portions are generous... should we make the Maki-zushi half?" I follow the advice of my senior in life. "Sure, that's fine," I mutter. After about ten minutes of waiting, the dishes are served on a large platter. I start with the Maki-zushi. The nori on Kyoto's Futomaki is tough. It's been like this since a long time ago. I couldn't even chew it as a child. But the simmered shiitake mushrooms are fantastic. The strong seasoning pairs perfectly with the trefoil and egg. The toppings are modest, but maybe the vinegared rice is well-balanced. It's tastier than the usual conger eel in other restaurants. And then the Hako-zushi. It's neatly arranged with sea bream, egg, shrimp, and conger eel. The slightly sweet vinegared rice enhances the flavors of the ingredients, and it's delicious. Truly different from the imitation Hako-zushi elsewhere. And that's the end of the meal.

At Izushige, a sushi restaurant in Kyoto, I ordered takeout. Currently, they are only offering takeout at a temporary location due to ongoing renovations. It's a favorite spot of mine, but since they are closed on Wednesdays and Thursdays, it's been a while since my last visit. Even though it's summer, I couldn't resist getting some mackerel sushi. And of course, I had to get some conger eel sushi because it's summer. I also bought some ayu fish wrapped in bamboo leaves, which I may not have tried before. Since I love red snapper wrapped in bamboo leaves, I got that too. The red snapper sushi was tasty, but I felt like the fish was softer and the flavor slightly different than usual. Maybe it's just me? The ayu fish wrapped in bamboo leaves, on the other hand, I really enjoyed. The grilled ayu fish and miso with fuki buds complemented each other well, creating a delicious flavor. As for the mackerel sushi, it was good, but I noticed the taste was a bit different than usual. Perhaps it's because of the summer season? It was tasty, but the harmony between the mackerel and the rice seemed slightly off, lacking a bit of depth. Lastly, the conger eel sushi was okay, but the eel was a bit tough. You can buy individual pieces for around 750 yen each, but it might not be the best value. I'm thinking of visiting again once the renovations are complete.

The restaurant is currently under renovation and only offering takeout service. While their mackerel sushi is famous, I decided to try their premium sushi box for the festival occasion. When I opened the lid, it was truly a sight to behold! The sushi assortment looked like a jewelry box. There was no soy sauce provided, as it was perfectly seasoned. Shrimp, eel, red snapper, and thick omelette. I would love to dine in at the restaurant next time. Thank you for the delicious meal.

Founded in 1912, with a history spanning over 100 years, "Izushige" was established by the first generation Shigekichi who trained at "Izuzu". Mackerel sushi small 2,538 yen, Jyo-hako sushi 1,944 yen, Inari sushi 864 yen (sales suspended during the summer season). Mackerel sushi is a traditional specialty indispensable for festivals and events in Kyoto. "The seaweed wrapped around is for flavor and to prevent drying, so please remove it before eating. However, it is high-quality seaweed so you can eat it." Indeed, eating the seaweed wrapped around is difficult due to its tough texture. But it is excellent as a sake accompaniment. The mackerel sushi from Izuzu seems to have a stronger vinegar flavor, with a hint of acidity in the mackerel and moist rice. This may vary by preference, but both are delicious, making it enjoyable to compare them. The road stretching about 76km from Wakasa Bay in the north of Kyoto to Demachiyanagi in Kyoto is called the "Mackerel Highway", and the "Mackerel Highway Ultra Marathon" is held as a marathon event covering the 76km distance. Inari sushi. Unlike stuffing rice into fried tofu, this inari sushi gently envelops the rice like a kind fox spirit. When you bite into it, a gentle broth spreads, conveying kindness from the inari sushi. The sesame seeds mixed into the rice provide a crispy texture, while the fragrance of yuzu and the flavor of burdock enjoy a lingering finish. For those who dislike sesame seeds, a special "Grilled Kujo green onion adult inari sushi" is available only during the delicious season of Kujo green onions (from October to the autumnal equinox in March). Inari sushi, born in Owari Nagoya and spread in Edo. While most inari sushi in Tokyo is barrel-shaped, the triangular shape is more commonly seen in Kansai. According to one theory, it became triangular to resemble a fox's ear. Jyo-hako sushi. Richly colorful like a jewelry box, Jyo-hako sushi, with ingredients laid out like a mosaic, is a masterpiece of Izushige alongside mackerel sushi. The meticulous work of boiling and vinegar seasoning each ingredient shines through. Regardless of what you choose, it is delicious, and the satisfaction level is high. Since I forgot to buy horse mackerel sushi, next time I will try horse mackerel sushi of the finest quality and horse mackerel sushi.

