Restaurant Details

Sushi may not fit the traditional definition of junk food — at least, not like greasy burgers from fast-food joints. But it was once Japan’s hawker food, designed for quick bites on the go.

Murata Tsutomo, who founded KYO SUSHI OOKINI in 2000 by Kyoto’s Mibudera Temple, is elevating these iconic morsels with a focus on nutrition, designing a course of carefully calibrated nigiri that balances health and flavor.

It’s all made possible for a few reasons. The restaurant's softly lit, traditionally designed space is located near the Kyoto City Central Wholesale Market, Japan's first wholesale market, allowing easy access to fresh seafood and vegetables. And Murata is pretty serious about where his items come from. All seafood is wild-caught, while the vegetables are organic. The salt used is 100% seawater, free from chemical seasonings, and the miso comes from Gifu, which is made with soybeans grown without pesticides.

The menu remains as seasonal and thoughtfully composed as ever, showcasing Murata’s expertise as a chef with over 45 years of experience with kyo-ryori (Kyoto cuisine) and nihonryori (Japanese cuisine). And if his guests already marvel their way through striped horse mackerel, boiled conger eel dressed in thick sauce or the chef-special mugwort pasta, they'll be even more pleased to discover they can also request their favorite sushi. A vegetarian or avoiding animal-based products? Murata, a city-certified dietary education instructor, can work his magic on a new menu.

Such hospitality typically comes at a premium, but KYO SUSHI OOKINI’s courses are surprisingly affordable. Grab a seat at the counter to witness the talent at play.

KYO SUSHI OOKINI Remarks

• KYO SUSHI OOKINI can accommodate dietary restrictions, including halal and kosher preferences, though please note that it is not certified.

• To ensure the best experience, guests with dietary restrictions or food allergies are kindly asked to inform the restaurant in advance, as same-day requests may not be possible.

• The restaurant reserves the right to refuse reservations to guests who have excessive dietary restrictions, particularly those of fish or vegetables.

• The course menu content listed above is an example, and is subject to change based on seasonal availability.

• The restaurant cannot always guarantee that it can provide guests with their preferred seating options after a reservation due to availability.

• The pictures provided are for illustrative purposes.

KYO SUSHI OOKINI Business Days

KYO SUSHI OOKINI Address

41 Mibuhigashitakadacho, Nakagyo-ku, Kyoto 604-8845

KYO SUSHI OOKINI Access Info

• KYO SUSHI OOKINI is a 13-minute walk from Saiin Station on the Hankyu Kyoto Line or a 12-minute walk from Sai Station on the Arashiyama Main Line.

KYO SUSHI OOKINI Phone Number

KYO SUSHI OOKINI Cancellation Policy

Cancel your reservation at least 48 hours before the dining start time to receive a full refund.