Kura Sushi - Kinkaku-ji Temple — Restaurant in Kyoto

Nestled in the picturesque surroundings of Kyoto, near the renowned Kinkaku-ji Temple, Kura Sushi offers a unique and enjoyable dining experience that seamlessly combines tradition with modern convenience. As a fan of sushi and Japanese culture, visiting this restaurant was one of the highlights of my trip, and it certainly lived up to its reputation.

Upon entering Kura Sushi, I was immediately struck by the clean and inviting atmosphere. The restaurant is designed to accommodate both locals and tourists, with a layout that is both functional and aesthetically pleasing. The seating is comfortable, and the overall vibe is lively yet relaxed, making it an ideal spot for a casual meal or a quick bite after exploring the nearby temple.

The concept of "running sushi" is brilliantly executed at Kura Sushi. A conveyor belt snakes its way through the restaurant, carrying an array of colorful sushi plates. This setup allows diners to select their preferred dishes as they pass by, offering a fun and interactive dining experience. Each plate is priced at just 120 yen, which is incredibly reasonable given the quality and freshness of the sushi. This affordability encourages diners to sample a wide variety of sushi types, from classic nigiri and sashimi to more inventive rolls.

In addition to the conveyor belt, each table is equipped with a touch screen ordering system. This feature is particularly useful for those who want to ensure they get specific dishes that might be popular and quickly taken from the belt. The interface is intuitive and available in multiple languages, catering to the diverse clientele that visits Kyoto. This modern touch enhances the dining experience, making it both efficient and enjoyable.

The quality of the sushi at Kura Sushi is commendable. Each piece is crafted with care, showcasing fresh ingredients and attention to detail. The variety is impressive, with options that cater to both traditional palates and those seeking something a bit more adventurous. From classic tuna and salmon nigiri to creative rolls featuring unique flavor combinations, there is something for everyone. The freshness of the fish and the perfectly seasoned rice highlight the skill and dedication of the culinary team.

The service at Kura Sushi is top-notch. The staff is attentive and friendly, ensuring that plates are quickly cleared and any additional requests are promptly addressed. Despite the restaurant's bustling environment, the team manages to maintain a high level of service, contributing to the overall positive experience.

Kura Sushi near Kinkaku-ji Temple offers a delightful blend of traditional sushi dining with modern conveniences. Its strategic location makes it a perfect stop for those exploring Kyoto's cultural landmarks. The combination of excellent sushi, an innovative ordering system, and a welcoming atmosphere makes it a must-visit for sushi enthusiasts and casual diners alike.

In conclusion, if you find yourself in Kyoto, a visit to Kura Sushi is highly recommended. Whether you're a seasoned sushi lover or trying it for the first time, the experience is sure to leave a...

I'll start this review with a few caveats so that it makes a bit more sense:

1. I was not born in Japan, and probably don't know what amazing sushi is
2. I'm comparing this to other conveyor belt (Kaiten) Sushi restaurants, not sushi as a whole because that wouldn't be fair.

This place has had the freshest fish I've had so far, which was fantastic. Nothing here was previously frozen. All of the plates are flat rate 100 yen, which is great. More expensive items just have one piece on the plate, but for some reason, we couldn't get fatty tuna the two times we went, which was a big disappointment, and the only one really.

Logistically, this is the ultimate expression of conveyor-belt sushi, working at maximum efficiency. You dispose of your plates by sliding them into a sink built into your table so if you want you don't have to have giant stacks of plates at your table. Also, when you dispose of five plates, you got to play a game and potentially win a prize which would be dispensed at your table automatically.

Anything you ordered always came out extremely quickly. The first time we went, there was sushi always going around on one conveyor just waiting for people to pick it up, but the second time there wasn't so much going around on the shared conveyor because I think they were backed up by individual orders.

The flat price of 100 yen for a plate was amazing, but actually having the full selection of sushi they advertised would have really sealed the deal with the amazing logistics of this restaurant. I'm going to have to open one of these in...

I like the way the restaurant works (separate fast conveyor belt for the orders, slow one below with the a la carte) and the gacha game was cute with funny animations even though I didn't win anything.

BIG complaint about the music though. It was so freaking loud and annoying, so much so that I had to put my headphones on and blast my own music just to somewhat drown it out. I definitely wasn't the only one doing it either.

Also, the food was average at best, even for the price. Competitors in the neighborhood have way better food and way higher quality at roughly the same price point. Can't say I'd recommend this place unless you're in a hurry and can't walk the three minutes to the better place (or if the other place is packed as much as it...