In Kyoto, there are many delicious foods, and mackerel sushi is one of Kyoto's specialties! I love mackerel sushi♡ Even if it's not from a famous restaurant, mackerel sushi is generally delicious! That being said, the mackerel sushi from "Izua" in Kyoto, as well as "Izuju" and "Kikunoi," are dreamy choices that I would like to buy as souvenirs when in Kyoto. The taste on special occasions in Kyoto may come with a higher price tag, but they are truly appreciated delicacies. On this day, I stopped by "Izuju" in Gion to purchase mackerel sushi as a souvenir. After making a phone reservation the day before, I found out that they were currently operating in a temporary location. I went to pick up my order at the temporary store located in a narrow alley. The kitchen and the interior of the store were very cramped, with customers constantly coming and going, and there was little guidance from the staff. Despite the confusion, the atmosphere in the temporary store seemed to be sustained by the kind consideration among customers. They have since reopened with a new look, so I believe purchasing will be stress-free now. I tried the following items: ★ Premium Mackerel Sushi - 6,264 yen (for keeping freshness as a souvenir, it was served whole without cutting) Other items were for home consumption: ★ Small Mackerel Sushi - 2,538 yen ★ Small Sea Bream Sushi Rolls (5 pieces) - 1,458 yen The small sea bream sushi rolls were highly praised by my family for their taste, size, and elegant presentation in a bamboo basket, making them a great gift. While the mackerel sushi was delicious, perhaps due to being in a temporary location, it felt a bit haphazard. It may be commonly compared, but I felt that "Izua" had a more polite and meticulous customer service and presentation. This is just based on my experience at the temporary store, so I plan to visit the new store this year to see how it compares.

Today is Kyoto. I went to the area near Shijo in Kyoto to pick up next year's osechi dishes. Since I'm in Kyoto, I feel like buying various things to take home as a souvenir (;) That's why I visited "Izuju" here. It's a famous pressed sushi restaurant! As it's the end of the year, I called in the morning to order the following items before visiting. Upper Hako Sushi 1800 yen → Of course, the Upper Hako Sushi here! It's like a treasure chest of pressed sushi! Shrimp, conger eel, red snapper, and more! Everything is wonderful! And the colorful and beautiful presentation is always enjoyable. Horse Mackerel Sushi 1200 yen → Mackerel is good too, but today I chose horse mackerel! This was also a great choice. The horse mackerel sushi is quite good! And the price is very reasonable, which is also nice. Inari Sushi 800 yen → The inari sushi here is surprisingly delicious! Thick fried tofu pouches filled with sweet broth, topped with burdock root, gourd, and yuzu-infused rice. This is my favorite inari sushi! While I expected nothing less from Izuju, the inari sushi truly surprised me. This is a must-try! Thank you for the meal.

I visited Izuyoshi for a meal before visiting Yasaka Shrine. At the time of my visit, the menu only had three items: steamed sushi, inari sushi, and mackerel sushi. I tried the inari and mackerel sushi. I asked for the kelp wrapped around the mackerel sushi to be removed. However, before biting into the mackerel sushi, I nibbled on the kelp and found the vinegar flavor just right. The mackerel sushi itself had a crispy texture with a clean finish. The refreshing taste, the umami of the mackerel, and the perfectly packed rice all complemented each other excellently. And the inari sushi. It seemed to only contain sesame seeds that day. The crunchiness, the aroma that spread in my mouth, and the softly cooked fried tofu combined with the rice, making it delicious. You can tell that this sushi is loved by many for a long time.

