Hatsune Sushi — Restaurant in Kyoto

A sushi restaurant from 1935 ran by a couple with huge passion for making sushi that serves traditional style sushi. This restaurant is located in a hidden corner, probably because of that no so well-known by the tourists so when I came by I surprisingly didn’t need to wait. The quality of sushi there is the top without doubt, which is made in a very traditional style with fresh and well-processed fish. My favorite is the toro nigiri and uni nigiri, the sushi melted in my mouth the moment I tasted it, especially for the uni nigiri that the sweetness of sea urchin is bursting out in my mouth. So i ordered two more of it after finishing my first order lol. And the couple that ran the restaurant are very friendly even if i can’t speak Japanese, they will specifically ask me and my partner‘s preference, like if adding wasabi, to adjust the sushi making. Last but not least, the price is very reasonable for such high quality food. I would love to revisit this hidden gem sushi restaurant next time I come to Kyoto!

To be noticed that this restaurant...

Lovely couple staff, highly recommend. Cash only FYI. I love the vegetarian options, highly recommend!

Very authentic sushi experience, don’t expect the tourist trap sushi style with loads of sauces or anything like that, this is authentic sushi options.

A quaint joint, with maximum seating for about 8 persons. The staff knows a bit of English but if you are able to maneuver through the menu, and place your order with the quantity of sushi items you’d like, you’ll be just fine. They also have beer and couple of other drinks as options.

I got the two sushi vegetarian options they had and was blown away with how simple and delicious sushi can be without overcomplicating the dish. They have the pickled plum with mint? (Forgot the name of the herb) and the cucumber roll, I thought I would not like the pickled plum with herb option but ended up actually ordering another roll of this one.

The soy sauce tastes homemade, and is truly a unique experience.

I...

I have been to sushi restaurants all over the world, both across Japan and regularly visiting one of the most well regarded places in New York (back when I had the money for it), and though we stepped into this place mainly for convenience, I was halfway into my fourth piece of sushi before I paused and had a very long thought "....is this the best sushi I've ever had?"

I still don't know. But I'm still wondering, and that says something.

Typically I avoid soy sauce because it can easily overpower the sushi's flavor, but every piece was crafted in such a way that every element, from the sauce to the rice to the touch of wasabi to the meat itself, all managed to come in waves, each making its own distinct and lasting impression.

I'll never be as good at anything as this guy is at making sushi rolls. But I'm glad to share the...