On a certain weekend, we traveled from Osaka to Kyoto. We visited Arashiyama and then moved to Gion. We paid a visit to Yasaka Shrine. For a late lunch, we went to Izushige right in front of Yasaka Shrine. Since it was a Sunday and a bit late, we were able to enter smoothly. We ordered a set of mackerel sushi and inari sushi, boxed sushi, and adult inari sushi. Near the entrance, they were swiftly preparing takeout orders, but for dining in, they were making the dishes at the back of the restaurant, so we had to wait quite a bit. The inari sushi was in a Kansai-style triangular shape, resembling fox ears. It was my first time trying this kind of inari sushi, and after the initial sweetness, there was a refreshing yuzu aroma and the texture of sesame seeds. It reminded me of something I had eaten long ago. The "adult" inari sushi had grilled Kujo green onions mixed inside, giving it a sweeter impression. It was also delicious, but the "traditional" one seemed to have a more sophisticated taste, more suitable for adults. Perhaps the regular one is more popular. The boxed sushi was elegant and tasty enough, but personally, I found the one I had in Osaka more memorable. The mackerel sushi was perfectly seasoned, a taste you can't go wrong with. Considering the time and our plans for the evening, we savored each bite, appreciating the diverse flavors. Number 2 graciously said, "I'll treat you to lunch today and tomorrow," so we enjoyed the meal without hesitation. I should have also ordered a beer! (laughs)

That day, it was a Monday before a holiday, and we arrived around 2:00 PM. It was raining, but we waited in line for about 40 minutes (there was a roof). When lining up, don't forget to write down your name. We were lucky to have our name written down while waiting, but many others were waiting without their name written. Be careful! The three of us finished the following dishes: Thick mackerel sushi - The mackerel was thick and delicious as always, a specialty of Izushi. Aburaage roll - The aburaage was chewy and delicious with a sweet soy sauce glaze. Inari-zushi - 6 pieces with a refreshing yuzu-flavored vinegar rice and crunchy sesame seeds. We also had one seafood roll soup, two red miso soups, one small bottle of beer, and added pickled ginger. The total was around 6600 yen per person. It's order-based per person. For souvenirs, you can purchase without waiting in line.

"Izushig" is a branch of the famous mackerel sushi restaurant "Izua". Whenever I visit Kyoto, I naturally find myself heading to "Izushig". While the mackerel sushi is delicious as expected, what I find most charming about "Izushig" is their premium boxed sushi. The colorful ingredients are arranged like a puzzle, visually pleasing and tasty. Receiving "Izushig's premium boxed sushi" as a gift not only brings me personal joy, but also makes me appreciate the excellent taste of the person who chose it as a gift."

I visited Kyoto in October 2021. After seeing Nijo Castle, I had a hard time deciding where to eat, but when in Kyoto, I knew I had to eat here. This time I had a plate of mackerel and horse mackerel for 1700 yen. Starting with the horse mackerel, I couldn't really taste it unexpectedly. The sushi was very delicious, though. The mackerel was as tasty as ever. I also bought a mackerel sushi to go for 2538 yen, which is about 400 yen per piece (6 pieces in total). I plan to eat it today. In February 2021, I visited Kyoto again. Since there was no sunfish this time, I enjoyed sightseeing. The place I wanted to visit the most this time was here. I wanted to try Kyoto's mackerel sushi. It's located in Gion, right in front of Yasaka Shrine. The entrance is narrow, and it can accommodate about 15 people inside. The interior has a nice atmosphere. There seem to be many people ordering takeout. I first quenched my thirst with a small bottle for 450 yen. I ordered mackerel inari sushi for 1625 yen, which includes 3 mackerel sushi and 3 inari sushi. Starting with the mackerel sushi, the mackerel was beautiful and tender. It melts in your mouth. It's definitely the best mackerel sushi I've ever had. The inari sushi also had a nice sweetness to it. It's like a model mackerel sushi. It's great that even though it's a long-established store, they accept PayPay and credit cards. I thought it was the most delicious mackerel sushi ever.